Palo Alto Hotels never conveyed luxury to me until I had a chance to visit the newly remodeled Nobu Hotel in Palo Alto. I fell in love with the minimal Japanese design and the attentiveness from the friendly staff. The hotel is ideally situated in downtown Palo Alto, with lots of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. The notable Nobu Restaurant is conveniently downstairs.
This 73-room Palo Alto hotel is the perfect home base if you are visiting Silicon Valley. The hotel amenities reflect the tech-mind of Silicon Valley with seamless integrations Alexa, with multiple voice commands including light and shade control, 82- inch television. My favorite is the state of the art TOTO washlet bidet.
One of my favorite amenities of the hotel was the Gym, I rarely use hotel gyms, but the gym at Nobu provides Peloton bikes with access to hundreds on online interactive classes, it was hard to leave the gym with this feature
We are all familiar with Nobu, the restaurant and I loved that all you had to do was take the elevator down and you have access to some seriously delicious eats. One perk of being a Nobu hotel guest is that you get priority reservations at the restaurant.
Beyond the beautiful decor and amenities, it is the people of Nobu that makes this such a special place. You feel at home with the warm hospitality from all of the staff. The staff recommended many wonderful things to do in the area. I particularly loved a book store one block down from the hotel.
If visiting the Bay Area, I would surely return to this special hotel Palo Alto Hotel
Please note that the hotel is still undergoing construction and most rooms are expected to be completed soon.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Wigwam Resort, located near Phoenix Arizona. The Wigwam was exactly what I needed to escape the cold and wind in San Francisco. With a quick 2 hour flight, it’s the perfect getaway to a desert oasis. It is conveniently located near the Phoenix airport and is perfect for a family getaway or staycation.
I was lucky enough to visit during their 100-year anniversary of this long-standing Arizona Historic Landmark. My first impression of the resort was to say WOW. The resort is huge but manages to provide an intimate and charming feel. The Wigwam is a true gem.
With so many activities on the 40 acre property and happy faces in the resort, you won’t want to leave. Here are some of the highlight and favorite activities during my stay.
POOLS
The Oasis pool
Balcony overlooking Oasis Pool
Oasis Pool
Oasis Pool
Perfect for a morning swim, sunbathing or taking some time to simply relax. During the summer months, it becomes an adult-only pool with a bar and DJ included. My room overlooked the Oasis pool and I loved having my morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the Oasis pool.
Oasis Pool
The Tower Pool
The tower pool is a family friendly pool with a kids fun zone and two waterslides. You can also book private cabanas, where you will have fruit, drinks and other delicious food options. We enjoyed the cabanas and feasted on piña coladas, fresh fruit, and margaritas. Christine was a fabulous cabana host and we could tell how much she was loved by the locals visiting the pool.
Spa Pool
This was my favorite pool, it was small and intimate and perfect for a post or pre-massage swim and relaxation. It’s an adult only pool which I appreciated.
SPA
If you’re looking to feel relaxed and pampered make sure to book a treatment at the beautiful Spa at the Wigwam. I was treated to a fantastic facial which made my skin feel new again. I think I fell asleep in the VERY comfortable spa bed (I’ve been raving about this bed). When visiting the spa you get full use of the amenities, including, the steam room, relaxation room, the private clothing optional jacuzzi and the adult only pool. You can also enjoy lunch by the pool at the spa. I could spend all day here!
GOLF
The golf course at The Wigwam is Arizona’s only 54 hole championship golf course. It has state of the art golf club rental. The course itself is beautiful, with a lot of trees for shade and glistening ponds. This golf course also offers FOOT GOLF.
I am not a golfer but I am so happy that I discovered foot gold at the Wigwam, it’s SO MUCH FUN. You can rent all the gear at the golf shop. I would go back just to play it.
DINING
As you may know I am a big foodie so naturally, I am very discerning when it comes to food. We dined at multiple restaurants within the Wigwam and everything I had was delicious. These are some of the dining options at the Wigwam.
Red’s Bar and Grill
The avocado hummus was amazing
Red’s is a casual family-friendly restaurant with a nice patio that overlooks the golf course. They have an ingenious kid’s room to keep the kids happy and entertained.
Wigwam Bar
The wigwam bar is centrally located near the lobby and is where I had my coffee and delicious breakfast ( the avocado bake is a must-try). The European vibes on the patio are perfect for enjoying live music and enjoying a glass of wine.
Litchfield’s
Litchfield’s Restaurant
Where to begin, this was my favorite restaurant and enjoyed the most delicious farm:table dinner here. Litchfield’s pays a tribute to the local farming community by sourcing only the best and freshest ingredients. It was a treat to see the chefs cook over an open fire. I wanted everything on the menu but ordered the seabass and lamb chops, which were the best lamb chops I’ve had. The drinks are also outstanding. This is the perfect place for a special occasion.
