Hotel Spotlight: Park Hyatt St Kitts

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Ourisman Travel

Nestled in the semi remote St Christophe Harbor area on the island of St Kitts is the incredible Park Hyatt St Kitts. This property, which only opened its doors in 2017, has quickly become a favorite of Ourisman Travel clients and other discerning luxury travelers for a myriad of reasons. Chief among them being the hotel’s incredible location.

En route to the property, a 25 minute drive from the St Kitts airport, guests pass through the island’s capital Basseterre and up along the side of the mountains; passing an incredible lookout point that showcases the sweeping views of Nevis and the Caribbean Sea. The winding road leads to the stone porte-cochere of the Park Hyatt St Kitts. Reflecting pools with koi make up the entryway path complete with living walls of vibrant greenery and breathtaking views of the property’s private beach.

Check-in

Friendly staff check you in quickly and with great deference to the service expected at a Park Hyatt, though that might be the arrival Rum Punch talking! Your bags are whisked away to your room as you are given a map of the property and offered either a guided walk or a golf card ride to your accommodation.

Rooms

The rooms are decorated in a contemporary Caribbean style with light wood floors, bright white accents and minimal touches of color allowing guests to truly appreciate their views. The bathroom is equally lovely and features a fantastic soaking tub, rainwater shower and double vanity with plenty of room. Off the bathroom is an immense closet with plenty of storage space – great for guests that want to set up camp for longer stays. The sitting room opens out to a spacious porch with plenty of seating areas, a breakfast table and a chaise lounge perfect for a relaxing nap in the sun. The Nevis Peak Suites offer a private plunge pool, the star of the patio. Fairly large as compared to other plunge pools around the world and with sweeping views, it is hard to imagine a better place to spend your stay.

Large families or groups will enjoy the Three Bedroom Presidential Villa for ultimate privacy. The two story villa offers two bedrooms with king beds and one bedroom with two queen beds along with its own private infinity pool, game room, and wellness area. Daily complimentary access to a pool cabana is included.

Facilities

With two pools and a word class spa through, the Park Hyatt St Kitts really ups the ante and challenges its guests to explore the resort beyond their picture-perfect suites. The property boasts the first international location of Hyatt’s Mirival Spa. Designed with complete wellness in mind the spa offers a selection of treatments centered around relaxation, rejuvenation and rest; something we in the 21st century are hard pressed to find in our busy lives. The spa has a rustic chic décor style, contrasting with the rooms in a way that is still cohesively Caribbean.

The property makes great use of space with the two pools with the adults-only pool perching above the much larger family friendly pool. The adults-only pool extends the design of the spa, with clean lines and stone arches that add a sense of drama to the geometric lines of the pool. The family friendly pool is best described as sprawling with plenty of lounge chairs to accommodate the needs of a 126-room property. The pool also offers easy access to the beach and the infinity edge creates the illusion that it is right up against the ocean. Parents that want to take advantage of the adults-only pool during their stay will be pleased to find a first rate Kid’s Club on site not to far from the pools. Complete with pantry, quiet room for naps, jungle gym and a wide array of crafts, toys and movies, this Kid’s Club was designed with the littlest guests in mind and is open to guests 3 to 12.

Coming soon behind the spa, the resort is adding brand new tennis and pickle ball courts.

Food and Drink

Dining at the Park Hyatt St Kitts is fantastic as well and blends a great mix of classic Caribbean fare with just a hint of foodie influence, showcased in the Conch &Pretzel Roll sandwich at Fisherman’s village to the Mixed Seafood “Farrotto” at The Great House, which is to die for. A third restaurant, The Stone Barn, offers a more intimate dining option where guests can arrange for dinners expertly paired with wine by the property’s charming and knowledgeable sommelier. A member of the Hyatt Prive Benefit program, the Park Hyatt St Kitts offers a few options to guests for their daily breakfast for two ranging from the classic option of in-room dining, and either an expansive breakfast buffet spread or a lovely breakfast menu at The Great House.

The resort offers complimentary meals for children five years old and under at all restaurants, except The Stone Barn which is adults-only.

Plan Your Park Hyatt St Kitts Vacation with Ourisman Travel

Ourisman Travel clients are able to take advantage of the Hyatt Prive Benefits program during their stays at the Park Hyatt St Kitts, enjoying early check-in & late check-out, upgrades at time of booking (subject to availability), and a $100 resort credit in addition to the daily breakfast for two. Team Ourisman is incredibly proud of our partnership with Hyatt and looks forward to assisting you in booking your future stays with any Hyatt brand.

For more information on the Park Hyatt St Kitts, our partnership with Hyatt or the Hyatt Prive Benefits program, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] or fill out our Travel Request Form!

Hotel Spotlight updated February 2023

Posted in Caribbean, Family Travel, Hotel Reviews, Trip Ideas, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Hotel Spotlight: Park Hyatt St Kitts

Meet the Adventurer – Meg Langrehr

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Angela Valenti

When it comes to travel, Meg likes to dive into the culture of where she is – it’s all about experiencing the location as a local. “I am more interested in the daily lives of people who live there than experiencing the most glitzy trip I can; what they do for fun, where/what they eat, native animals, etc!” Meg finds great excitement in meeting and learning from people who are native to where she travels, feeling “they have a fresh perspective of life to offer.” “I also love adventuring outdoors where I am and would rather be off the beaten path with the locals than in a touristy area/itinerary.” Her travel habits include buying something unique from the destination for her home or a piece of jewelry and taking lots of photos!

