British Virgin Islands

Written by Admin on January 31, 2022. Posted in Destination Guides. Leave a Comment

The British Virgin Islands

A Destination Guide for Your Luxury Caribbean Vacation

MARIA DIEGO

January 31, 2022

The British Virgin Islands, made up of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Scrub Island, along with many other smaller islands is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for luxury travel. I was invited on a FAM trip (the travel industry’s term for familiarization trip) hosted by the British Virgin Islands Tourism Board, where we got to see the top luxury hotels, resorts, private islands, and villas and many different islands. They also introduced us to many different experiences that are possible on the British Virgin Islands, including chartering private yachts, sail boats, and catamarans, renting Moke cars to ride around the islands, exploring The Baths National Park, and all the other fun you can have on the BVI. If you love beautiful beaches, perfect weather, luxury hotels and villas at a great price point, and the best rum cocktails in the world, then you will love the British Virgin Islands!

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Getting to the British Virgin Islands

Getting to BVI isn’t easy, which is why it is perhaps such a popular spot for the jet setters who want a more exclusive experience and privacy. For ease of flights, it’s sometimes better to fly into STT (St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands) because it is a direct flight from many major US cities. From St. Thomas, you can take a boat over to British Virgin Islands, even though you will need to stop by boat to clear customs.

Otherwise, you can fly into the British Virgin Island’s main airport in Tortola, the Terrence B. Lettsome airport (EIS), which you will need to connect through Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, or Antigua. You have additional smaller airports at Virgin Gorda (VIJ) and Anegada (NGD), and other smaller landing sites for private aviation. When you utilize Diego Travel’s trip planning service, we handle all of the logistics of travel to the US Virgin Island and British Virgin Islands so you don’t have to worry about any of it.

BVI

18.4223,-64.6192
Tortola
18.4461,-64.4341
Virgin Gorda

The British Virgin Islands Luxury Travel Guide

What to do in the BVI

The Baths National Park
The most visited site in the British Virgin Islands is 7-acres of coastline called The Baths National Park, an iconic location of large boulders and white sand located at Devil’s Bay on Virgin Gorda. Instagram has catapulted its popularity, with influencers getting their obligatory shot between or on these impressive boulders. You can crouch down through narrow passage ways to snorkel or scuba dive your way around them from the water. If you’re visiting the BVI, you cannot miss The Baths.
Yacht & Catamaran Charters
As I discussed in my guide to the US Virgin Islands, the Caribbean just might be the Yacht Charter Capital of the World, and you will find many luxury boats, yachts and catamarans to rent in the region. The problem is, where can you find one of these that fit your budget?
I’ll let you in on a secret. The yacht charter with crew experience is more affordable than you think, especially when traveling with a group of family or friends. I have worked with one of the boating industry’s top yacht brokers for over a decade, and she has 30+ years in the industry. Together, at no additional cost to the client, we are able to pair Diego Travel clients to the best boat and crew at your budget.
Whether you opt for a live-on boat charter experience, or opt for a day charter to experience the ocean from your hotel or private villa, we have the best contacts to ensure you’re getting the most value for your budget while boating around Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, or Jost Van Dyke.
Diving
My husband and I started out in the travel industry operating a marina with boat charters and ground transfers, and many people are surprised to know that I have never scuba dived before because I feel like I learned everything there is to know about it. A health condition prevents me from scuba diving, so I stick to snorkeling in shallow reef area. Despite my inability to scuba dive, I can tell you that the British Virgin Islands is perfect for both scuba diving and snorkeling, especially at islands like Anegada, the only flat coral island in the BVI. The island is surrounded by a series of reef mazes and tunnels and are full of interesting types of sea life that you won’t find any many other places. In Virgin Gorda, don’t miss visits to Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Devil’s Bay (where The Baths are located), Mahoe Bay and Spring Bay.
Sailing
The BVI has consistent trade winds that makes it ideal for constant sailing, whether you are a novice or experienced sailor. Similar to the boat charters, sailing deserves its own category in things to do in the British Virgin Islands because you can take sailing classes on a small sail boat or even a Hobie cat or wind surf. When we visited Moskito Island, where Richard Branson owns an estate and is right next to Necker Island, a skipper took us out on a Hobie cat, so we could just sit back and relax while she transferred us on the water to the private beach club of Moskito Island. It was one of the most adventurous, wet and funny moments of our trip!
Shopping
Along with luxury accommodations usually comes luxury shops that pop up that caters for the high-end clientele that frequents these islands. My first stop to the British Virgin Islands was at Oil Nut Bay, and we popped into Luna Boutique BVI at the marina next to Nova Restaurant. A chic boutique that carries unique and well-known brands and a great range of items from swimsuits and coverups to straw bags and candles. Even if you’re not staying on Oil Nut Bay, I highly recommend a visit to the restaurant and the few shops around it here. At Rosewood Little Dix Bay, you can also visit their boutique that is also full of beautiful clothes and souvenirs to take home. And while we didn’t have a lot of time to shop, a departing gift from our lovely hostess from the Tourism Board was a set of spices and teas, all local products that are typical products you can buy on your trip to the British Virgin Islands (and of course, don’t forget to bring home some alcohol, distilled there on the islands).
Drinking
I would be remiss to skip the importance of drinking on the British Virgin Islands – cocktails and the on-island distilleries are a huge part of BVI island life, and will definitely make your vacation more fun and unforgettable (or forgettable, depending on how much is consumed). I’ll discuss bars and places to visit for the best cocktails in the BVI under restaurants.

Where to Stay in The British Virgin Islands

One of the best destinations in the Caribbean for luxury private villas and homes is the British Virgin Islands. The Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda is probably the best hotel in the British Virgin Islands, and underwent a massive renovation in 2019, only to reopen just at the start of the pandemic.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

The Rosewood Little Dix Bay is perfect for honeymooners, anniversary trips, and even great for families. The hotel is located on a wide crescent bay with a very long beach for walking that is completely private for the resort. This makes it ideal if you want privacy and a beautiful sandy beach. Little Dix Bay has a long history and has had return visitors for years, and when I asked the general manager what he loved most about the resort, he said that the returning guests who celebrate their honeymoon and then their 25th wedding anniversary 25 years later is one of the things that makes the property so special. The main pool is nothing to write home about, but is a nice distance from the main restaurant and beach that it is quiet. There is another pool at the spa that overlooks the open ocean on the opposite side of the property, and I almost preferred this pool to the other. One thing that is worthy of writing home about is the tennis courts, pickle ball courts, and huge gym with fitness equipment. For guests who want to stay active and play sports on property, there are definitely many options. Finally, another advantage of staying at Little Dix Bay is its proximity to The Baths National Park in Virgin Gorda.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following Rosewood Elite Amenities:

Exclusive Rosewood Elite Offers
Complimentary one category upgrade upon arrival, based on availability
Daily Full American breakfast for up to two people per bedroom
USD125 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 ServiceTravel Planning Service

Moskito Island

Moskito Island was perhaps my favorite destination in British Virgin Islands and is an exclusive experience that not many people will ever get to experience. There are only a handful of homes on the entire island, owned by Richard Branson and his billionaire friends. Fortunately, you too can have this experience, and rent out one of the homes that is between 7 and 11 bedrooms in each estate. The island itself has its own communal beach club, beachside pool and outdoor living area, tennis courts, gym, and water sports center, all for your own private use. Each estate has its own team of friendly staff that make the experience of staying on Moskito Island so exceptional.

I was lucky enough to stay at the Branson Estate and slept in the bedroom next to Richard Branson’s at the Headland House, which is a perfect setup for a family with children or teens. The home has its own kitchen and communal areas, but then there are two other stand alone buildings that make the Branson Estate ideal for multiple families traveling together, or even 11 couples who want to gather at night for gourmet meals and karaoke at night. That evening, we kicked it off with a private rum tasting with rum expert at Branson team member, Goran. This rum tasting comes included with your stay when you book with Diego Travel.

Later, we enjoyed one of the best meals of my life, followed by a night of karaoke that lasted well into the night, joined by fun staff who made the entire experience. The next day, we were whisked to the beach for a captained experience on a Hobie cat, where they took us around the island and dropped us off at the communal beach club, where we enjoyed cocktails and a beautiful beachside meal. It was heaven, and I still pinch myself that I got to have this experience.

The other estates are The Oasis, where Paris Hilton recently honeymooned, and modeled after a cruise ship, which sleeps 18 with 6 family rooms close together and 3 separated villas for invited staff or friends. The Point is the closest to the beach and has 8 rooms that are completely separated bungalows, so likely not ideal for young kids but a great experience for couples. The Point sleeps 22 people.

Summer 2022 will see the opening of The Village to the Moskito Island rental program, which will be the premiere party house with a water slide, full light display and a DJ booth that comes up from the floor. There are 8 rooms total, with 7 separated pods. Again, this estate is ideal for the ultimate party and for the huge celebration you won’t be able to have anywhere else. So how much does it cost to stay on Moskito Island? Well, considering all food and house drinks are included, as well as full staff that provides housekeeping, entertainment, gourmet meals, and even around the clock babysitting for your little ones, the nightly rate in low season is around $22,000 plus taxes and fees. Whether you rent out each estate for just you and your plus one, or a large group of friends, the nightly rate remains the same.

The most unique element of Moskito Island are the experiences that they can create to really wow their guests, which is why the price is completely accessible when considering what you get. They create events like family style Olympic Games, bonfires, BBQ and s’mores, will have pizza night at the beach house, and create romantic dinner setups for parents to enjoy time on their own, while they set up a kids table for a kid-friendly dinner with babysitters down at The Cove.

Doesn’t it sound like paradise? It is. And when you book your stay with Diego Travel, I work with the island manager directly to make sure every detail is accounted for and can pair you with the estate that matches your needs.

Oil Nut Bay

Oil Nut Bay is another hybrid private island experience set up with resort amenities, with a beautiful beach club with private villas, both beachfront and perched up on the hills overlooking the bay. You need a golf cart to get around this expansive island, and homes vary in both size and decor. You can also visit as a couple only, which would be ideal for a honeymoon, with a base suite starting at just $600/night in low season. Homes are new and well-designed, with most offering private pools and full kitchens.

Whale peak season is March and April, when I highly recommend renting a villa on Whale Point; in fact, one of my favorite villas is called Whale Point and is a brand new 2-bedroom villa with pool and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. In low season, rates start at $1700/night+ + which makes it very affordable to go with another couple.

My favorite large home that would be perfect for a group of adults or traveling with teenagers, is Maranti, a 5-bedroom villa with separated en-suite rooms. All homes can provide provisions and a chef is available to prepare dinner each night, or you can enjoy dinner at the restaurant down at the pool and beach club.

They are currently building a spa, and currently have a gym and kids club, so Oil Nut Bay is one of my top picks for multi-generational trips that want privacy, quiet, and a beautiful setting for extended stays. It’s not uncommon for guests to rent these homes for a month-long stay, and with rates being so accessible, it might be worthwhile to consider an extended vacation.

Private Villas

While in the British Virgin Islands, I met the “Queen of BVI” and owner/ founder of a destination management company that covers all of the islands. After working 30+ years in the hospitality industry, from her role as general manager at Rosewood Little Dix Bay to president of the tourism board, she now runs her own company and works exclusively with travel advisors. I was lucky enough to spend half a day with her, where she gave us tours of some of her favorite private villas at a range of prices. Villas ran from beachfront from $6,000/week for a 4-Bedroom home to upwards of $40,000/week. What is great about working with this person is that she literally knows every single villa and boat rental on the islands, and is able to match my clients to the perfect vacation rental and works with me to build an itinerary that is perfect for your needs. Need a babysitter? She has the contact. Want an in-house private chef and your kitchen fully stocked before arrival? We have you covered.

