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Rwanda

Rwanda

Written by Maria Diego on . Posted in Destination Guides.

Rwanda

A Destination Guide for Your African Safari Vacation
MARIA DIEGO

Rwanda, a country no larger than the size of Maryland, is often referred to as the land of a thousand hills and is located in East Africa. Best known for its gorilla population, Rwanda has a lush terrain of rainforests and farmland, spotted with microclimates of misty haze that hang over the hills like a mystical dream until streams of sunlight break through the grey clouds, exposing a magnificently green landscape that can be viewed from its thousand hilltops. Rwanda shares a border with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is the second safest country in all of Africa. Rwanda is a country with a painful past and colorful yet complicated history, and the people of Rwanda are deeply connected to each other, having lived through a trauma that left both visible and invisible wounds that will continue to be felt for generations to come. I’ll go into further detail about the Rwandan genocide when I cover things to do in Rwanda, but the most notable highlight of my experience in Rwanda was the joyful hope and resilience that exuded from every Rwandan’s infectious smile. With Micato Safaris, a leading tour operator in Africa for 30+ years and one of Diego Travel’s top travel partners, we are able to plan an unforgettable trip to Rwanda that will change the way you see the world.

Perfect For: Adventure & Thrill Seekers | Destination Weddings | Luxury Honeymoon | Couples Groups | Multi-Generational Families with Older Children | Anniversary Trips | Those Who Have Already Done Safari | Teens Ages 15+

Getting to Rwanda

Getting to Rwanda

Getting to Rwanda isn’t easy, and my total travel time from Miami exceeded 24 hours, but the trip is well worth it. Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, has several non-stop flights from major European airports.

Once in Kigali, I recommend a minimum one night in Kigali in order to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and acclimate to the time change. Unless your time is seriously limited, then you could take a private helicopter from Kigali airport onto One and Only Nyungwe House. One & Only Resorts, a Diego Travel preferred partner, has the perfect pairing of resorts in Rwanda that I cannot recommend enough. You can find out more about my stays under Where To Stay in Rwanda. When you utilize Diego Travel’s trip planning service, we handle all of the logistics of travel to the Rwanda, taking into consideration the number of nights you have, your budget, and facts you may not even be aware of that might add a roadblock to your trip unless you utilize someone in-the-know.

Rwanda

-1.96357,30.1348

Kigali

Rwanda Chimpanzee

The Rwanda Luxury Travel Guide

What to do in Rwanda

Rwanda has four national parks including Volcanoes National Park, best known for its population of gorilla families, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Nyungwe National Park, which crosses over into Uganda and is home to 4 different species of primates including chimpanzees, and Akagera National Park. The national parks of Rwanda make up nearly 9% of its land, and each national park in Rwanda has a slightly different biodiversity. Volcanoes National Park encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains and is home to a growing gorilla population, all thanks to the work of Dian Fossey and continued conservation work of her foundation. If you’re after more than just gorilla and primate trekking, you can find the Big Five in Akagera National Park, making Rwanda a destination in and of itself. Many people make the mistake of tacking Rwanda onto the end of a larger safari trip as a sort of addendum to quickly see the gorillas, but it’s much more deserving of a minimum 8 nights to properly experience the country.
  • The Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

    Dian Fossey was a leading researcher of gorillas and conservationist who spent two decades studying and protecting the gorillas, until her death in 1985.  Her research and activism against the poaching of gorillas was what led to their continued growth, and to this day, Rwanda has the strictest rules in place to protect the gorilla population.  The Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is made up of three buildings – an interactive museum for the general public where you can learn about gorillas, their behaviors and habitat, and also learn about the life of Dian Fossey.  

    The second building is home to a cafeteria for the many schools of children who come through to learn about gorillas, as well as classrooms and lecture halls where future generations can participate in the continued conservation of the species.

  • ELLEN DEGENERES CAMPUS OF THE DIAN FOSSEY GORILLA FUND INTERIOR

  • ELLEN DEGENERES CAMPUS OF THE DIAN FOSSEY GORILLA FUND

  • The final building on campus houses labs and office space for primatologists and university research students, who study things such as gorilla stressors which they are able to do by measuring cortisol levels in fecal samples, knowing exactly what the gorillas were doing at the moment the fecal sample was collected.  When I asked if exposure to tourists affects the gorillas stress level, Veronica, the modern day Dian Fossey and director of the campus who has spent the last 30 years of her life with the gorillas, smiled and replied, “Happily not.  They are unaffected by tourism because we maintain tight control of their exposure.“

    As a Diego Travel client, you can get an insider’s tour of the areas that aren’t open to the public, as well as access to the rooftop viewing deck, where you can sip cocktails and munch on canapés with gorgeous volcano vistas in the background.  The campus also has meeting space, so if your company is thinking of a destination for a small work retreat, Rwanda is ideal and Diego Travel can help you plan it.

  • Gorilla Trekking

    Following the tour of the campus, the main highlight and life-changing experience of your trip to Rwanda will be the gorilla trekking.  There are currently 12 gorilla families that you can observe, all named after the leading silverback gorilla of the group.  Permits to see the gorillas cost $1500 USD per person, with a minimum age of 15 years old.  There is a daily maximum of 90 tourists allowed to enter the national park, broken up into groups of 6 people or less, and accompanied by 1-2 guides.  Once the gorillas are spotted, the group has exactly 60 minutes to observe them.  This guarantees that each gorilla family is exposed to humans for no more than 1 hour on any given day.  

    Gorilla trackers who sleep in the national park forest communicate with the guides via walkie-talkie, providing an estimated location of each gorilla family.  Given the gorillas’ location at time of the tourist group’s departure, they can predict whether a trek will be easy, medium or hard, allowing you to choose your difficulty level.  However, because gorillas can quickly change course, it is oftentimes unpredictable, as was the case on one of my treks.  

  • Gorilla Trecking in Rwanda

  • Gorilla Baby

  • Porters will also accompany each group, providing someone to carry your backpack and help you climb what can be a very steep incline.  The guides will lead the group with machetes, creating a hiking path as you cut through what can be thick bush full of stinging nettles.  I highly recommend wearing thicker canvas-type pants, knee-high hiking socks, and ankle hiking boots, and the hotels I recommend for my clients provide gators to protect the lower part of your legs. Even if you feel that you don’t need a porter, for just $10, you’re providing a salary and supporting the community by utilizing them.  Many of today’s porters are also ex-poachers, who have been retrained to earn a living in a sustainable way that supports wildlife instead of harming it.

    I’ll discuss my personal experience of the gorilla trekking under the summary of my trip, but going just once wasn’t enough for me.  After falling in love with the experience, I returned the following day for a second trek.  Each trek experience was completely different from the other, and I’m so grateful that I had the chance to do two gorilla treks.

  • Chimpanzee and Monkey Trekking

    Chimpanzee trekking means a 4 AM wakeup call because catching the chimps just as they’re waking up is key to a good experience.  The chimpanzees were my first foray into seeing the true wildlife in Africa, and to describe the sound of the rainforest at sunrise, with heavy rains falling around us, would be fruitless.  You just have to experience it. 

    As a city girl, I was very poorly equipped to hike in heavy rainfall.  At 4:30 AM, I groggily stumbled into the hotel’s reception to grab a to-go breakfast and a cup of coffee from the beautifully set up station, only to be given the up and down from a gorgeous South African woman, dressed appropriately in head-to-toe Patagonia gear.  “Don’t you have any other pants? Those are awfully baggy and will be soaked within minutes,” she told me.  I shook my head and self-consciously nibbled on my gluten-free lemon poppyseed muffin as I silently pondered how in the world I got it all wrong.

  • Chimp

  • Rwanda Artisan Community

  • Local Artisan Communities

    Because the majority of the land in Rwanda is farmland, a highlight of your trip will be the farm-to-table dining.  Aside from food, the artisans of Rwanda gather and build co-ops or communities where they sell handwoven baskets, hand-carved gorilla statues, and Imigongo painted traditional artwork, using terracotta, black and earthy color tones with the primary ingredient being cow dung.  We had a chance to create our own, and let’s just say I’m not going to quit my day job.  I did, however, do enough shopping to fill the handy Tumi Just In Case bag I always pack.

  • KIGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIAL

    The genocide of Rwanda was a mass ethnic killing of an estimated 1 million Tutsi.  The division of ethnicities within Rwanda was not based on facts, but rather an invention of the Belgian colonialists since the 1940s, who divided the Rwandans into three groups based on physical traits.  Their plan to divide the population and ultimately rule over them was a slowly seeping process of infiltrating hatred amongst Rwandans.  In 1994, following a series of events that created a perfect storm, there was a 3-month period in which neighbors and friends turned on each other and brutally murdered the entire population of the Tutsi people, or anyone who was associated with them. 

  • Rwanda Genocide Museum

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a crucial first stop on your trip to Rwanda.  It creates context for your entire vacation, and will allow you to have a 360 degree understanding of who the Rwandan people are, where they came from, and how far they have come.  

While not easy, I am definitely going to recommend a visit to all of my clients at the start of their trip.  The memorial was set up as a place to honorably bury about 250,000 Rwandans who died during the genocide, but also allows families a place to visit and reflect, and honor those who died during this tragedy.  

A Note About Security in Rwanda

While the 1994 genocide is a stain on Rwanda’s history, present-day Rwanda is a state of security and unity.  I have never felt so safe while traveling, as hotels require several security checkpoints, and even to enter the airport area requires everyone to get out of the vehicle while it is driven through a security scanner.  All the hotels and national forests were patrolled by armed security, making a stay in Rwanda very safe.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Where to Stay in Rwanda

One of the best destinations in Africa for a truly luxury and exclusive experience is in Rwanda.  While there are many beautiful properties around the world and luxury hotels and accommodations, it is the staff at the One and Only hotels and resorts that will make your stay so special.

One&Only Nyungwe House

One and Only Nyungwe House

One and Only Nyungwe House, pronounced young-way with an ’n’ on the front, is perfect for honeymooners, anniversary trips, bucket list trips, and even great for families.  The property allows children about 10 years and older, but keep in mind that they will not be able to visit the chimps and gorillas until 15-years-old.  One and Only Nyungwe House is 23 rooms and suites set on a 10 hectare working tea plantation.

When we arrived after a 30-minute commercial flight from Kigali, and about a 45-minute safari jeep ride to the property, we were greeted by drummers and dancers, and just like the song of the chimpanzees in the rainforest, their song brought on a wave of emotion that instantly filled my heart with joy and my eyes with tears.  I cannot describe the experience in any other way, but I know that I never wanted it to end.

Dee, the property’s South African general manager, greeted us with a hand held over her heart, as the rest of the staff lined up with the same gesture and handing us a damp hotel towel and welcome ginger tea.  Dee welcomed us into their ‘home’ where she explained that between our two stays, “Nyungwe House is the heart, whereas Gorilla’s Nest is the arms and legs.”  

As we were led on a tour of the property’s spa, library, pool, and rooms, Dee’s infectious laugh was sprinkled between stories as she described the Nyungwe experience.  This unique gem of a property certainly felt like a peaceful sanctuary of treehouses nestled into the edge of the forest, where you commonly see Colobus and Mangobee monkeys visiting your terrace.  

I’ll discuss some activities we did on property in the summary of our stay, but as a general rule, I would recommend a minimum of 3-nights at Nyungwe House, especially if you plan on doing the chimpanzee tour and really relaxing on the property.  For more time for relaxation after your long journey, you’ll really need 4 nights for the adventure + relaxation pieces.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following One&Only Preferred Partner Amenities:

  • Exclusive One&Only Offers
  • Daily Full American breakfast for up to two people per bedroom
  • USD $100 food and beverage credit
  • Welcome note and amenity
  • Priority Upgrade if Available
  • Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
  • VIP Status
  • Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Diego Travel Recommends One&Only Nyungwe House For: Honeymooners | Small Destination Weddings | Couples Groups | Multi-Generational Families with Older Children | Anniversary Trips | Adventure Seekers | Incentive Trips

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One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

One and Only Gorillas Nest

One and Only Gorillas Nest is my favorite hotel in the world.  There, I said it!  Everyone always asks me that question and before visiting this property, I truly didn’t have a favorite.  “Well, it depends on what style,” I’d say.  Or I’d ask, “For a boutique hotel or a resort?”  For One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, it doesn’t matter who you are or what your taste is, I can pretty much guarantee you’re going to love it and never want to leave.  

We landed by helicopter on the property’s helipad after a 40-minute helicopter ride from One and Only Nyungwe House, again greeted by tear-inducing African dancers and drummers with the staff impeccably dressed in suits with their hands held over their hearts.  If there ever was a moment when I felt like a celebrity or the President of the United States, this was it.  Speaking of celebrities, Bill Gates was one of the property’s first guests, which speaks to the calibre and privacy that the resort offers.  

The owner of One and Only Gorillas Nest is from Dubai and literally spared no expense to perfect every detail in a way that I have never seen before.   Craig, the area manager who oversees both Rwandan properties, gave us a tour of the locker rooms at Club One, the main pool, gym, and spa amenities area, and I commented how even the men’s locker room used dark wood while the ladies’ locker room was white and bright.  He paused and raised an eyebrow, saying, “Funny you should mention that.  There’s a story behind it actually.”  He went on to tell us that after the installation of the locker rooms was complete, the owner was visiting and realized that the location of the ladies’ room would require them to walk on a pathway with no overhang (for a total distance of about 15 feet).  He didn’t like the idea of the ladies getting wet in the rain, so swapped the men’s and women’s rooms, which required a complete de-installation of cabinetry from each room.  

The interior decorator, Hurburtus Feit, who lives in Paris and primarily does residential projects, incorporated different patterns and textures throughout the hotel and purposely gave it the residential feel for which he is so well-known, creating a cozy retreat that makes you feel like you’ll never want to leave.

Initially the idea for the resort was to build 42 rooms, but after considering that the property lends itself to privacy and exclusivity, they decided to build just 21, allowing for a sense of place within each space.  The entry level room cannot even be considered entry level, as all rooms have a sitting area with fireplace, great outdoor deck, and outdoor shower.  Some of my favorite details about the Forest View Lodge, where I stayed, was the view, the best bed sheets I’ve ever slept in (I looked at the tag and unfortunately they are made exclusively for Gorilla’s Nest) and the design details like the gorilla doorstop and hand-carved pen, the gluten-free snacks especially made for me and left at the self-serve bar, fully stocked with the finest china and glassware, and the heated bathroom floors.  They even have a Dyson hairdryer in the bathrooms, and speaking from experience, I know that many of my clients will love that!  

Aside from the Forest Lodge, they also have a Double Queen room, which is essentially a 2-bedroom with shared bathroom and living room.  The second bedroom has a powder room off it as well, which would be perfect for older kids.  The property has 5 Virunga suites, with one being in a cluster of 3 rooms, perfect for a family or group traveling together.  The Virunga Suites are gorgeous, and would be a better option if you need more common space.  Finally, the Silverback Suite is the top suite on property, with a full outdoor pool looking over the best view on property.  It also has a kitchen that can accommodate a kosher diet, or for someone who needs to eat their meals in villa, a private chef can prepare their food there.  

What makes One&Only Gorillas Nest so special though is not the property itself, but rather the people and the experiences that they provide.  Everyone is so kind and genuinely happy for you to be there, that every moment, word and action is made with such heartfelt intention.  The staff addresses you by name, and offers a subtle bow with the signature hand over heart as they smile and ask if you need anything.  When the sun goes down and the chilly evening settles in, they pick you up in a golf cart, a heated water bottle wrapped in beautiful African fabric is placed over your lap as they wrap your shoulders in a soft wool blanket.  Post-trek you’ll be met at the reception as they seat you on a bench where they remove your boots and dirty socks to replace them with your choice of African slides or white flip-flops.  By that evening, your hiking boots magically appear in your room, looking as clean as the day that you bought them.  