Because of her cultured spirit, Meg’s preparation before traveling includes excitement around the new experiences she is going to encounter. Her dream vacation is one that allows her to experience a culture and lifestyle that she has never experienced before; being able to learn from others and nature in a way that she is not exposed to on a daily basis is so rewarding. “I feel that every vacation is a dream in the sense that I am blessed with a healthy mind and body to be able to travel and experience the world.”

Meg finds anywhere near the water to be so energizing and peaceful.

Regardless of where she travels, Meg makes a handwritten list of everything she needs and packs about 2 days ahead of time. She also cleans her house (coming home to a clean space is so refreshing!). Some must have items in her suitcase includes sneakers and workout clothes so she can fit in a good sweat every day! Meg also looks forward to a new book or audiobook to enjoy during a long plane ride or airport hangout.  

Meg enjoying snowboarding in Park City, Utah.

She finds her most memorable trips are the ones that leave her feeling refreshed, peaceful, grateful, and energized. “One of the most standout aspects of a vacation for me is the feeling I come home with.” One of her favorite travel memories recently was snowboarding in Park City, Utah with her boyfriend. “Facing a little bit of fear on the mountains while being in the presence of such beauty in nature – I felt so alive!”

Meg considers herself a summer girl but loves embracing all the elements of the seasons!

Meg hopes to travel to Kenya within the next year!  Some other top destinations on her bucket list are New Zealand, Maldives, Machu Picchu, Fiji and the Great Barrier Reef.

Final advice from this Adventurer? “Embrace other people whom are different from you! They are the best teachers in life!”

Posted in Travel Industry and Ourisman Travel, Your Travel Style Personified | Tagged , | Comments Off on Meet the Adventurer – Meg Langrehr

Pro-Tips for the BEST Travel Planning Experience

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Angela Valenti

In our years of planning trips of all sizes to all destinations around the globe, we’ve had projects that were a perfect dream to work with and others that inched too close to nightmare status. We’ve gained some valuable intuition about how to create the best travel planning experiences!

Travel planning should be as fun as the trip itself! Our job is to make sure you get to have all the fun with as little stress and hassle as possible so we put together some of our insights and tips on how to make sure you can actually enjoy the travel planning experience!

travel planning with Ourisman Travel

KNOW YOUR TRAVEL STYLE

Honesty is the best policy. Know who you are and what you want. While stepping outside of your comfort zone can create a lasting experience, sometimes we just want to relax and take in the moment. A healthy dose of self-awareness is always useful when translating your travel dreams to reality and finding balance with the wants/needs of your traveling companions.

Take our travel personality quiz to discover your individual approach to discovering the world and help us better understand how we can elevate your next trip.

travel planning - know your travel style

PLAN AHEAD

Setting dreams into action takes times and effort. For a truly personalized travel experience, we recommend beginning your planning 10-12 months in advance. You don’t need to know all of the little details then, but you should tell us what’s next on your radar so we can start to think about the big picture and map out the itinerary framework. We can develop a plan to help you achieve your travel goals with enough time to adjust around any destination or seasonal challenges. The more time you allow for planning, the fewer compromises you will need to make as the itinerary comes together.

travel planning

DEFINE SUCCESS

Think ahead to the first time you are out with friends or at a cocktail party after returning home from this trip. What travel stories do you want to be able to share? What needs to happen on this trip for you to declare, “best trip ever!” Read our blog post for more on how to Elevate your travel experiences.

SCHEDULE A DISCOVER CALL

Our itinerary design process always begins with a Discover conversation. This is our opportunity to get to know you and your travel style. You don’t even need to know where you want to go yet – let us help you figure it out! Everything we learn during this phone call will be applied to the itinerary design process allowing the end result to be tailor-made just for you! It is step one in elevating your trip and allowing yourself to relax and enjoy the travel planning process as much as you will enjoy the trip itself!

THINK LONG TERM

Tell us if you have multiple destinations on your travel bucket list and we can help you strategize so you know which destinations you should visit when, which destinations combine well together, and how to plan an annual travel budget. If you’re feeling ambitious, we can help create a 5 or 10-year travel plan for you!

travel planning - wanderlist

If you have kids, we want to help you make the most of those school-age years – that’s 12 spring breaks and summer trips that can easily get away from you if you don’t plan ahead! Though, traveling with adult children can sometimes be even more rewarding and enjoyable! Give yourself a gift by thinking strategically about which destinations you want to share with your children during each of their formidable years.

GET STARTED

We’re here to help show you the world! Let us know where you want to go; we’re ready to dive in!

Posted in Travel Industry and Ourisman Travel, Your Travel Style Personified | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Pro-Tips for the BEST Travel Planning Experience

Virtuoso Week 2019 | Top Takeaways

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Angela Valenti

Each year, we send team members to the equivalent of fashion week for the luxury travel industry, Virtuoso Week. Over 6,000 travel advisors and travel suppliers decent upon the Bellagio Las Vegas like a swarm of grasshoppers hungry to discover the latest travel trends, make new connections, and reconnect with old friends. Ultimately, it is the relationships that we form during these events that allow us to get you the very best value and VIP treatment during your travels.

This year, several destination stories and hotel updates caught out attention. Here’s our top takeaways:

Lodge at Blue Sky

Virtuoso Week 2019: Lodge at Blue Sky

A new favorite on the hotel scene is the Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah. The location is convenient and easy to get to without sacrificing any of the space and privacy one expects from an exclusive mountain hideaway. Our fearless sales leader, Iana Drennan, took a day away from our busy conference schedule in Las Vegas to jet off to Lodge at Blue Sky and run the resort through its paces (more to come from her detailed report soon!).