Two of my favorite villas that we toured and had lunch and dinner at were Baraka Point and Aquamare Villas. Both are beachfront and excellent options for families. Baraka Point is up on a cliff and has beach access that is just a couple minutes walk to get there. Both of these villas are very close to Sugar Cane restaurant, which I will cover in the next section.

Guana Island is 850 acres of private island with seven beaches, mountains, gardens and hiking and private villas that offer first-class luxury service as well. Guana Island is completely private, with gorgeous white sand beaches and an ideal destination when you want to get away from it all. At any of the above villas, when you book your BVI vacation with Diego Travel, we will make sure you are paired with the perfect match to fit your needs.

Where to eat in the British Virgin Islands?

Some British Virgin Islands favorites, and very unique to the BVI dining options:

Nova on Oil Nut Bay – Built on a dock that extends out over the ocean, Nova is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying fresh sushi or local fish and sipping on fancy cocktails from their extensive and modern bar. It’s fun to people watch and check out the yachts at this marina restaurant.
CocoMaya Restaurant – Just minutes from the iconic Baths in Virgin Gorda, Cocomaya is an iconic beach club and bar that is a must-see when visiting the British Virgin Islands. Plan to reserve a day bed and spend at least a few hours here, whether for lunch or into the night for dinner.
Sugarcane Restaurant – Sugarcane is located in Nail Bay on Virgin Gorda, walkable to Baraka Point and very close to Aquamare Villas. This fun spot perched up on a hill overlooking the water has delicious food, drinks and even a sports club that includes pool and tennis club. When you’re a guest a Baraka Point, you even get free access to their sport club and gym.
Reef House at Little Dix Bay – You can make dining reservations here even if you’re not a guest at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. This beachfront restaurant is worth a stop, whether you’re visiting the islands by land or by private yacht. Reserve in advance if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Willy T at Cooper Island Beach Club – The legendary floating bar of the BVI’s where all you need to know is “what happens at Willy T’s stays at Willy T’s.”
Did you know that when you utilize Diego Travel’s trip planning service, we make all your dining and activity reservations for you? Find out how you can implement our concierge service into your travel plans to make planning your trip to BVI as easy and seamless as possible.

A Few of My Favorite Things

The British Virgin Islands

Private Islands Galore

If you can swing it, the British Virgin Islands is worth the splurge on a private island experience. There are several to choose from, ranging from Necker Island to Moskito Island (the more famous due to Richard Branson’s famous name), to Aerial Island Resort and Guana Island. Whatever your budget and reason for celebration may be, I am happy to walk you through the different options and help you select which private island escape will be right for you and your occasion.

The Privacy and Exclusivity

After having visited both British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands all within two weeks of each other, I can say that what is notably different about British Virgin Islands is the element of exclusivity about it. While less buzzy and pretentious than its fellow Jetsetter Caribbean competition over at St. Barths, British Virgin Islands is no doubt a playground and hot spot for the rich and famous who are looking to vacation in private at some of the best beaches in the world. While many places come with a hefty price tag, the good news is that the average person can still experience the luxury element of BVI without spending a small fortune.

The Service

I didn’t experience a single bad meal while visiting the BVI, but what stood out most was the level of service at all the places we stayed, most notably at Moskito Island. Many people come to work seasonally at British Virgin Islands and never leave, while others are native to the islands and have such a happy disposition about life. It makes you feel like family by the time it’s time to leave, and you’ll never want to go home.

If you’re interested in a chartering a yacht or catamaran in the British Virgin Islands, or book the Rosewood Little Dix Bay or any other private villa or vacation rental, I would be happy to provide you my guidance and match you with the perfect boat + crew or hotel accommodation. You can contact me directly to inquire.

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US Virgin Islands

Written by Admin on January 2, 2022. Posted in Destination Guides. Leave a Comment

US Virgin Islands

A Destination Guide for Your Caribbean Vacation

MARIA DIEGO

January 1, 2022

The US Virgin Islands, made up of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, is a boater and diver’s paradise of many islands, beautiful beaches, and plenty of dive spots to explore. We were looking for a remote region to charter a private catamaran with crew to spend a week of bonding and adventure with our kids, and settled on the USVI as the perfect destination. Private yachts, sail boats, and catamarans are available throughout the US Virgin Islands and Diego Travel works with the best yacht broker for our clients’ needs.

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Getting to US Virgin Islands

Getting to USVI is perhaps one of its biggest draws, since there are so many direct flights into St. Thomas (STT) from major cities like Chicago, Dulles, Newark and Miami. From St. Thomas, it’s an easy boat ride to St. John, and a full day boat ride to St. Croix, so most people visiting St. Croix will take the direct flight from Miami. US Virgin Islands is extremely close to British Virgin Islands. Before Covid, visitors could visit the islands interchangeably pretty easily, but now the restrictions make it more difficult. For ease of flights, it’s sometimes better to fly into STT and take a boat over to British Virgin Islands, even though you will need to stop by boat to clear customs. When you utilize Diego Travel’s trip planning service, we handle all of the logistics of travel to the US Virgin Island and British Virgin Islands so you don’t have to worry about any of it.

USVI

18.3411,-64.9328
St Thomas
18.3308,-64.7945
St John

YACHT AND CATAMARAN CHARTERS

The Caribbean just might be the Yacht Charter Capital of the World, and you will find many luxury boats, yachts and catamarans in the region. The problem is, where can you find one of these that fit your budget? I’ll let you in on a secret. The yacht charter with crew experience is more affordable than you think, especially when traveling with a group of family or friends. I have worked with one of the boating industry’s top yacht brokers for over a decade, and she has 30+ years in the industry. Together, at no additional cost to the client, we are able to pair Diego Travel clients to the best boat and crew at your budget. When I reached out to her for our personal vacation, we were considering two boats in our price range, and she told me one crew would be better than the other with our young kids. She was right! And whether you’re looking for a charter in Greece, Italy, or the Caribbean, she knows the boats and crew and directs me to the right choice once we have a discussion about you and what your needs are.

The US Virgin Islands are so popular for yacht charters because there are so many islands and protected bays for mooring at night, with not much distance or rough seas in between destinations. You can go for a full week or two without touching land, just exploring different waters, with each beach and bay being extremely unique. We spent our seven nights in Monde Bay, Little Lameshur Bay, Long Bay, Francis Bay, Caneel Bay, and finally Brewers Bay. The cool thing about our captain, who had 10 years experience, was that he knew to get us one bay ahead of the rest, so at each stop, due to our timing, we had each bay essentially to ourselves.

While we opted for a catamaran charter with crew, there are also bareboat catamaran and sailboat charters available (meaning less cost without crew). If you are the do-it-yourself type and want to man your own boat, you have this option available in the USVI. For those that want to learn how to sail, the USVI also affords a variety of options to get ASA certified during on your crewed charter. Keep in mind that boat charters are regularly 7 nights.

Scuba Diving
Scuba diving and snorkeling are the number 1 attraction of the US Virgin Islands, with so many reef dives, wreck dives, drift dives, and rocky islets that are home to a myriad of fish and sea life. Our 11-year-old daughter tried scuba diving for the first time, and on her second attempt stayed underwater for 25 minutes.
The USVI is full of national wildlife reserves like Buck Island and the Virgin Islands National Park & Coral Reef National Monument. Because of the amount of protection surrounding the islands, the water is full of sea life, making the perfect paradise for both scuba divers and snorkelers.
It’s worthwhile to mention the amount of sea life we saw off our boat. From constant fish, sting rays and octopus, our favorite was swimming with the sea turtles, where there is a bay with hundreds of them. My 4- and 6-year-olds swam on their own as we patiently followed a little sea turtle as he would slowly surface for a breath every few minutes, where we’d get an up close look and then watch him plunge back to the sand. The fine of touching any turtle starts at $5,000, so this ensures these beautiful creatures can remain unharmed and explore freely in their natural habitat for years to come.
Watersports and Day charters
For those who prefer to be landbased instead of chartering a yacht or catamaran, the US Virgin Islands offers plenty of oportunities to experience the natural beauty of these islands.
There are a wide range of activities available directly from the beach like taking sailing classes on a small sail boat or a Hobie cat. The USVI is a great introduction to sailing for kids if they are interested in learning to sail. There are also many otions to go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding or even learning to windsurf or kiteboard
Fishing charters offer an unique oportunity to fish the Puerto Rico Trench where you can find some of the best offshore fishing in the Caribbean, located only six miles from shore.
Many operators offer snorkeling tours, day sailing catamaran trips and sunset sailing experiences. Private day charters are also available aboard both sail boats and powerboats.
Shopping
Charlotte Amalie is the main cruise ship port where the large cruise ships arrive and depart. In St. Thomas, you don’t pay sales tax, so it’s the perfect place to buy a luxury watch or jewelry. Charlotte Amalie is full of your more touristy shops that cater to the cruise ships, while St. John has some more boutique shopping with local shops that sell everything from board shorts and rash guards for men to swim suits and cover ups for women. In the USVI, you won’t wear or need much more than that, as even in the winter time, the evenings rarely get cold enough to require a sweater.
On our week-long charter, we only stopped twice for shopping and to walk around, and my favorite spot was Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay in St. John. This small shopping center has a few bars and restaurants, but my favorite shop was Lulee, which carries all my favorite brands and where I bought a replacement pair of my favorite Agolde denim cut-offs.
Rum Tasting
While we truthfully did not explore the USVI by land that much, we had been in the past when visiting by cruise ship and were told of the many rum distilleries on both St. Thomas and St. John. And just as any good Caribbean island should offer, a good bar and opportunity to taste a dozen rums abounds in the US Virgin Islands.
One of country music’s most famous singers, Kenny Chesney, has a home on Cinnamon Bay in the USVI and often sings about island life and its plentiful drinks. Two of our favorite spots are the Windmill Bar on St. John, perched on a hilltop in an old sugar mill with live music and stunning views, and for a more refined wine tasting experience, try Kati Ligo in St. John, a cozy wine bar.

Where to Stay in the USVI

The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas

The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas is perfect for families, multi-generational families (we saw a ton of large family groups during Christmas week), and even great for couples during non-holiday travel times. The hotel is located on a small bay with a somewhat short beach and two pools. One pool was originally redesigned to be adult-only, but the sales director told me that families weren’t having it and that they eventually gave in and have kids welcome at both pools. Having said that, families with young and noisy kids tend to gravitate to the pool located next to the winding water slide, a new addition from the renovation. Right next to the water slide pool is a fantastic kids club, where both indoor and outdoor activities are completely complimentary for ages 5-12. Cabanas incur an extra cost and are located around both pools.

Aside from the pools and beach, you also have tennis courts and a huge brand new gym with state of the art equipment. You have an amazing spa, and fun boutique, and four restaurants. To really add to the experience, I highly recommend a private beach dinner, where they’ll set your table up under a romantic sea grape tree that sits on the beach. It is the perfect spot to celebrate an anniversary or have a proposal.

