It is not uncommon to receive client requests for last-minute trips. Life happens, and if an opportunity emerges to take a vacation, we will always do our best to support you and put a plan in place. That being said, you should know that passport renewal is taking much longer than it used to. According to the U.S. Department of State, the volume of applications they have received this year has “outpaced records set by last year’s volume by more than 30 percent”. The current processing time is approximately 10-13 weeks and expedited processing is 7-9 weeks. So, if your passport is expired but your calendar has opened up for a last-minute tropical getaway, worry not! There are tropical havens within the United States where you can indulge in sun-soaked adventures without fully compromising on the luxuries St. Tropez or Turks and Caicos offers. In this blog post, we give our expert recommendations on where to stay at four of the most incredible destinations where you can experience a taste of the tropics without needing a valid passport. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and luxury of St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys, and Hawaii.
St. Thomas
Escape to the idyllic island of St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Imagine yourself in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling alongside vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. Explore the charming streets of Charlotte Amalie, the island’s capital, known for its colonial architecture and duty-free shopping. For breathtaking views, take a scenic drive up to Mountain Top and witness panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands.
Captivated by lush tropical flora and views of Great Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is an inviting, renovated oasis. After its $100 million transformation, the resort represents an array of enhancements, including four exceptional dining options. Guests can indulge in the remodeled infinity pool or enjoy the added family-friendly pool featuring an exhilarating water slide. A luxury catamaran has been introduced for daily cruises and tours, and upon arrival, you will be greeted with a refreshing rum punch as you are escorted to your room. The hotel effortlessly embodies luxury, ensuring that every fine detail is meticulously taken care of. The attentive staff will remember your name and preferred drink order, and just when you start to feel a little warm, a cool towel will magically appear. Despite the focus on luxurious touches, the Ritz-Carlton maintains an inviting and unpretentious atmosphere. The resort exudes a sense of relaxed opulence, with a touch of understated elegance that effortlessly blends with its surroundings.
One of the property’s standout features is that every single room has an ocean view. There’s nothing quite like savoring a cup of coffee on the balcony while admiring the sailboats gracefully gliding across the water during sunrise. The rooms are generously sized, providing ample space for guests to move around. The bathrooms are equally impressive, with a separate shower and spacious soaking tub, complemented by a large vanity area. The soothing gray walls and marble create a luxurious spa-like ambiance, encouraging guests to unwind and relax. Among the abundance of services offered, we particularly enjoyed the daily rum tastings when we visited, allowing us to indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean. We also took advantage of the non-motorized sports and spent our day kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.
Book with Ourisman Travel for exclusive amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit utilized during the stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Current Promotion: Guests get to enjoy an additional Hotel Credit of $500 USD by staying five nights or longer. Must book by June 30, 2023. Blackout dates apply.
Puerto Rico
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico offers a perfect blend of rich history, captivating culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, where colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets tell stories of the past. Unwind at the pristine shores of Flamenco Beach in Culebra, or hike through El Yunque National Forest, a lush rainforest teeming with waterfalls and exotic wildlife.
Dorado Beach, located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, is renowned as a top luxury travel destination. It offers pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, gourmet fine dining, and lush tropical landscapes.
Luxury Accommodations
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ritz-Carlton Reserve currently boasts only five extraordinary locations around the world. Among these, Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico stands out as a 114-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, steeped in history and regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most coveted destinations since its opening in the 1950s. In terms of luxury travel in Puerto Rico, the Ritz-Carlton in Dorado Beach is by far our top recommendation!
The guest rooms at Dorado Beach are a testament to refined elegance, resembling private villas rather than traditional hotel rooms. With a light and refreshing color palette and modern technological amenities, each room offers floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that reveal stunning ocean views and lead to a private balcony or terrace. Most of the 114 rooms also include their own private plunge pools. As an added touch of luxury, every room includes the services of an Embajador, who provides butler and concierge services ensuring personalized attention and exceptional service throughout your stay.
We recommend families seeking an added layer of privacy opt to stay at one of the 29 Reserve Residences, which provide direct beach access and proximity to the resort’s amenities. These spacious residences offer full kitchens, comfortable living areas, and up to five bedrooms, accommodating families of various sizes. Should guests prefer not to cook, they have the option to hire a private chef to cater to their culinary desires. For an ultraluxe experience, guests can reserve Su Casa, an impressive 8,000-square-foot home complete with its own full-sized pool, designed to accommodate larger groups in utmost luxury and privacy.
Book with Ourisman Travel for exclusive amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during the stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Current Promotion: Enjoy an additional $500 Resort Credit with a 3-night minimum stay in the rooms or suites. Resort Credit to be used at Spa Botanico, COA Signature Restaurant, Posi+ivo Sand Bar, La Cocina Gourmet, or In Room Dining. Offer valid through December 14, 2023.