One final note about One and Only Gorillas Nest: we stayed 3 nights but I secretly inquired with Micato Safaris about staying on a 4th night.  There are commercial flights that run to Kigali, but unfortunately there wasn’t any running the day that I needed it; 3 nights was not enough, especially considering that I did two gorilla treks, so when we plan your vacation to Rwanda, I highly recommend staying on 4 nights if you plan on doing the second gorilla trek.  

 

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following One&Only Preferred Partner Amenities:

  • Exclusive One&Only Offers
  • Daily Full American breakfast for up to two people per bedroom
  • USD $100 food and beverage credit
  • Welcome note and amenity
  • Priority Upgrade if Available
  • Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
  • VIP Status
  • Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using theTravel Planning Service

Book Direct with Perks

The Retreat Kigali

The Retreat Kigali

One of my favorite hidden gems of the trip was The Retreat in Kigali, a boutique hotel built by two American ex-pats, Alisa and Josh Ruxin, who work with local non-profits and started this project to create a hospitality training program for organizations such as Orphans of Rwanda.  They currently employ a staff of 145 for just 20 rooms, that range from an entry-level Deluxe Room to a Luxury Pool Villa, with rates starting around $300 USD per night.  This quaint property is the 5 star version of its sister hotel next door called Heaven.  A restaurant with excellent food and some more 3.5-4 star accommodations, Heaven is a great option for the more budget-minded traveler.

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Rwanda Traditions

Summary of Our Stay

Upon arrival to Rwanda, we had to undergo a PCR Covid test per the current regulations. Diego Travel clients can be set up with VIP Fast Track arrival service to whisk you through customs and have the PCR testing done. Our flight arrived into Kigali at night, so we stayed 2 nights in Kigali upon arrival, visiting both the Genocide Memorial and having lunch at Heaven, located next to The Retreat. While it may seem excessive, we needed additional negative Covid tests to enter the national parks, in order to protect the primates as they are highly susceptible to human diseases. It’s astonishing that we share 98% of the same DNA, so given their small population, we need to protect them from any danger, such as coronavirus, as much as we can.

One&Only Evening

The commercial flight into Nyungwe was not as easy as I would have thought. The Rwandan processing is slow, whether it’s through security checkpoints or checking into hotels. As we were traveling with Micato Safaris, they did a fantastic job of keeping our documents in order and because they provided each destination with our documentation in advance, there was less wait time than what one would typically experience. Some things are unpredictable though, such as our bags taking an hour to get unloaded from the plane upon arrival into Nyungwe, so my advice is to pack your patience when traveling to Africa.

Rwanda

Arriving to this part of the country was the first time experiencing the ‘authentic’ Rwanda, seeing women balancing baskets on their heads and men pushing bicycles loaded up with kilos of potatoes. Seeing little children running behind their older siblings on a tea plantation, and frantically waving at us as our green safari jeep sped by. “Canesa, canesa,” they’d yell in Rwandese. “Wishing you health and happiness,” the greeting Rwandans use. Mothers carrying babies wrapped on their backs, and women and men bent over to pick tea leaves in the fields. The endless hills are astonishing and climb higher and higher as you make your way to Nyungwe House.

Arriving at One&Only Nyungwe House

I already spoke about the arrival to Nyungwe House, but the emotion that overcame me I can neither put into words or ever forget it. The sense of being in Rwanda makes you somehow feel at home, even though you are worlds away.

Much of your stay will be had around the dining table or around a fire. While I started off the trip a complete stranger to all of my travel industry companions, I left feeling more connected to them because of this. We shared conversation, we shared great food, but most importantly we shared the unique experience of witnessing these magnificent animals in the wild together.

One&Only Nyungwe House

To return to the experience of the gorilla trek, since that is the sole reason why most people visit Rwanda, I would like to explain a little bit more about the process so you know what to expect. The allowed hour felt like a blip, and Craig recommend to us, over the glow of the fireplace the night before, to allow ourselves 15 minutes to take photos and video, but then to just set it aside and be present with the animals. This was the best advice I could have gotten, even though it was definitely hard to do. While the permit cost is very expensive, it’s important to note that it’s meant to keep the number of tourists to a minimum and a portion of the proceeds goes toward the conservation of the national parks and the gorillas. For example, 5% goes toward the farmers who surround the national park, as sometimes the gorillas will escape the wall of the national forest and destroy the bamboo or farm crops. This 5% covers that cost to maintain or repair any damage, so that locals are incentivized not to harm them.

Rwanda Gorilla Safari Guide

As I mentioned I did two treks, and while I don’t want to go into huge detail about them, as it was such a special experience that I want to selfishly keep some things for myself, I will say that the two treks were completely different. The first was about a 3 hour hike up steep inclines of thick mud and stinging nettles. When we arrived to the Sabinyo gorilla family, we were in tight quarters with them, all huddled together on the side of the mountain. The proximity was so close that a baby, a mother and the silverback, Sabinyo, all brushed beside me as they made their way through. On my second trek, it could not have been more different. The gorilla family this time was Mahowza, and as we were approaching the national park, the family was migrating down directly toward us. We took about 20 steps inside the wall and there they were. The guides told us to hand over our backpacks and walking sticks to the porters, as poachers used to beat them with sticks and so the sight of them still makes them defensive. Since the backpacks contain food, you keep that away from them as well. We then followed them as they formed a line of about 18 gorillas, who proceeded to walk out of the national park and onto the farmland, where they happily destroyed a field of bamboo, clawing and gnawing and licking it as they rolled, climbed, and played with each other.

Commodore Perry Estate Austin Texas

Aside from the gorilla trekking, the properties arranged other activities so that we could experience it all, such as archery, drum circle, and spear throwing. Have you ever thrown an African spear? It’s not as easy as it looks, and God knows how they ever killed any animals using that method. We painted, we took a course on tea picking and tasting, we had yoga class and massages. While both places were amazing, Delice at One and Only Gorillas Nest was the best massage I’ve ever had in my life, so much so that I asked her if I could take her home with me.

  • Food at One&Only Rwanda

There was one waiter, Jean, at One and Only Nyungwe House whose excitement and happiness was so contagious, you couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Josh, a travel companion, asked him, “Do you love your job?” He beamed ear-to-ear with his wide vibrant smile and said, “I love it too much!” Being there with people like that just made your heart melt, and made me realize that while they have so little, they have more than we will ever know. The key to happiness, or that sense of being that all of us eternally long for yet never attain, belongs to the people of Rwanda. Jean, the Patricks, Esperanz, T, and so many more, have kept a piece of my heart with them. Someday I’ll return to experience it again.

If you are ready for your trip to Rwanda, please contact me here to begin planning your incredible life-changing journey. Book your next Micato Safari with Diego Travel to receive a $200 per person gift credit to the Micato online safari store towards the purchase of  apparel and gear.

Let’s Get Planning!

Rwanda Landscape

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Four Seasons Orlando

Hotel Review: Four Seasons Orlando

Written by Maria Diego on . Posted in Hotel Reviews. No Comments on Hotel Review: Four Seasons Orlando

Hotel Review

Four Seasons Orlando

The best resort in Orlando
MARIA DIEGO

The Four Seasons Orlando is the best resort in Orlando and a destination in and of itself. When you stay in this luxury Orlando hotel, you may never want to leave to the Disney parks like Magic Kingdom. You’ll find the magic right there in the resort, whether you’re traveling for a family vacation or an adults-only getaway.

The Four Seasons in Orlando offers the best luxury hotel stay with incredible amenities that make you feel like you’re truly visiting the Happiest Place on Earth! As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Diego Travel clients will enjoy additional amenities to their stay like added resort credit and complimentary breakfast.

Perfect For: Family fun adventures | Multi-generational family trips | Weekend getaways | Even couples trips

28.3974,-81.5426

Four Seasons Orlando

Location: In the heart of Orlando, Four Seasons Orlando is a 26-acre lakeside paradise located within a gated residential community and conveniently located close to Walt Disney World and the rest of the parks.

Location: In the heart of Orlando, Four Seasons Orlando is a 26-acre lakeside paradise located within a gated residential community and conveniently located close to Walt Disney World and the rest of the parks.

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Little Palm Island 4

Vibe: Four Seasons Orlando is a happy, welcoming luxury hotel with elegant finishings.  Whether you’re traveling as a couple, or with your family, there is a space within this large resort that will make you feel at ease.  Their adults-only pool, spa area and large gym, paired with their fine dining options are a great option if you’re traveling sans kids.  But the resort itself, particularly the 5-acre on-site waterpark, is a family-friendly paradise.

Accommodations: 359 rooms and 68 suites ranging from the Golden Oak View Suite to the Royal Suite

Food & Beverage: Four Seasons Orlando Resort has 4 restaurants and 3 lounges.  Capa is the 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse and bar.  PB&G is the lakefront and poolside bar and grill.  Plancha is at the golf clubhouse and the perfect Cuban American eatery.  Finally, Ravello is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and site of the Disney character breakfast that you’ll want to take advantage of if you’re traveling with the kiddos.

Wellness: The spa has 18 treatment rooms to get a massage after a long day of walking at the parks.  My favorite part of the spa?  The fact that they offer the Bippity Boppity Boo boutique experience for your young daughters if they’re in need of the complete princess treatment, but you don’t want to wait in the lines at Magic Kingdom for it.


Activities: An on-site 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed course will keep Dad happy while the kids are running around the 5-acre water park and Mom gets to rest poolside.  In addition to the 18-holes, you’ll have a 16-acre $2.5 million practice facility featuring undulating target greens, an 18-hole putting course, and more.  As mentioned, the on-site gym is huge and offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Best of all, the complimentary Kids Camp is available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, keeping the kids entertained with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and games.  You literally don’t need to leave this resort to go to the parks if you don’t want to!

What Sets It Apart:  The facilities!  This property is, by far, the best resort option in Orlando.  Oftentimes, clients will ask me why such a big price difference compared to the other hotels in Orlando.  Once you stay here, and utilize all that it has to offer, you’ll realize that the price difference is worth it and the value is there.

 

Plan my trip to Disneyworld


Diego Travel Loves: The Four Seasons Lead With Care safety protocols were the best I have seen for a hotel.  Upon arrival, our children were given their own Four Seasons backpack filled with treasures and a scavenger hunt map, that kept them entertained throughout their stay.  As a Preferred Partner of Four Seasons, the VIP welcome amenity our clients receive is over-the-top impressive!  And of course, the non-stop entertainment for the kids keeps them happy and never asking once to visit a theme park throughout our stay!

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel: 

  • Exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner Rates (excluding character breakfast)

  • Daily full American breakfast for 2

  • $100 spa credit

  • Upgrade of one category at time of check-in, subject to availability

  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

  • VIP welcome amenity

  • Diego Travel welcome box for first-time clients

 

 

Insider Tip: The Four Seasons Orlando concierge can assist with park tickets, fast passes and more. You can utilize these services free of charge to have your trip run smoothly and make sure you don’t miss out on anything you might need.  

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Summary of Our Stay

I planned a 2-night getaway to Four Seasons Orlando during a difficult time in our lives. After many months at home during the pandemic, my father-in-law was hospitalized with Covid for many weeks. While we were nervous about leaving Miami, there was not much we could do anyway, so we purchased travel insurance and hit the road for the Happiest Place on Earth (Ask me about insuring your trip! I recommend it every time). We needed some laughter and a place that would get our minds off the current situation, and our weekend escape did just that.

While we had taken many family vacations to Orlando prior to this trip, we never wanted to splurge on the Four Seasons Orlando because the price tag is usually much higher than the other Orlando resorts. However, I can assure you that after our stay, the hefty price tag is justified, particularly if you don’t plan to visit parks all day, every day. The resort itself is so enjoyable, from its many restaurants to in-house entertainment like kids club and activities program, the water park with water slides and lazy river, and the golfing, that there’s really no need to leave the resort to have fun.

Upon arrival, the lobby is equipped with body thermal scanners with signs reminding guests to maintain social distancing. There are also hand sanitizing stations throughout the resort, that just made us feel more assured. Our children were greeted with Four Seasons backpacks with their scavenger hunt maps inside, that would keep them busy throughout their stay. Upon arriving to our room, we were welcomed by three gigantic bags of candy for the kids, a Preferred Partner welcome amenity that is customized for each my clients.

Long day at Disney

One thing I love most about my job and working with our industry partners is being able to customize the welcome amenity for my clients, and I love Four Seasons properties because they’re always willing to make each arrival extra special. For our kids, there’s nothing better than their own bag of candy (no sharing!) and a child-size plush Four Seasons bathrobe. They changed into their swimsuits and bathrobes faster than we could say, “Mickey Mouse,” and we were down at the water park in a flash.

Because of Covid, the hotel was kept at a maximum occupancy of 50% occupancy, so it felt almost empty and the kids must have gone down the slides a dozen times before we ordered a poolside dinner. The sunset over the water park was a beautiful mixture of fiery oranges and sorbet pinks, the perfect setting where I could finally relax while my kids were happily entertained.

From the next morning’s Disney character breakfast, to enjoying the water park all day, to our youngest getting the princess royal treatment at the Four Seasons salon, it was overall just a really amazing weekend. We enjoyed a more formal dinner at Capa, overlooking the entire property and skyline, which was the icing on the cake of the sweetest family vacation that we so desperately needed. If you’re like me and don’t think that the words “Orlando” and “relaxing” can go together in the same sentence, then you should try staying at the Four Seasons Orlando on your next visit. It truly is a destination on its own and well worth the investment, especially when you book with us! Who doesn’t love getting the Preferred Partner VIP treatment throughout their stay at any of the Four Seasons?!

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Sea Island Cottages

Staying in Georgia’s Sea Island Vacation Rentals and Cottages

Written by Maria Diego on . Posted in Hotel Reviews. No Comments on Staying in Georgia’s Sea Island Vacation Rentals and Cottages

Vacation Rental Review

Staying in Georgia’s Sea Island Vacation Rentals and Cottages

Where to Stay on Sea Island
MARIA DIEGO

If you’re planning a trip to Sea Island, Georgia, and you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, you like to avoid staying in large hotel resorts, or you’re travelling as part of a bigger group, then staying at one of the Sea Island cottage rentals could be perfect for you.

Perfect For: Families | Traditional Family Gatherings 

31.1997,-81.3333

Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island, on the coast of Georgia: Less than 1.5 hours by car from Jacksonville (JAX) or Savannah (SAV) International Airports, 20 minutes from Brunswick (BQK) regional airport or only 10 minutes from St Simons Airport (SSI) if flying private.

Sea Island, on the coast of Georgia: Less than 1.5 hours by car from Jacksonville (JAX) or Savannah (SAV) International Airports, 20 minutes from Brunswick (BQK) regional airport or only 10 minutes from St Simons Airport (SSI) if flying private.

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Sea Island Cottages: Sea Island vacation rentals and cottages are a great alternative to the main Cloisters building or the Sea Island Beach Club because they offer much more space and give the feel of exclusivity being located a short distance away from the main Sea Island resort buildings. This is perfect for large or multi-generational families on vacation together and also a great option if you’d like to bring your pets along too (select cottages are pet-friendly)!