Let’s talk about Club level at this Ritz Carlton hotel. If you’re a Marriott or Ritz Carlton loyalist, I am sure you are aware of club level by now. The club level rooms give access to a special club lounge for its guests. In my opinion, at some properties, this added benefit is well worth it and at other properties, it’s not worth the price difference. At Ritz Carlton St. Thomas, the Club level is definitely worth it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet style with a wine and coffee bar, all complimentary to Club level guests. They also have their own outdoor terrace space, so it’s almost like having access to your own exclusive restaurant that is completely free.

The cost of meals at a resort like this can really add up, so we saw plenty of families eating all their meals in the Club lounge. Finally, Diego Travel is a preferred partner to Marriott STARS program, which includes all Ritz Carltons, so even if you’re Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, you will still get additional perks when booking your Marriott stays with Diego Travel. The only time these perks don’t apply is when you’re booking your stay using points.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following STARS Amenities:

Welcome Amenity
Complimentary Breakfast for 2 at Bleuwater Restaurant
$100 Hotel Credit
Complimentary Wi-FI
Priority Upgrade if Available
Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
VIP Status with In-Person Warm Welcome
Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Where To Eat in US Virgin Islands?

Two US Virgin Islands favorites:
Lime Out – A floating taco bar based in Coral Bay, St. John.
Pizza Pi – A small boat with a pizza oven offering delivery by dinghy based in Christmas Cove, Little St. James. They make gluten-free pizza too! Started by a couple who left their corporate world behind and covered a boat into a large pizza oven/delivery restaurant. Talk about chasing your dreams!
Our favorite day and dinner experience:
Lovango Cay – A beach and pool club with limited daily memberships starting at $100 per person, private cabana rentals, and waterfront dining based off Lovango Cay.
Our other favorite food experiences:
Dave and Jerry’s – Fine dining in St. John that offers excellent steaks and a ton of food. We outdid ourselves!
Prime – Fine dining in St. Thomas, would recommend for a final evening on the dock if you’re chartering a yacht or catamaran.
ZoZos – Waterfront dining in Caneel Bay, St. John and also a happy hour option with live music and a cute gift shop.
Skinny Legs – This is a very local hang in St. John serving up burgers and drinks. The name says it all for appropriate dress attire.

A Few of My Favorite Things

USVI

Beaches and Bays

Don’t miss Turtle Bay and Cinnamon Beach on St. Johns. Even though there are more tourists here than other areas, it’s for good reason. It’s so neat to swim with so many sea turtles and a unique experience to the USVI. Cinnamon Beach is long and with soft, white sand, perfect for a long beach walk and located where you have many multi-million dollar villas that are available for rental. Diego Travel can assist you with these villa rentals too. Little Lamashur Bay was less crowded and we saw sea turtles and sting rays there too.

Water Sports

One of the best things about chartering a yacht or catamaran with crew, is the direct access to a lot of sea toys like tubing, stand up paddle boarding, eFoils (we saw tons of these), kite surfing and water skiing or wake boarding right off the back our catamaran. Our kids had so much fun doing all of these things, that you could never get bored. So between gourmet meals prepared by our chef, Erika, our captain, Tyler, would take us out for fun on the water in between. Although, I have to admit that sometimes I would let my husband take the kids while I stayed behind on the quiet boat to read a good book (and work remotely).

The People

The community of US Virgin Islands is a huge boating community who love the water and the easy way of life. Though after witnessing how hard our crew worked aboard the boat throughout our week stay, I realized that they work hard and likely play harder. The people are very friendly, easy-going, and work hard to provide excellent service when you charter a yacht or catamaran. They come from all over the world to work on boats in the Caribbean, and most of them are well-traveled and well-educated, spending part of the year working very hard and able to take time off in their off season to travel to other places. I learned a lot from our crew, a couple who has been married 5 years and in the yachting industry for 10, and hope to someday charter with them again.

If you’re interested in a chartering a yacht or catamaran in the US Virgin Islands, or book the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas, I would be happy to provide you my guidance and match you with the perfect boat + crew or hotel accommodation. You can email me here to inquire.

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The Difference Between Montage Palmetto Bluff and The Cloister at Sea Island

Written by Admin on November 13, 2021. Posted in Hotel Reviews. Leave a Comment

The Difference Between Montage Palmetto Bluff and The Cloister at Sea Island

MARIA DIEGO

November 13, 2021

A Diego Travel agency and Virtuoso client favorite domestic destination has always been both Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina and The Cloister and The Lodge of Sea Island, Georgia – two luxury resorts that parallel in both style, size, and type of clientele that visit both resorts. If you are undecided between which of these Virtuoso vacation 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 proud affiliate of Departure Lounge, we also offer our clients many benefits in booking with Diego Travel at both hotels.

Resort Credit added to your stay
Daily complimentary breakfast (for 2 people per room)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Priority room upgrade when available
Personalized trip planning to make the most out of your vacation (when utilizing our trip planning service)
Custom Diego Travel welcome box with goodies for new clients who opt to utilize our trip planning service

Both Montage Palmetto Bluff and Sea Island are the perfect destinations for a family vacation, a multi-generational vacation that includes grandparents, parents, kids, aunts, uncles, etc, a girlfriends spa getaway, a domestic honeymoon, or even to host your large corporate group or event. So how do you know which property is right for you? Well, that is what we are here for, to break down the two.

Getting There

Montage Palmetto Bluff’s closest airport is Savannah, Georgia, but you can also fly into Hilton Head, which are about a 35 minute drive to the property (airport codes HHH or HXD). To get to Sea Island, Georgia, you would fly into either Jacksonville, Florida or Savannah, Georgia, and will be about 45-55 minutes from Sea Island. If you plan to fly private, there are FBOs very close to either property, BQK for Sea Island, which will put you at about a 5-10 minute drive.

How to Get to Montage Palmetto Bluff and Sea Island

32.208,-80.8843
Montage Palmetto Bluff
31.2002,-81.3332
Sea Island, Georgia
Sea Island, Georgia

Why you should plan a trip to:

Montage Palmetto Bluff

There are 200 guest accommodations/rooms at Montage Palmetto Bluff, along with residences that are part of the resort’s rental program (they are privately owned, but fully serviced).
Rooms range from a Forest View King without Balcony (which you will never be in if you book your stay with Diego Travel, as you get upgrade at time of booking) in the Main Inn to 5-bedroom residences.
Montage Palmetto Bluff offers tennis, golf, biking, and boating, among other activities.
There are 8 dining experiences and 3 different pools.
Activities include cycling, horseback riding, hiking, boating, water and paddle sports, fly-fishing, bird-watching, sporting clays, carriage rides and archery.

Sea Island

Sea Island also has 200 guest room accommodations, plus many vacation home rentals.
Rooms range from River View King rooms in the Cloister to 4-5 Bedroom residences at The Lodge. Privately-owned residences can be rented through the Sea Island Cottage Rental program, which you can find more information on my blog here.
Sea Island has something for everyone, with exclusive adults-only areas if you want to experience a romantic honeymoon, to accommodations for multi-generational families
The 65,000-square-foot Forbes Five Star Spa at Sea Island is far superior to the spa experience at Montage Palmetto Bluff, so if this is important to you, then opt for Sea Island.
Activities include diverse activities like tennis and squash, destination picnics, fitness classes, five miles of private beach, bike riding, 3 world-class golf courses and home to the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic, sporting clays, and sport shooting at the nearby Broadfield property, fishing, boating, water and paddle sports, along with many culinary experiences.

What Is The Highlight at:

Palmetto Bluff

Montage Palmetto Bluff is situated along a winding wetlands in the picturesque town of Palmetto Bluff, a one-stop-shop for convenience for the whole family. You don’t need to leave the community throughout your entire stay, as they offer a variety of restaurants, biking, horseback riding, shooting, golfing, fishing and boating. Though if you want to, you’re a short drive to Savannah and Hilton Head. The best part of our time at Montage Palmetto Bluff was getting out on the water by boat, and exploring the different islands.

Sea Island

Sea Island is an oceanfront front private island, unlike Palmetto Bluff which is located along a delta. To access Sea Island you must be a guest or home owner, which makes it a slightly more exclusive experience. Sea Island has a beautiful long beach and offers a broad range of activities including biking, golfing, shooting, paddleboarding, horseback riding, fishing and boating. In addition to several on property restaurants, there are many dining and shopping options at nearby St Simons island.

Who Should Visit?

Palmetto Bluff

Palmetto Bluff is a great destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in southern charm and enjoy winding waterways that frame this picturesque destination. Outdoor enthusiast can explore miles of bike and walking trails, go horseback riding, play tennis or explore miles of waterways by boat.

Palmetto Bluff is ideal for large, traditional family gatherings, or a romantic escape for couples who are just looking to disconnect to reconnect. We saw a bit of everything from couples, to bachelorette/girlfriends gatherings, to families with young children and grandparents. Because they have accommodations for everyone, it makes it very easy.

Sea Island

Sea Island offers miles of uncrowded beaches at the Beach Club, secluded hunting at Broadfield, world class golfing at the Lodge and old world charm and elegance at the Cloister.

While you’ll find everyone from families with small children, to couples celebrating their anniversary, to newlyweds on their honeymoon, Sea Island has an accommodation that will work best for you. If you choose to celebrate your honeymoon here, you’ll be joining 40,000 other couples who have done so (including my grandparents!). I would never place honeymooners in the Beach Club, just like I would not likely place a family with small children in the rooms at the Lodge. It’s best to consult with me in order to select the right fit for you.

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, then we say why not enjoy both?! We have planned trips for families to enjoy one property for 3-4 nights and then drive to the other property for 3-4 nights to experience the best of both worlds. You can easily spend a few days at each, but keep in mind that during peak seasons, you’ll want to book well in advance for getting your top choice of accommodations at both Sea Island and Montage Palmetto Bluff. You can schedule a call to answer any questions and start planning your next escape to Montage Palmetto Bluff or Sea Island. We can’t wait to make your stay extra special!

Hotel Review: Terranea Luxury Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes California

Written by Admin on October 12, 2021. Posted in Hotel Reviews. Leave a Comment

Hotel Review

Terranea Luxury Resort, Ranchos Palos Verdes California

A luxury oceanfront resort that embodies the California lifestyle and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Southern California coast

MARIA DIEGO

October 9, 2021

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and laidback Californian lifestyle at this coastal resort, less than one hour from Downtown L.A. This Mediterranean inspired luxury hotel offers guests award-winning amenities, luxurious accommodation and a captivating range of activities and adventures for the whole family to enjoy across this 102-acre hidden gem in Southern California.

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33.7384,-118.3978
Terranea Resort
33.9417,-118.41
LAX

Location: Terranea is located in Rancho Palos Verdes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, also known for the Rolling Hills Estates.

Getting There: Terranea can be reached in under one hour from L.A. and LAX, being situated 17 miles south of LAX or 24 miles from Long Beach Airport.

Vibe: Terranea truly is one of the best-kept secrets on the Southern California coast. The resort effortlessly combines sophisticated relaxation with adventure experiences so you truly feel like you’ve escaped day-to-day life to experience something extraordinary. The resort embodies what they call ‘Terranealife’, an immersive Californian experience of adventure, relaxation, great food and incredible attention to detail across its amenities and accommodation. This really is a Mediterranean escape in the heart of the West Coast.

Accomodations: Across the 102-acre resort, Terranea offers four accommodation options to suit a range of budgets, plus an exclusive villa option for an unparalleled luxury vacation experience.

