Located along the pristine and prestigious beaches of Flamands Beach, the revered Cheval Blanc Saint-Barth has long been one of the most exclusive hotels on what is already an ultra-exclusive island. Like the Eden Rock St Barths, this property caters to travelers who crave luminary status along with over-the-top luxury when they vacation. We were thrilled that Angela was able to visit this classic property in Saint Barths during her recent visit to the island and her top takeaway is clear: this hotel simply cannot be beaten.
The hotel is a crisp white from head to toe, allowing the tropical foliage and turquoise waters to shine. Pops of coral hues are strategically placed throughout anchoring the beauty of the island in the beach-contemporary, clean design. The open-air lobby is flanked by garden pathways leading to the accommodations throughout the property. Signature artwork by Jean-Michel Othoneil, the Constellation of Pegasus, greets guests with unmatched style and immediately gives arriving guests a sense that they have arrived in more ways than one. The arrival experience has been created to lift the weight of their travel day off of guests’ shoulders and make all thoughts of real-world problems disappear.
Guests find their rooms off of boardwalks lined with stunning tropical gardens and trees, providing perfect ambiance and shade from the Caribbean sun. The rooms are spacious and maintain the same white design aesthetic as the main buildings, with touches of blue in the Ocean rooms instead of coral that bring the soothing ocean waters into the accommodations. The Garden suites feature gray touches and views of the vibrant greenery of the island.
The true queen on property is without a doubt the Villa de France, a stunning 5-bedroom villa with sweeping views of the ocean and access to the beautiful beach. Featuring not one, but two private infinity pools, a private spa & gym, and a kitchen to host meals prepared by a private chef, this villa operates as a boutique hotel within a boutique hotel. Each bedroom comes with its own bathroom and the villa can comfortably house 10 guests. Cheval Blanc Saint-Barth does not offer connecting rooms and families traveling together will need to book multi-bedroom suites or villas to accommodate their groups. Villa de France is perfect for larger families or groups of friends looking to enjoy an even more elevated experience at this exclusive property.
Aside from high-touch service and an incredible room product, Cheval Blanc Saint-Barths offers what is arguably the best spa on the island. With only 4 treatment rooms, it is advisable to book your spa services well in advance. The Guerlain treatments are as high-end as they come and with treatment packages designed with a focus on wellness and anti-aging, guests find themselves leaving the spa feeling renewed and refreshed.
Dining here is just as perfect as the rest of the experience with two meticulously designed restaurants that deliver beautiful meals and a lovely bar for a well-deserved cocktail or two. La Case is well known across the island and very popular for lunch while La Cabane, the beachfront restaurant, offers gourmet cuisine in a soothing setting. The White Bar is the stunning cocktail bar on property with an inventive menu and beautiful views. Guests wanting something unique can take advantage of the property’s Carte Blanche option, offering perfectly packed picnics, private dinner cruises, or in-room meals with a stunning presentation.
Clients of Ourisman Travel enjoy elevated VIP treatment when they book stays at Cheval Blanc Saint-Barth and enjoy additional perks like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and more. For more information on Cheval Blanc Saint-Barths, St Barths, or how we work please reach out to the team at [email protected] or submit a travel request form!
While on our educational tour of St Barths hosted by our partners at Ultimate Jet Vacations, we had the privilege of conducting a site inspection at the iconic Eden Rock St Barths. Originally built as a private residence for Remy de Haenen, the first pilot to land on this stunning island, the Eden Rock St Barths has been a luxury hotel since the mid-90s. Loved by celebrities and the well-to-do from both sides of the Atlantic, the Eden Rock St Barths is well known as one of the most luxurious properties on the island.
With many additions to the original expansive residence that still makes up the main building, this property boasts one of the best locations in St Barths; nestled peacefully in St Jean Bay and offering guests a multitude of views of the soothing turquoise waters from their rooms and common spaces. Guests are greeted on arrival by attentive valets who whisk their bags away while you head to the front desk to check-in. Here, the service is known for its attention to detail and ultimate discretion, a must given the property’s penchant for attending to a star-studded clientele. The property also offers guests its own app, Eden Rock St Barth’s InsidER Travel Companion provides information ranging from daily local news updates & weather forecasts to restaurant recommendations & suggested activities to enjoy. A must for anyone on property!
You will notice the hotel’s signature cherry red throughout the property, from the lounge chairs to the hand railings and even the life preservers. However, though the color does make an appearance in some of the rooms, the room design is more individualized from category to category. With 37 rooms, suites, and villas to choose from, this boutique hotel’s design aesthetic is what one would imagine a fun, eccentric, European pilot’ would be – giving it plenty of personalities to enjoy and keeping return guests excited to try different accommodation styles. All of the bathrooms on property are stunning, marble-laden oases featuring walk-in showers, Ligne St Barth toiletries & the always necessary double vanity; many feature deep soaking tubs as well, the perfect respite from a day lounging seaside. Most of the accommodations here have lovely ocean views and some offer direct beach access, something worth paying for in St Barths where access to the white sand beaches is highly coveted.