Location:  A Sea Island cottage rental also allows you to decide how far you would like to be from the main resort. Sea Island cloister cottages are right by the main building, oceanfront rentals are just a short walk from the resort or vacation houses which are a bike or golf buggy ride away. You can be as near or as far as you like from all the action!


Amenities: The self-catering facilities at Sea Island cottages give you complete flexibility for your trip, with their fully equipped kitchen and amenities in each property. The Sea Island house rentals or condos come in sizes, styles, locations and budgets to suit any vacation, and we are happy to advise you on which one is right for you and your trip.

Quality and Cleanliness Standards: A great feature of the cottages Sea Island has to offer is that they are all owned and rented through Sea Island resort itself. This means no scrolling VRBO listings or worrying about the hygiene standards of an Airbnb. Instead, all the Sea Island rentals are prepared to the same high quality standards, safety regulations and hygiene regulations as the main Sea Island Resort and Beach Club. This also means the standard of service you can expect is the same as staying at a hotel and significantly higher than you would receive at a vacation rental listing property.


Additional Value when You Book Sea Island with Diego Travel

Another bonus when you book a Sea Island cottage rental through Diego Travel is the $100 per day resort credit that you’ll receive. If you do the math, that comes to $700 for a week-long stay or $1400 for two weeks! This offer is exclusively for booking Sea Island, Georgia rentals and cottages with Diego Travel and comes at no added cost to you. Plus, you will get the knowledge of a professional to help you book the best Sea Island cottage for you and your family.  Should you want additional travel planning help with scheduling activities or dining reservations, we also offer that service for an additional fee.  

With the extra resort credit to look forward to, why not treat yourself to a few extras? Sea Island cottages all offer daily housekeeping at an additional cost. You can even request that the kitchen and fridge be fully stocked in preparation for your arrival so you can get that high quality service, without having to stay in the main hotel.

Let’s Get Planning Your Vacation to Sea Island

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a two-week vacation at Sea Island, Georgia, house rentals are a great option for that home-away-from-home feeling but with all the perks of staying at a resort. Reach out today to see how Diego Travel can help you plan the perfect island getaway for you.

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Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos Luxury Travel Guide

Written by Admin on . Posted in Destination Guides. No Comments on Turks and Caicos Luxury Travel Guide

Turks and Caicos Luxury Travel Guide

Where to Stay, What to Do, and When to Go

AS FEATURED IN TRAVEL + LEISURE

Maria Diego

By Maria Diego
Published August 3, 2026

Eight nights, seven properties, and one very persistent question from the back seat of a golf cart: “Can we live here?” My son, Mikel Kai, asked me some version of that at nearly every stop on this trip. In fact, it tells you most of what you need to know about Turks and Caicos. And that’s before I even get to the beaches.

We’d been trying to get here for three years. An earlier attempt was derailed by the pandemic, which in hindsight worked out better than planned. Mikel Kai was 9 now, old enough to be a real travel companion rather than cargo. Our first stop, Ambergris Cay, met us with minty mocktails and a set of golf cart keys instead of a room key. That’s exactly the kind of arrival that tells you you’ve landed somewhere different. He appointed himself full-time driver almost immediately, ferrying us between our three-bedroom villa, Poseidon, and the beach. An entire afternoon disappeared into a sand-dollar hunting contest with no clear winner.

From there we island-hopped to Parrot Cay for two more nights of that same hushed, private-island quiet. Then we touched down on Provo itself for the back half of the trip. Amanyara, The Palms, The Shore Club, and Rock House filled the itinerary, with lunch stops at Pine Cay and Wymara worked in along the way. Every single property had a completely different personality. That’s exactly the problem: it’s going to make it very difficult to decide where to stay when I bring the rest of the family back.

Perfect For: Multigenerational Family Trips | Honeymoons and Anniversaries | Private Island Getaways | Kiteboarding and Water Sports | Beach Lovers | Wellness-focused Travelers | Short Breaks from the East Coast | Weddings

GETTING THERE

Getting to Turks and Caicos

  • 25.6655547,-77.8345081

    Ambergris Cay

    Ambergris Cay

  • 21.9206690,-72.0610412

    COMO Parrot Cay

  • 21.8733988,-72.0907513

    Pine Cay

    Pine Cay

  • 21.8020614,-72.3004456

    Amanyara

    Amanyara

    View House

  • 21.7778015,-72.2611584

    The Palms

    The Palms

    View House

  • 21.4679640,-71.1387218

    Grand Turk & Salt Cay

    Grace Bay & Providenciales

    View House

All international flights land at Providenciales International Airport (PLS), the main gateway to the islands. From Miami, it’s a short, easy 90-minute to 2-hour flight. That’s part of why so many of my East Coast clients treat this as a long-weekend destination as easily as a full week away. Year-round nonstop service also runs from Charlotte, Atlanta, New York–JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Washington–Dulles. Seasonal nonstops add Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, Detroit, and Minneapolis into the mix. Flight time from the Northeast runs 3.5 to 4.5 hours. It’s genuinely one of the most accessible turquoise-water destinations in the world for a U.S. traveler.

We used Skypass for arrivals and FlyerCub for departures. The latter has its own private lounge with air conditioning. After a week in the heat, that’s a small luxury I’d recommend to anyone. If a private island is part of your itinerary, that’s a separate onward transfer by boat or small plane once you’ve cleared customs on Provo. I always build extra time into arrival day so nobody feels rushed.

Getting to Turks and Caicos

Getting around Providenciales

For getting around Provo itself, we rented through Grace Bay Rentals, was easy and considerably cheaper than relying on taxis and drivers for a week. They’ll even deliver the car to you at a dock or private island transfer point. They did for us the moment we stepped off the boat from Parrot Cay. One important note: Turks and Caicos drives on the left side of the road, so budget a little extra caution the first day.

Entry Requirements

U.S., Canadian, U.K., and most European citizens can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days (the arrival stamp typically covers 30, extendable locally). You’ll need a valid passport plus proof of onward travel. As with anywhere in the islands, bring your passport even though the currency will feel familiar — TCI runs on the U.S. dollar, so there’s no currency exchange to think about.

WHEN TO GO

When is the Best Time to Visit Turks and Caicos?

Turks and Caicos is a year-round destination, but December through April is peak season, when the weather is at its most reliably glorious and rates climb accordingly. If I’m being honest with clients, my favorite window is February through April, and especially that stretch into early June. By then, winter crowds have thinned out, the trade winds keep things comfortable, and the risk of a tropical system is still low.

Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, with the real risk concentrated in August through mid-October. Most years Provo sees nothing worse than a few cloudy days and bigger swells, but I always talk through trip insurance with clients traveling in that window. May and November are the shoulder-season sweet spot I point families toward when they want great weather without peak-season pricing.

When to visit Turks and Caicos

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WHAT TO DO

What to Do in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos rewards exactly the kind of trip we took: part total laziness, part exploration. There’s an activity level for everyone here. That might mean snorkeling off the back of the villa, or doing absolutely nothing at all on a beach that keeps landing on “best in the world” lists for good reason.

Turks and Caicos Activities

  • Private Islands of Turks and Caicos

    1. Private Islands

    Ambergris Cay, Parrot Cay, and Pine Cay are the beating heart of a Turks and Caicos trip — three boat- or plane-only islands that trade a little travel time for total seclusion. This is the landscape to build your first four to five nights around: golf-cart lanes threading through low scrub, powder-white beaches with no one else on them, and a slower rhythm that’s hard to find anywhere else in the Caribbean. We highly recommend basing yourself here before moving on to Provo, so the trip opens with quiet rather than closing with it.

  • Ambergris Cay

    2. Ambergris Cay

    ★ HIDDEN GEM & BEST FOR FAMILIES

    Of every private island we visited, Ambergris Cay is the one built for genuine independence. You’re handed a set of golf cart keys instead of a room key, and life moves entirely at your own pace — driving yourself to the beach, to dinner, to nowhere in particular. Real sand-dollar hunts, real tiki-torch dinners under the stars, a rhythm kids fall into as easily as adults do.

    The privacy here is exceptional — some of the most complete seclusion I found anywhere on the trip. You’ll find long, empty stretches of beach, sport-fishing charters, and evenings with nothing on the calendar but a live guitarist and the tide. So allow at least three nights to properly settle in. In particular, book the second pilot on your charter flight in advance if a solo-pilot crossing gives you any pause.

  • Grace Bay

    3. Grace Bay Beach

    Famous for its powder-soft sand and impossibly clear water, Grace Bay is the reason Turks and Caicos keeps topping “world’s best beach” lists. Walk the shoreline, then snorkel right off the sand at Bight Reef or Smith’s Reef. Marvel at the third-largest barrier reef system in the world, just a few strokes from shore, with no boat required.

  • 4. Chalk Sound National Park

    Perched along Provo’s southern coast, Chalk Sound is a lagoon of impossibly shallow, saturated turquoise dotted with dozens of tiny cays. We consider it one of the most rewarding mornings of the entire trip. Even if paddleboarding isn’t usually your thing, come for a slow kayak across water so clear and so still it barely looks real.

  • Long Bay Beach

    5. Little Water Cay & Long Bay Beach

    This pair of Provo sites serves as the gateway to two very different sides of the island: quiet wildlife on one coast, wide-open wind on the other. A short boat or kayak trip through the mangroves brings you to Little Water Cay — better known as Iguana Island. It’s home to the native rock iguanas found almost nowhere else on Earth. Booking the crossing for early morning is essential to catch the water at its calmest and the light at its best.

  • 6. Grand Turk & Salt Cay

    The historic, unhurried sister islands of Turks and Caicos are a world of salt-raking history, wall-diving sites, and a pace closer to the old Caribbean. We fell for the idea of a private boat charter through the Columbus Passage. We highly recommend timing a visit between December and April, when an estimated 2,500 North Atlantic humpback whales migrate through on their way south.

Booking Turks and Caicos With Diego Travel

Turks and Caicos rewards insider knowledge — knowing which private island suits a family versus a honeymoon, which stretch of Grace Bay to avoid, which restaurant table needs a month’s notice versus a week’s. That’s where working with an advisor changes the trip.

As an independent affiliate of Coastline Travel Group and a member of Virtuoso, Diego Travel holds preferred partner status with the region’s top luxury properties — including Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Belmond.

Booking through us means:

• Complimentary room upgrades upon arrival, when available

• Daily breakfast for two, included at no extra cost

• Resort credit to use toward spa treatments and dining

• Early check-in and late checkout, so your trip doesn’t start or end on the hotel’s schedule

• VIP recognition with on-property teams who know you’re a Diego Travel client

Maria Diego, founder of Diego Travel, was named to Travel + Leisure’s 2026 A-List, for three years running — recognition given to a curated group of the most trusted travel advisors, vetted directly by Travel + Leisure’s editors. That trust comes from firsthand destination knowledge and relationships built over years with hotel general managers across the islands.

 

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Prefer to book your Turks and Caicos luxury hotel directly with Diego Travel Perks?

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THE STAY LIST

Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos private islands

A Note About the Private Islands
If privacy and total seclusion are the priority, Ambergris Cay, Parrot Cay, and Pine Cay are, without question, where I steer clients first. Each is reachable only by boat or small plane, which does the natural work of filtering out day-trippers and keeping the guest count low. Every one of the three has a distinct enough personality that “which private island” is really its own conversation — happy to walk through it on an introductory call.

LET’S SET UP A CALL!

The Private Islands

  • Ambergris Cay

    Ambergris Cay

    A great overall experience, and I’d call it near-comparable to Oil Nut Bay. A colleague of mine, Anna Walker, tells me she’s heard that comparison from other advisors too, unprompted. It’s perfect for honeymooners and anniversary trips who want a quiet, chill vacation together with zero nightlife. It also suits a larger multigenerational family of avid sport fishermen, or simply travelers who like being off the beaten path. That said, it’s truly not for everyone. This works best for families whose kids are happy to entertain themselves on the beach for hours, without a kids’ club or activity schedule to lean on. One important logistical note: the charter plane over is only 20 minutes, but there’s only one pilot on that flight.

    That’s a hard no for some of my more safety-conscious clients, though a second pilot can be scheduled in advance for an additional fee. Private planes are also able to land directly on Ambergris Cay and clear customs there, which is worth knowing if you’re flying privately.

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  • COMO Parrot Cay Resort

    COMO Parrot Cay

    Another truly great stay, and one where the beachfront category is worth every penny. We were in a beachfront suite, and I’d steer nearly anyone toward that category over a garden room. I think it would meaningfully change the quality of the stay. That said, I was shown a top-floor ocean-view room during our visit and was pleasantly surprised. If beachfront isn’t available or in budget, that’s the next best thing, and my clients are frequently upgraded.

    The beach here was the nicest of every property we visited, on par only with Pine Cay. Food was excellent too — a real step up from Ambergris Cay. Staff are relaxed and warmly friendly. One practical note if you’re traveling with older family members: there are a fair number of stairs up to the restaurant for both breakfast and dinner, which is worth flagging in advance.

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  • Pine Cay

    Pine Cay

    ★ Hidden Gem

    This is a hidden gem, and quintessentially old-school Caribbean in a way that the ownership takes real pride in keeping undeveloped. It won’t be for every client, but I have a handful who would love it. The property is part of Relais & Châteaux. A French couple has been running it for the past two years and doing an excellent job. Christian, the husband, previously opened Belmond Sanctuary and the sister property to Belmond Hotel das Cataratas in Peru’s Sacred Valley. He also opened La Réserve Geneva and Christopher St. Barth, among other top properties — that pedigree of service shows. The main building was originally built as the clubhouse for the island’s 40 private residences back in the 1970s. There are 13 rooms today, styled similarly to the one-bedroom bungalows at Ambergris Cay, all with beachfront access.

    It’s all-inclusive

    With rates starting at $1,850 per night, and there’s no children under 12. Each room comes with its own picnic cooler, and every night you order the next day’s lunch. Most couples take it and disappear to a private beach or lagoon for the day, not to be seen again until dinner. Private enough that you could truly be alone all week if that’s what you wanted. The clientele skews older, largely couples from their 50s through their 80s. Pine Cay is even building a small health clinic near the guest rooms for medical emergencies, in addition to the on-island medic already on staff. It reminded me quite a bit of Hotel Jashita in Soliman Bay.

    Activities are intentionally limited — kayaking, bonefishing, the usual sea toys — and not much else, which is exactly the point. I could easily picture one of my clients, an avid painter in her 70s, packing her supplies and spending a week here in total solitude. They’ve recently added a new beach bar and a beach restaurant next to the pool, and the food was excellent. Because the property is so small, guests naturally end up talking to each other, which gives it a warm, homey feel. One caveat: I toured two of the four private homes available to rent here, and personally wouldn’t offer those to my clients. The one-bedroom beachfront bungalows, though, are absolutely up to an excellent standard.

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Diego Travel Preferred Partner Perks: Secure your stay through us to unlock complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credits, and flexible early check-in / late check-out.

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Providenciales / Grace Bay Hotels

  • Amanyara

    Amanyara

    This draws the same type of client as Parrot Cay, but with a noticeably more pretentious vibe. Architecturally, it’s stunning, as every Aman is, and the food is excellent, though incidentals ran nearly double what we saw at Parrot Cay for comparable things. A lot of travelers split their stay between the two properties rather than choosing one. This was, by a wide margin, the buggiest property we stayed at — it’s surrounded by mangrove. In hot season, I’d book a pool villa or a beachfront category over one of the tranquility villas set back from the water.