Guestrooms: These spacious rooms come with a private balcony offering views of the Pacific Ocean, Pool views or Garden views. Designed with relaxation in mind, all guestrooms come with one king-size bed or two double beds, walk-in showers, flatscreen TV and luxury bathroom amenities provided. With the two double beds option, these rooms can sleep up to 4.

Suites: Every suite comes with a separate living room, a fully stocked pantry and a bar, all with sweeping ocean views. Ground floor suites open onto the beautifully manicured lawns. Covering 900-2,200sq ft, suites are the ideal option if you want your own private space to relax and unwind.

Bungalows: Designed to give you that home-away-from-home feeling, yet completely immersed in luxury, the bungalows can all be found along the ocean’s edge and boast upgraded amenities, four-poster beds, fireplaces, an outdoor firepit and they’re adults-only, providing the ultimate escape for couples to unwind and feel rejuvenated on the doorstep of the Pacific Ocean. Bungalows can sleep up to 6 adults.

Casitas: Curating the subtle Mediterranean vibes of Terranea, these residential-style accommodations are perfect for family getaways, multi-generational family trips or groups. Casitas come with king beds, large kitchen and dining rooms, a private balcony or patio and sleep up to 8.

Villas: For a totally secluded, exclusive experience, the villas at Terranea resort are the ultimate in individualized vacation experiences, with world-class amenities, and a completely private and secluded location on the resort. Villas come with up to three bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, a private outdoor hot tub, spacious kitchen, dining and living areas, plus a large terrace and one or two-car garages.

Food and Beverage: With an incredible nine dining options to choose from, there is something to suit everyone, every meal, every occasion or dietary requirement. Solviva embodies the resort’s focus on sustainability, with a range of dishes using locally sourced and sustainably grown produce.

Mar’sel offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is perfect for a romantic evening dinner, while the Catalina Kitchen and Bashi offer more modern, lively and authentic dishes. For something more casual, Nelson’s is a favorite with guests for the beautiful location on the cliffs above the ocean and the simple, surfside vibe. Sea Beans Cafe and the grill by the pool are great for light bites throughout the day.

The Lobby Bar & Lounge is the perfect sophisticated and intimate way to end your night, with cozy fireside seating or al fresco spots with ocean views. Here you can enjoy craft cocktails and a range of wine and beers.

Wellness: The Spa at Terranea embraces and captivates the energy of the resort’s location by the ocean and within nature. With a range of spa treatments offered by this multi-award-winning spa, you can’t go wrong with choosing a treatment here.

As part of the wellness offering, the resort fitness centre offers a fully equipped indoor gym and spa pool, plus activities for guests to enjoy including spin sessions, seaside yoga, seaside cycling and stretching.

Activities: Terranea is a real standout resort when it comes to the activities on offer and it would be impossible to recap them all here! Terranea activities are notable because there is so much to do to suit everyone, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, complete relaxation, family activities or kids experiences.

The Links Golf Course is one of Terranea’s crowning jewels, being one of the country’s top-rated championship 9-hole golf courses, you can easily spend the afternoon on the course by the ocean.

For those looking for a more active and adventurous getaway, let the resort help you book hiking excursions, horseback adventures, stand up paddleboarding, ocean kayaking or surfing lessons. There’s also a range of tour options available including guided ocean kayaking, whale watching tours or full- or half-day fishing excursions.

Of course, Terranea is all about luxury and relaxation, so don’t miss the chance to book a private cabana and spend the day relaxing by one of the resort’s four pools. Or perhaps enjoy a spot of retail therapy in the resort’s exclusive selection of retail stores. Terranea is the opportunity to embrace the slower pace of life with a stroll along the beach, taking in the turquoise blue ocean and soaking in the sun on the property’s beach loungers.

There’s a great selection for the kids too, from archery and falconry experiences to tide pool adventures and pony rides. There’s also a children’s discovery club throughout the week.

What sets it apart: A huge factor that sets Terranea apart is its commitment and transparency towards sustainability. The resort is committed to protecting the landscape and nature in which it sits and is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint throughout the resort. The resort’s food waste recycling program supports their “20/20/20” goal, a pledge to reduce energy and water usage by 20% and send only 20% of its total waste to the landfill, all by the year 2020.

The resort donates unused toiletries to the Midnight Mission charity (nearly 300lbs in 1 month!). The resort also collaborates with Chefs to End Hunger to redistribute prepared food to local food agencies serving meals to those in need.

All this led to the resort being named the Platinum Adrian Award winner for Leader in Sustainable Tourism by National Geographic and HSMAI. The resort also earned the California Hotel & Lodging Association’s Award for Good Earthkeeping.

How much does Terranea cost?

There is a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and desired vacation experiences.

Prices start from $500 per night for guestrooms and up to $2,700 per night for three-bedroom casitas.

The resort also offers member prices for a reduced rate on their accommodation options as well as packages such as The Golf Links package to include two rounds of golf and two breakfasts with your stay.

Diego Travel Loves: There are some things in life that words can’t describe. The experience of Terranea is one of them. From the vast range of activities to the attention to detail in the accommodation and dining experiences, each vacation here is tailored to you.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel in 2021:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom served in Catalina Kitchen or In-Room dining (up to $60 credit)
$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Coastal Escape: Enjoy a Southern California vacation at Terranea and save up to 15% off our Best Available Rate. Escape for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay. There is plenty to do outdoors such as hiking, open-air painting by the sea, archery, stand up paddleboarding, and more. Enjoy adventures by land and sea, a round of golf at The Links, or any of our dining offerings. Book and stay through September 15, 2021; Subject to minimum night stay. Offer subject to availability. Not valid for group bookings of 10 rooms or more.
Book 3 Nights and get the 4th free! – Plan an incredible oceanfront getaway at Los Angeles’ hidden gem on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Enjoy plenty of time to discover, relax, and explore the unparalleled natural habitat of the Southern California coast. Book 3 nights and receive the 4th night free! If you book by September 6, 2021. Valid for stays May 26, 2021, until September 30, 2021. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and may contain blackout dates. Not Valid for 10 or more rooms. Not valid for Ocean Front Rooms and Ocean Front Suites and Villas. Valid for consecutive days.
Stay More, Save More – Rediscover more summer, more savings, and more Terranea. Enjoy more time to experience all that Terranea has to offer on the Southern California coast.
- Stay 3 nights and receive 15% off
- Stay 4 nights and receive 25% off
- Stay 5 nights or more and receive 35% off
- Book by Sep 30th for travel through Dec 23, 2021.
- Thursday-Friday arrivals will not be eligible for the 3-night stay offer.

* Excludes oceanfront rooms and oceanfront suites and all villas. All packages are subject to minimum night stay, blackout dates and availability. Not valid for group bookings of 10 rooms or more.

Terranea Insider Tips:

Don’t miss the opportunity to book an archery lesson during your stay at Terranea. Not only will you find no better setting than the sandy cove overlooking the Pacific Ocean, but you will not find a better instructor that Terranea’s very own USA Olympic archery team medalist.

Summary of Our Stay at Terranea:

After a week-long road trip down the Southern California coast, Terranea Resort was our final stop at the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Even though it is just 20 miles south of LAX, it might just be considered a hidden gem of California, with sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean. The waves crashing against the tall cliffs is mesmerizing, and the mist that hovers over the peninsula somehow reminded me of time spent in Ireland. I made this comment to Valerie, the sales director for Terranea during our site tour, and she said that the owners built it in a way that was actually inspired by the Amalfi coast. Okay, two different countries, but both with impressively tall cliffs and gorgeous ocean views. You get the picture.

This was a multi-generational trip for us, which has become increasingly popular during the pandemic and I think will continue to be a travel trend going forward. What does that mean? Grandparents, parents, kids, and maybe aunts, uncles and cousins joining in too. Truth be told, after a week in the car together, we all needed some extra space, and Terranea delivers just that. They have bungalows, casitas and villas, all with exterior entrances, kitchen, washer/dryer, and all the comforts of home. So whether you are staying over a weekend like we did, or a month, you could literally make yourself at home, comfortably and easily with very large groups.

We arrived in the late afternoon, and our 3-bedroom oceanside casita had a huge grassy area in front of our ground floor patio that overlooked the ocean. There were no steep edges, so the kids were able to run around and chase the hundreds of wild rabbits that made their home in the foxtails. While they played on the grass and sunset approached, I set up with my laptop (per usual) at the outdoor covered table and was able to work with the most breathtaking view. To me, our accommodation was the best on property, because we had privacy, amazing views, and that grassy area for the kids. And the beauty was that it could be converted into a 1 or 2 bedroom as well. Terranea delivers on flexibility.

For breakfast we walked down to Catalina Kitchen, one of their 7 restaurants on property, where we took advantage of our included breakfast which you’ll always receive when you book with Diego Travel. After breakfast, the kids bee-lined it to the main family pool, one of four pools, just in time for the sun to peak out from behind the clouds, so they did a few circuits down the water slide until it was time to head down to the beach where we had a private lesson set up with the resort’s professional archery coaches, Bob and his daughter, Brooklyn. It was this experience that really set this property apart for me as a travel advisor, and someone who has seen literally hundreds of luxury hotels and resorts. The setup is right in front of the ocean along these massive cliffs, and they have the whole area roped off for you to practice a really fun sport in the most amazing setting. And yes, you can set up a proposal after an archery lesson too. Lots of adults sign up and I highly recommend the activity for a fun date night. At any rate, it was the highlight of our stay, along with the hikes we took along the nature trails around the property.

The property is quite massive with so many different room/villa categories, and also so many different activities and dining options to choose from. I highly recommend setting up a call to discuss which one would be right for you, and reserving your activities and dining in advance. I did not take this advice, and missed out on the opportunity to enjoy the spa while there because I didn’t reserve in advance. I was incredibly impressed with how beautiful the area was, and wish we had stayed a little longer to be able to participate in the activities like kayaking, visiting the natural tide pools, more extensive hiking up to the lighthouse, and star gazing. We will definitely be back! And if you plan to go, be sure to reach out to book your stay with Diego Travel to receive your exclusive offers that Terranea often has for our clients, and so that we can VIP you and add on those additional amenities like resort credit and complimentary daily breakfast.

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Hotel Review: Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel, Montecito

Written by Admin on July 30, 2021. Posted in Hotel Reviews. Leave a Comment

Hotel Review

Rosewood Miramar Beach

A luxury beachfront hotel with modern residential beach living in Montecito, on the Southern California Coast

MARIA DIEGO

August 26, 2021

Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel in Montecito is located on the oceanfront with views across the iconic California coastline. With 160 rooms, 26 beachfront units and exclusive residential suites, the Miramar Beach hotel combines easygoing Californian beachfront living with luxury style and attention to detail throughout..

Perfect For: Small families | Honeymooners | Romantic Getaways | An escape from the city

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34.4204,-119.6302
Rosewood Miramar
34.4261,-119.843
Santa Barbara Airport

Rosewood Miramar Beach Location: Miramar Beach Hotel is located just eight minutes south of Downtown Santa Barbara.

Getting to the Rosewood Miramar Beach:The resort itself is only 15 minutes from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport which has direct flights from major US hubs including LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago and Denver. It’s also a great option to include on a California Coast road trip if you plan to visit the area around Santa Barbara, it’s around a 2 hour drive from LA.