The ranch is located just 30 minutes from the Salt Lake City Airport; it doesn’t get more convenient than that for a lodge of this size! In addition to ease and convenience, our top takeaway from Iana’s visit is this property has just the right balance of adrenaline pumping adventure and a serene, calming ambiance. Activities include skiing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, photography excursions, star gazing, sporting clay shooting, rafting, igloo building, and show shoeing. To add to the wow-factor, the Lodge at Blue Sky employs a fleet of helicopters to cover their vast 3,500 acres and allow you to enjoy all of those activities with an extra dose of seclusion and adventure.

You’re definitely going to work up an appetite here and the lodge’s menu of “refined mountain fare rooted in farm fresh flavors” will keep you well fed! And, to provide the perfect beverage next to the campfire, they have their own on-site whiskey distillery. BOOK NOW >>>

Stay Human at Seafire

Virtuoso Week 2019: Seafire

As the New York Times recently reported, hotels are getting creative and finding ways to rethink the hotel guest book and our partners at Seafire in Grand Cayman are leading the charge with their #StayHumanProject. Room808 invites you to indulge with the five “Seafire Senses” including a customized sea salt scent at the spa, local rum cocktails and a playlist of soca, a musical genre that originated in the Caribbean. Document your Cayman adventures with a Polaroid camera and leave an inspirational note for the next guests to share the experience. The resort provides Room808 guests with eight gold coins each good for one complimentary rum cocktail at ther resort bar. Meet a new friend? Share the wealth by giving them a gold coin for them to enjoy a cocktail too. BOOK NOW >>>

Rosewood Little Dix Bay Now Accepting Reservations

We are anxiously awaiting the reopening of one of our favorite Caribbean resorts, Little Dix Bay in Virgin Good, B.V.I. After sustaining heavy damage during the hurricane season of 2017, the private island resort has undergone ambitious renovations and will emerge looking better than ever! The resort is now accepting reservations for arrivals on March 1st, 2020.

Virtuoso Week 2019: Rosewood Little Dix Bay

This timeless hideaway has been a gem in the Caribbean since it was opened by Laurance Rockefeller in 1964 and much effort was made in updating the resort to meet modern standards while also maintaining its heritage. In keeping with Rockefeller’s original vision, the reimagined resort is still designed to follow the lines of the landscape and highlights local cultural motifs. The interiors celebrate the resort’s original mid-century modern design.

Competitive Renovations at Mayakoba

The Mayakoba complex of resorts is always popular with our clients and everyone has their opinions about their favorite property! The constant competition for your attention means there is always something new and exciting to unveil at Mayakoba!

This year, the Rosewood Mayakoba has completed a multi-million dollar project to add a new adults-only beach club to their offering. Aquí Me Quedo, which translates to “Here I Stay,” features 3 infinity edge pools sunken in the sand, an open kitchen for interactive culinary experiences, and indoor/outdoor living spaces designed for relaxation. La Fogata, a beachfront fire pit, will help the space transition from day to night so you can keep those beach vibes going all day long! And, if you can drag yourself away from this amazing new space they also have a new yacht available for excursions to get you even closer to the ocean! BOOK NOW >>>

Virtuoso Week 2019: Rosewood Mayakoba

Don’t worry, the competition at Mayakoba is rising to the occasion. Banyan Tree Mayakoba has recently announced plans for a $50 million expansion project to begin in late 2020. We’ll be keeping our eyes on this one for you!

Personalize Your Own Perfume

Virtuoso Week 2019: Personal Perfume in France

Our friend Edwige Chevallier and her staff at We Travel France help us design the most creative itineraries all over France. Personal shopping tours, cheese making, chocolate tasting, biking, walking, flea markets, etc. Anything is possible when we have such great partners to work with! This year, Edwige introduced us to the art of perfume making. She can whisk you off to the famous perfume region of Grasse to visit an historic perfume factory that has been making perfumes since 1782. In 1926 they took the name of Parfumeries Fragonard as a tribute to the famous painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard. During your experience you will discover how a perfumer or “nose” masters the art of fragrance creation while learning about the history of the perfume industry. By the end of the program you will be able to compose your own “eau de toilette” inspired by roses or the year’s flower. We know that ultra-luxury is now ultra-personalized and what better way to demonstrate that than by creating your own personal bottle of perfume as a travel souvenir?

Other News Items Gathered at Virtuoso Week 2019:

Park Hyatt New York has earned the World’s Best Room Honor from Forbes Travel Guide.  To celebrate, they have unveiled a new Manhattan Sky Suite with 3 bedrooms, 360-degree views, 4700 square feet, helicopter transfer, and private chef. If the $50K/night pricetag for that new suite is too rich for your blood, they are offering Virtuoso 3rd night free on all lower room categories through 02SEP.

Four Seasons Anguilla has heard our feedback and they are updating their amenities for even more value on suites and villas! Now, the Preferred Partner resort credit of $100 will apply per bedroom.