Nestled between the El Yunque National Forest and Espiritu Santo River State Preserve, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a luxury sanctuary on a former coconut plantation. With 139 guest rooms and suites offering private terraces and views of the ocean and lush gardens, every detail of your retreat is meticulously designed to meet the highest environmental standards, with over 65% of the property preserved as green areas, sanctuaries, and nature trails. Bahia Beach is also the first and only resort in the Caribbean to be awarded the Gold Signature Sanctuary certification by Audubon International.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding sea, sand, and foliage, the resort exudes a modern and residential ambiance. The refurbished hotel rooms and suites offer a light and contemporary aesthetic, featuring a tranquil color palette of whites and light blues that beautifully complement the views of the ocean and gardens.
Ensuring a restful night’s sleep, the signature pillow top St. Regis bed is adorned with crisp 400-thread-count Frette bed linens and accompanied by a cozy cashmere throw. After a long day at the beach, indulge in the spacious marble spa bathroom found in your suite, then bundle up in the custom Frette bathrobes for an added touch of pampering. Whether unwinding in your suite or immersing yourself in the resort’s stunning surroundings, every moment spent at St. Regis Bahia Resort is designed to provide a truly rejuvenating stay.
Book with Ourisman Travel for exclusive amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during the stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Florida Keys
Discover a slice of American paradise in the Florida Keys, a chain of stunning islands stretching south of Miami. Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, offers a vibrant atmosphere with its lively coral reefs, quirky art galleries, and historic landmarks.
Our top recommendation for accommodation in the Florida Keys is Little Palm Island, a secluded private island resort that offers an exclusive retreat for adults. Reminiscent of a Balinese getaway, this unique slice of paradise can only be reached by boat or seaplane, providing a chance to escape and unwind without venturing too far from home. The resort’s emphasis on tranquility is evident, as guests can enjoy the privacy of their own veranda, free from any electronic distractions while being treated to breathtaking panoramic ocean views and a shooting sea breeze.
Little Palm Island is highly regarded as the perfect romantic getaway, offering special touches such as romantic turndown services, private dining options, and hot tubs on the balcony of luxury bungalows.
Book with Ourisman travel for:
- A $100 resort credit
- Daily $100 breakfast credit for two people
- Complimentary room upgrade at check-in (STA)
- Welcome amenity
- No walk policy
- VIP status, and more!
Hawaii
Embark on a tropical adventure to one of our personal favorites, the enchanting islands of Hawaii, where volcanic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and golden beaches beckon. Over the past several years, Team O has made many information-gathering trips to Hawaii to get deep destination immersion, develop expertise in luxury hotel options, and establish valuable relationships with our partners. One of those partners, Four Seasons, offers a lavish and remarkable escape that captures the essence of the Aloha spirit at any of their 5 Hawaiian properties. Whether you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon destination, a family-friendly resort with an abundance of activities, or to experience the ultimate wellness escape, we believe the Four Seasons Hotels in Hawaii is the pinnacle of luxury and can deliver the perfect Hawaiian getaway.
For a well-rounded Hawaiian experience, Maui is an excellent choice as it offers a variety of activities and attractions. With its beautiful beaches, fantastic snorkeling spots, scenic hikes and drives, enjoyable shopping opportunities, and excellent dining options, there’s something for everyone on the island. Among the Four Seasons Hotels in Hawaii, the Four Seasons Maui is particularly popular among couples, especially honeymooners. The property offers a range of indulgent experiences, including an adults-only sanctuary pool and a luxurious spa. For a touch of adventure, guests can try outrigger canoeing!
Families, on the other hand, may find Four Seasons Hualalai to be their favorite. The hotel features a spacious kids club with both indoor and outdoor spaces and a variety of scheduled activities to keep children entertained throughout the day.
We recommend Sensei Lana’i, a Four Seasons Resort for adults seeking a serene immersion in Hawaii’s stunning landscape. The property is designed with wellness top of mind, creating a peaceful and relaxing environment for guests.
For outdoor adventurers, the Four Seasons Lana’i is our top choice. Despite its smaller size compared to the other islands, Lanai offers diverse and unique landscapes. Visitors can explore famous shipwrecks, go on whale and dolphin watching excursions, hike to Sweetheart Rock, try archery, play golf, go horseback riding, savor fresh sushi by Nobu, and unwind by the pool after a spa treatment.
Although Four Seasons Oahu is last on our list of all the properties, it shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for families. The resort provides an array of exciting water activities suitable for all ages. However, it’s worth noting that the property shares a beach with Disney Aulani, so for a more secluded vacation, it may be preferable to choose a different Four Seasons.
Ultimately, Four Seasons offers unparalleled luxury and a truly unique experience across all five of its exquisite Hawaiian properties. If it’s your first time visiting Hawaii and you have the opportunity, we recommend designing an itinerary that includes at least two islands, particularly if you’re traveling from a location farther away than California. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of Hawaii’s beauty and diversity.
Plus, as our client, you will receive exclusive amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily continental breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit utilized during your stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- VIP Status
Your Luxury American Vacation Starts Now
While international travel offers some of the best tropical destinations, it can be fun to explore our own backyard, especially if an expired passport is in the way. We have personally vetted each property listed above and have a long list of positive client reviews. We work closely with each partner to ensure a VIP stay and are confident any of these recommended properties will live up to your luxury vacation expectations.
For more information on any of these properties or recommended destinations, reach out to our team at [email protected] or submit a travel request form.