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  • The Palms

    The Palms

    Liked this hotel for the right client, but I was disappointed with this stretch of Grace Bay beach specifically — the crowds, the parasailing and party boats. Coming off several quieter, more private properties, it didn’t feel like a relaxing environment on this particular section of the beach. It reminded me more of Cancún’s hotel zone than the rest of Turks and Caicos.

    The hotel wifi was little to non-existent, which was honestly frustrating. This was the only property on the whole trip where I couldn’t get any work done, and if I’d been staying a full week here I likely would have checked out early over it. Food was just okay. Worth flagging if you’re planning a visit: the hotel is closing from August through November for renovations. We were also kept up until 3 a.m. by music from a neighboring event — we were told the following morning that this happens a few times a week whenever Beaches next door has one of their events.

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  • The Shore Club

    The Shore Club

    A much nicer room product than The Palms, situated on Long Bay Beach rather than Grace Bay. We didn’t mind that at all, since my husband kiteboards and appreciated having the wind alongside the heat. Meals were better here than at The Palms, though still not in the same league as the private island resorts — we had dinner at Sui Ren, which I’d recommend. My one real critique: of every property on this trip, the service and attitude of the staff here was the weakest.

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  • Rock House, Providenciales

    Rock House

    I loved this hotel for a Provo stay. It has a distinctly European, almost Grecian feel, and coming off The Shore Club, the staff here were noticeably friendlier. I highly recommend Vita, the in-house restaurant. It had an especially buzzy energy for dinner. The beach itself is small, but it was perfect for our son.

    Worth knowing before you book: the property is expanding over the next year, with plans for a second restaurant, an additional pool, a kids’ club, and more rooms and villas. Expect some construction noise during that window. Room product here was the best we saw in Provo outside of Amanyara.

  • Wymara

    Wymara

    Rooms were nice, but something about the overall vibe felt a little off. It sits on a quieter stretch of Grace Bay, an Andaz is currently under construction just a few properties down. While we were there, we happened to run into a couple who had just come from Parrot Cay and were spending three nights at Wymara afterward — and the contrast wasn’t doing Wymara any favors. It’s a good reminder that the order you visit properties in shapes how each one feels, which is exactly the kind of sequencing I think through when I build an itinerary. I’ve booked this hotel for clients before and they’ve been happy with it, but I wouldn’t put it in the same tier as the five-star properties we experienced on this trip.

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MY FAVORITES

A Few of My Favorite Things: Turks and Caicos Culture & Traditions

The Privacy of It All

Exclusive Turks and Caicos

What struck me most, staying across three private islands and four Provo properties in eight nights, wasn’t any single amenity. It was how differently each place handled the idea of privacy, and how much that one variable shapes the entire trip. Ambergris Cay and Pine Cay strip almost everything else away. Parrot Cay gives you privacy alongside real polish. And even on Provo, the difference between a quiet stretch of Grace Bay and a lively one changes the whole character of a stay. That’s the real work of planning a trip here — matching the right flavor of privacy to the right traveler.

The People and Culture

Junkanoo is the festival tradition that came north with Bahamian influence — homemade goatskin drums, conch-shell horns, cowbells, and elaborate costumes built from cloth and crepe paper. Turks and Caicos doesn’t run a Junkanoo on the scale of Nassau’s, but the islands host their own version, Maskanoo, every Boxing Day. It’s become a genuine point of local pride and a way of keeping African heritage visibly, loudly alive.

The Conch

Conch

If there’s one symbol that captures Turks and Caicos, it’s the Queen Conch. It sits in the corner of the national coat of arms, and it’s stitched into the national costume as a band of pink across the skirt and sleeves. It’s been a dietary staple going back to the Lucayans themselves. Order conch fritters, conch salad, or cracked conch anywhere on the islands and you’re eating something that’s been central to this place for centuries, not just a menu trend.

INSIDER TIPS

Essential Insider Travel Tips

Passport, Even Though It Feels Unnecessary

Because Turks and Caicos runs on U.S. dollars and feels so easy for American travelers, visitors sometimes assume it’s as simple as a domestic flight. It isn’t — bring a valid passport and proof of onward travel; U.S. citizens get 90 visa-free days, with the arrival stamp typically covering 30.

Match the Private Island to Your Trip

Ambergris Cay suits honeymooners, anniversary trips, and multigenerational sport-fishing families who don’t need a kids’ program — not families who need built-in entertainment. Parrot Cay is the pick for wellness-minded travelers who still want polish and a lively-enough beach scene. Pine Cay is for guests, often older couples, who want to genuinely disappear for a week with almost nothing on the calendar.

Check Renovation and Closure Calendars

Several Provo properties are mid-expansion or scheduling closures — worth confirming with me at time of booking, as Turks and Caicos is constantly under construction and new developments are under way all the time.

Time Your Trip Around Hurricane Season

June through November is hurricane season, with the real risk window falling in August through mid-October. I don’t tell clients to avoid these months outright, but I do talk through trip insurance, and I steer first-time visitors toward December–April or the May/November shoulder seasons instead.

Know Which Stretch of Grace Bay You’re Booking

Not all of Grace Bay feels the same. Some sections are lively, with parasailing and party boats; others are quiet enough to hear the waves. Ask your advisor which stretch a property sits on before you book, especially if a relaxed trip is the goal.

Grace Bay Rentals for a Self-Drive Trip

Renting through Grace Bay Rentals was easy and considerably cheaper than relying on taxis and drivers for a week — they’ll even deliver the car to you at a dock or private island transfer point. Just remember: Turks and Caicos drives on the left side of the road.

Turks and Caicos FAQ

  • When is the best time to visit Turks and Caicos?

    December through April is peak season, with the most reliable weather and the highest rates. Our favorite window is February through early June, when winter crowds thin out but hurricane risk is still low. May and November are the shoulder-season sweet spot for great weather at lower rates.

  • How many days do you need for a Turks and Caicos trip?

    Most of our clients spend six to eight nights, which is enough to combine a private island stay (Ambergris Cay, Parrot Cay, or Pine Cay) with a few days on Providenciales. A shorter three- to four-night trip works well too, since the Northeast is only a 3.5- to 4.5-hour flight away.

  • Which island or area should I stay in?

    It depends on the trip. Ambergris Cay and Pine Cay suit travelers who want total seclusion; Parrot Cay pairs privacy with more polish and amenities; and Providenciales’ Grace Bay is best for travelers who want beach, restaurants, and activities within reach. Which stretch of Grace Bay matters too — some sections are lively, others are quiet.

  • Do I need a passport to visit Turks and Caicos?

    Yes. Even though Turks and Caicos runs on the U.S. dollar and feels easy for American travelers, U.S. citizens still need a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Visa-free entry covers up to 90 days, though the arrival stamp typically covers 30.

  • Is Turks and Caicos safe to visit during hurricane season?

    Hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest risk from August to mid-October. Check for the latest updates with the National Hurricane Center. Most years bring nothing worse than a few cloudy days on Providenciales, but we recommend trip insurance for travel booked in that window and steer first-time visitors toward December–April or the shoulder seasons instead.

  • Should I rent a car in Turks and Caicos?

    For a Providenciales-based stay, yes — a rental is considerably more economical than taxis for the week, and most companies will deliver the car to you. Just remember Turks and Caicos drives on the left side of the road. A rental isn’t needed for the private islands, which run on golf carts or boat transfers.

  • Which hotel does Maria Diego recommend in Turks and Caicos?

    It depends on the trip. For total privacy, COMO Parrot Cay and Pine Cay stand out; for a Providenciales stay, Rock House had the best room product outside of Amanyara, with especially friendly service. The right pick comes down to your priorities — ask your advisor before booking.

    Maria Diego is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and, as the cofounder of Diego Travel, specializes in U.S. and Caribbean trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Maria by scheduling a call below.

LET’S SET UP A CALL!

Ready to Plan Your Turks and Caicos Journey?

Whether you’re dreaming of a private island week on Ambergris Cay or Parrot Cay, or a hotel-hopping tour along Grace Bay, our luxury travel agency is here to design your perfect escape. We can also build out the complete, curated itinerary highlighted in this guide. We seamlessly handle your flights, private island transfers, five-star accommodations, exclusive experiences, and insider reservations from start to finish.

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Como Turks and Caicos

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Experts reveal the 5 dirtiest spots in hotel rooms

Written by Admin on . Posted in Press. No Comments on Experts reveal the 5 dirtiest spots in hotel rooms

California Post
Jul. 26, 2025
by Deidre Bardlof

Hotel rooms may look sparkling clean when you first arrive – but surprising levels of bacteria and viruses can be lurking in overlooked places.

Here’s a list of spots that can be teeming with germs, experts warn — and the steps you should take as soon as you arrive in your hotel room. 

1. Decorative elements

“Having worked in hotels, the first thing I fling off to a far corner of the room are decorative pillows and any decorative runner that goes along the foot of the bed,” Maria Diego, a San Diego, California-based travel adviser, told the travel magazine. 

“These never get washed.”

Duvet covers can also be a collecting place for germs. 

“Most hotels do not wash the big duvet. They only wash the sheets,” a former hotel staffer noted on Reddit last year.

2. High-touch surfaces

Diego said she is also cautious about switches, remote controls, phones, and other major touchpoints.

Los Angeles travel adviser Rani Cheema said hotel room phones disgust her the most. 

“I am grossed out by the receiver,” Cheema said. “No one’s cleaning that.”

Carpets are another culprit. 

Many high-end hotels are now swapping them out for flooring or area rugs, according to Cheema.

3. Bathtubs

Hotel bathrooms are even dirtier than airplanes, studies have found – especially the countertops.

But the tub is also infested with germs, harboring up to 40 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, according to a 2023 investigation by WaterFilterGuru.com.

“I also won’t take a bath in a hotel unless it’s a super-luxe five-star hotel, and only if it’s a non-jet bathtub,” Diego said. 

Jetted tubs can harbor more bacteria and aren’t always disinfected fully, according to experts.

Read the full California Post Article

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Make This Year’s Spring Break a Great Escape

Written by Admin on . Posted in Press. No Comments on Make This Year’s Spring Break a Great Escape

The New York Times
Feb. 23, 2026, Updated March 13, 2026
by Amy Thomas

Need an idea for a family vacation? Here are five destinations that fit the bill, whether you’re looking for culture, adventure or a great beach.

With those kinds of expectations, lounging by the pool goes only so far. There needs to be a payoff for kids and adults — and those in between. “Teenagers are a special class of their own and require an added layer of entertainment,” said Maria Diego, a mother of three, including a teenager, and founder of Diego Travel, part of the Virtuoso network.

Read the full New York Times Article

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South of France

South of France

Written by Maria Diego on . Posted in Destination Guides. No Comments on South of France

South of France

A Destination Guide to Provence & the Côte d’Azur

Maria Diego, Founder of Diego Travel, A luxury Travel Agency located in Rancho Santa Fe, California

By Maria Diego
Published July 14, 2026

Returning home after two weeks in the South of France, I felt entirely transformed. My first morning at our private villa in the Alpilles set the tone for the entire trip. I stepped onto the cool stone terrace as the scent of wild lavender hung heavy in the warm air. Then, a profound silence settled in, broken only by gentle morning birdsong.

This carefully curated journey was split between the rustic, slow-paced interior of Provence and the dazzling, high-energy coastline of the Côte d’Azur. Over fourteen unforgettable days, I personally scouted more than a dozen historic villages and dined at world-renowned culinary institutions. I toured the region’s finest five-star properties and uncovered several spectacular hidden gems off the beaten path.

Beyond the classic postcard clichés, this region captured my heart through intimate, sensory moments. For instance, I found a village so rich with local artisans and boutiques that I needed a second suitcase. I celebrated a milestone birthday dancing under the stars in Saint-Tropez. At a historic family perfumerie, I formulated a highly personalized signature scent. And on the way to an extraordinary Michelin-starred feast, we took a breathtaking sunset drive winding through limestone cliffs.

Perfect For: Honeymooners • Food & Wine Lovers • Luxury Hotel Hopping • Boutique Shopping • Cultural Exploration • Beach Lovers • Anniversary Celebrations • Solo Travelers

GETTING THERE

Getting to the South of France

The South of France is served by two main airports: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) for Provence, and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) for the Riviera. If you are planning a trip that covers both regions — as I would always recommend — the classic routing is to fly into Marseille and out of Nice (or vice versa), which eliminates backtracking entirely.

From the United States, most connections go through Paris (CDG), where Air France offers excellent connecting service to both Marseille and Nice. Alternatively, I often route clients through London Heathrow, Barcelona or Amsterdam depending on their origin city, as the connections can be more convenient.The TGV high-speed train from Paris to Marseille or Nice is also a wonderful option if clients are combining the South of France with Paris. It takes under three hours and drops you in the heart of the city.

Getting to the South of France

WHEN TO GO

When is the best time to visit the South of France

To experience the region at its most enchanting, we strongly advise planning your journey during the shoulder seasons: late April through mid-June, or September through early October. During these windows, you will enjoy exceptionally warm, sunny days, brilliant photographic light, significantly thinner crowds at major sights, and far more favorable rates at premier luxury resorts. Visiting in late April, I found the spring blooms breathtaking and the popular village squares blissfully peaceful.

July and August represent the absolute pinnacle of the Mediterranean summer season. While the energy is undeniably glamorous and the beach clubs are in full swing, these months bring heavy crowds, peak pricing, and intense heat. If you have your heart set on seeing the legendary Provence lavender fields in full purple bloom, plan your visit between late June and mid-July. Secure your reservations at least nine months in advance.

For a completely different perspective, the winter months from November through February offer a quiet, deeply authentic look at local life. In Provence, this is the coveted black truffle and cozy wood-fire season, perfect for slow days of culinary indulgence. Meanwhile, the Riviera enjoys a mild, sunny, though socially quiet winter, with several iconic coastal palaces remaining open to welcome guests seeking peaceful sanctuary.

St Tropez

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WHAT TO DO

What to Do: A Region-by-Region Guide

PROVENCE — WHERE THE TRIP SLOWS YOU DOWN

South of France

  • THE ALPILLES

    1. THE ALPILLES REGION

    The rugged limestone peaks of the Alpilles range serve as the dramatic, beating heart of inland Provence. This is the ultimate landscape to begin your journey, characterized by silver-green olive orchards, white rocky ridges, and a painterly late-afternoon light that has inspired artists for centuries. We highly recommend basing yourself here for your first three to four nights to fully absorb the relaxed, rustic rhythm of the countryside.

  • LOURMARIN

    2. LOURMARIN

    ★ HIDDEN GEM & BEST SHOPPING

    Of all the villages I visited across two weeks in the South of France, Lourmarin stole my heart completely. It sits on the southern edge of the Luberon hills. Unlike the most-visited Provençal villages, it hasn’t lost its authenticity. Real residents, real life — a rhythm that visitors are invited into, not kept at arm’s length from.

    The shopping here is exceptional — the best I found anywhere on the trip. You’ll find local artisans selling olive wood bowls and hand-stitched linen, beautifully edited French fashion boutiques, and market stalls piled with local honey, lavender, and seasonal produce. So, allow a full morning or afternoon to properly explore. In particular, the Friday market draws locals from across the Luberon and is worth building your schedule around.

  • ROUSSILLON

    3. ROUSSILLON

    Famous for its striking ochre cliffs, Roussillon looks like a village painted from a warm, saturated palette of reds, oranges, and deep yellows. Wander through the vibrant streets, then take an easy, scenic walk along the Sentier des Ocres trail. Marvel at the dramatic, naturally sculpted clay canyons just steps from the town center.