Jumby Bay has a great Virtuoso promotion called the “Jumby Bay Island Escape” with rates of $1,695/night until October 31, 2019 and $2,050/night from November 1 to December 16, 2019 (4-night minimum) and some really great inclusions:

  • Accommodation in a Beachside Suite, a luxurious junior suite retreat overlooking the sea with private terrace and outdoor garden shower and soaking tub.
  • All meals: Gourmet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
  • Cocktails, house wines by the glass, and other beverages.
  • Daily restocked in-suite refreshments: local beer, house wines, other beverages, and snacks.
  • Motorized and non-motorized watersports: Waterskiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cats, Sunfish, snorkel gear, and more.
  • Resort Facilities: bicycles, high-speed WiFi, two pools, three tennis courts, fitness center, and yoga pavilion.
  • Daily children’s programs.
  • Activities: snorkel excursions, kayak tours, yoga and Pilates, cooking class, rum history and tasting, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, White Night Beach Barbecue (Sundays), Managers’ Wine Down, and much more.

Finally, we leave you with a powerful, tear-inducing message from our friends at Four Seasons hotels. They are reminding us all to take our time and make the most of it!

Posted in Travel Industry and Ourisman Travel | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Virtuoso Week 2019 | Top Takeaways

Exploring Hawaii: Things to Do in Maui

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Angela Valenti

Hawaii is our top-selling destination each year and Maui is the most popular island. So, what do we recommend for our clients who just can’t get enough of the Aloha vibes? We’ve gathered a list of our favorite things to do in Maui!

Things to Do in Maui

Maui Brewing Company: This is a great way to get “off-property” from your hotel and mingle with some locals, our most favorite of all the things to do in Maui! The Maui Brewing Company brewery is located just 10-15 minutes from the Wailea area resorts. It offers a brewery tour, tasting flights, a restaurant with a fun Hawaiian pub-style menu, and live music. They also have a brewpub in Lahaina.

Things to do in Maui

Shopping and BBQ in Paia: A cute little town that serves as the gateway to the road to Hana and worth a visit even if you don’t want to do the full scenic drive to Hana. The town has a nice mix of kitschy tourist shops and higher-end boutiques and art galleries. Willie Nelson is a local resident and he fits right in with the vibe of this town. I like to go for some window shopping and BBQ lunch at Charley’s Saloon.

Dine at Mama’s Fish House: This is a long-standing favorite restaurant on Maui. The menu at Mama’s Fish House features fresh catch local seafood and the decor is a classic tiki bar style. It makes for a really fun night out! Or, go for lunch and stop by the neighboring Ho’okipa Lookout where you can often spot seals and turtles resting on the beach.

Things to Do in Maui

Day trip to Lahaina: This is a historic village just south of the Kaanapali beach resort area (about a 45-minute drive from Wailea). The Old Lahaina Courthouse features a small museum that highlights the island’s British history and a town park famous for its dramatic banyan tree. The marina is still pretty active with local fishing and you can sometimes see market stalls selling fresh-caught mahi-mahi; this is also where you can catch the Ferry to Lanai so there’s always plenty of traffic, perfect for good people watching. If you’re looking for a good variety of things to do in Maui with a good dose of convenience, Lahaina has shopping, cafes, lunch spots, and a little bit of nightlife – a little something for everybody.

Sunrise at Haleakala: You can do this on your own with a rental car or join a tour. I recommend the downhill bike tours – they bus you up to the peak for sunrise viewing and then you bike your way down with a stop for a breakfast picnic along the way. Pre-booking is now required by the National Park Service so plan ahead for this one!

Luau in Lahaina: Dedicated to upholding and showcasing Hawaii’s traditional music, dance, and food, Old Lahaina Luau provides the opportunity to experience just that. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance, as they book to capacity nearly year-round. But, Old Lahaina’s dedication to hookipa (hospitality) in allotting 1 employee per 12 guests, provides a special and unforgettable experience.

Makawao: Stroll through Makawao, a Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town that shows a new side of historic Hawaii. You’re sure to see at least one of these cowboys, and if you’re lucky you might find one riding down the street on a longhorn bull! Aside from people watching, you can visit any of the local shops, the “Rodeo General Store,” or T. Komoda Store & Bakery, a legendary bakery throughout Maui and beyond. They usually sell out early in the day – think before 10am – so you’ll want to get there early.

Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm: This 13.5-acre farm is home to thousands of lavender plants as well as hydrangea, olive trees, succulents, and other flora. Ali’i Kula also sells a variety of products made with the lavender grown onsite, from organic lavender spritzer to culinary grade lavender.

Surfing Goat Dairy: Located in Kula near the Haleakala Crater, the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm is known for its award-winning goat cheeses and more. You can stop by for a variety of tours, ranging from a quick half-hour casual tour of the farm to the more hands-on “evening chores & milking tour,” or simply stop by the shop and sample cheeses, peruse soaps, and see what else the farm is producing.

Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery: Made with organic sugar cane and deep ocean mineral water, Maui’s own distillery prides itself on utilizing local resources to create quality spirits. You can reserve a tour of the Ocean Vodka facility, which includes a sampling of their vodka, or stop by the gift shop any day of the week.

Maui Wine: Settled on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano in Paia, Maui Wine highlights the history of Hawaiian culture as they showcase classic wine varieties, as well as some unique to the island. You can enjoy their famous pineapple wine and Ulupalakua staples in various luxury tasting rooms or outside overlooking the island landscape, and you can also take a tour of the vineyard any day of the week, no reservations required.