Some of our favorite rooms at Eden Rock St Barths are the masculine Howard Hughes Suite boasting 360 views of the bay from its three terraces, the sleek and modern Christopher Columbus Suite with its oversized 87-inch bed & contemporary art collection, and the Beach House Frangipani with three spacious bedrooms and an elegant Caribbean design. For families looking for a well-appointed escape, the Heavenly Beach Houses are another wonderful option! Comprised of the Jasmin Orchid and Ixora twin-level villas, these accommodations can accommodate two adults and two children and offer upstairs and downstairs living areas, making them perfect for families with small children.
However, nothing can top the twin villas Villa Rockstar and Villa Nina. These villas are more fraternal than identical twins, each taking luxury to the next level in her own way. However, these two villas offer a unique opportunity for larger groups looking to stay on-site as they can be booked as a pair to create a sprawling, private 9 suite complex just for your group. Nina Villa features three expansive suites and one of the most incredible art collections on the island, perfect for those who want to vacation in beauty and style. Next door is Villa Rockstar, a huge private home that has often been described as “a two hundred million dollar yacht on land”. Villa Rockstar features 6 suites and can accommodate 12 people to Villa Nina’s 6 guest limit. Both properties come with their own private pools and a dedicated chef, butler, and housekeeping staff to address any need, big or small, of their guests.
At Eden Rock St Barths, guests dine on cuisine from Master Chef Jean-George Vongerichten, who has enough Michelin stars to his name to create his own constellation. His worldly approach to dining brings a new and interesting take on resort fare and he is heavily involved in each aspect of the restaurants here, from their inception to their execution. With three dining options to choose from, a nice number given the small size of the property, guests will find plenty to excite their senses and keep things interesting during their stays.
Aside from the stunning accommodations, Eden Rock St Barths caters to guests in a way that is hard to match. With nonstop room service, and frankly any other service you can think of, this property offers an unmitigated approach to luxury. From its dizzyingly elegant approach to design to the exquisite dining Eden Rock St Barths has transcended simply being an exclusive hotel to a full-on luxury lifestyle. Welcome drinks are served in the Remy Bar, named after the pilot whose influence & larger than life persona still lingers around every corner. Fans of frosé will be happy at Bar on the Beach where they have perfected the frozen pink wine slushies.
Clients of Ourisman Travel can enjoy additional perks at Eden Rock St Barths through our partnership with Virtuoso and Ultimate Jet Vacations, and the value is hard to beat given the price point of a stay at Eden Rock St Barths. Complimentary breakfast, Eden Rock branded merch & priority for upgrades upon arrival add extra value that is hard to beat. For more information on our trip to St Barths with Ultimate Jet Vacations, how we can plan your stay at the Eden Rock St Barths, or how we work, please reach out to the team at [email protected] or fill out a Travel Request Form.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers have shifted focus from sprawling resorts and are turning to private villas and home rentals for their vacations. Naturally, when one first considers renting out a private home for a trip their first thought is to hop on Airbnb or VBRO to see what is available over their dates in destinations that excite them. However, just like how kicking off trip planning with a Google search can be overwhelming and discouraging, the same stressful experience can come from looking for a legitimate rental on Airbnb or VRBO. Private home & villa rentals are great, but how do you know what you are seeing is what you will be getting? We’ve all heard the horror stories about misleading photos, inflexible booking policies, disruptive neighbors, or unsafe areas – the list goes on and on! Surely there must be another way to find a reputable villa or home for your vacation?
That’s where Ourisman Travel comes in! As the industry has adapted to better accommodate travel demands in the wake of the pandemic, so has Team Ourisman. We have worked hard exploring what luxury villa and private home partners we have available to our clients and are proud to say that just like our hotel network, our networks for villas and private homes are expansive, with a strong global presence and representing the best of the best! Better yet, our partners are thoroughly vetted by our host agency, ensuring that their product is luxurious, their service is high-end, and that you will indeed get what you pay for. Our team has spent time over the past year learning how to work with these partners and we are excited to bring our clients a wealth of villa and private home options for future trips!
So what does our process look like when a client requests a private home or villa booking? We approach villa and private home requests through our consultative Hotel Plus service. Oftentimes, because villa and private home requests involve more detail than a straightforward hotel booking, we will schedule a phone call with you to discuss your trip and get a sense of what your needs are for the villa and what type of villa or private home would best suit those needs. We will talk through your budget, destinations you are considering, the size of your group or family, and get a sense of your “must-haves” in addition to your “wish list” items for the villa or private homes. One of the unique aspects of a private home or villa rentals is that they are outfitted with amenities that hotels and resorts simply do not have! Ranging from docks with boats, jet skis and other water toys to gourmet kitchens, pools with slides and some of the most amazing bathrooms in the world, the possibilities for over-the-top amenities in some of these villas and private homes are truly endless. Through our consultative process, we will be able to source options for you to choose from, eliminating your need to sift through hundreds of options yourself. Plus, every option will be hand-picked for you and thoroughly vetted by our partners, ensuring the only surprises upon arrival are welcome ones.