  • Gordes

    4. GORDES

    Perched dramatically on the foothills of the Vaucluse Mountains, Gordes is a breathtaking sight of stacked stone houses rising up to a majestic Renaissance château. We consider the legendary Airelles Gordes, La Bastide to be the crown jewel of accommodations here. Even if you’re not staying overnight, stop by for a leisurely lunch or sunset cocktails on their panoramic terrace.

  • MAUSSANE-LES-ALPILLES

    5. MAUSSANE-LES-ALPILLES & BAUMANIÈRE

    This tranquil, olive-producing village serves as the gateway to one of the world’s most legendary dining destinations: Baumanière. Located in nearby Les Baux-de-Provence, a scenic sunset drive through towering limestone canyons brings you to this historic estate. Booking well in advance is essential to secure a table at their three-Michelin-starred restaurant, an unforgettable culinary journey under the stars.

  • L’Isle Sur La Sorgue

    6. L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE

    Often referred to as the Venice of Provence due to the scenic canals and historic waterwheels that thread through the town, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the undisputed antique capital of Southern France. It is an absolute paradise for collectors, particularly on Sundays when hundreds of antique dealers set up along the water for the world-famous weekly market.

  • Aix en Provence

    7. AIX-EN-PROVENCE

    The historic, elegant capital of Provence is a city of majestic stone fountains, grand 17th-century boulevards shaded by massive plane trees, and a vibrant university culture. We fell in love with our peaceful stay at the boutique Villa Saint-Ange, and highly recommend reserving a morning for a long, indulgent breakfast in the manicured, art-filled gardens of Château de la Gaude.

THE CÔTE D’AZUR — WHERE THE TRIP TURNS UP THE DIAL

Lily of the Valley

As you leave the peaceful olive groves of Provence behind and descend toward the coast, the rhythm of the journey shifts instantly. The quiet stone villages give way to sparkling turquoise waters, grand coastal palaces, superyachts bobbing in historic harbors, and a legendary, sun-drenched glamour that has defined Mediterranean luxury for over a century.

  • RAMATUELLE

    1. Ramatuelle

    Before diving into Saint-Tropez, I strongly recommend spending at least two nights in Ramatuelle — the hilltop village set among vineyards just a few kilometers from the coast. I stayed at Lily of the Valley, a contemporary luxury resort that represents the gold standard for modern Riviera hospitality: elegant, private, effortlessly chic, with a sense of calm you need before throwing yourself into the glorious chaos of Saint-Tropez.

  • St Tropez

    2. SAINT-TROPEZ

    ★ BEST HIGH-END SHOPPING

    Saint-Tropez seamlessly blends old-world fishing village charm with unparalleled modern luxury. Spend your mornings wandering the historic pastel-hued old town, exploring the lively Place des Lices market (Tuesday or Saturday mornings), and enjoying a glass of chilled rosé as the yachts glide into the golden-hour harbor.

    Beyond the major international designer flagships, Saint-Tropez offers exceptional boutique discoveries. My single most important shopping recommendation: do not leave Saint-Tropez without visiting Maison St Tropez, the exceptional perfumerie in the village. I found a scent there that I now wear every day, and every time I do, I am immediately back in Saint-Tropez.

  • Cannes

    3. CANNES

    While famous for its star-studded film festival, Cannes offers a surprisingly relaxed, classic coastal experience year-round. Stroll the iconic palm-lined La Croisette promenade, shop the elegant boutiques along Rue d’Antibes, and escape the crowds by wandering the winding, cobblestone streets of Le Suquet, the city’s historic hilltop quarter.

  • Cap Eden Roc

    4. ANTIBES & CAP D’ANTIBES

    The historic, rampart-walled town of Antibes is a joy to explore, but the true magic lies on the exclusive, pine-scented peninsula of Cap d’Antibes. Here sits the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, a playground for royalty and artists alike, famous for its iconic saltwater swimming pool carved directly into the rugged coastal cliffs.

  • SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE

    5. SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE

    Perched high on a rocky ridge, this beautifully preserved medieval fortified village has long been a sanctuary for legendary artists like Matisse, Chagall, and Miró. Walk the narrow stone ramparts lined with world-class art galleries, and enjoy a luxurious, peaceful stay nearby at the lush, estate-like Domaine du Mas de Pierre.

  • Cap Ferrat

    6. CAP-FERRAT

    As the grand, final stop on our itinerary, the exclusive peninsula of Cap-Ferrat offers unrivaled natural beauty and serene luxury. The undisputed crown jewel of the coast is the majestic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons property that has defined Riviera elegance since the Belle Époque.

Booking the South of France With Diego Travel

The South of France rewards insider knowledge — knowing which Côte d’Azur hotel has the best rooftop view, which Provence village empties out by 6pm, which restaurant needs a reservation three weeks out versus three days. That’s where working with an advisor changes the trip.

As an independent affiliate of Coastline Travel Group and a member of Virtuoso, Diego Travel holds preferred partner status with the region’s top luxury properties — including Four Seasons, Oetker Collection and Airelles.

Booking through us means:

  • Complimentary room upgrades upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two, included at no extra cost
  • Resort credit to use toward spa treatments and dining
  • Early check-in and late checkout, so your trip doesn’t start or end on the hotel’s schedule
  • VIP recognition with on-property teams who know you’re a Diego Travel client

Maria Diego, founder of Diego Travel, was named to Travel & Leisure’s 2026 A-List, for three years running  — recognition given to a curated group of the most trusted travel advisors, vetted directly by Travel & Leisure’s editors. That trust comes from firsthand destination knowledge and relationships built over years with hotel general managers across the region.

Ready to start planning your trip with Diego Travel?

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Prefer to book your South of France luxury hotel directly with Diego Travel Perks?

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THE STAY LIST

Where to Stay: Personally Vetted Properties

Every property featured in this guide has been personally visited, inspected, and vetted by our agency to ensure the highest standards of luxury, service, and character.

PROVENCE HOTELS — STONE FARMHOUSES & HILLTOP CHÂTEAUX

  • AIRELLES GORDES, LA BASTIDE

    Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

    Gordes, Provence

    An iconic, palace-category hotel rising majestically over the medieval village of Gordes, offering legendary service, a world-class Sisley spa, and breathtaking valley views from its historic stone terraces.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • Baumaniere

    Baumanière

    Les Baux-de-Provence

    A historic, five-star estate nestled at the foot of Les Baux-de-Provence, famous for its lush, tranquil gardens, exceptional spa, and legendary three-Michelin-starred culinary experience.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • CHÂTEAU DE LA GAUDE

    Château de la Gaude

    Aix-en-Provence

    A stunning, design-forward luxury estate surrounded by rolling vineyards and organic gardens just outside Aix, featuring cutting-edge art installations, sleek rooms, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • DOMAINES DE CHABRAN

    Domaines de Chabran

    Alpilles, Provence

    An ultra-exclusive collection of meticulously restored historic private villas in the heart of the Alpilles, combining absolute residential privacy with five-star hotel services and custom curation.

    Book Direct with Perks →

Diego Travel Preferred Partner Perks: Secure your stay through us to unlock complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credits, and flexible early check-in / late check-out.

Book Direct with Perks

CÔTE D’AZUR HOTELS — HILLSIDE SANCTUARIES & LEGENDARY PALACES

  • LILY OF THE VALLEY

    Lily of the Valley

    Ramatuelle

    A Philippe Starck-designed wellness sanctuary perched on the quiet hills of Ramatuelle, offering a peaceful, holistic retreat just minutes from the vibrant energy of Saint-Tropez.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • AIRELLES SAINT-TROPEZ, CHÂTEAU DE LA MESSARDIÈRE

    Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière

    Saint-Tropez

    A majestic, castle-like estate overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, blending grand, historic Riviera architecture with modern luxury, a vibrant beach club, and exceptional dining.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • AREV SAINT-TROPEZ

    AREV Saint-Tropez

    Saint-Tropez

    A fresh, glamorous boutique addition to the Saint-Tropez hotel scene, offering colorful, residential-style luxury, a lush private courtyard, and a highly central, walkable location.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • CHEVAL BLANC SAINT-TROPEZ

    Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez

    Saint-Tropez

    An ultra-exclusive, beachside sanctuary in Saint-Tropez, offering unparalleled, personalized service, sleek contemporary design, and a three-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Arnaud Donckele.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • ALTHOFF VILLA BELROSE

    Althoff Villa Belrose

    Saint-Tropez

    A chic, hillside villa hotel offering panoramic views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, combining quiet, intimate luxury with Michelin-starred dining and a spectacular pool deck.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • HÔTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC

    Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

    Cap d’Antibes

    The legendary crown jewel of Cap d’Antibes, set on a magnificent, pine-scented private estate with its iconic rock-carved saltwater pool and a storied history of hosting elite travelers.

    ★Book Direct with Perks →

★ Our preferred-partner relationship with the Oetker Collection unlocks exclusive priority upgrades and resort credits for our clients at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

  • HÔTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC

    Domaine du Mas de Pierre

    Saint-Paul-de-Vence

    A lush, garden-filled resort oasis located near the historic artistic village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, combining classic Provençal charm with modern family-friendly luxury.

    Book Direct with Perks →

  • Cap Ferrat

    Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat

    Cap-Ferrat

    A legendary Four Seasons palace dominating the tip of exclusive Cap-Ferrat, offering timeless Belle Époque elegance, a spectacular beach club, and Michelin-starred dining.

    ★Book Direct with Perks →

★ As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency, our clients receive highest-priority room upgrades, complimentary daily breakfast, and customized VIP amenities.

Book Direct with Perks

MY FAVORITES

A Few of My Favorite Things

The Shopping

For pure, authentic artisanal treasures, nothing compares to the quiet streets of Lourmarin. There you will find exceptional linen, local lavender products, and beautiful ceramics. Aix-en-Provence offers a sophisticated mix of high-end European fashion boutiques. Saint-Tropez provides the ultimate luxury resort shopping experience, with the bespoke fragrance journey at Maison St Tropez standing out as an absolute must-do.

South of France Markets

The Dining

Our three-star Michelin dinner at Baumanière was easily the most memorable and creatively inspiring meal of the entire journey. For breakfasts that deserve to be slowly savored over several hours, the beautiful garden settings at Château de la Gaude and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat are absolutely unmatched.

St Tropez Shopping

The Markets

The Sunday antiques market at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a world-class treasure hunt that should not be missed. For vibrant local atmosphere, food, and people-watching, the Tuesday and Saturday morning market at Place des Lices in Saint-Tropez is legendary, while the historic covered market in Antibes is perfect for sampling fresh regional delicacies.

South of France Dining

INSIDER TIPS

Essential Insider Travel Tips

Getting Around

While driving yourself is a wonderful and flexible way to explore the quiet, winding countryside of Provence, we highly recommend hiring a private professional driver for the coastal Riviera. Traffic and parking in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco can be exceptionally challenging, especially during the peak summer months.

Book Early

Due to the immense global popularity of this region, we strongly advise booking your luxury accommodations, private guides, and exclusive beach clubs 6 to 9 months in advance for peak summer travel (July/August), and 3 to 4 months ahead for the spring and autumn shoulder seasons.

What Not to Miss

Make sure your itinerary includes: Lourmarin on a Friday morning, walking the vibrant ochre trail of Roussillon at golden hour, enjoying a sunset terrace drink at Airelles Gordes, treasure hunting at the Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, taking the spectacular coastal walk at Cap-Ferrat, lingering over a panoramic breakfast, and slowly enjoying a chilled bottle of local Provençal rosé.

The Language

French is the official language, and while English is widely and fluently spoken at all five-star luxury hotels and popular tourist venues, locals deeply appreciate when you make an effort to use basic French greetings like “Bonjour” and “Merci.” It instantly opens doors to warmer service.

Packing

Pack for two distinct microclimates: Provence experiences notable temperature drops in the evenings, requiring light layers and jackets, while the Riviera is consistently warm and breezy. Additionally, please note that several of the region’s top-tier fine dining establishments require jackets for gentlemen in the evening.

  • CHÂTEAU DE LA GAUDE

    When is the best time to visit the South of France?

    Late May through June and September through early October offer the best balance — warm weather, fewer crowds than peak July/August, and lower rates at top properties. July and August bring festival season (Cannes, Nice Jazz Festival) but also the highest prices and heaviest crowds along the Côte d’Azur.

  • How many days do you need for a South of France itinerary?

    A minimum of 5-7 days lets you experience one region properly — either the Côte d’Azur (Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco) or Provence (Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, Avignon). For both regions, plan 10-14 days to avoid a rushed, checklist-style trip.

  • HÔTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC

    What’s the difference between the Côte d’Azur and Provence?

    The Côte d’Azur is the glamorous Mediterranean coastline — beach clubs, yacht culture, Monaco’s casinos, Saint-Tropez nightlife. Provence is inland — lavender fields, hilltop villages, vineyards, and a slower, countryside pace. Many travelers combine both for contrast.

  • Getting to the South of France

    Do I need a car in the South of France?

    For Provence, yes — the hilltop villages and vineyards are best explored by car. Along the Côte d’Azur, train service between Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Antibes is excellent and often easier than driving and parking in peak season.

  • AIRELLES GORDES, LA BASTIDE

    What are the best luxury hotels in the South of France?

    Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc and the Airelles Saint Tropes and Gordes are leading hotels in the South of France — Diego Travel holds preferred partner status with Four Seasons, Oetker Collection and Airelles properties across the region, meaning our clients receive complimentary upgrades, resort credit, and VIP amenities not available through direct booking.

  • Virtuoso Amenities

    Is it better to book a South of France trip through a travel advisor?

    For luxury properties, yes — advisors with Virtuoso and preferred partner status can secure room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, and amenities at no extra cost, often making the advisor-booked rate more valuable than the same room booked direct.

Ready to Plan Your South of France Journey?

Whether you are dreaming of a private villa week in Provence, a glamorous hotel-hopping tour along the Riviera, or the complete, curated two-week itinerary highlighted in this guide, our luxury travel agency is here to design your perfect escape. We seamlessly handle your flights, private transfers, five-star accommodations, exclusive tours, and insider reservations from start to finish.

Design My Trip!

Hotel du Cap Eden Roc

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Mandarin Oriental Munich

Hotel Review: Mandarin Oriental Munich

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Hotel Review: Mandarin Oriental Munich

Mandarin Oriental Munich A Boutique Luxury 5-Star Hotel in Old Town Munich, Germany

Maria Diego, Founder of Diego Travel, A luxury Travel Agency located in Rancho Santa Fe, California

Maria Diego

July 10, 2026

Before the arrival of Rosewood Munich in late 2023, the Mandarin Oriental Munich stood firmly as the city’s crown jewel — and after my site visit, I can tell you it still holds its own beautifully. What makes this hotel so special is its intimate scale: just 48 guest rooms and 25 suites, housed in an imposing 19th-century building originally constructed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a grand venue for royal events, concerts, and debutante balls. Where Rosewood delivers grand, sweeping luxury, the Mandarin Oriental offers something perhaps even more rare: the feeling that the hotel exists entirely for you.

Perfect For: Multi-Generational Families | Young Kids | Families with Teens | Buisnes Travelers  | Couples Trips

Location

48.1372989,11.5807333

As I mentioned in my Rosewood Munich review, Munich is one of Germany’s most overlooked gems and deserves at minimum a two-night stay. The Mandarin Oriental sits on a quiet side street in the heart of Old Town, just a five-minute walk from Marienplatz and steps from the legendary Maximilianstraße shopping corridor. Same city, same walkable neighborhood — but the Mandarin Oriental feels tucked away and hushed in a way that suits guests who prefer to slip in and out of the city unnoticed.