A FEW HOTEL-SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS:

Things to Do in Maui

Four Seasons Maui at Wailea: Spring for a cabana! This is the perfect solution when your not looking for things to do in Maui! The pool cabanas at the adults-only pool at the Four Seasons Maui make for a special treat; there are only 6 of them so they can sell out. The experience includes a comfortable poolside cabana with reserved lounge chairs and shady lounge under the cabana with a mini fridge and TV. The cost is $780 for a full day an includes a bottle of prosecco with mixers for tropical fruit mimosas (you can also exchange for cocktails) and light snacks served throughout the day. If you don’t want to pay full price, you can always check with the cabana staff that day and if a cabana hasn’t been rented out by noon, you can get it at a discount for the afternoon.

Andaz Maui at Wailea: Visit the Apothecary! Included in your spa experience, the Apothecary Room at Andaz Maui Wailea offers the unique opportunity to use local ingredients and create your own personal scent to be used during your treatment. You can also purchase extra to take home as a souvenir. Borrow from the Ourisman Travel Signature Scent recipe if you’re looking for some inspiration!

  •  macadamia nut body butter
  • marigold (heals skin irritation; great after a day in the sun!)(3 portions)
  • helichrysum & maitake mushroom (reduces stress in tissue) (2 portions)
  • a blend of pikake, mango, and amber scented oils

Things to do in Maui

Montage Kapalua: Toast to the sun at the Champagne Hale! This Veuve Clicquot pop-up bar is the perfect spot for an “après-sun” treat. “Hale” in Hawaiian means house or home, which is a perfect description of the little hideaway perched on the cliff-side with incredible sunset views. The Champagne Hale isn’t available every day, so plan ahead and let us help you coordinate your plans with the hotel concierge.

 

Posted in Hawaii, Trip Ideas | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Exploring Hawaii: Things to Do in Maui

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Angela Valenti

Amsterdam is one of those classic European destinations that never gets old. You can visit a million times over and never tire of the city’s personality and you could visit for 2 days or 12 and always find something new to do! I recently traveled to Amsterdam with our partners from Hyatt to see the quirky and colorful Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht.

While it was a short stay, it was a whirlwind of exploring! Our itinerary struck a balance of culture, art, great food, fresh air, and delightful company.

Andaz Amsterdam

Arrival & Location of Andaz Amsterdam

Upon arrival into AMS, while you could easily take the Tram, I highly recommend arranging your transfer through the concierge in their exclusive Mercedes Benz Maybach for 125 EUR. Your private transfer includes personal arrival gate pick-up, luggage assistance, and in my particular instance – a complimentary iced coffee! The Mercedes Benz Maybach is truly one of a kind, and Andaz Amsterdam is proud to own one of the three Maybach’s in Amsterdam. It’s loaded with over-the-top luxury features like massage seats and complimentary wifi. Not a bad way to land after an 8-hour overseas flight…

The location of this property is perfect – right in the heart of Amsterdam and walkable to any tourist attraction, restaurant or local pub.

Andaz Amsterdam

Design & Accommodations

Formerly the Public Library of Amsterdam, the hotel interior is inspired by the Dutch golden age and designer, Marcel Wanders, creating a fairytale Alice in Wonderland atmosphere.

The accommodations are some of the largest in Amsterdam, featuring an open-floor room concept, with views of the atrium, enchanted garden, or iconic canal. The Dutch wit and history come to life through the room decor with small custom details, making this hotel particularly unique.

Andaz Amsterdam

Pro-tip: remember, luxury hotels are never “one size fits all” and the Andaz Amsterdam is no different; the open floor plan room layout is not for everyone. Part of our job is to help you find the right place to stay to meet your needs and tastes, so talk to our team before selecting your hotel!

Food & Beverage

The hotel’s very own Bluespoon Restaurant and Bar features upscale farm-to-table delicacies, and award-winning Alice in Wonderland inspired craft cocktails. In the morning, should you decide to forgo room service, you can dine at Bluespoon for a full buffet (complimentary as a Prive guest), plus the option to add specialty a la carte items off the menu. Before dinner, be sure to enjoy the complimentary wine reception in the hotel’s “living room” by the lobby from 6-8pm!

Andaz Amsterdam

Pro-tip: After dining at Bluespoon, don’t forget to venture out into the city for some more incredible dining experiences. We highly recommend Graham’s Kitchen in the De Pijp neighborhood. This intimate dining room features an incredible menu highlighting local produce and expertly composed dishes. Read more Amsterdam dining highlights here!

Wellness

After checking in, my first order of business was a jetlag massage! Just past the lobby are red stairs resembling Amsterdam’s famous red-light district that lead down to the fitness center and spa. The 24-hour fitness center and sauna facilities also come in handy if you struggle to get on local time

Andaz Amsterdam

Activities

You can explore Amsterdam by bike or boat! Ride through the city on your Andaz bike like a local, or slow down and take in all that the city has to offer on a canal cruise on Andaz’s very own vintage salon boat. Feeling artsy? Explore the Rock Stars of Art at Moco Museum as an Andaz VIP as you’re welcomed with a glass of Champagne in the salon, followed by a private tour of art pieces by Banksy, Andy Warhol, and more contemporary art pieces.

Hyatt Privé

The Andaz Amsterdam is a participant in the Hyatt Privé program, which allows us to get you the best value. Your reservation through Ourisman Travel will include:

  • $100 USD property credit
  • Room upgrade, subject to availability
  • Daily complimentary full breakfast for two at a hotel restaurant
  • Early check-in, subject to availability

Privé Signature Suite Offer (through December 31, 2019):

  • Complimentary one-way airport transfer
  • Guaranteed late check-out till 2 pm
  • Beautiful fresh flowers in the room
Posted in Europe | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Touring Singapore Without Feeling Like a Tourist

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Angela Valenti

It can be hard to be a tourist in Singapore. So much of what you find on the surface feels overproduced and generic. The best thing to do in Singapore is to forget that you are a tourist and pretend you are a local (and you won’t go wrong if you follow your stomach)!