Through our Hotel Plus service for villas and private homes, we are able to assist with some concierge requests such as airport transfers, private chef arrangements, and other onsite touches. If you are looking for a more detailed approach to your itinerary, we can elevate your trip through our Tailored Luxury service and arrange for activities like private yacht rentals, exclusive private tours, and much more. The beauty of a private villa or home rental lies in the possibility of complete customization!
If booking a private villa or home is something you have considered in the past but were not quite sure about pursuing, or if it is something that you’ve only recently thought about, reach out to us at Ourisman Travel to learn how our global partnerships and planning expertise can help you find the perfect property! Our partners know their portfolios inside and out, with many of them working exclusively with advisors to ensure the privacy of the villa or home and the limited access many of the owners demand. Submit a Travel Request Form or reach out to the team via email at [email protected] to get started!
For many, the idea of taking a trip and executing said trip are two completely different concepts. Typing “family-friendly vacation ideas” or “luxury hotels in Cabo” into a Google search and watching millions of search results populate can cause more stress than a vacation is worth! This is where our Hotel Plus service comes in. While not every trip needs a consultative approach, there are times when your planning & stay experience will benefit from having our expert guidance.
Our Process
Through our Hotel Plus service, Team Ourisman provides a personalized approach to consultation that takes the personal elements of each trip into account. Our Hotel Plus consultative services require a fee of $150 per destination. We consider many planning elements ranging from budget to ideal dates to the type of property that will best suit the needs of the specific trip and present a curated list of up to 3 options for our clients to choose from. Hotel Plus trips can include as many or as few destinations as needed to find the best fit for your trip.
Added Benefits
In addition to our expert consultative services, Hotel Plus includes our assistance with concierge requests once you have booked. Our team will assist you in communicating with the concierge at your hotel of choice to arrange dinner reservations, spa appointments and airport transfers. Our team will monitor the communication with the concierge to ensure timely responses and helpful service.
When is Hotel Plus most beneficial?
Hotel Plus can benefit a wide range of trip types but is most helpful when you are looking to travel somewhere you have never been or are exploring an accommodation type outside of what you normally book, like a villa or a private home rental. Ourisman Travel has 15 years of hotel and destination knowledge behind us driving our process and our insider information provides key insights that simply cannot be found in a search engine. Having professional recommendations always makes for an easier decision! We not only know what the best family-friendly options are in Cabo, but we also know what the best room categories are to accommodate your needs and our process eliminates most of the back and forth that makes travel planning stressful.
How does Hotel Plus compare to our other services?
Hotel Plus was created to act as a bridge between our straightforward Hotel Only service and our highly curated Tailored Luxury service. Most of our clients are familiar with our Hotel Only service, as this is what Ourisman Travel was founded on when we started as an agency in 2006. Our Hotel Only provides our clients with our exclusive value-added amenities that they have love with our added VIP support and personal attention. Hotel Only does not require any upfront fees, provided trip requests are received before seven days of travel and is ideal for travelers who already know what hotel they want to book for their trip. Our Tailored Luxury service provides clients with in-depth itinerary design, curating trips from start to finish through a collaborative process that prioritizes the individual goals for the trip. Hotel Plus acts as the perfect blend of Hotel Only & Tailored Luxury, providing our personalized approach to consultation without the commitment of a full itinerary.
There are many trips that can benefit from our Hotel Plus consultative service. Honeymooners looking to find the perfect hotel in Hawaii, a family looking for the best option for a weeklong Caribbean getaway, or a group of friends looking for something out of the box for a long-awaited reunion our consultative services will help you find the right hotel for your trip! For more information on our Hotel Plus service and how we can assist with your travel planning, reach out to the team via email at [email protected] or vial our Travel Request Form.
It has been established that the demand for 2021 will continue to climb to all-time highs in many destinations, but what about 2022? As more travelers get vaccinated and more countries adjust their COVID requirements to open their borders, the pent-up desire for travel continues to rise to insatiable levels. Avid travelers are eager to get back out into the world and after over a year of extreme limitations, they are looking to take trips they had put off before the pandemic and make up for lost time. How will increased travel demand affect travel planning and what are the best ways to adapt your travel planning approach in 2022? Team Ourisman is here to offer advice on travel planning for 2022 to ensure you are able to go where you want and get the best value possible!