Getting to there:

Munich is a natural hub for many flight routings, and the city itself is deserving of a 2-night minimum stay for your connection. As a long-time travel advisor, Germany is an often-overlooked country within Europe, but the country as a whole is truly one of my favorites. The heart of Old Town Munich is about 45 minutes from Munich International Airport. Traveling through Frankfurt and you’d still like to experience Munich? It’s just a 3-hour 20-minute train ride.

Munich, Germany

Vibe

Mandarin Oriental Munich Vibe

If the Rosewood Munich is the glamorous newcomer drawing diplomats and celebrities with its buzzy bar scene, the Mandarin Oriental is the discreet institution that the city’s most discerning travelers have been quietly returning to for decades. Its intimate size ensures that every guest feels personally attended to from the moment they are welcomed with a glass of Moët & Chandon at check-in to the instant a doorman bids them a warm “auf Wiedersehen” upon checkout. There is no scene here to see and be seen in — and for many guests, that is precisely the point.

Accommodations

Rooms are individually designed with an East-meets-West aesthetic, and at 73 keys total, are some of the largest in Munich.

Mandarin Oriental Munich Rooms

Rooms are soundproofed, many feature high ceilings, and private bathrooms are fitted with a Turkish steam bath, sauna, hair dryer, and plush bathrobes. All rooms offer 24-hour room service and premium bedding, with thoughtful extras like pillow menus and laptop-friendly workspaces — a nod to today’s modern traveler.

Mandarin Oriental Munich Rooms

During my site visit, I was struck by the Tower Suite in particular: a separate living room in the building’s corner turret with a semicircular sofa, views over the city, and a main bathroom tiled in deep-veined white marble and black stone with a free-standing soaking tub and rainfall shower. The rooms feel curated rather than designed by committee — each one has its own distinct character.

Mandarin Oriental Munich Suites

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Food and Beverage

Mandarin Oriental Munich Bar

This is where the Mandarin Oriental truly sets itself apart. Matsuhisa Munich brings the renowned Japanese-Peruvian cuisine of celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa to the heart of Bavaria — a combination you simply won’t find at any other hotel in the city. It’s unexpected, world-class, and wholly memorable. For something more relaxed, The Lounge is the ideal spot for afternoon tea, cake specialties, and all-day dining with international options. And when the season allows, the rooftop terrace offers a full 360-degree view of the city with summer snacks and drinks that make for an unforgettable evening in Munich. 

Wellness and SPA

The spa and wellness center features a sauna, steam room, and a range of treatments including body wraps, massages, and beauty therapies. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool and sun terrace with breathtaking views of the city — a seasonal but spectacular retreat above the rooftops of Old Town. The fitness center is available around the clock for those who like to keep their routine while traveling. 

Mandarin Oriental Munich Gym

What sets it apart

Mandarin Oriental Munich Restaurants

Its history, its scale, and its restaurant. Named Germany’s Best City Hotel in 2024, the Mandarin Oriental has earned its reputation not through reinvention but through consistency. The East-meets-West design sensibility, Nobu Matsuhisa’s flagship restaurant, and a staff that remembers your name set it apart in a city that now has no shortage of excellent luxury options. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Room rates start at approximately €755 per night, with suites ranging significantly higher depending on category and season. 

Diego Travel Loves

Mandarin Oriental Munich Terrace

The deeply personal service at this hotel is something you feel from the first moment. Guests consistently note that staff — from the bellman to the front desk to the restaurant team — remember names and anticipate needs throughout the stay. Paired with the Matsuhisa dining experience and the rooftop pool, this is a hotel that rewards guests who take the time to slow down and settle in.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel

At Diego Travel, we are proud Preferred Partners with Mandarin Oriental, which means our clients receive exclusive Fan Club Amenities when booking through us — and trust me, these perks consistently outshine what you’ll find booking through any other channel. Fan Club benefits are designed to elevate your stay from the moment you arrive. Reach out through diegotravel.com/book to ensure your Mandarin Oriental Munich booking comes with everything it deserves.

  • Mandarin Oriental Fan Club
  • Daily breakfast
  • Room upgrades
  • Hotel credit
  • Welcome amenity

Mandarin Oriental Fan Club

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Insider Tip(s)

Don’t miss Matsuhisa for dinner — book well in advance as it draws both hotel guests and locals alike. And if you’re visiting in warmer months, the rooftop terrace is a non-negotiable sundowner stop with some of the best views in the city. As with the Rosewood, the hotel sits steps from Maximilianstraße — perfect for a morning stroll before the boutiques open and the crowds arrive.

Munich Shopping

Summary of Our Stay

My site visit to the Mandarin Oriental Munich left a strong impression. This is a hotel for the traveler who values intimacy over spectacle, legacy over novelty. It doesn’t need to compete with the Rosewood Munich — it occupies an entirely different emotional register. If Rosewood is the hotel that takes your breath away upon arrival, the Mandarin Oriental is the one that earns your loyalty over time, visit after visit, through flawless service and an atmosphere of refined calm. Munich is lucky to have both, and your choice between them really comes down to the experience you’re seeking.

Munich

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Rosewood Munich

Hotel Review: Rosewood Munich

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Hotel Review Rosewood Munich

A Luxury 5-Star Hotel in Old Town Munich, Germany

Maria Diego, Founder of Diego Travel, A luxury Travel Agency located in Rancho Santa Fe, California

Maria Diego

May 17, 2026

Rosewood Munich, the exquisitely transformed former Bavarian State Bank is now one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe. Set in the heart of Old Town Munich, my stay at Rosewood Munich exceeded all my expectations. The hotel itself has a very residential feel, as the lobby is referred to as your living room, feeling simultaneously refined and relaxed. The hotel marries old world charm with modern comforts just perfectly, and my stay felt personalized and beyond luxurious. Part of our Rosewood Elite amenities included a grand upgrade to a suite, as well as a personalized welcome amenity from the Rosewood Munich team, and perhaps the best German breakfast that previously existed only in my dreams.

Perfect For: Multi-Generational Families | Young Kids | Families with Teens | Business Travelers  | Couples Trips

Location

48.1411146,11.5744216

Rosewood Munich

Getting there:

Munich is a natural hub for many flight routings, and the city itself is deserving of a 2-night minimum stay for your connection. As a long-time travel advisor, Germany is an often-overlooked country within Europe, but the country as a whole is truly one of my favorites. The heart of Old Town Munich is about 45 minutes from Munich International Airport. Traveling through Frankfurt and you’d still like to experience Munich? It’s just a 3-hour 20-minute train ride.

Munich

Vibe

Rosewood Munich Vibe

Prior to the opening of Rosewood Munich in late 2023, the best hotels in the city of Munich were Mandarin Oriental and Hotel Bayerischer Hof, both luxury hotels as well. Munich was long overdue for an upgrade and Rosewood has delivered. As I mentioned, the building itself was formerly a Bavarian State Bank, steeped in original details. It’s also located on one of the best streets in Munich, surrounded by high-brow shopping and restaurants and bars that are frequented by the locals. The hotel attracts the best of the best from Germany and all of Europe, with everyone from international diplomats to high-profile celebrities like Adele choosing the Rosewood Munich as their address. Privacy is key, service is impeccable, and the buzzy scene at both Bar Montez and Brasserie Cuvilliés can’t be beat. Trust me, I tested out all three locations for the city’s top hotels.

Accommodations

There are 132 keys at Rosewood Munich, with rooms ranging from the entry-level Deluxe Room (ranges from 388-420 square feet, which is quite large by European standards) to my favorite suites which are referred to as Houses and all named for German historical figures such as Princess Augusta and King Maximilian I, a 4-bedroom house that sleeps up to 12 guests. Perfect for your Oktoberfest trip with a group of friends or family.

Rosewood Munich Rooms

I was upgraded to a Grand Premiere Suite which was absolutely stunning and where I would recommend any couples looking for a separate living space/office from the bedroom. As so many people work remotely now, this is a frequent request, and this type of suite was perfect for that. The closet came with a full vanity, equipped with a Dyson hairdryer and perfect storage for our suitcases. The marble bathroom was stunning and looked over a courtyard below. The technology was state-of-the-art, with different mood lighting and electronic blinds for both privacy and blackout.

Rosewood Munich Rooms

In addition to my suite, I also toured all of the Houses so that I can best guide my clients to the right accommodation. I even saw the House that Adele chose for her stay. No two rooms are alike, so I am here to help guide you, along with my Rosewood Elite team partners, to choose the right room category for you.

Rosewood Munich Rooms

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Food and Beverage

Food at the Rosewood Munich

As I mentioned, I tried all three dining outlets while staying at Rosewood Munich and every experience and plate was phenomenal. I have a gluten allergy, and the brasserie was able to accommodate my favorite German dish, wienerschnitzel. If I ever find myself on death row, this would be the request for my final meal. Following dinner, I enjoyed a drink at Bar Montez while enjoying live music. The perfect setting to come ‘home’ to after a day of sightseeing in the city.

Wellness and SPA

I had a chance to visit Asaya Spa, an expansive spa with products from Barbara Stürm and Evidens de Beauté. The treatment menu here is excellent and very popular with the locals. The indoor pool was beautifully designed with sitting areas that offered privacy from other guests. It was very peaceful and the perfect setting to relax post-treatment. The fitness center has Technogym equipment, a TRX studio and of course, Bavarian saunas. Personal trainers are on hand to provide classes or assistance throughout your stay, and many locals take advantage of the these offerings.

Pool at the Rosewood Munich

What sets it apart

Rosewood Munich: What sets it apart

It is the newest hotel in Munich and quite possibly a favorite in all of Europe. The team did an excellent job of maintaining the historical landmark while making it still feel like a modern hotel with incredible amenities and spacious room configurations that just make sense.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Room rates start at about $750/night, inclusive of taxes and fees.

Diego Travel Loves

Rosewood Munich Lobby

While the hotel used to be a historical bank building, much like the Park Hyatt in Vienna, I don’t think you would know that it was a bank unless someone told you. They have done a wonderful job at making it feel elevated and residential, while each room and suite has every amenity imaginable – smart system, high-end luxury finishes and the best in linens, steamers and hair styling accessories. The team was professional, courteous and extremely helpful in securing dinner reservations and making me feel welcome. I noticed many European clients in the lobby, also known as the living room, were return clients and welcomed by name.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel

With our Rosewood Elite amenities, our clients receive access to exclusive promos including:

  • Rosewood Elite Status
  • $100 Euro hotel credit
  • Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking
  • Daily breakfast
  • Welcome amenity

You can book directly through diegotravel.com/book to get access to these exclusive Rosewood Elite amenities.

Rosewood Elite

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Insider Tip(s)

A stop in Lodenfrey should be required on a trip to Munich. When you buy an item at this luxury department store, the item is delivered to the checkout area where a row of women meticulously wrap your items with care. It feels like a step back in time when shopping was about customer service and attention to detail. I also picked up advent calendars and goodies at Dallmayr Delikateenhaus. Here you can find authentic German foods, wines and souvenirs to take home.

Summary of Our Stay

My stay at Rosewood Munich was nothing short of perfection. My only regret was not staying longer, and I kicked myself for not visiting sooner. It had been many years since I’d visited Munich, and it is a city that stole my heart and took me back to how Europe felt 20+ years ago when I studied abroad in Spain. It felt authentic, especially at the start of the Munich Christmas Markets, and the overall feel of the city. It also felt safe, and small enough to walk around all of Old Town, discovering gems that you can’t find anywhere else all along. Biergartens, check. Boutique shops, check. Food markets and museums, check. I wish I had time to visit the Olympic village, as my dad competed in swimming here back in 1968, so I really wanted to get there. I guess this just means I’ll need to return to Munich for another visit, next time with my kids.

Munich

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Four Seasons Hotel Florence VS Collegio alla Querce

The Difference Between Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence and Collegio alla Querce, an Auberge Resort

Written by Maria Diego on . Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Collegio alla Querce

The Difference Between Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence and Collegio alla Querce, an Auberge Resort

Italy vacations have long been a top destination for Diego Travel clients, and with the newly opened Collegio alla Querce, an Auberge Hotel, just outside of Florence, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about the difference between Four Seasons Hotel Florence and Collegio alla Querce.  If you are undecided between which of these Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Virtuoso properties might be right for you, we are here to point you in the right direction.  In addition to helping our clients navigate the differences between these two luxury resorts, as a preferred partner, our clients received exclusive access to 

  • Promos that aren’t always available online
  • $100+ hotel credit with your stay
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Priority room upgrade when available
  • VIP welcome amenity
  • Custom Diego Travel welcome box with goodies for new clients who utilize our custom trip planning

Both Four Seasons Hotel Firenze  and Collegio alla Querce are the perfect resort-style hotels in Florence, Italy, giving a perfect sense of place to feel as though you are worlds away, but just minutes from the city center.  Both offer an authentic feel, luxury service and outdoor heated pools, expansive grounds for al fresco dining, and spaces for destination weddings and/or small group gatherings.

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How to Get to Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and Collegio alla Querce

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is located just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, which is centrally located in Florence.  In other words, it’s a bit of a walk, but you do not need to take a car or shuttle to get to the city center.  Collegio alla Querce is located on a hillside overlooking the city of Florence, and requires a 10-minute taxi or shuttle.  The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle for guests that runs on a loop.  Both options are about a 10-15 minute drive to the Santa Maria Novella train station, or a 30-minute drive to the Florence international airport.

  • 43.7770174,11.2662841

    Four Seasons Firenze

  • 43.7880703,11.2769786

    COLLEGIO ALLA QUERCE

Why you should plan a trip to:

Four Seasons Firenze Suites

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

  • There are 115 accommodations/rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Florence
  • Rooms range from a Superior room to historical suites such as the Presidential Suite
  • Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a historical hotel from the Renaissance period, built in the 15th and 16th centuries
  • Home to the largest spa and wellness center in Florence
  • Activities include Four Seasons kids club, on-site personal training, cooking classes, live music and DJs, seasonal activities, art exhibitions, and more.

Collegio alla Querce Rooms

Collegio alla Querce

  • There are 83 rooms and suites at Collegio alla Querce
  • Rooms range from the entry-level Arcata King to the 6,258 sq ft 3-story Palazzo Moderno, a multi-bedroom private residence, perfect for privacy and family gatherings
  • Also a 16th century historical building that was, until recently, an all-boys boarding school, this newly-opened hotel has been meticulously restored to be a first-class luxury hotel
  • If you want to feel relaxed, as if you are in a refined yet casual Tuscan country home
  • Activities include a small spa with local ingredients and a small menu of treatments that nurture the soul, access to local experiences such as after-hours at the Accademmia, and to feel worlds away from Florence, even though you are just a 10-minute shuttle bus ride away.

What Is The Highlight at:

Four Seasons Firenze Spa

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

The history of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze was originally built by the Medici family and was home to Pope Leo XI at one point in the 16th century.  The interior design maintains the Renaissance feel, with heavy curtains, carved wood, frescoed ceilings, heavy furniture, and a more traditional feel overall.  Because of this, I think it is a more attractive option to older clients who want his regal vibe.  It’s also a wonderful property for kids to be able to run around on the grounds, while parents might enjoy a cocktail in peace at one of their outdoor dining venues.

Collegio alla Querce, Florence Italy

Collegio alla Querce

I personally loved the grandeur of the tiered and manicured gardens, with the large rectangular pool overlooking the front of the property, and the rooms at the back of the building with breathtaking views of the UNESCO-designated city of Florence.  Because it is brand new and the floor plan was redesigned to be a hotel with modern-day amenities, rooms and bathrooms feel more spacious than at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.  The vibe here is young and hip, with chic interior design elements that still maintain nods to the boys boarding school throughout.  For example, in one of the bars, the wall is lined with oil portraits of former boarding school students.  So cool!