Singapore_Touring without feeling like a tourist

Top highlights from my recent attempt at being a local in Singapore:

SINGAPORE SLINGS AT LANTERN BAR

singapore_Lantern Bar

Admittedly, this is 100% a tourist activity, so get it out of your system early on and then move on to the more genuine Singaporean experiences. Lantern Bar is on the rooftop of the Fullerton Bay Hotel with amazing views of the Marina Bay. It definitely felt “westernized” and catering to tourists, but the views and atmosphere make it worth a visit, even just for one drink. And  you might as well go all-in; embrace being a tourist and order a Singapore Sling! If you want to double-down on the touristy activities, definitely also head to the famous Long Bar at the Raffles hotel, where the cocktail was invented. The hotel is reopening August 2019 after extensive renovations.

Side Note: You know that famous building that looks like it has a ship on top? That’s the Marina Bay Sands hotel & casino. We really don’t recommend staying there, it is just too big and impersonal, but going up to the rooftop viewing deck is a classic tourist activity in Singapore. Go if you must, but I wasn’t a fan. It is expensive and crowded and not worth the effort. If you go to the bar and order drinks, you can get free access to the rooftop but you won’t be able to get up to the edge of the viewing deck.

NEON PIGEON

Singapore_Neon Pigeon

There are far better cocktails to be found so please branch out from the Singapore Sling after the first obligatory drink! I suggest heading to Neon Pigeon in Chinatown, home of the friendliest bartender I’ve ever met! Cocktails served here look too good even for Instagram! I was suspicious of the trappings of fancy, hipster glassware, but the cocktails were delicious!

CHINATOWN & DUXTON HILL

Singapore: Chinatown & Duxton Hill

The Marina Bay is the traditional focal point for tourists visiting Singapore, but Chinatown is so much more interesting to me. Chinatown runs into nearby Duxton Hill and the two neighborhoods have become one in my mind. This is where the “cool kids” hang out! We found so many great bars & restaurants, cute boutique shops, and incredible historic architecture. The neighborhood is modernizing, but the historic highlights and local neighborhood aesthetic remains strong. I recommend spending as much time in Chinatown as possible. If you’re looking for a good meal, head to the Coconut Club for a heaping plate of Nasi Lemak, which includes coconut rice, a chicken leg, peanuts, fried egg, cucumber, and sambal curry… it sounded strange to this novice of Asian food, but I am glad I gave it a try!

The new Six Senses Maxwell and Duxton hotels are very charming and put you in the center of everything you want to see in Chinatown, but beware of tiny entry-level room sizes – yikes!

HAWKER CENTERS

These open air food halls are a must for any Singapore visit, no matter how many times you’ve been. For beginners, this is the best way to try different regional dishes and the pros will always find a favorite dish to keep them coming back. If you aren’t familiar with Asian cuisine, I recommend taking a guide along for your first visit so you can have a translator and interpreter to help you find dishes that you will like.

Lau Pa Sat is my favorite Hawker Center; it is a beautiful structure architecturally and offers a great variety of food. It is located in the CBD so the best time to go to really feel like a local is lunch on a weekday, but be prepared for a crowd. Grab a table and claim your territory first, then go in shifts to get your food. Start with Chicken Rice and don’t be afraid to sample the different sauces! For a refreshing drink, try the calamansi “lime juice.”

PERANAKAN TOUR

Singapore: Peranakan Tile

If you’re going to invest in a private tour, this is the one I suggest. My understanding of Singapore’s history was fuzzy at best and I am so glad I took the time to learn more during our visit. This tour highlighted the interesting history and perspective on the regional history and relationships between different cultures and ethnicities in Singapore. The Peranakan Museum is small and easy to digest. I appreciated the exhibits on genetics as well as the cultural fashion display and the ceramics collection. The highlight of the tour was seeing the traditional houses with intricate exterior designs. My favorites were the homes that had been tastefully modernized & updated with more geometric motifs & simplified color schemes. Our tour also introduced us to some yummy Peranakan desserts and treats; my favorites were the pandan love letters and a very large tub of these crispy, flaky wafers made it home with me as a perfect souvenir!

CHILI CRAB

Singapore: Chili Crab

You can get famous Singapore-style chili crab in many places around the city and if you ask a local, they will each have their own favorite spot. We ventured out to East Coast Park for dinner at Jumbo Seafood on the waterfront. Advance reservations are a must! The delicious crab and prime people-watching opportunities made it worth the trek!

 CAPELLA SINGAPORE & CENTOSA ISLAND

Singapore: Capella Sentosa

Sentosa Island is not for everyone, but this urban resort is perfect if you’re just stopping through Singapore on your way to a beachy vacation. Get those vacation vibes started early! The Capella Singapore features inventive architecture with a great “old meets new” vibe. Highlights include: private plunge pools, a creative rum bar, Cantonese fine dining, a lush garden setting, and old world charm. After a full day of touring in the Singapore heat and humidity, I really appreciated the opportunity to escape from the city and relax in my own oasis. Read more about our love for Capella Hotels here! 