Appreciating Supply vs Demand
The pandemic was truly a shared global experience, impacting everyone’s lives in immeasurable ways. We experienced limitations we had never faced in the modern age and watched travel all but disappear. Now, as the world begins to reopen post-pandemic, is greeted with unprecedented eagerness making it crucial to manage expectations out of the gate. We are all adjusting to this new world post-pandemic and helping our clients understand that planning is not going to look the same as it did in the past has been a major theme in 2021. There has always been a finite number of hotel rooms in any destination and now the competition for those rooms is fierce! The key to successful travel planning in 2022 and beyond will be flexibility and appreciating that hundreds if not thousands of other people are looking to travel and considering the same destinations you are. This will naturally drive up the prices and might make it hard to find what you are looking for. Sifting through thousands of results populated by a quick Google search will take even more time as you try to understand rates, promotions, and cancelation policies alongside ever-changing travel requirements.
Understanding Hotel Rates
First things first, we need to acknowledge that hotel prices have surged and are at an all-time high for the summer of 2021. So what does this mean for the coming months and beyond? After taking huge losses due to the pandemic in 2020, the travel industry at large is doing everything it can to recuperate those financial losses and we are seeing that reflected in hotel rates. High-demand destinations like Hawaii are seeing prices increased by as much as 3 times what they were in years prior and while the rates might even out as summer 2021 draws to a close, higher rates are likely here to stay. We are advising our clients to book as far in advance as possible to secure what is likely to be the lowest rate a room will be listed for. Beyond securing a rate before it spikes, we can provide context into what the different rate options are and guide you to the rate with the best value. In the world of luxury travel, value is determined by several factors including the deposit required at booking, the cancellation policy, and the amenities, if any, that are included in the rate. Do yourself a favor and reach out to us before locking yourself into a reservation you can’t change at a rate with limited value!
Here’s a piece of insider info for you: hotel rates follow airlines’ publication schedules, becoming available about 330 days out. Sometimes advisors are able to access rates before they are published, which is a great advantage to working with a trusted advisor with great connections, like Team Ourisman.
Lean On An Advisor
With rates and demand steadily rising, having a wide planning window will be a must for anyone who considers themselves to be travel savvy. Another must as we enter this post-pandemic era of travel post will be having a trusted advisor on your side to help you navigate the ins and outs of planning, booking, and managing your travel. Advisors have access to more than just great value-added amenities and if you have not already been working with an advisor, now is the time to start! Beyond providing complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and priority for potential upgrades, Team Ourisman has spent the past 15 years developing close professional relationships all over the world to the benefit of our clients’ travels. Reaching out to us and asking for our advice can mean the difference between reaching your destination with ease and being stuck at the airport because you didn’t fully understand a country’s new entry requirements. We are here and happy to support you, whether it is your first or fiftieth trip with Ourisman Travel.
Appreciate The Adaptive Advisor & Their Value
Like hotels, airlines, and cruises, the travel advisor community has had to adapt to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and those of us that came out of 2020 did not come out unscathed. Our community was forced to learn tough lessons and for many of us, this meant changing the way we do business to ensure we are operating in a more sustainable way. For us at Ourisman Travel, and many of our colleagues, this meant trimming down our team, learning new skills to be as versatile as possible, and learning to place value on our expertise by adjusting our booking policies to ensure we are compensated for our work. There are tons of articles coming out these days applauding the work of the travel advisor and urging travelers to lean on them in the years to come. We have found that while most of these articles are right on the money with the why of using an advisor, many times they create false expectations in how advisors work, namely when they mention fees, specifically a lack thereof. The phrase “you get what you pay for” rings true in many circumstances, but particularly when it comes to travel planning. At the luxury level, advisors invest countless hours into research, communication, planning, and management of trips for their clients. Like any professional service, advisors are experts in their field and we believe it to be a good rule of thumb to expect some type of fee from your advisor for their hard work and time. Place value in their abilities and watch your travel planning experience improves!
Understand Services Available to You
We encourage you to take time to learn what your advisor has to offer and how each trip request might be best served by their expertise and the various services they may offer. At Ourisman Travel we have worked hard to create different service levels to accommodate a range of requests, making us one of the more flexible agencies in our luxury travel community. Our Hotel Only service, for example, provides hotel reservation services with no upfront fees provided the request is straightforward. If you find yourself in need of some consultation and extra assistance in finding the perfect place to stay or understanding travel guidelines, we are happy to provide that additional support tailored to you and your needs through our Hotel Plus service. Hotel Plus also includes assistance with concierge services ranging from dinner reservations, spa appointments, and airport transfer arrangements. As we look to the future of travel, we are finding that planning ahead for hotel stays is becoming the norm and advise that our clients arrange for dinners, spa experiences, and the like ahead of their arrival. If you are looking for a fully curated itinerary, we are able to assist with that as well! Our Tailored Luxury service is our top-tier planning service designed to manage trips from beginning to end, including all elements and fully personalized experiences.
In short, the demand for travel is not going anywhere and 2022 is shaping up to be a record-setting year in the travel industry. If getting back out there, anywhere, is on your list be sure to set yourself up for success by managing expectations, giving yourself an ample amount of time to plan and adjust as needed, and by leaning on a great travel advisor to help you navigate the post-pandemic travel landscape. If you don’t already have a great advisor in your corner, reach out to Team Ourisman to see if we are a good fit for your needs! We are always happy to schedule a phone call for you to get to know us better and learn how we work. Reach out to us via email at [email protected] or fill out a Travel Request Form!