Vibe: Miramar means ‘to behold the sea’ and the name truly does reflect this stylish coastal resort where there is so much attention to detail in every aspect of the decor, the amenities and the experiences available. Being the only truly oceanfront resort in Montecito, your arrival feels like a moment of calm washing over you. Away from the traffic, the city and the rush of daily life, the resort encompasses oceanfront living to give you a luxurious yet home-away-from-home feel.

Accomodations: Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel boasts 160 rooms. The resort has 26 units on the beach, two beach house suites, and beach studios, as well as rooms and suites with ocean or garden views. The Hotel is choosing to limit their maximum occupancy to 70% for the rest of the year, so you can be sure your care is the top priority when you visit.

With 124 rooms on the property, you can choose from rooms overlooking the ocean or the gardens. Beach house guest rooms and studios are located on the beachfront with spacious rooms and private patios decorated in a light-airy coastal style that’s perfect for a relaxing retreat. Bungalow guest rooms offer views of the beautifully manicured gardens and lawns.

Lanai Guest Rooms are in the two-story Lanai House and have rooms of varying sizes for up to four guests. They also offer the choice of garden or mountain views.

An alternative to Rooms is their studios, which are slightly bigger than the Beach House rooms and give you the option of an additional 3rd guest with beachfront views.

Bungalows include the Bungalow Suites with a private courtyard, Garden Bungalow suites with private terraces and garden views, or Lanai Suites with large windows and private terraces. The bungalows all come with private entrances and offer you space and amenities beyond those of guestrooms and include luxurious and spacious parlors and fireplaces for up to four guests. The bungalows are particularly popular with honeymooners or for special anniversary trips.

Located on the beachfront with uninterrupted ocean views and with just two Beach House Suites available, these oceanfront suites are hugely popular. At 960sq ft, with relaxed indoor and terrace decor and accommodating up to 4 guests, the suites are a way to make your stay truly special with the beach on your doorstep.

The Ambassador Suite offers panoramic ocean views and is the largest accommodation option available at 1,885sq ft. The suite can accommodate up to 4 guests with living rooms, a dining area, a private kitchen, a king-size bed and a large private terrace overlooking the lawn and with full views of the ocean. Located on the second floor of the Manor House, you’re just five minutes walk from the beautiful Miramar beach.

Food & Beverage: There’s no need to venture far thanks to the incredible six restaurants and food options at Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. Caruso’s is Rosewood Miramar’s most gourmet option. Our meal on our first night was here and the food was beyond incredible. As was the ocean view dining at the restaurant.

For something more casual, the Miramar Beach Bar at the property is great for cocktails and light bites throughout the day. There’s also the Cabana Bar which is perfect for poolside refreshments.

The Manor Bar is the resort’s sophisticated evening option with dark wood-panel interiors, a formal bar and luxurious seating, creating a cozy evening atmosphere for drinks after dinner.

There’s also something for the kids too, with the popular Scoop Shop right by the pool area!

Wellness: Rosewood Miramar Beach is the only 5-star Forbes spa in Santa Barbara, so you’re guaranteed a luxurious retreat when you choose to stay here. In fact, most people do choose to stay for at least 3 nights to really soak in the rejuvenating, coastal calm of the resort. As well as the Sense Rosewood Spa, the resort wellness centre also offers a fitness studio, sunrise yoga and adult-only pools to relax and restore you on your trip.

Things to Do in Montecito:The Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel offers a range of family-friendly experiences such as family beach yoga, falconry experiences, family movie nights and the Explorer Club for kids.

The resort offers countless activities and excursions for adults too which are perfect for romantic getaways and special occasions like tastings at the gourmet restaurant Caruso’s or sailing the Santa Barbara Coast on a private charter cruise. If you’re looking for something more active, the hotel also offers frequent pop-up events, hiking excursions and surf excursions which can be booked upon request during your stay.

The resort retail experience is another amenity hand-selected by the hotel to bring luxury upscale brands to their guests. With regular pop-ups like the Dior Summer Collection, alongside boutiques like The Webster, shopping is part of the experience at Rosewood Miramar Beach.

What Sets It Apart: When we finally had the opportunity to visit this summer, I knew our stay in Montecito and at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel would be the highlight of our California coastal road trip. Developed by Caruso, the hotel is of course stunning, with elements throughout that show the time and attention to detail that’s given to all their properties.

The hotel is also child-friendly and you’ll often find a lot of families staying for the weekend. Weekdays are more popular with couples for romantic getaways, honeymoons or anniversary trips.

Everything about the Miramar Beach Hotel is personalized for the comfort of their guests. These are some of our favorite parts of the resort:

Forbes Five-Star Rosewood Spa
Scoop Shop ice cream and candies is a kids’ favorite of course!
Family-friendly pools next to the Scoop Shop
Adult-only pool with rentable cabanas
Lincoln House Cars (one yellow, one pink!) to take you anywhere you need to go in a three-mile radius of the hotel
Six restaurants and bars
Bocce Ball courts and shuffleboard
A coffee cart on the beach
Kayak and Hobie Cat rental from the beach club
Retail boutiques including Christian Dior and The Webster
A 24/7 guard to assist guests with crossing the train tracks which operates a train several times a day

How Much Does the Rosewood Miramar Cost? The cost varies depending on the accommodation option you choose. Prices start from $1,600 per night for garden view rooms. While an Ambassador Ocean View Suite starts at a nightly rate of $13,000.

Diego Travel Loves:

The wait for a luxury beachfront hotel of this calibre has been worth it to see the easy luxury that Rosewood Miramar creates for their guests. From the soft cream to light blue furnishings that emulate the ocean on your doorstep, to the variety of amenities for all ages and groups, Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel is effortless luxury.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:

Exclusive Rosewood Elite Amenities
Complimentary one category upgrade upon arrival, based on availability
Daily USD30 breakfast credit for up to two people per bedroom
$125 Sense Spa credit per stay
Welcome note and amenity from the Managing Director on behalf of Diego Travel
Diego Travel Welcome Box for First-Time Clients

Rosewood Miramar Beach Insider Tips:

You can request one of the Beach House Studios which are further from the restaurant. By booking with Diego Travel, we can choose the specific room you wish to be placed in for your trip.

Summary of Our Stay at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, California:

When I heard that Rosewood Hotels opened the Rosewood Miramar Beach in the heart of Montecito in 2019, I was ecstatic because it would be the area’s first truly beachfront resort with rooms on the water.

My husband and I had been visiting the area for years due to work obligations and family living in the area, so we couldn’t get there soon enough. Santa Barbara is one of my favorite destinations in the world, especially for it’s casual California surfer meets upscale hippy chic vibe, so I mapped out our itinerary from morning to night with activities like shopping, dining and time for the beach. Pulling up to Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel feels like stepping into a European resort. The bellmen and valet greeted us and addressed us by name from the start. The sales director met me straight away along with two other colleagues and made us feel at home. We arrived prior to check-in time, so they had one of our rooms ready for us, so that the kids could immediately change into their swimsuits and head for the beach, while my mom and I ditched them to hit the shops. And speaking of shops, the hotel itself has a few of my favorites, including the pop-up shop by Christian Dior, which was absolutely stunning, a personal favorite – Brunello Cucinelli, Goop by the famous Gwyneth Paltrow, and The Webster, which also has a location in Miami Beach. Another on-property favorite is the James Perse store, which cannot be missed for travel basics like comfortable lounge pants and basic tees. However, I had been eyeing hitting my favorite series of stores by Wendy Foster that have locations in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Los Olivos. Speaking of Los Olivos, while we didn’t have time on this trip to spend some time in Santa Ynez Valley, I always suggest to my clients who love wine and horses to split their time between that region, just an hour north of Santa Barbara.

After a day of shopping, and the kids has their fill of the pool and beach, we met for dinner at Caruso’s, the formal beachfront restaurant that offers a truly fine dining experience that really transports you to Europe. The experience was impeccable, and the food was delicious…and if you’re in the right company, stop for drinks at the bar just before dinner. Post-dinner, we were happy to let the kids run free on the sprawling grassy lawn while my husband and I leaned back in some of the white adirondack lawn chairs, people and star gazing while we talked. While an intimate wedding was going on while we were on property, it really didn’t take away from our experience, as the property is so large that we wouldn’t have even noticed had we not walked by the dancing bride and groom and a roomful of infectious laughter and live music coming from the Manor Bar on our walk back to our bungalow.

I would be remiss not to mention the experience of the service itself at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Everyone addressed us by name, and the welcome amenities for myself and the kids went above and beyond. (No, I’m not spoiling the surprise, because when you book with Diego Travel, you’ll also get spoiled by these amenities). One evening, the bath tub wouldn’t fill so we determined there was something wrong with the stopper. Within minutes, a man arrived and quickly replaced the bath tub stopper.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped and have special touches throughout, which makes your stay there feel magical. We really didn’t want to leave the property at all, and spent very little time going out to eat at outdoor restaurants like Bouchon and Jeanette’s, and visited the Santa Barbara zoo – my favorite because it’s small enough to not be too tiring for the little kids, yet with beautiful views of the ocean, especially from the giraffes.

Some of the things we did not have time for, but I would have loved to plan, is the bespoke beach picnic that the hotel will set up for you on the beach. I also would have loved to have time to charter a boat ride to sail along the Santa Barbara coast, but we ran out of time.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Montecito Country Mart in the Rosewood Miramar’s cute yellow vintage car – they have a pastel yellow, pink and blue one and are available to drive you to any location within Montecito on a first-come, first-serve basis. My kids loved this experience! They also love the bocce ball and shuffle board and kept themselves busy with that while I got in quick last-minute trip to the spa for a massage. Hey, someone has to research! The massage was phenomenal, and while it’s small, the areas are pristine and decorated in the perfect way that Rick Caruso appointed the rest of the resort.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a longer summer vacation or a California coast road trip, the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel is a great option for families, couples or special occasions. Our stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel was truly special and we only wish we could have stayed longer – I highly recommend a minimum 3-night stay, but if you truly want to do it all in Santa Barbara and Montecito, you’ll need a little longer. Contact Diego Travel today so we can help you book your perfect Montecito vacation, and add Rosewood Elite amenities and the VIP touch to your stay.

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Laguna Beach – The Best Hotels and Resorts

Written by Maria Diego on November 30, 2020. Posted in Destination Guides. Leave a Comment

Laguna Beach

The Best Hotels and Resorts

MARIA DIEGO

December 1, 2020

My family lives in Southern California, spread out between the cities of Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. We try to visit at least twice a year for a family vacation, and no matter how long we go for, it never feels like enough time. There are so many kid-friendly things to do in Southern California like outdoor parks, hiking, farms with petting zoos, fresh fruits and vegetables, horseback riding, museums and of course, the beaches. One area that had always evaded us was Laguna Beach, which was left for us to discover over our summer vacation.

As most of the country was just reopening and still dealing with restrictions, we planned a long weekend trip to Laguna Beach to discover three new luxury hotels in this Southern California area, known for its beautiful cliffs, great restaurants and shopping, and tons of outdoor activities like surfing and hiking. In this blog, I’m going to highlight where to stay, what hotel will be right for your family vacation, and break down the differences between Montage Laguna Beach, the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, and the Monarch Beach Resort.

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About Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is 7 miles of coastline located between San Diego and Los Angeles, with more oceanfront hotel properties than any other area of California. The topography of Laguna Beach includes coves, tide pools, unique beaches, sea caves and oceanside bluffs, making it one of the coolest regions to explore with kids. Laguna Beach is home to some of the world’s most famous surf breaks, making it a favorite of surfers and stand up paddle boarders. It’s also home to a fun arts and culture scene that includes year-round festivals, galleries, public art exhibits, and fun educational programs for kids.