I was only in Singapore for 3 days and I covered a lot of ground but it only feels like I scraped the surface and just got a peek at what Singapore is really like for a local resident. I can’t wait to go back and discover more and I hope these tips have inspired you to add Singapore to your next Asia itinerary! If you’re ready to visit Singapore, let us help you plan your trip!

More reading on Singapore:

Posted in Asia, City Destinations | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Touring Singapore Without Feeling Like a Tourist

Is a Luxury Villa Vacation Right For You?

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Angela Valenti

While the 5-star hotel is still the luxury experience that we all crave, we are also finding that our clients are looking for new, ultra-personalized experiences that allow for even more relaxation, a deeper focus on wellness, and a greater sense of independence and privacy. The solution is a luxury villa vacation.

A lot of people hear “We rented a villa in the Caribbean/Tuscany/etc. for our vacation” and they think cha-ching $$$! But, that may not be the case. Villa vacations can be great alternatives for several types of travelers adding extra value and convenience to their trips! Villas are great options for multi-generational families, a group of several families with kids, or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. Basically, you should consider a villa vacation anytime you are going to need 2 or more bedrooms. 

Luxury Villa Vacation

Our top villa choices offer exotic locations, private beach access, and personal chefs.  When you stay at a villa you have the whole property to yourself; think guaranteed peace and serenity.  It’s so nice to experience the exclusivity of your own residence. You can choose a cozy 1 or 2 bedroom option for an intimate getaway or a 5+ bedroom mansion to host all of your friends and family. Most of our favorite villas come with full staff including a private chef, butler, and maid so your every need can be met with as little stress or worry as possible.

Booking a luxury villa ensures you can travel to the beat of your own drum. Looking to work out? Find a villa with a state of the art gym. Traveling to unwind? Choose a secluded location with an en-suite spa or outdoor bathtub/shower. Booking a family trip? Choose something with bunk beds, game rooms, and a cinema.

Some of our favorite villa options around the world include:

Related Reading: 5 Reasons to Plan a Villa Vacation From Virtuoso Traveler, April 2019

  1. Bring the Generations Together
  2. Celebrate Good Times
  3. Seek Maximum Privacy
  4. Get the Best of Both Worlds
  5. Let the Butler Do It

Posted in Caribbean, Family Travel, Trip Ideas | Tagged , | Comments Off on Is a Luxury Villa Vacation Right For You?

Luxury Villas in Los Cabos, Mexico

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Angela Valenti

Villa vacations are the perfect solution for anyone looking for the ultra-personalized luxury travel experience. While we can find you a villa nearly anywhere around the world, some of the most popular options can be found just a short flight away in Mexico. Los Cabos has become a mainstay as a luxury destination and it is bursting with amazing villa options. Read on for our top picks for luxury villas in Los Cabos.

Luxury Villas in Los Cabos

Las Ventanas Al Paraíso- A Rosewood Property

One of our favorite resorts in in the area also offers some of the best luxury villas in Los Cabos, Las Ventanas Al Paraiso. With room categories ranging from junior suites to three bedroom residences this property is great for a luxurious stay in Cabo for couple or a small family.

The one bedroom oceanfront villa has an expansive patio with a private infinity pool and Jacuzzi making this one of the ultimate Los Cabos villas. Inside there is 1,600 sq. ft. of luxurious living space including a large living room, pantry and outdoor dining area. The master bedroom has a king bed, walk-in closet and bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub plus indoor and outdoor showers. Authentic artistry – colorful Mexican tiles, intricately carved cabinets and adobe fireplaces – adorns every villa.

Residences at Montage Los Cabos

The new residences at Montage Los Cabos were designed to meet your every need. Each residence offers 1-to-3 bedrooms in an open floor plan with gourmet kitchens. On the exterior, the properties offer expansive terraces with breathtaking views of Santa Maria Bay, fire pits and artful details that encourage indoor-outdoor living. Ground floor residences also feature plunge-pools. Private garages with room for one vehicle and ample storage encourage you to stay longer and explore the Baja Peninsula on your own schedule.

Read more about the Montage Los Cabos in our hotel site-inspection report here.

Chileno Bay Vacation Rentals

Chileno Bay offers spacious two, three, four and six bedroom villas with a full gourmet kitchen and expansive private terrace, most with plunge pool or jacuzzi. Enjoy the resort’s three-tiered infinity-edge pool, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and spa, kids’ program, and restaurants overseen by a French Laundry alum, plus gain access to the members-only Chileno Bay Club golf course.

A dedicated staff at your fingertips, including personal concierge, access to a private chef, housekeeping and valet, plus 24-hour butler for specialty villas. Unparalleled luxury living in the heart of Baja, with the highest-quality contemporary finishes and touches including walls of floor-to-ceiling windows for bringing the outdoors in, and custom materials inspired by the local aesthetic.

Villas of Distinction

Our partners at Villas of Distinction call Cabo the jewel of the Baja Peninsula because of the gorgeous scenery, exhilarating water sports, and a staggering 360 days of sunshine per year. Villas of distinction offer 80 villas over 12 different locations in the Cabo area. They offer a range of 3 to 8 bedroom luxury villas in Los Cabos. They are able to accommodate just about any group size for your vacation.

With over 25 years of experience of providing luxury villas vacations, Villas of Distinction knowledge is unmatched. All of their villas are handpicked to meet heir strict standards. Offering only the best of the best properties in Cabo. Whether you are planning a wedding or just a family vacation they are able to tailor the experience down to the last details.

Journey Mexico

A villa vacation is like no other, and with Journey Mexico we will help you find not only the perfect villa, but we will help you create the ultimate villa vacation experience. Together, let us plan your dream stay in Mexico.