Getting away during the holidays in December, referred to as “festive season” in the travel industry, is popular for many reasons. From ease of taking vacation time due to the holidays to winter school breaks, December is an incredibly popular month! Festive season is unofficially identified as December 20th to January 4th and within those two weeks, there are more restrictions in place compared to other times of the year. From blacked-out dates to minimum night stay requirements and extended cancelation windows, festive travel can feel daunting. As always, Team Ourisman is here to assist; we have outlined a few of our top tips for successfully planning festive travel!
When should I start planning?
We advise clients to start thinking about their festive travel plans as early as possible! Knowing that demand for December, in general, is always high, particularly over the dates of December 20th through January 4th, it is always best to think ahead. Tackling planning for travel over the holidays early will give you more options to choose from rather than having to choose from what is leftover. Also, hotels usually give guests who have previously stayed with them over festive, first right if they would like to re-book for the following year. Otherwise, festive availability typically becomes available in early February, so mark your calendars if you want to get a jump on planning!
Are there deals during the festive season?
While some properties may have specials running through the festive season, most hotels and resorts at the 4 and 5-star level will have higher than usual rates during the holidays. Again, this is due to high demand. Don’t count on discounted rates during December and make sure you budget accordingly to avoid disappointment!
How will festive restrictions come into play?
Because the demand is high for festive, many hotels and resorts lean on stricter policies to ensure their inventory sells and stays sold. It is very common for resorts to have minimum night stay requirements ranging from 7 to 10 nights, higher deposits or even prepaid stay requirements depending on the size of the property, blacked-out dates that can only be seen by travel industry professionals, and extended cancelation windows. These policies are important to remember and understand as you are planning your festive vacation. Our team is here to help break these policies down for you and make sure you have the full picture before making your reservation!
How can I protect my investment when strict cancelation policies are in place?
Whenever a client books a trip with a cancelation window of 30 days or more, we recommend travel insurance. We are partnered with Travelex, a leader in travel insurance, and our team is trained to quote the best plan to give you the most coverage and include your airfare if necessary. We are also able to offer travel insurance through our partners Ultimate Jet Vacations and Island Destinations as a package with your hotel reservation for ease and to make the claim process more straightforward.
Are there any fees involved when booking festive trips with Ourisman Travel?
In cases when rates and availability are readily available, we do not charge a fee. However, we do require a festive fee of 100 USD per hotel if rates and availability are restricted.
Many times, clients have an idea of where they want to go and what they want to spend but have a hard time finding viable options that fit their needs. This is where Ourisman Travel can be a huge asset to you in your planning process! Festive trips can engage with our Hotel Plus service for an additional $150 and our team will present you with several options that fit your needs. Spare yourself the headache of sifting through thousands of Google results and leave it to the professionals!
What else should I consider when planning festive travel?
Because hotels are at capacity over the festive season, it is important that you make all of your transfer arrangements, dining reservations, and spa appointments ahead of your arrival to ensure you secure the times you want. Ourisman Travel is happy to assist and can make these arrangements on your behalf through our Hotel Plus concierge service!
To learn more about how Ourisman Travel can assist with your festive travel or other trips, reach out to the team via email at [email protected] or submit a Travel Request Form. We look forward to hearing from you!
Located on a private peninsula in Los Cabos, One&Only Palmilla has long been a destination in and of itself for families, couples, and friend groups for years. Ourisman Travel was lucky enough to send a team member to check out this high-profile resort this February and we are pleased to report that it definitely lives up to the hype. We were lucky enough to have an exclusive tour of Villa One, the most luxurious villa on the property, and though we were more than stunned we fell in love with the resort as a whole. From the arrival cocktail to the seamless check-out, One&Only Palmilla will not disappoint.
The resort blends Mediterranean design components like white-washed walls and pops of color with hacienda-influenced architecture, making it one of the most stylish properties in the area. The property saw a complete overhaul in 2015 after it was hit by Hurrican Ordile in 2014 and One&Only has diligently worked on upkeep to ensure the finishes aren’t dated and the rooms are pristine. Rooms and suites are located in stand-alone one and two-story villas, all of which offer ocean views. The villas are well placed throughout the property with privacy for all. The rooms are richly adorned with dark wood accents, rich handwoven fabrics & are generous in size. The bathrooms are stunning too with cobblestone floors, marble countertops boasting double vanities with hand-painted sinks and toiletry holders for a pop of Mexican flair, and marble double-headed showers for an extra perk. The Casita Suites are the highest category before the two villas, Villa One & Villa Cortez, coming with their own private infinity pools and dedicated butlers.