Getting to Laguna Beach, California

Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, or just a beach weekend getaway, Laguna Beach is a great option as a sole destination, or a stopover while visiting the entire California coast. Laguna Beach is easily accessible by flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is the closest but smallest of the airport options. Alternatively, you could fly into either San Diego International (SAN) or Los Angeles International (LAX) and make the approximately 1.5 hour drive from either direction, depending on traffic. If you have never visited California, I would recommend either starting in San Diego or San Francisco and driving the entire coast, if you want to make a fun family road trip and experience the best of California. However you choose to explore California, we always recommend a rental car so that you can see and do as much as possible.

33.5159,-117.758
Montage Laguna Beach
33.4822,-117.715
Monarch Beach Resort
33.4747,-117.7204
The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

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The Best Hotels in Laguna Beach

While Laguna Beach has a ton of great hotels and resorts for honeymooners, couples getaways, or family vacations, I selected the top three luxury resorts in Laguna Beach that I wanted to compare for my clients. I am going to break down the differences and pros and cons of my top three resorts in Laguna Beach and let you know which one is right for you. Without further ado, here are the best hotels in Laguna Beach.

The Monarch Beach Resort

This 400-room Monarch Beach Resort is a massive 175 acre property set further back from the beach, but offering gorgeous views of both green hills and ocean. The 18-hole golf course runs perpendicular and slightly downhill to the beach, which makes it an ideal beach and golf resort. In 2019, they completed Laguna Beach’s only beach club, which offers a beachside restaurant and private beach access with chair setup and service. This beach club is only open to hotel guests and club members, which is a nice bonus of staying at Monarch Beach Resort.

For me, the downside was the commute to the beach. You have to arrive by golf or shuttle cart, which takes about 10-15 minutes, plus the wait time when you’re ready to go. It’s not a huge deal if you plan to go to the beach and stay put, but if you have little ones and need to go back and forth to the room, it would be a challenge.

Other important features of this resort is that it is very kid-friendly and dog-friendly. Dogs have designated run zones and and trails around the property. Monarch Beach Resort does have a kids club, though it was not open during our visit. They created outdoor kids activities and even relocated the gym equipment to an outdoor tented area to allow guests the continued use of the ‘gym.’

The resort has 3 pools – the 2 main ones are nearly side-by-side, separated by a restaurant and gates with one being the family pool and the other being the adults-only pool. I did feel the pools were on the smaller side for being such a large resort. The third pool is located in the Miraval spa, which is also adults-only.

While they have many different types of accommodations, a resort favorite is the fireside junior suites for their ground floor easy access to the outdoor spaces and fire pits that are nice and cozy in the colder months of the year.

Book Monarch Beach Resort with Diego Travel to Receive the Following:

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom in AVEO Table + Bar or via room service ($80 credit per day)
$100 USD Resort credit, to be utilized during stay (Cannot be used for room, tax, valet or resort charge, not combinable, not valid on retail items, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

We Recommend Monarch Beach Resort For:

Large families or family reunions
Golfers
Corporate or incentive travel
Large weddings
Large reunions that require large outdoor spaces
Those looking for a more lively scene

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

Last, but not least, was our stay at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, the southernmost hotel of the three. Just in front of Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, this spot is a favorite to surfers from around the world. The team at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel made us feel like rock stars, with a VIP welcome and amazing amenity for our kids that made it feel like Christmas morning. As an independent affiliate of McCabe World Travel, our clients get the privilege of receiving STARS perks at any Ritz Carlton property worldwide. What does this mean? It means VIP treatment, priority upgrades, extras throughout, and white glove “Guardian Angel” service throughout your stay. Why would you ever book direct, when you can book with us and receive all of the above?

During our visit, California restrictions required any indoor restaurants to remain completely closed. Due to this, dining options on property were extremely limited, with only 180 Blue, a small outdoor patio with, you guessed it, 180 degree views of the ocean and sunset. So, this small venue was always to capacity and only allowed for high table seating, which proved challenging with a small 3-year-old. However, during “normal” times, you would have plenty of indoor dining options.

Here’s a cool fact about this luxury hotel: Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is the only Ritz Carlton in the world that overlooks a natural surf break. So, if you have a surfer in the family (like we do!), then the Ritz Carlton would be a great choice for you. It is a hike down to the beach, and once there, the hotel does not provide any chairs or beach service like towels or beverage service. So, keep that in mind when planning your trip.

The hotel has 396 rooms and suites, with suites recently renovated with beds that have a direct line of vision to the ocean. Not a bad way to wake up in the morning! The lobby was renovated in 2018, and standard guest rooms have a planned renovation underway over the next couple of years.

For kids and adult activities, the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel provides an eco adventure tour, night crawler hike, and whale watching tours to name a few. They also provide a complimentary 45 minute photography session if you want to get your holiday card photos taken during your stay. Personally, the downside to the hotel was the pool. Located in a courtyard, with zero views to the ocean, I felt it was enclosed and for being on a beach vacation, it would be nice to spend time at the pool feeling the ocean breeze. I also didn’t like that there is no beachside service or chairs. However, if those aren’t your priorities and you just want the best spot for easiest access to surf, or the closest hotel to Dana Point, or the hotel with the best views from your room, then Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is the best choice. Just be sure to ask us which room category would ensure you have the ocean view you’re craving.

Book Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with Diego Travel to Receive the Ritz Carlton STARS Exclusive Amenities:

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
The Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Amenity
Daily Breakfast for Two at Raya, In-Room Dining, or The Market Place
$100 Hotel Credit
VIP Status with In-Person Warm Welcome and Note from General Manager
First Priority on Wait Lists in Sold-Out Situations
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

We Recommend Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel For:

Surfers- The Ritz Carlton is located directly above Salt Creek, one of Southern California’s iconic surf spots.
Those who love an ocean view but don’t plan to spend much time at the beach or the pool
Corporate or incentive travel
Ritz Carlton loyalists or Marriott Bonvoy members

Montage Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach resort is the Montage brand’s premiere property, the first in its portfolio and the pinnacle in Pacific coastal luxury. From the moment you arrive to the lobby, the floor to ceiling views of the Pacific Ocean are jaw-dropping. Throughout the pandemic, Montage Laguna Beach never closed, remaining open for locals and clients who were in-the-know to the property’s standards and exclusive access to the beach.

This hotel offers 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom suites with three different views. While all rooms have views of the ocean, the entry level rooms are on the ground floor, or “horizon views.” One of the advantages of booking your stay with Diego Travel, is you’ll receive an automatic view upgrade at time of booking. In total, the resort has 258 rooms and suites that underwent a complete renovation in 2019. The hotel room decor is a soft, neutral, coastal blue palette that feels straight out of the pages of Elle Decor magazine.

The biggest highlight of the property is the easy access directly down to the beach, albeit down some pretty steep stairs. Montage Laguna Beach offers beachside service with chairs and towels, so if the beach is your thing and is high on your priority list, then Montage Laguna Beach should be your first choice.

Other highlights, especially if you’re traveling with kids, is the amazing kids club and activities menu they offer. While it’s not included in your hotel stay, they offer half and full-day programs for kids ages 5-12 years old. While the kids are enjoying their fun outdoor activities like swimming in the pool with mermaid tails on, you can go enjoy one of the 20 spa treatment rooms or the adults-only spa pool.

With the option of multiple bedroom units, I love Montage Laguna Beach for family or multi-generational family trips who are looking for the best in service, highest quality accommodations, and al fresco dining with oceanfront views. It’s also a great options for honeymooners or adults looking to get away for a weekend because you can use the spa pool which also sits in front of the ocean.

Book Montage Laguna Beach with Diego Travel to Receive the Following:

View upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (applicable to Ocean Coastal & above)
Welcome Amenity
$60 daily breakfast credit per bedroom at The Loft or Room Service
$100 USD Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in, subject to availability
4pm guaranteed late check-out
Complimentary VIP Access to South Coast Plaza, Southern California’s Premier Shopping Destination and exclusive shopping offers/discounts at select luxury retailers.
Complimentary Wi-Fi

*for suite stays of 2 nights or more, spa credit is $200.00

We Recommend Montage Laguna Beach For:

Families
Multi-generational families
Honeymooners
Celebration Travel
Small, intimate, and luxury weddings

Laguna Beach in a Nutshell

To summarize, whether you’re planning a 2-night stay as a stopover or a week-long summer vacation, Laguna Beach is a great option for a honeymoon, family vacation, or couples trip. We spent three nights, but felt like we could have spent a lot more, and didn’t even leave the hotels to explore around town. When you book your vacation with Diego Travel, we provide all the above listed amenities at no extra charge to our clients. Direct hotel bookings are always complimentary, and when planning or concierge service is involved, there is a minimal custom trip planning fee. Next time you’re planning to travel worldwide, feel free to reach out to see how we can enhance your travel experience.

Laguna Beach- Best hotels and resorts guide

Florida Keys

Written by Maria Diego on August 23, 2020. Posted in Destination Guides. Leave a Comment

The Florida Keys

Why Your Next Vacation Should Be in The Florida Keys

MARIA DIEGO

August 25, 2020

The Florida Keys are made up of 5 main keys that start at Key Largo, then Islamorada, then Marathon, then the Lower Keys and finally Key West. To drive from Miami to Key West takes about 3 hours, so all the Keys can be covered in one trip.

Perfect For: Romantic Getaways | Honeymoons & Anniversaries | Fishermen | Scuba Divers

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The Florida Keys Family Travel Guide

What to do

The biggest misconception about the Florida Keys is that there are plenty of sandy beaches. I hate to break it to you, but there’s not! The Keys are all about getting out on a boat for fishing, snorkeling, cruises and exploring marine and wildlife. The nightlife can be pretty great too, if you visit at the right times of the year.

Snorkeling
From Key Largo to Key West, the dive spots in the Florida Keys are numerous and plentiful with fish and protected sea life. With dive spots like Hens and Chickens or Looe Key, your best bet is to go with a guide that can take you to a spot where you will see the most fish while snorkeling. Also, there are spots better suited for children if you’re traveling as a family. We also like taking stand up paddle boards with a few masks and snorkels and swimming in shallow areas in the bayside.
Fishing
There are seasons for catching lobster and certain types of fish, and they have to meet size criteria prior to catching them. The local Coast Guard will pull you over and check your cooler, measuring each and every fish – it’s happened to us on more than one occasion – so unless you’re an experienced fisherman with a boat in the Keys, it’s best to leave it to the professionals and hire a company that specializes in fishing while you visit. An expert fishing captain will be able to take you to the right spot whether bottom fishing or trolling, and the Keys is a whole lot of water to take a shot in the dark.
Sunset Cruises and Sailing
Another option if you’re not a huge fan of fishing is sailing or a sunset cruise. I am the black sheep in my family because I am the only one who isn’t a huge fan of spear fishing, free diving and line fishing. I usually stick to the boat, unless the water is over 80 degrees or I’m getting too sea sick from rough seas to stay on the boat. Then I go in for a swim. What I love most about boats is riding at sunset, especially on a calm day. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss while in the Florida Keys, is catching a sunset from either a boat or the view at Pierre’s or Morada Bay (more on that later).
Marine & Wildlife Sanctuaries
If you love animals or are traveling with children, you’re not going to want to miss a visit to a Wildlife Sanctuary. While there are too many to count, the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area offers a hammock forest, coastal rock and mangroves with hiking, cycling and paddling trails. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Key Largo and the Turtle Hospital in Marathon are two other must-sees and personal favorites. Plus, each time you visit one of these places, the entry fee goes toward their maintenance costs so that you can help continue their mission.