Casa Bahia Rocas in Los Cabos is a perfect example of the Journey Mexico villa portfolio. Set on the sands of Palmilla Bay in the ultra-exclusive Palmilla Community, Casa Bahia Rocas is a nine-bedroom luxury rental home set over 12,000 square foot, plenty of space for a Mexico vacation with the family. Indoors, guests will find a large living room with a fireplace to gather together around while outside there is a  free-form infinity pool that overlooks the Sea of Cortez. This family-friendly villa also features a full-time butler and a personal chef.

If you’re traveling with a group of people or booking an extended stay, you’ll probably find that few hotels can compete with the value and flexibility you get from renting a luxury villa. Book now and experience the latest craze in luxury travel!

Posted in Mexico | Tagged , | Comments Off on Luxury Villas in Los Cabos, Mexico

Four Seasons Costa Rica: Hotel Site Inspection

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Angela Valenti

Nestled in between two beaches, Four Seasons Costa Rica is a getaway dream for all who travel there. The resort perfectly blends the classic luxury that the Four Seasons is known for, with the cultural vibrancy and scenery of the beautiful area of Papagayo.

For more on our recommendations for planning your next trip: Discover Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Four Seasons Costa Rica

During my educational trip around Costa Rica with our partners at Swiss Travel Service, we saved the best for last and spent our final nights of the trip at this property. The Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is located about 45 minutes from the Liberia airport and about 4 hours from the airport in San Jose. Most travelers fly into San Jose because they plan to check out a few other spots in Costa Rica first, as we did on our trip. If you are looking to stay solely at the Four Seasons, buy your roundtrip ticket to the Liberia airport instead.

FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA ROOMS AND AMENITIES:

When you arrive at the Four Seasons complex, any golf lover will notice the beautiful 18 hole course framing both sides of your drive in. The course is called the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo and is an Arnold Palmer Signature course.  The course is ranked as one of the top 100 courses outside of the United States.

Upon your entrance into the lobby, you are greeted by the Four Seasons staff with a small coconut welcome drink, along with the option to spike it with Costa Rican rum. The light and airy lobby makes check-in an extension of your trip to paradise before you even arrive at your room.

Four Seasons Costa Rica: Rooms

There are a variety of room category options ranging from guest rooms to private residences. The three guest room options of Terraza, Brisa, or Cielo, are relatively the same room, with the only change being the view/floor location.

I stayed in one of the suite options, the one bedroom Canopy Plunge Pool suite. These suites are built into a hillside overlooking the ocean and are surrounded by the jungle. The Four Seasons encourages anyone staying in these suites to utilize their complementary golf cart service, however, the walk to the main pool/beach area is very manageable at no more than a 5-minute walk. When walking into the residence, it felt like a vacation. The room was very large (1206 sq ft.) and is able to accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. The room is perfect for a family of four, as the room is actually split into two rooms with each offering a bathroom.

Four Seasons Costa Rica: Plunge Pool

Private residences are starting to become a big part of the Four Seasons Costa Rica’s plan, as they already offer eight residences and are currently building more. All private residences are fully-inclusive. Yes, you heard that right, all of your golf, spa, food, and drinks are included in the pricing (only available for “residence estates” categories). We were lucky enough to inspect the largest private residence, Casa Del Cielo, which can accommodate 10 adults and four children, or eight adults and six children. The property has wrap-around ocean views with a heated infinity pool and private butler.

FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA DINING:

Bahia is a buffet and restaurant that is open all day. We had breakfast here, and they make an amazing omelet. For dinner, they have a catch of the day which local fisherman provide from right off of the coast of the property.

We did not try Pesce on this trip, unfortunately; it is an Italian cuisine restaurant that specializes in seafood. Both Pesce and Bahia are located right below the lobby area.

Nemare is a Latin steakhouse where we enjoyed dinner. This restaurant is actually located up the hill at the Peninsula Papagayo Gold clubhouse. Nemare recently just rebranded and reopened. This is a must-do dining experience, as it was one of the best steaks I have ever had.

Four Seasons Costa Rica: Rum Bar

La Reserva might have been my favorite part of the whole Four Seasons experience. La Reserva is a small rum room in which you are able to partake in a free rum and chocolate tasting. A rum expert will walk you through how Costa Rican rum is made and why each one tastes different.

Four Seasons Costa Rica: Rum Tasting

FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA ACTIVITIES:

The Four Seasons Costa Rica prides itself on being an active and adventurous resort, much like the rest of the country. On any given day there are 20-25 complementary activities for the whole family. These activities range from a scavenger hunt at the kids club to a kayaking tour. One activity that seems to be a crowd favorite is the Trail of Giants. On the Trail of Giants tour, you get your own golf cart and have a staff member guide you around the golf course and property, while they speak about the natural wildlife in the area.

After all of your activities, if you are looking to relax, the Four Seasons offers a full-service world-class spa. The spa was just recently renovated and is inspired by the healing traditions of Central America.

In 2018, The Four Season Costa Rica was the number one selling Four Season property worldwide for Brownell Travel. I loved my time at the Four Seasons Costa Rica and was fully able to understand why this resort is so popular with our clients. Ourisman Travel is a top seller of Four Seasons hotels and our clients enjoy the best VIP treatment and complimentary perks. Contact us to learn more and book your next vacation!

Posted in Costa Rica | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Four Seasons Costa Rica: Hotel Site Inspection