The spa is a huge draw for many, featuring a clean white design and miniature villas rather than the traditional spa treatment room; each coming with its own air-conditioned pavilions, whirlpool tubs, outdoor rain showers, and other areas to relax between treatments. Guests can choose from a wide variety of ESPA treatments and even enjoy in-room treatments or seaside massages. Those who are less inclined to luxuriate the day away will be pleased to find other activities to keep them occupied. Those golf enthusiasts will be pleased to find a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus designed course, made up of three nines with sweeping ocean views and a RoboGolfPro Swing Training facility on the property. Those who love to enjoy a game or two of tennis while on vacation will be more than happy with the brand-new state-of-the-art tennis complex complete with internationally trained pros to help you perfect your swing. Parents will be pleased to find a great kids club on property for kiddos from 4 to 11. The KidsOnly program provides unique opportunities to little guests to enjoy the sun and learn during their stays. Certified childcare professionals are always supervising, making sure everyone is safe and having a great time while the parents enjoy some well-deserved adult time.
Guests looking to add a spiritual element to their getaway can do so easily at One&Only Palmilla. Daily yoga sessions are offered on the beach, with sunrise and sunset options. The resort has a resident shaman on property to provide guests with therapeutic and soothing rituals that are rooted in ancient practices. For those who are interested, the shamanic ceremonies can be incredibly restorative and help guests return to their “real lives” with a greater sense of self and a connection to the world around them
Beachgoers and pool loungers will both be happy here. One&Only Palmilla has one of the best beaches in Cabo. The beach is calm and is one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, great for families with kids who love to splash in the waves. Kiddos will be especially pleased with the popsicle cart that regularly comes around, offering guests house-made, artisan popsicles in a variety of flavors. The property has two pools for guests to choose from, Tortuga Beach & Agua Pool. Tortuga Beach is the adults-only pool and is located off of the non-swimmable beach on property. Eight cabanas line the beach and can be rented out with food and drink service. Agua Pool is the family-friendly pool, close to the KidsOnly clubhouse and the swimmable Pelican Beach. A few floating beds are situated between the two beaches, swinging above the waves and offering stunning views. Be sure to snag one if you see one available – they are not up for rental!
Foodies will be more than happy here with four, soon-to-be five, restaurants on property. Suviche offers Japanese Mexican fusion and Seared is the steak and seafood fine dining option. Agua provides guests seasonal Mexican farm-to-table dishes and Breeze, located on a rustic terrace, has a menu of gourmet Baja meals on the menu. The property will soon feature a plant-based restaurant as well, slated to open in early 2022. Not to be outdone by the fabulous food, the property caters to guests in search of a Mexican-inspired cocktail. From expertly blended margaritas greeting guests upon arrival, to a tour of Mexican wines and even a mixology masterclass on offer guests will definitely feel the Cabo spirit.
From the exquisite design featured throughout the property to the soothing beach and incredible dining, One&Only Palmilla is an amazing destination resort in Cabo. From families to honeymooners there is something for everyone here. As proud partners of One&Only and our luxury affiliates, we are pleased to offer our guests incredible value-added amenities like daily breakfast, complimentary upgrades, resort credits, and more! For more information on how Ourisman Travel can assist with your trip to One&Only Palmilla or another one of our partner hotels in Cabo, reach out to the team via email at [email protected] or fill out a Travel Request Form.
Mexico’s most coveted address, One&Only Palmilla’s Villa One is the last word in Los Cabos exclusivity. If you’re looking for an exceptional Cabo retreat, look no further. It is truly iconic with an ultimate level of privacy fit for celebrities (and houses quite a few each year)! The two-story, 15,000 square foot, four-bedroom villa sleeps up to 10 guests and is equipped with everything guests can need, and more. Breathtaking hilltop ocean views and just moments from the beach in combination with an unforgettable infinity pool — it celebrates the enigmatic beauty of Los Cabos. It is a secret sanctuary within the grounds of One&Only Palmilla, hiding among lush greenery and flowering cacti. This makes Villa One only visible at the top of its private, gated drive.
The indoors-outdoors living design of Villa One offers endless opportunities to enjoy the celebrated Los Cabos’ weather. They have about 350 days of sunshine per year! The modern design is warm with touches of authentic Mexican accents. This provides a luxurious atmosphere without losing the easygoing and laid-back feel of Los Cabos. The main communal areas are open floor plans, creating an intimate yet relaxed space for all.
The master suite features a king-size bed, an oversized walk-in wardrobe, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and a large private terrace with ocean vistas. One of our favorite touches is the one-of-a-kind, breathtaking black stone tub. A second private suite has a king-size bed and an en suite bathroom with a double shower. Downstairs, a third king-size bed suite includes ocean views and a fire pit on its terrace. The fourth suite offers two queen-size beds and a private terrace with an outdoor shower.
Wide, open terraces curve around the lengths of your glass-walled, infinity-edge swimming pool. The main level has a courtyard at the back of the house, complete with fruit trees and a soothing fountain. This is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or read a book. The lower level stars a large fire pit with built-in, surround seating, and a hot tub.