Getting There

Fly: From 1.5-3 hours by car from Miami International Airport MIA) or fly into Key West International (EYW). Alternatively all of the keys are accesible by private yacht or sailboat..

Recommended Stay: Weekend getaway to one week.

Elevation: 0 feet

Best Time of Year to Visit: March to November

The Florida Keys

24.9780,-80.5497
Isla Morada
24.7110,-81.0897
Marathon
24.6237,-81.4007
Little Palm Island

Where to Stay in The Florida Keys

Little Palm Island

I wrote a whole blog on Little Palm Island because it’s just that special of a place. Little Palm Island is the only private island resort in the United States and an adults-only hotel, perfect for a weekend getaway, a honeymoon, or to celebrate an anniversary. With 30 suites that dot the perimeter of the island, every suite has a gorgeous ocean view. The resort just underwent a massive post-hurricane renovation and now features all-new cozy, romantic suites. The impeccable attention to every detail in its design is reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway and his era.

What you get when you book with Diego Travel:

A suite upgrade if available (the honeymoon suites have outdoor hot tubs on the terrace)
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit (use it toward an unbelievable massage in their quaint yet impressive spa)
Early check-in/late check-out

The Islands of Islamorada

The Islands of Islamorada are in the heart of downtown Islamorada, close to the best restaurants and shops. I toured them prior to completion and let me tell you, these luxury private villas are guaranteed to be the place to stay in the Florida Keys. Each 3-story private villa has 3 spacious king bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms plus a fourth bunk or twin room. 11 of the villas come with an elevator and the open floor plan with full kitchen, dining and living room look out to the ocean. Swoon!

The Palm Beach area owners were thoughtful in not only the interior design, but the exterior design and landscape architecture. Each villa has privacy from the others, while all guests can enjoy communal spaces like an open beach, pool, and the Ocean House bar. Soon to be completed will be a restaurant and a new area of smaller 1-bedroom beach villas. I can also help coordinate docking your boat at their private marina during your stay. You’ll have direct ocean access to get out there fishing early each morning!

This is the perfect chic destination to come with the whole multi-generational family, for an extended family vacation. Each unit has a two car garage and wash machine/dryer, so it’d be easy to stay for a month or longer. Heck, I think I might just move in.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is one of the better known resorts in the Florida Keys and with good reason. With an expansive ocean view, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, spa and now 5 pools, they make it easy and convenient. The rooms vary widely from golf course view rooms to ocean-front suites, so tread with care and definitely use a travel advisor (that’s me!). The in-the-know professionals know which rooms to ask for, with one suite in particular that stands out from the rest. And no, I’ll never tell! I reserve that suite for Diego Travel clients. It’s also important to know that only the golf course view rooms are pet-friendly, so if you are planning on traveling with your furry family member, be sure to book this room.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa recently purchased oceanfront casitas and bungalows, formerly part of The Moorings property. These exclusive villas have their own pool, tennis court and beach (yes, actual beach! On of the few real beaches in The Florida Keys and private too). Two of these two-bedroom villas are beachfront, while the others are set back further on the property. The great thing about these casitas is that guests have access to all of the amenities and restaurants at Cheeca, but guests at Cheeca do not have access to this area. So, think of it as your semi-private VIP area but with additional resort amenities to enjoy like more pool options, golf, restaurants and of course the spa.

What you get when you book with Diego Travel:

Upgrade upon arrival if available
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit
Early check-in/late check-out

Isla Bella Resort

Isla Bella Resort is a new property featuring 199 oceanfront suites. It’s very rare to find a resort with all ocean views, but Isla Bella did it beautifully. With a name meaning Beautiful Island, what more would you expect? The rooms and suites are spacious and airy, decorated bright white with accents of coastal blue. They come in a variety of options, from one and two-bedroom guest rooms to suites with a kitchenette, making an extended stay very practical. What I love most are the first floor rooms that have direct access to the oceanfront sand and pools. You have your own oceanfront porch where you can sit outside, read a book, and watch guests ride back and forth on the property bicycles. These ground floor options also allow for social-distancing, as you wouldn’t need to enter through common areas like the hallways or elevators.

Isla Bella’s property is large, with a “town square” area that consists of a large marketplace with a cafe, the spa, conference space, and retail shopping with the cutest beach and resort wear and any pool toys and floaties your kids might need. One of the coolest things about Isla Bella is its Watersports Activity Center. Like I mentioned earlier in the blog, if you haven’t gotten out on the water, then you haven’t experienced the Keys. Isla Bella offers all the water sports right there for your convenience with brand new boats, fishing equipment and even jet ski and kayak rentals. They are top-notch professionals and I highly recommend a stay here just to make use of this amazing water sports center.

What you get when you book with Diego Travel:

Upgrade upon arrival if available
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit
Early check-in/late check-out

Where to eat?

Key Lime Pie
Let’s not beat around the bush and get straight to the good stuff – what the Florida Keys is best known for – key lime pie! You may even want to taste-test your way down the Keys. My kids and I are gluten-free, so I’d start my list with Key West Key Lime Pie Co. They ship too! Other Key West notables are Pepe’s Cafe and Old Town Bakery.
Further up the Keys is a locals’ favorite at the Green Turtle Inn, and whether you’re getting the key lime pie on the menu or anything else, you just can’t go wrong. They are the same owners of the nearby Kayo Grill and SushiKayo Grill and Sushi, that has The best sushi I have had in the Florida. Back to key lime pie though…A final mention is either of Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen’s two locations near Key Largo. The key lime pie is to die for!
Fresh Fish and Seafood
When you’re not eating dessert first, you may want to choose the catch of the day off of every menu. Atlantic’s Edge at Cheeca for a fancier dinner with killer views or Islamorada Fish Company are two favorites for a fresh catch. Some more casual, only-the-locals-go spots can be found at the Cuban restaurant Habano’s on the Creek (when you’re starving and coming back in from a fishing trip), Made 2 Order Cafe (another pull-up-in-your-boat for a quick lunch), or the Galley Grill between Key West and Little Palm Island.
Restaurants With a View
If the view is what you’re after, which you should be in the Keys, then you can’t miss these spots. Hit Morada Bay or Pierre’s for their monthly Full Moon party – it falls on the Saturday nearest to the full moon of each month. With a sunset view and an area of sand to party post-dinner, you can’t miss this monthly event. Latitudes at the Westin in Key West has beautiful sunset views as well.

Design My Trip!

A Few of My Favorite Things

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is different for everyone. Depending on if you want a resort that you land at and never leave, or your prefer to venture out and spend little time at your hotel, will determine the area that is right for you. My family has had a home in the Florida Keys for 15+ years, so the amount of time I’ve spend exploring each Key gives me an advantage while planning travel that is perfect for you.

Islamorada of The Florida Keys

My family’s home is located just north of Islamorada, in Tavernier. Islamorada happens to be my favorite spot in the Keys, just because I like the combination of bayside and oceanside boating there, and the array of top-notch restaurants and fun little shops. I’ll never forget bumping into Martha Stewart at Ocean Gardens where you can find Hemingway-era nautical antiques and a vast collection of hard-to-find shells. My dad wasn’t shy and struck up a conversation with her about the Florida Keys and what she loves about visiting. She told us that Ocean Gardens is always a must-see, so there you go!

Location

Key Largo is about one hour south of the southern most part of Miami, while Key West takes a full 3 hours to reach. So to drive from the northern-most key to the southern-most key takes about 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The roadway is a 2-way lane, so holiday weekends can see traffic back up for hours. Locations are described by the locals as being at Mile Marker “__”, with the Key West starting at Mile Marker 0 and working its way up. So when you stop to ask for directions and you’re told, it’s at MM 87, you’ll know in which direction you need to head. It’s only North or South in the Keys!

Activities

Aside from the daytime activities I already listed, you can’t miss watching a sunset with a live band playing in the background. The Keys food is known for being fried, unhealthy, and yummy, and the drink menu plentiful. So plop yourself down at a bayside restaurant somewhere along the strip (my favorite is Pierre’s, at MM 82), order a drink, and relax. It’s also the perfect spot for a small destination wedding, which I can help you plan! Other activities I love to do with the kids is feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s, visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and Theater of the Sea for swimming with the dolphins and educating them about marine biology.

Beyond The Keys

Because of our network, Diego Travel clients get added amenities to many of the Florida Keys hotels and resorts. Depending on whether it’s your first time or tenth time to the Keys, we’ll make sure to plan your stay based on your needs. We love to combine a trip to the Florida Keys with Miami, the west coast of Florida with stops at places like Marco Island, Naples, or Captiva, or even a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth at Disney World in Orlando. Contact us to help plan your next Florida vacation to elevate your experience, VIP your travel, and make the most of your time at each destination.

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Florida Keys family travel guide

Sea Island

Written by Maria Diego on May 15, 2020. Posted in Hotel Reviews. 1 Comment

Sea Island, Georgia

The Best Of Guide to Sea Island, Georgia

MARIA DIEGO

May 15, 2020

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When we first visited Sea Island, Georgia, my initial thought was, “How did I not know about this place?” The Cloister at Sea Island has been around for generations with families returning again and again for their annual family vacation.

I grew up on the West Coast where families would spend summers on the island of Coronado for cooler beach weather and the Fourth of July parade. I was blissfully unaware of this magical East Coast family vacation spot. In fact, it was only after returning from Sea Island that I found out my grandparents took their honeymoon there back in the 1940s, right around the time when George H.W. and Barbara Bush did too. Since its earliest days, Sea Island has commemorated every Presidential stay by having them plant an oak, the state tree of Georgia. A stroll through the dreamy courtyard off The Cloister is an impressive display of past guests at this iconic resort.

As with the Hotel del Coronado, The Cloister at Sea Island is also Virtuoso property where you’ll receive value-added amenities when you book with Diego Travel.

In this guide, I break down why I love Sea Island, some of the best things to do on the island and beyond, how to choose where to stay, and tips for each type of traveler. Our family loved it so much so that we returned twice in one year, something that we have never done in the history of our world travels.

SEA ISLAND FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE

What to do

After a long drive up the coast of Florida and Georgia, the thing we love best about arriving to Sea Island are the beautiful beaches. My kids literally run straight for it and don’t look back. The water may not be the bluest blue, but there’s something so peaceful about the American beachgrass and slight dunes. The beach itself is soft sand and my kids could play there for hours every day.