Who Should Visit?

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

It’s ideal for large, traditional family gatherings, with special events and live music throughout the high season’s summer months.  Guests at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze range in age from their 30s to 80s, with it being a crowd favorite for multi-generational families or larger groups.  Because of the range of room options, there is something for everyone, from connecting entry level rooms to superior historical suites.  Overall, I think Four Seasons Hotel Florence is great for families both small and large, or multiple families traveling together.

Aside from families, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is ideal for couples as well, as you can choose between accommodations at one of the two buildings on property. The spa and wellness center is second to none in Florence.  The chapel is a great place to host a private romantic dinner, or even a proposal if you’re looking for a special place in Italy to propose.

Collegio alla Querce

While I was one of the first guests to stay at the newly opened Collegio alla Querce, I noticed that many of the other guests were young couples in their 30s or 40s.  I feel because of the aesthetic, it will appeal to a younger crowd, but because of its pricepoint, it will maintain its exclusivity.  If you’ve been to Florence before, and you’re looking to venture into the city for some shopping or meals, but not necessarily to trek the entire city from end to end, I think this would be an ideal hotel to enjoy the grounds, with shorter stints into Florence.

Need Help Deciding Which One Is Right For You?

We are always here to walk our clients through questions, itineraries, and custom trip planning.  If you really can’t decide which property you’ll enjoy more, it sometimes comes down to cost and we can help you navigate which is a better value for your dates.  Alternatively, you could easily spend 2 nights at each, making it an ideal 4-night stay in Florence but with two totally different experiences.  Our goal is to always match our clients to the perfect fit for your needs, and to get you the most value with our preferred partner amenities, no matter where you are staying in the world.  You can also book yourself by clicking on the link below.

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Florence Ponte Vecchio

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Bhutan travel guide

Bhutan

Written by Admin on . Posted in Destination Guides. No Comments on Bhutan

Bhutan

A Destination Guide to the land of the thunder dragon
MARIA DIEGO

Our van crept its way through winding roads that run alongside the river flowing through the heart of Paro, occasionally slowing for the stray cow that meandered away from its herd. I was dozing off and semi- consciously overheard the hushed conversation of the two women I had been traveling with for the previous nine days. “I find it hard to relate to family and friends back home. Having all these experiences while traveling, I return and the topics of conversation seem petty and trivial.”

Suddenly my mind shifted from the spiritual and cultural journey we had been on and an overwhelming wave of melancholy settled over me, conceding to this woman’s admission. How could I return to the regularly scheduled programming of my life back home following a trip to Bhutan? Somewhere between observing a traditional dance at Amankora and summiting the mountain to Tiger’s Nest, the schism presented itself between our consumer-driven and narcissistic society and a world that exists beyond that.

Meaningful human connections made while in Bhutan, perhaps fleeting, felt very honest, very real and very happy. Bhutan has long been known for its Gross National Happiness, a concept conceived and posited by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Kingdom’s fourth King, in 1974 at the beginning of his reign, and is woven through the fabric of Bhutan still today. As our pursuit of this happiness guided us through Bhutan’s seven majestic valleys, we discovered – at an almost inhumane speed – all the hotels and experiences that can be found within Bhutan.

Each valley offers unique attributes and a compelling reason to be the best one, but if the focus is on what there is to see and do and where to stay, I’d be missing the whole point. While we saw all of the best and most luxury hotels in Bhutan, including the several locations of Amankora and the Six Senses Bhutan, the most important aspect of a trip to Bhutan is not where you lay your head at night, but rather, the experiences that will confront you. The truth is, Bhutan is a feeling, one that can’t be explained without having lived it. The figurative key to these profound experiences is held by the guide with whom you travel, and I just happened to have traveled alongside the man with the golden key.

Perfect For:

Honeymooners | Adventure Trips | Trekking | Spiritual Journeys and Retreats | Anniversary Trips | Travel with Teens | Hikers | Cultural and Religious Educational Trips

Getting to Bhutan

Getting to Bhutan

Bhutan is not an easy destination to get to, which lends to its appeal as an ‘off-the-beaten’ path destination, the ultimate in the status symbol of travel. Quoting loosely from Teddy Roosevelt, “Nothing in this world is worth doing unless it requires effort, a little pain, and difficulty to get there.” There are daily flights from Bangkok and twice a week flights from Dubai and Singapore, I chose Dubai as my path of least resistance to get there. When I work with clients, I like to plan out air routing that makes logistical sense, which usually includes a stopover along the way.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?

Bhutan is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is from September to November and March to May. June, July and August are
monsoon season, but I was there in early June and we had beautiful blue skies throughout the entire trip. Winter in Bhutan can be cold with snow
at higher elevations, but the valleys oftentimes remain sunny and accessible.

Kingdom of Bhutan

27.5495110,90.5119273

Bhutan

Bhutan

BHUTAN Luxury Travel Guide

What to Do in Bhutan

  • Bhutan is a destination unlike any other, and there is plenty to do, no matter what your activity level. As a mom of three kids, I’d recommend traveling to Bhutan when the kids are a little older, probably starting from age 10 and up. A trip to Bhutan can be physically taxing, and the spiritual and cultural lessons to be had may not be appreciated.

  • Paro, Bhutan

  • Punakha, Bhutan

  • Paro

    There are many ways to start and finish your trip in Bhutan, depending on how many nights you have and how much you want to see. I began with two nights in Paro, mainly due to Dubai’s flight schedule. This allowed some time for acclimating before starting off on the rest of my journey through Bhutan. Alternatively, many people skip Paro in the beginning to spend more time there at the end.

    I stayed at Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel, a certified National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. It’s a very peaceful property located just 10 minutes outside of downtown Paro and synergizes the traditional with modern touches. After arriving midday, my guide allowed me some time to rest, have lunch and refresh, and then drove me to Paro as we walked around town and talked. It doesn’t take long – maybe 30 minutes to walk from one side of town to the other. Paro is home to Tiger’s Nest monastery, or Paro Taktsang, which I will go into detail at the end of this article.

  • Punakha

    On our way to Punakha valley, we stopped in a village called Sopsokha, best known as The Phallus Village. The phallus is a symbol of fertility, but is also rooted in the story of Drukpa Kunley, AKA the “divine madman,” a Buddhist saint who dates back to the 15th century. A lesson learned from this trip: every town in Bhutan is unique, so if you see something that you’d like to take home, don’t second guess yourself and just buy it because you likely won’t see the same thing twice. These little (and rather large) handicrafts were exclusive to this town, so I missed out on the opportunity for some epic Christmas gifts.

    Punakha is a peaceful valley and famous for the Punakha Dzong temple, the second largest and also oldest temple in Bhutan. At this temple, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, is entombed in the Machen Lhakhang temple within the Punakha Dzong. I mentioned our guide’s golden key. With that, we received the exclusive opportunity for a blessing by the Machey Lam, a lama whose sole role for the entirety of his life is to watch over the tomb of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Leave it to me to blow this sacred moment by drinking from a water bottle during the ceremony. I learned the hard way that you’re not supposed to do that.

    After my botched blessing, we headed over to the Punakha suspension bridge, which magnificently connects two towns. During our walk, we could peek down into a Buddhist seminary, witnessing young monks-in- training playing soccer and basketball. Bhutanese boys may enter the monastery as young as 6-years-old, and it’s typically the first-born in the family to go. Imagine delivering your young son to a lifelong commitment to preserving and practicing the doctrine of Buddhism. As an American I found this so heartbreaking, but in Bhutan, the practice and sacrifice is deeply honored and respected. Eventually, the Buddhist monk is allowed to occasionally return home for visits, but they are largely part of the monk sangha and will remain so for the remainder of his life. The suspension bridge is also amazing, and I wish I could say that I crossed it with confidence and bravery. I was about 15 steps in when my fear of heights kicked in and I retreated back like a total coward. Heights and I don’t mix well, but for any normal person, I would highly recommend the experience of crossing the suspension bridge in Punakha.

  • Thimphu, Bhutan

  • Thimphu

    Next we traveled to Thimpu, which is a beautiful lush valley with a river that runs through it. Between Thimpu and Punakha lies 108 stupas at Dochu La, which is a must-see. Built in 2006, Buddha Point is a giant statue that sits atop a mountain and rises high over the city. It was a gift from other countries to the Bhutanese king for his 60th birthday, and presently remains one of the most important landmarks in Bhutan. During our time in Thimpu, a festival for Buddhist monks was taking place at Buddha Point. Again, the golden key gave us the opportunity to visit this conference. It required a 3 AM wakeup call, but it was well worth the extra effort and something few people will ever experience and I certainly will never experience again. We were literally the only tourists there amongst thousands of attendees, which felt a bit intrusive but also gave me an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

  • Haa

    Our journey continued up the winding roads of Bhutan, up and up to Haa, a small town in northern Bhutan with 13,000 people and 11,000 farmers. It is the least populated district of Bhutan but we came here for a good reason, which I’ll get to in a second. First, we stopped for lunch at an exclusive homestead along the way, which again opened to us with that golden key. Lunch was an authentic Bhutanese meal of chili cheese and hoentay, prepared by a mother and her daughter and served as we sat around in a circle on floor cushions.

    Following lunch, we drove to the metaphorical and literal end of the road, where we unpacked our bags to trek into territory that belongs to the elusive red panda, snow leopard, pheasants, foxes, small cats, wild boar, the bengal tiger, and the Himalayan black bear found at higher altitudes. Now, to set the stage: I am not a hiker nor an outdoorsman. I was wearing Golden Goose sneakers, of all the shoes! But don’t you worry, I will be sending you a proper packing list. After a brief rain, we ventured through a path of thick mud toward the mysterious Sangwa Camp, a site that I Googled in vain to try to find out more information. Organized by the one and only MyBhutan, the experience involves an entire village taking two weeks to assemble a remote camp site, complete with temporary plumbing and electricity. The luxury traveler, like myself, need not sacrifice an actual toilet, a real bed, furnishings, incredible dining with an on-site chef, and even a spa tent set up especially for a massage in the middle of the woods. It would be a disservice to yourself to experience Bhutan without experiencing Sangwa Camp, and I cannot recommend it enough. It was the highlight of my trip, and something I will never forget. I’m going to leave it at that because the element of surprise is half the fun, but it was truly one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life.

  • Bhutan

  • BVI Drinks

  • LAYA

    While I didn’t get to reach Laya on this trip, it intrigues me enough for a return visit to Bhutan as soon as I am able. The indigenous Layaps live 12,533 feet above sea level in the highest village of Bhutan, and are most famous for harvesting cordyceps, a caterpillar fungus that look as disgusting as they sound. This highly sought after medicinal fountain of youth goes for $15,000 for 3.5 ounces. Yes, read that again slowly. Cordyceps boost your immune system, increase athletic and sexual performance, and slows the aging process. Who wouldn’t want all of that? While I didn’t try any, apparently it’s quite effective as there is a huge market for them and as a result, the Layaps are loaded.

  • Maybe less interesting to some, but more interesting to me, are the exquisitely beautiful genes of the Laya, the hats and garments that they wear, and their status symbol of wealth. The pots stacked in their kitchen are the status symbol – a fully loaded kitchen is like the Birkin bag of Laya. Unfortunately, there are only two men who know how to make the Layap hats, so a part of MyBhutan’s mission is to preserve these ancient traditions. Through their Soul Projects, an apprenticeship program will be funded to ensure the next generation is taught the beautiful craft of this hat making tradition.

Where to stay in Bhutan

Where to Stay in Bhutan

A Note About The Aman and Six Senses Hotels in Bhutan

Both Aman and Six Senses offer multiple locations in Bhutan. Aman offers a Bhutan Journey, a canned itinerary that routes you through all of their locations. Don’t get me wrong. I loved Amankora, but the five locations feels similar and there is something to be said for having a unique stay in every stop. I also think the element of true personalization is critical in Bhutan, which is where I come in as well as my partners at MyBhutan. We can discuss the ins and outs of the various Amankora locations as well as the Six Senses and figure out which will work best for your itinerary on an introductory call, which you can schedule here.

Paro Hotels

Bhutan Zhiwaling

Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel

Located slightly closer to town and the airport, I think this is a great option with an authentic sense of place and a view of the distant Tiger’s Nest. Their in-house temple was build with 450 year old timbers that were originally part of Gadgety Monastery, built in 1613. There are great family-friendly room accommodations here.

Amankora Paro

Amankora Paro

Just five minutes further from town than Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel, Amankora Paro is set within a lush pine forest with a trickling stream that runs through it. It has 24 suites and a 2-story spa, which I cannot recommend enough. The suite is amazing and a stay here is the perfect finale for your trip to Bhutan.

Thimphu Hotels

Amankora Thimphu

Amankora Thimphu

Amankora Thimphu is nestled in a wooded area as well and has 16 suites and a small spa. The property is quiet and lacks a pool or views from the property. However, it is very quiet and peaceful, and the suites, in typical Aman fashion, are incredibly spacious.

Six Senses Thimphu

Six Senses Thimphu

Six Senses Thimphu is a bit larger than Amankora, but offers more options from Lodge Suites up to 3-Bedroom Suites, perfect for multi-generational families or friends traveling together. They also have a beautiful infinity pool with direct views to Buddha Point, and stunning mountain vistas. A highlight of our stay at Six Senses Thimphu was the authentic tea ceremony, and the steak I had here was one of the best I’ve had in my life.

Punakha Hotels

Six Senses Punakah

Six Senses Punakha

We stayed in Six Senses Punakha, which has the advantage of being perched at the top of a hill that overlooks the valley below. An infinity pool, much like the location in Thimphu, offers a stunning view. The property offers golf cart rides to and from your suite, as it is located on a steep incline so walking to and from may be difficult for older guests.

&Beyond Bhutan

&Beyond Punakha

This is one of the newer properties in Punakha and the first in Bhutan from the &Beyond brand. It was incredibly beautiful and feels like a design-forward luxury tented camp with a comfortable lobby, bar and outdoor spaces for gatherings with friends. Nestled next to the Mo Chu River, I really loved the riverside one bedroom suites, the River House and 2-bedroom family suite options here. Featured in Robb Report and AFAR, &Beyond Punakha was one of my favorite properties in Bhutan.
They also have a wellness spa and often host leading holistic practitioners with programming that we can incorporate as part of your
visit to Bhutan.

Amankora Punakha Bhutan

Amankora Punakha

With only 12 suites at Amankora Punakha, the highlight here is the old farmhouse that dates back 300 years. Two suites have living rooms which can be combined to create two-bedroom suites. This location has a 30-meter outdoor infinity pool that overlooks rice fields along with a 2-story spa. There’s also a lovely suspension footbridge that you can cross in order to enter the property, which even with my ridiculous fear of heights, I was able to handle.

Pemako Hotel Bhutan

Pemakö

Pemakö was designed by the famous Bill Bensley, an Asia-based interior designer with a flair for the wild and a loyal cult following. Located adjacent to Amankora, this newly opened property felt the most expansive, with each villa enjoying total privacy. Something unique about this property? The widest bed I had ever seen, made custom for this hotel and a retrofit that raises a lot of questions.

Como Uma

COMO Uma

I would be remiss not to mention COMO Uma, the final hotel we visited in Punakha. Boutique in size and authentic in feeling, this property also sits on a hilltop so requires steps to get to some rooms. The highlight here was the small but mighty spa, with treatment rooms overlooking the valley below and one of them offering a beautiful wooden tub with this
incredible view.