Villa One sports a full kitchen with first-class appliances. In addition, a butler pantry is a perfect spot for your personal chef to arrange your meals while not disturbing guests. The private cinema, located on the lower level, can seat ten people and be a great hangout spot for the kids, or adults, to enjoy over 2,000 films. The outdoor kitchen space sits alongside seating for up to 12 guests and cocoon swings.
The bar is generously stocked with premium labels and guests enjoy priority access to the resort’s restaurants. If you do not want to utilize the resort Spa, Villa One houses its own private spa treatment room. One&Only’s is unrivaled in the category of hospitality and personalized service. At Villa One, a staff of 12 including two chefs and a personal trainer or yoga instructor stays in their own living quarters just behind the villa. We ensure your group’s every need is anticipated and satisfied. Whether you are dreaming of a magical getaway with your significant other or getting your family or close friends together — Villa One is a truly breathtaking Los Cabos residence not to be overlooked!
The additional benefits of booking your stay with Ourisman Travel are truly the icing on the cake. Take advantage of our exclusive Virtuoso amenities including daily breakfast, a $150 USD Resort credit, early check-in/late check-out based on availability, and more! Our close relationship with One&Only Palmilla allows us to grant you VIP status for your stay. In addition, we can easily relay your preferences and requests, prior to your arrival, to ensure your stay is perfect! Reach out to the team to plan your once-in-a-lifetime getaway to Villa One by emailing the team at [email protected] or filling out a Travel Request Form! We can’t wait to help you get away!
After a year like 2020, taking a leap and being spontaneous might be a bit scary for some. We have all experienced the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and after a year, it has become a source of exhaustion for many and people are looking forward to the day they can take a much-needed vacation. If you have yet to travel since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be pleasantly surprised by the way the travel industry has adapted in the wake of the pandemic. From air to hotels and everything in between, there have been safety improvements and updates made across the board in travel to welcome you back with peace of mind. The realities of COVID-19 travel may still be daunting to some and as your trusted travel advisors, Team Ourisman is here to support you as you go back out into the world. We recently sent our Sales Coordinator Meg down to Cabo to explore One & Only Palmilla and to experience how COVID-19 has impacted travel to Mexico. Below, we recap Meg’s experience in taking a spontaneous trip south of the border.
We were very lucky to be given a spot on a trip to visit the beautiful One&Only Palmilla in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The trip was a bit last minute, but nothing we can’t handle! With three days before departure, Meg purchased a roundtrip ticket from Baltimore to San José with Delta. The following morning, she was able to get a rapid PCR test, without an appointment, at the local Urgent Care. We would suggest arriving 30 minutes prior to opening to avoid lines for a clinic such as this if you do not have an appointment. The negative results were received via email within one hour and printed out at home, to have both a digital and printed copy handy for the airlines. Delta emailed one form to sign and print to bring to the flight with a few basic questions regarding COVID-19. All that Meg had left to do was pack her bags!
The departure flight from BWI was a morning flight and Meg was lucky enough to find short lines at security with the airport feeling close to empty. All of the airports stopped in, both to and from Mexico, (BWI, ATL, DTW, and SJC) were spotless and hand sanitizing stations everywhere. Everyone encountered at the airports, both travelers and employees, were very respectful and cooperative with regard to social distancing and wearing their masks appropriately. Horror stories surely happen, but Meg’s experience was smooth and conflict free.
Meg had a connecting flight each way and luckily each flight on her itinerary were at about one-third capacity with only passengers in the same party sharing a row. The planes were sanitized and cleaned prior to boarding and you could tell — they were spotless! The flight attendants handed passengers a sanitizing wipe as they boarded and once in flight, the attendants handed out plastic baggies stocked with a water bottle, 2 snacks, an extra mask, and more sanitizing wipes. They also handed out 3 short forms to complete for immigration upon arrival in Mexico.
Upon arrival in San José, Meg found the airport to be very clean, well organized, and easy to understand. Papers and passports were checked efficiently and the process only took about 20 minutes. Walking through the small airport and outside to the pickup area, it was very easy to find the One&Only greeter waiting with a sign. The driver took a quick temperature read while all bags were sanitized before being loaded into the vehicle. After a 25 minute drive to the resort, guests passed through a large yet discrete thermal thermometer in the open-air lobby to read temperatures once more while bags were sanitized again for extra precaution.
Check-in was as seamless as always and before long Meg was in her room enjoying a welcome cocktail and the stunning views at One & Only Palmilla. Feeling safe to relax and unwind, her vacation was ready to begin! Be sure to check out our review of One & Only Pamilla and the extra special Villa One on the property, which plays host to guests seeking an extra special, truly luxurious, and one-of-a-kind experience! One & Only Palmilla is one of many fantastic resorts in Cabo and Mexico that will make for a perfect post COVID getaway! With 61 properties to choose from in the Virtuoso network alone, selecting the right resort to fit your needs can be a daunting task; reach out to the team if you aren’t sure which one to choose from!