Sea Island Activities
The first time I looked through the activities pamphlet for Sea Island, I was overwhelmed by the amount of choices and down-right fun things I’d always wanted to do as a kid. From fishing and dolphin-watching by boat, to falconry and hunting & shooting, there are endless choices on Sea Island. My oldest’s favorite was the air rifle class and our younger son loved everything about the Nature Center and getting up close and personal with wild dolphins.
Bikes
Next to the newly opened Sea Strike and Pub bowling alley, you can find Sea Island’s bike rental shop where you can join one of their guided tours or rent a bike to explore on your own. My favorite thing to do is bike around Sea Island and mentally shop for homes, dreaming of one day sitting on one of those big front porches, curled up with a book and drinking Southern sweet tea.
Insider Tip: Make sure you bring your own bike if you would like to ride on the beach as you will not be able to do so with resort bicycles.
KIDS
As much as I love Sea Island, if you ask my kids and every other kid who visits, they probably love it more! The kid-friendly activities are endless and include everything from arts and crafts to sports to nature walks to scavenger hunts and many more unique experiences. The gangs of kids roaming freely on their bikes and exploring the beaches around Sea Island is a testament to Sea Island’s safe environment. Possibly, the favored spot on Sea Island by all kids big and small would be the candy shoppe (and yes, I’m spelling it like this to invoke the feeling of the old-fashioned confection temptations they offer on the daily). They cannot miss it!
Golf
While I personally don’t golf, I would be remiss not to mention the 3 golf courses and probably the world’s finest Golf Performance Center. There’s a reason Sea Island plays host to the RSM Classic, (a prime PGA tour event) and welcomes world-class golfers year-round.
Spa
Last but not least, a stay at Sea Island is not complete without a visit to the Spa. Along with the fitness center, with its indoor lap pool and hot tub, the spa has a private oasis only accessible to those guests with reserved appointments. I am not exaggerating when I say that you could easily spend an entire day here. And with the kids well entertained, you finally can!

Getting There

Fly: 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.

Recommended Stay: Anywhere from a weekend getaway to a two month summer vacation.

Elevation: 10 feet

Best Time of Year to Visit: March to November

INSIDER TIP

The resort offers complimentary use of a BMW X5 throughout your stay on a first-come, first-serve basis. Make use of it to visit nearby sites like the Stables at Federica.

On the Coast Of Georgia

31.1836,-81.3498

Sea Island

Where to stay in Sea Island, Georgia

If you’ve read this far, you might be convinced that Sea Island could make the perfect destination for your next family vacation. Now that you’re ready to pack your bags and go, hold on. Not so fast! Sea Island offers a wide range of options including The Cloister main building, The Cloister Beach Club, The Cloister Ocean Residences, The Lodge, Cottages, The Inn and Broadfield. Confused yet? I was too, but don’t worry. I’m going to break it down for you because I had the Grand Tour of all things Sea Island and saw each type of accommodation first-hand.

First off, it sounds overwhelming and enormous, but I promise that it isn’t. Having said that, each area is unique and offers a distinct experience. Second, no matter if you’re planning a wedding, a honeymoon, or a multi-family reunion, there is the perfect accommodation for you at Sea Island.

THE OCEAN RESIDENCES

Next up are the ocean residences which have their own gated community of seclusion and privacy. Perfect for the honeymooners or those looking to disconnect, this area has its own infinity edge pool and picturesque stretch of beach. They range from a nature view room to three-bedroom suites and offer more peace and quiet than anywhere else (perhaps excluding Broadfield). Each unit is uniquely decorated but still come with all the amenities provided in the main building and beach club. The suites include a full kitchen and washer and dryer, making it perfect for those extended stays that still want all the hotel amenities and daily housekeeping. Just keep in mind that the distance to the main building and the beach club is within walking distance, but may be a 5-10 minute walk.

Insider Tip: I love the Ocean Residences for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, families with older children, and smaller multi-generational families looking to all share one unit.

THE CLOISTER

The Forbes Five-Star main building is the most traditional and elegant of settings, and also serves as the main lobby for The Beach Club and Ocean Residences. Each room is unique and ranges from garden-view to 2-bedroom suites with a view of the river. The Cloister main building is also home to the famous Bingo sessions that are a huge Sea Island tradition, plus an adults-only pool with views of the river. They also serve complimentary coffee and pastries in the solarium here overlooking a beautiful garden courtyard which is a nice touch.

Insider Tip: I love the main building for older couples, families with grown children, or for anyone who prefers a more formal hotel-like setting.

THE BEACH CLUB

A short walk across from the main building is the Cloister Beach Club. Just like the name implies, the Beach Club is a casual, relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for families – or if you just want to walk around in your bathing suit. Accommodations range from the petite standard room to a 2-bedroom ocean view suite and is the hub of daytime activity. If you have kids, this is where they are going to want to spend the majority of their time. That’s not to say that you can’t make the easy walk or drive over here from the other accommodations, but it is centrally located to the main pool, adult lap pool, waterslide, beach and casual restaurants.

Insider Tip: I love the Beach Club for families, but they also have an adults-only lap pool, so it’s a great option for a multi-generational group who wants to room close together but not all in the same quarters.

COTTAGES

For our second trip back to Sea Island, we decided to try a vacation home to accommodate our larger crew and traveling Cavalier King Charles. The island is strictly accessible to hotel guests and home owners only. Many of these homes are available to rent, exclusively through Sea Island and no other third parties, which enforces quality control and offers access to all the regular hotel amenities like the beach club and restaurants.

We opted for a cottage within walking distance to the beach club and the main building, and just a block from the beach. Cottages range in size, style and budget, with some gorgeous beachfront homes that could accommodate multiple families. I highly recommend a long bike ride around the island to ooh and aah at all the homes straight out of Town & Country magazine and will make you dream of relocating for good.

Home rentals have the option to add daily housekeeping at an additional cost, and they can even leave your kitchen fully stocked upon arrival. When choosing your cottage, I can help you get a better feel for how near or far you will be from the main resort and if you’ll require a golf cart or bikes.

The biggest perk of booking a Sea Island cottage with Diego Travel is the $100 per day resort credit you’ll receive, which for a week-long stay comes to $700! Stay two weeks and that’s a $1400 bonus!

Insider Tip: The cottages are best for families who already know and love Sea Island and want to keep coming back for more. In order to disconnect and recharge completely, I highly recommend a two-week stay or more and a cottage would be perfect for this.

STAYING IN GEORGIA’S SEA ISLAND VACATION RENTALS AND COTTAGES

THE LODGE

For my golfers out there, the Sea Island Lodge is perhaps the best golf resort in the country. We loved spending time at The Lodge for the perfect evening sunsets, where kids can run around freely while the grown ups sip on cocktails, taking in the ocean air and the sound of the bagpiper, with post-dinner s’mores at the bonfire. The Lodge is the only accommodation at Sea Island that comes with a 24/7 butler service. If you want a truly bespoke experience, then you’ll want to consider a stay at The Lodge. Feel like having a wine tasting at 11 PM followed by a craving for donuts at 2 AM? Or you’d like a rose-petal bath drawn or clothes need ironing? Your butler is at your service!

The Lodge is a 58-room English manor boutique hotel with stand alone 2- or 4-bedroom cottages that line the golf course. The newly-completed 4,200 square foot King’s Cottage has its own private hitting bay and the best views in Georgia. Plus, the kitchen can come with your own private executive chef for ultimate privacy.

Insider Tip: I love The Lodge for golfers and their families. Corporate groups, bachelor parties, dad’s weekend getaways, would all love it at The Lodge. The cottages are great for longer stays or family gatherings with the best sunset views. And if you want the very best view, opt to stay in King’s Cottage.

THE INN

Located just 2 miles from The Cloister, across the bridge on St. Simons Island, you’ll find The Inn, a budget-friendly option with the same great taste and style as the rest of Sea Island without the Forbes Five-Star distinction and amenities. Guests at The Inn enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, heated outdoor pool and Wi-Fe service. Room rates can be provided with or without resort access, but guests at The Inn cannot access the Beach Club. Only interested in golfing or the fitness center and spa, but wanting more affordable accommodations? Then The Inn might be a good fit for you.

Insider Tip: The Inn is perfect for the simple traveler who just wants access to Sea Island’s incredible golf facilities, fitness center, spa, and restaurants. If you’re passing through St. Simons Island or joining a larger group, this may be the right fit for you.

BROADFIELD

Broadfield is a secluded hunting retreat that offers hunting, shooting, fishing and falconry in the Great Outdoors of the South. While I didn’t go myself, I was told that Broadfield is a bonding experience for first-time hunters to seasoned enthusiasts, and from fathers and sons to small corporate groups. The lodge sleeps up to 22 people and can accommodate all kind of outdoor events that want to take advantage of its natural setting. The cabin itself combines perfect rustic decor with modern amenities and a state of the art kitchen where you’ll dine on farm-to-table meals prepared by your personal resident chef.

Insider Tip: Whether you need some father/son bonding with your teenage boys, or you and your buddies just need a weekend away, Broadfield is a perfect experiential escape.

Where to eat?

The Cloister is home to several restaurants including the River Bar, with panoramic views of the Black Banks River, Tavola, an authentic Italian eatery, and the Georgian Room, the only FORBES Five-Star restaurant in Georgia. I had the chance to tour the impressive private wine cellar, that can accommodate private dinners and features a pine wooden ceiling created from a mid-1800s South Carolina sawmill and limestone from North Georgia. I highly recommend it for a special celebration or group dinner.
Wonderland (that irresistible candy shoppe I mentioned before), and casual beach-side restaurants like Southern Tide and Snack Shack will be found at the Beach Club. The newly opened Sea Strike & Pub offers another option for entertainment with indoor bowling and casual dining. All guests have the option to wear a convenient key-card bracelet (parents – you can control the spending power of your kids!), so kids can make 20 daily stops at Wonderland whenever their heart desires, without bothering Mom and Dad. Who’s ready to finish a book while on vacation!? I am!
Over at The Lodge, all Sea Island guests can enjoy The Oak Room, a more casual bar restaurant that serves Southern dishes with a panoramic view of the ocean, or Colt & Alison, the more formal dining room that does not fail to impress. Finally, the best kept secret of Sea Island just might be the whiskey bar located inside of the men’s locker room at The Lodge. It is the quintessential gentleman’s club, and if you haven’t golfed here yet, you need to grab your buddies and reserve to find out why all the pros choose to stay, train and play here.
Finally, a trip to Sea Island would not be complete without a visit to Southern Soul for some of the best Barbecue in the south!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Sea Island, Georgia

Location

It’s easy to get here! It’s only an hour drive from either Savannah or Jacksonville airport an easy road trip from cities in the Southeast including South Florida.
If you want to fly private CONTACT US, there is McKinnon Airport on St. Simons Island, just a few minutes drive from Sea Island, or Brunswick Golden Isles Airport.

Activities

Aside from the seemingly endless kids activities you can choose from, they also offer Camp Cloister, a kids club that incorporates tons of outdoor fun and is something my kids really love. Even though they usually refuse any and all hotel kids clubs. Plus, they offer evening camps on Friday and Saturdays, so the adults get a dinner and night out in peace.
Don’t miss the beach horseback ride for adults or the Tiny Tykes pony ride at The Stables at Frederica if you have little ones. The area is so beautiful and they not only get to ride, but learn to care for the horses too.
We took the Salt Marsh Dolphin Tour with Captain Dooley and spotted some playful dolphins. I can’t recommend a boat rental there enough. You haven’t experienced the low country until you’ve done so on the water.

Beyond Sea Island

We’ve never had any desire to go off-property, but for those that have the extra time (like when you rent that Sea Island cottage for a month), the following places come highly recommended.

The iconic Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island.
Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island requires a ferry to get there but has vast amounts of wilderness, wide marshes and beaches to explore. Our guide, Captain Dooley, said it’s one of his favorite spots in the area.
Take a day trip to Savannah, one of the most charming cities in the U.S.
Explore the rest of the Georgia coastline! If you want help mapping out a road trip or want an ultra-luxury sampling of only the best that Georgia has to offer, contact us so we can discuss all the options and how Diego Travel can enhance your trip.

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