Oil Nut Bay

Gangtey Lodge in the Phobjikha Valley

I met the owners of Gangtey Lodge in Morocco a couple of years ago and had been looking forward to seeing this property. Gangtey Lodge overlooks a 17th century monastery in the Phobjikha valley and pride themselves in the balance of space, place and scenery. Their palpable passion for Bhutan was a driving motivator to visit this country. Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit the Phobjikha valley on this trip. I look forward to a return visit to Bhutan, but for most of my clients I would encourage a minimum of 12 nights in order to cover more yet enjoy a slower pace as well.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Bhutan

Bhutan Culture and People

Bhutan Luxury Travel Guide

The People

Two key concepts to fully understand its people is that Bhutan is a country of villages and the Fourth King conceptualized decentralization of government al power at the start of his reign in 1974. “As far as you, my people, are concerned, you should not adopt the attitude that whatever is required to be done for your welfare will be done entirely by the government.” On the contrary, a little effort on your part will be much more effective than a great deal of effort on the part of the government,”he delivered during his coronation address.

With the establishment of two entities that would foster this plan, Bhutan today, under the now Fifth King, is built on autonomous and self-reliant villages, where decisions are largely made by the people, yet social services are accessible to even the most remote of villages.

Now that I’ve explained these concepts, it is easier to grasp how selflessly helpful and humble the Bhutanese people are. They are never short a smile, and very modest when speaking with us loud Americans. Oftentimes, they’ll speak to you with a hand covering their mouth, which is a sign of respect. Because of their strong ties to the village, loyalty to family, tradition, and preservation are extremely important to them.

Bhutan Luxury Travel Guide

The Culture

The national sport in Bhutan is archery, and they even have an Olympic team. Baseball was introduced by the founder of MyBhutan in 2013 and to this day is a leading after-school activity for thousands of Bhutanese children in the country. Funding after-school sports programs is another initiative of MyBhutan’s Soul Projects, in which visitors are invited to participate in and experience with the locals during their stay in Bhutan.

I’ve touched already on the primary religion of Buddhism and how it transcends all aspects of daily life in Bhutan. One of the first questions I asked my guide as we strolled through Paro on the afternoon of my arrival was how religious the average family is and if they generally practice Buddhism. He thought about my question for a long minute and answered, “It is true that the young people visit temples less frequently and have a busier way of life, but the practice of Buddhism is enmeshed in our lives.”

Agriculture and environmental conservation are two other elements that interplay with Bhutan’s culture. Bhutan has a policy that must maintain 60% of its forest for all time, and is the first net zero country in carbon emissions. Bhutan remains a forerunner in global conservation efforts and was awarded the UN’s Champion of the Earth Aware in 2011.

Exclusive Access to Monasteries and Homestays

In the 1980s, His Majesty formed the Council of Ecclesiastical Affairs, which funds the restoration and preservation of Bhutan’s monasteries. There are over 2,000 monasteries in the country today, and MyBhutan has exclusive access to many of these and the experiences they offer. In addition to its religious temples and monasteries, Bhutan has many traditional homes with families willing to open up their homes to our clients. In some you can stay as a guest, while in others you can share a meal or an experience that provides a glimpse into the Bhutanese way of life. Again, with our partner’s connections, anything is possible.

Tiger's Nest Bhutan

Tiger’s Nest

Perhaps the most important part of this Bhutan Destination Guide – I am saving the best for last. Tiger’s Nest is the most visited and photographed monument in Bhutan, and worthy of the effort it takes to hike to the summit. I would allow for a half-day for this experience, and you’ll want to start as early in the day as possible. Your guide will accompany you, and once at the top, bags and cameras are not allowed inside of the monastery, so you will store them in a locker. It does get cold inside, so be sure to pack layers, water and a light meal with you unless you plan to dine in the cafeteria that sits around the midway point. It is most commonly recommended to experience Tiger’s Nest on your final day in Bhutan, as a grand finale in the country. We stayed our final night in Amankora Paro, where I had possibly the best massage of my life following an almost maniacal climb/run up to Tiger’s Nest. What can I say? I love a challenge to go fast and the opportunity presented itself.

Upon finishing our hike to Tiger’s Nest, we had the most memorable experience in the garden of a private home, with a picnic lunch with views to the monastery. We had a tour of the home, which gave us a glimpse into Bhutanese life, and was the perfect authentic setting to celebrate a journey well done.

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Bhutan Luxury Travel Guide

Insider Tips

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, is a condition caused by acute exposure to low air pressure usually above 2,400 meters (approximately 8,000 feet). The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly; symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and sleep disorder. Before your travel to a high altitude destination, avoid eating too much. If you stay at a high altitude, try to have some rest upon arrival. Limit any walking or activity; physically demanding activities are not recommendable for the first day. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages. I met with my doctor before travel who prescribed altitude sickness medicine. I did not need to take it on my trip to Bhutan, but mention it in case you would like to consult with your
doctor.

Bhutan Luxury Travel Guide

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I’m a Travel Advisor, and These Are My 5 Favorite Caribbean Private Island Resorts

I’m a Travel Advisor, and These Are My 5 Favorite Caribbean Private Island Resorts

Written by Maria Diego on . Posted in Press.

Travel + Leissure
July 8, 2025
By Maria Diego

Vacationing on a private island might seem extravagant, but the Caribbean offers a variety of resorts that are worth a second look. As a travel advisor specializing in the region and a mom to three kids, I’ve experienced enough private island resorts to understand what they have to offer. Whether you are traveling with your partner, the whole family, or multiple families, these resorts offer something for everyone. These five islands are my favorites.

Jumby Bay Island Looking for water sports like wakeboarding and tubing? Check. Bike rides, tennis, pickleball and fishing? Check. Villa staff who will organize karaoke nights, scavenger hunts, and pool parties for your gang? All covered. Jumby Bay Island in Antigua is refined yet relaxed, chic yet unpretentious. Nearly everything is included on the island, from meals and drinks to activities to a kids club. Plus, a buzzy new beach club and restaurant called The Hut on Little Jumby is only a three-minute boat ride away.

Ambergris Cay Ambergris Cay is a little-known secret—and it’s a great value, too. Just a 20-minute turboprop plane ride from Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Ambergris Cay offers one- and two-bedroom beachfront bungalows that are perfect for honeymooners, small families, or solo travelers. For larger groups, the island also has villas with three to 10 bedrooms. Guests get their own golf carts and have access to the beach club, as well as hiking paths, several beaches, tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, and a boat charter to Hangover Tiki Bar.  

Como Parrot Cay I’d be hard-pressed to find a better beach in the Caribbean than Como Parrot Cay, which is an easy half-hour boat ride from Providenciales and a celebrity favorite for a reason. Lush with pine trees and foliage, Como Parrot Cay offers diverse dining options, activities like kayaking and farm tours, and a range of stays from double hotel rooms to privately owned beachfront residences that sleep up to eight and come fully staffed. The Como Shambhala wellness center, which offers yoga, sound healing, and nutrition resets, is one of the best I’ve experienced in the Caribbean.

Mustique Island Located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and a long-time favorite of the British royal family, Mustique has a certain mystique to it. The island offers stays at the 17-bedroom boutique hotel, The Cotton House, as well as two- to 10-bedroom villas. Don’t miss cocktails and dancing at the legendary overwater Basil’s Bar, or horseback riding at the equestrian center. Mustique is worthy of a trip of its own, but it can easily be combined with the nearby islands of St. Lucia, Barbados, or Martinique.

Moskito Island At Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands, expect a thrilling, activity-packed vacation. Guests can rent a handful of villas with up to nine bedrooms each. Celebrate big with a daytime waterslide and a nighttime DJ . For water sports fans, there’s kitesurfing, tubing, and wakeboarding, Other private experiences include tennis, guided hikes, personal training, and cooking classes. Whatever floats your boat, the accommodating staff will make it happen.

Maria Diego is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in U.S. and Caribbean trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Diego by contacting her at maria@diegotravel.com.  

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Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Written by Admin on . Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Diego Travel Hotel Review

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

A Classical Hotel in Florence, Italy
MARIA DIEGO

Built by the Medici family starting in 1473, the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is an irreplaceable landmark in Florence’s history, and provides its guests with the incomparable opportunity to sleep in the same building which once was home to Pope Leo XI. The beautiful sprawling estate of one of Florence’s best luxury hotels, is dotted with historically significant statues, and often plays host to artist pop ups. The hotel’s 115 rooms are divided between the two buildings, Palazzo della Gherardesca, built in 1473, and Palazzo del Nero, built in the 16th century. The buildings maintain original marble, hand-painted frescos, and the original chapel located in the lobby of Palazzo della Gherardesca, which is my favorite room in the hotel, which can be rented out for a private dinner, wedding proposal or even intimate weddings. It is truly one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen

Perfect For: Honeymoons | Couples | Families | Anniversary Trips | Romantic Getaways | Groups | Corporate Groups | Weddings

Book Hotel with Us to Get $100-$200 Hotel Credit and Breakfast Included + Priority Upgrade

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

FLORENCE, Italy

Getting to The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze:

43.7770174,11.2662841

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Getting to Florence involves making a connection through any of the main European Hubs or flying direct to Rome and then taking the train or driving to Florence.

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is just a 10-minute walk to the Duomo in Florence, I would say it sits just outside the heart of Florence. I actually love the location because it provides a bit more peace and quiet while still being very accessible to walk into town.

Landing at The Brando in Tetiaroa Atoll

Vibe at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze:

The Brando Vive

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a truly unique experience and appeals to the guest who wants the utmost in luxury service and appreciates the architecture, artwork and decor of the Italian Renaissance.  It blends the historical architecture and artwork with modern day amenities, such as one of the largest spas in Florence. Maybe it is the largest spa, I’m not sure. It has an underground tunnel complete with sauna and steamroom, but more on that later… While the gardens are peaceful, the property is far from boring, with a Michelin restaurant, evening DJ sets, a calendar of events that even draws the locals, and a high-fashion clientele that makes for great people watching.  When I asked their sales director, I was told that about 80% of its clients are American, many of them repeat guests.

Accomodations at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze:

Four Seasons Firenze Rooms

As mentioned, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is divided into two buildings.  Palazzo della Gherardesca makes up 79 rooms, while the smaller Palazzo del Nero has 36 rooms.

Four Seasons Firenze Suites

The historical suites such as The Royal Suite, Presidential Suite and Duomo Suite (a bi-level option with the most stunning views of the Duomo) are all bookable through our Four Seasons Preferred Partnership only and are not available online.  Even if you are not staying in a suite, our clients receive Preferred Partner benefits and we can provide best room recommendations based on your needs, whether you require connecting rooms, a quiet room, or want the best views. 

Four Seasons Firenze Bathrooms

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Food & Beverage at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze:

  • There are plenty of options for food and beverage at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, and even if you are not staying at the hotel, I highly recommend coming for an afternoon al fresco cocktail and enjoying a set list of live music in the gardens.

  • Les Mutinés

  • Bob’s Bar, The Brando Hotel

  • From the Italian fine dining at Il Palagio to the Mediterranean-inspired Onde which offers a nightly DJ, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers an unbeatable culinary experience.

  • Obviously, an integral experience of any trip to Italy is eating, so while there are plenty of great restaurants within the city, the offerings on-property make it worthwhile to stay in.  

  • Nami

  • The Beachcomber Cafe at The Brando Hotel Tahiti

Activities at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze:

  • Diego Travel offers custom trip planning to fully curate your itinerary, if you want to utilize our complimentary direct hotel bookings and take advantage of our Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities – you can book yourself on the link below – or reach out to us for room recommendations.

  • Florence Ponte Vecchio

  • Making Tahitian Pareos at the Brando

  • When booking the hotel only, the Four Seasons concierge offers a full-service suite of experiences both on property and off, from family-friendly activities like kid-friendly museums and farmstead visits to on-property Pio Seasons Kids Club.  

  • Traveling without the kids? Their team can set you up with access to exclusive shopping experiences at the Pucci fashion house, a world-famous porcelain factory or to find out how cashmere is manufactured.

  • The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

  • The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Pool

  • Book Direct

    Book Direct

Wellness at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze:

The spa and wellness program at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is the best that Florence has to offer. If it’s your first time to Florence, you might be thinking of overscheduling your itinerary with visits to the Accademmia and the Uffizi Gallery. Having visited Florence at least half a dozen times, I can tell you that after walking 10+ miles in the city center each day, you’ll want to schedule in at least a 2-hour window of relaxation time at the end of each day prior to dinner. Your legs will be thanking me.

If it’s your second, third or fourth time to Florence, you might want your stay to revolve less around sightseeing and more about enjoying local tenants of the city – visits to your favorite boutiques, restaurants and taking part in the property’s Wellback system, which helps to realign the mind/body connection with emphasis on posture, breathwork and your daily regimen. Perhaps you’ve planned only time for city stops, but want the feel and relaxation of the Italian countryside. Then I highly recommend taking advantage of the wellness center at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Also, as an ideal spot for a destination wedding, the spa offers a full-service salon as well, which can’t always be easily found in Italy.

Four Seasons Firenze Spa

What sets The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze appart:

Tetiaroa Society and The Brando

Any building built by the Medici family in the 15th century is irreproducible, so for starters, there is that.  Having the largest walled garden in Florence is also unique, and provides a completely different experience than other Florentine hotels.  The evening live music is also ideal for summer al fresco evenings.  Part of the pool is heated year-round, but it is a very small section.  If you prefer to have a large heated pool year-round, then I recommend Villa Cora, another option on the other side of Florence and the only property that offers a year-round heated pool. 

While all rooms at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze are absolutely stunning, the historical suites will make you feel like royalty, stepping back in time to the Renaissance era.  The frescos and ceilings in these suites are unparalleled, and make your stays here very special and well worth the price tag. 

What we love about The Brando

Diego Travel Loves…

They have an open concept kitchen for cooking classes to learn how to make homemade pasta.  As a mom of three, I also love the Four Seasons kids club, that really can’t be beat.  Nowhere else in the city will your kids have the grounds and the kids activities that are offered here at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.

The Brando

How Much Does it Cost?

Rates start around €960 per night during low season in a superior room, and can go up to €30,000 per night during high season for the Presidential Suite. Our clients receive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities, which include daily breakfast, additional resort credit (amount dependent on room category booked), and priority upgrade. Four Seasons Preferred Partners also have access to exclusive promos that aren’t available online, so always check our booking platform here. These offers are always available so long as you select the Preferred Partner rate code. For example, right now, our clients receive an additional €200 Euro hotel credit on top of the Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.

The Brando Hermit Crab

Diego Travel Perks:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily full breakfast for 2 people per bedroom, served in the restaurant or in-room dining

  • $100 USD hotel credit for rooms, $200 for suites and specialty suites

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • VIP Welcome amenity

  • Diego Travel welcome box with custom trip planning

    Book Hotel with Us to Get $100-$200 Hotel Credit and Breakfast Included + Priority Upgrade

    Diego Travel Insider Tips:

    Don’t discount Italy in March and April! Everyone loves to visit Italy in the summer and early fall, but we stayed in late March/early April, and everything was just starting to bloom. The weather was gorgeous, the streets weren’t crowded, dining out didn’t require booking reservations months out. I highly recommend a stay ideally in early April to take advantage of lower rates, cooler weather, and the start of a dreamy floral season in Italy.

    The Brando Tahiti

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