While Meg had a fantastic time enjoying the wonderful One&Only Palmilla, the realities of COVID-19 travel did not disappear. For now, everyone returning to the States will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test and one of the benefits was the ease with which she was able to schedule a COVID test prior to her departure. Like many luxury properties around the world, the COVID test was offered on the property for ease of the guest. They had a designated room where guests went for their appointment to get a rapid test. Two doctors were present to administer the tests and all the typical procedures were followed from the privacy and comfort of a hotel room. The test itself cost 30 USD and all major credit cards were accepted by the testing company for easy payment at the time of testing. Negative results were emailed as well as printed and in an envelope under Meg’s suite door, within one hour of her test.
All in all, the travel process was extremely smooth, felt very safe & clean, and ultimately reassured us that the world is ready for travelers to get back out there and enjoy. COVID-19 has impacted travel in a major way and as the world recovers, we are here for you with the most up-to-date information and our own experiences. We completely understand that not everyone is ready to venture out into the world yet and we respect that. As always, our approach is designed towards your needs and comfort level. When you are ready to pack your bags and get away, Ourisman Travel is here to support you. For more information on travel to Mexico, other international travel questions, and how we can help you plan your next trip, please reach out to us at [email protected] or submit a travel request form!
Cheers to health, happiness, and packing our bags again!
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For many, ski season is the best time of year! From hitting the slopes to enjoying spa treatments and lovely meals, ski resorts offer their own brand of paradise. We find it is always best to plan ski trips in advance, as the most desirable properties book up quickly and for good reason! Team Ourisman has put together a list of our top five ski destinations in the United States, complete with our favorite hotels in each location!
First up on the list is Aspen, Colorado. Aspen has long had a reputation for being one of the best destinations in the US for skiers and those who enjoy “see and be seen” environments. With incredible skiing, fine dining, galleries, and boutiques, Aspen has something for everyone. Our favorite property in Aspen is easily The Little Nell. This boutique property has long been a favorite of guests seeking modern amenities with old-school service. Ourisman Travel can offer clients great perks at The Little Nell, including free breakfast and potential upgrades.
If Aspen feels a little too posh for your taste, a great alternative is Vail, Colorado. While Vail only has one resort as opposed to Aspen’s 4, you will find that reflected in the price point of the accommodations in Vail. Vail offers a fair number of luxury properties throughout the ski resort town, but among these options, we tend to favor the Four Seasons Vail and Sonnenalp. Sonnenalp is a quaint boutique hotel that brings the feeling of European hospitality stateside. We love its location in the heart of Vail Village! The Four Seasons Vail offers a wider range of room types and our strong relationship with the property means our clients enjoy extra special service at the Four Seasons. We are able to offer free breakfast and other amenities like early check-in and late check-out at both properties.
In Utah, look no further than Park City, Utah for great skiing and lively Main Street with quaint shops and restaurants. Known for hosting the Winter Olympics, Park City is great for winter recreation junkies. We absolutely love the Montage Deer Valley. Located in the Deer Valley ski resort and on top of Empire Pass, the Montage Deer Valley’s location cannot be beaten. This property offers guests ski-in and ski-out access and complimentary ski storage, among other thoughtful touches. The Montage closes annually during the off-season to address any damage from the past season and ensure that guests always have the best experience. We are proud to offer our clients added benefits like potential upgrades, resort credits, and more at Montage Deer Valley.
If you are looking to be more removed from reality without sacrificing luxury Jackson Hole, Wyoming might be a good fit for you. The now-famous elk antler arch in the town square greets guests in this remote ski paradise. With three ski areas to choose from, there are plenty of runs to keep even the most avid skier or boarder busy. Of course, we love the Four Seasons Jackson Hole and our clients enjoy an array of perks when they book their stays with us, including daily breakfast and potential upgrades. However, if you are looking for something really special we have to recommend Amangani. Amangani offers guests the type of experience only an Aman property can, and with its own ski concierge and private ski lounge, it is hard to beat. We offer our clients daily breakfast, early check-in, and late check-out, and much more when we arrange their stays at Amangani!
Of course, we would be remiss if we were to leave Big Sky, Montana off the list. While in the past Big Sky has been lacking in true high-end accommodations that will all come to an end with the opening of Montage Big Sky. With the same ski-in ski-out model offered at the Montage Deer Valley, the Montage Big Sky promises to, at long last, bring luxury to this spectacular ski destination. Opening its doors in late 2021, we are thrilled to add this property to our list of amazing ski destinations and will be able to offer clients the same perks they can expect to find at other Montage properties, including daily breakfast, resort credits, and more!
To learn more about how Ourisman Travel can assist in planning your next ski vacation and our relationships with the properties featured, please reach out to the team via email at [email protected] or fill out a Travel Request Form.