Litchfield’s Restaurant
Litchfield’s Patio
Litchfield’s Restaurant
Litchfield’s Restaurant
Litchfield’s Patio
Chef plating lamb chops
Wood fired roasted Lamb chops
Wood fired roasted Lamb chops
Chef plating lamb chops
GARDENS
From the palm trees to the cacti gardens, if you are a nature lover you will fall in love with this place. I couldn’t go from one place to another at the Wigwam without stopping and smelling the roses (literally). The gardens are beautifully maintained and there are a lot see. I took an afternoon and did a self-guided tour of the property’s wonderful plant life.
I had an amazing getaway at the Wigwam and made many memories that I will cherish forever. If you want to visit during the Centennial Celebration click here to get some amazing discounts and packages.
The Wigwam 300 East Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340 Phone: 623.935.3811
Waterfront boutique hotel in downtown San Francisco. Location is central to fisherman’s wharf and walking distance to a lot of visitor attractions. perfect for family, couples of business travel. The hotel has modern decor and feels fun and hip. I
I needed time away from reality and checked in for a memorable staycation. Can’t wait to go back
Nested at the top of its own private road in North Lake Tahoe, the Ritz-Carlton feels like you’ve been transported to a castle in the Alps. Ritz- Carlton is the best place to stay if you want to re-charge over a long weekend or take a full week of skiing and frolicking in the snow.
I was lucky enough to visit The Ritz after a strong storm left fresh powder in the area. From the moment we drove up to the front, from the time we checked out, their staff was phenomenal. Friendly, informative, & detail-oriented.
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With endless activities on the property you never have to leave the property, so I leave you with my :
7 Must- Do’s at the Ritz Carlton- Lake Tahoe
1. Snowboarding lessons
I am a novice when it comes to winter sports, so getting out of my comfort zone any signing up for a snowboarding class what nerve wrecking to say the least. All I could imagine was falling over and over. I pushed through my fears and signed up for the private classes at the Burton Academy. The entire process was easy and convenient. A day before my class I got fitted for my snowboard boot and helmet at True North.
The day of the class my instructor was waiting for me to take me to the Burton Academy via a snowmobile. The instructor was VERY patient with me I fell about 100 times and he would not let me give up. I ended the lesson feeling proud of myself and with 1000% more snowboarding knowledge than when I began. THANK goodness for the magic carpet which made going back up the bunny slopes a breeze.
2. Apres Ski, at the Living Room
Nothing better after a long day on the slopes than to relax with friends, delicious bites and exquisite drinks. The Living Room at the lobby level of the Ritz offers a relaxed place to enjoy the warmth of the fireplaces, the sweeping views and delicious food and drinks.
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3. Dinner at Manzanita Bar
Top notch dinner service in an upscale setting. We ordered family style and portions were generous and beautifully presented. Go in there before your reservation to enjoy a cocktail at the bar.
4. Marshmology
Bring out the kids or bring out the kid in you to the Ritz’s Marshology, a fun hands-on experience where you get to roast marshmallows on a stick and get sticky while devouring your creations. The program takes place nightly by the fire pits and free for all Ritz Carlton guests.
5. Lake Club
The stunning lakeside property is only a year old and is opened year round. In the winter for small private events, and in the summer for a fun vacation house vibe. During the summer expect to enjoy water sports, BBQ drinks and a lot of relaxation. The sunsets from the club are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Lake Tahoe.
lake house terrace
lake house terrace
Ritz lake house
ritz lake house
ritz lake house
ritz lake house
6. Gondola Ride
Make sure to take the free ride on the gondolas that connect the Ritz to the village. The view on the gondolas is breathtaking so get your cameras and phones ready to snap the perfect scenic photo. The village offers shopping and some additional dining options.
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7. Spa
The perfect way to rejuvenate yourself after a long day on the slopes, the Spa offers many treatments and massage that make you feel pampered. Make sure to arrive earlier than your appointment to take advantage of the spa amenities, such as their eucalyptus steam room and heated lap pool with incredible. view of the slopes. I opted for the 1 hr relaxation massage. My massage therapist, Michael was great and would highly recommend him.
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There are way too many amenities at the Ritz to even mention, but whatever you decide to do I am sure you will have a great time, even if it’s just relaxing and taking in the views. Everyone from the valets to the masseuse and housekeeper is genuinely dedicated to making your stay unforgettable. I can’t wait to visit again!!
I visited Las Alcobas Napa Valley during the Holiday season, which made my visit especially magical. I visited the property, with a friend, specifically to dine at Acacia House by Chris Cosentino. From the moment we arrived at the property I knew that I was going to fall in love. The staff here has gone above and beyond at every step to provide luxury service that one would expect from a luxury hotel. I was also lucky enough to indulge in a unique spa experience at Atrio spa.
This is the perfect romantic getaway or to catchup with girlfriends. I am excited to go back.
The pool area boasts heated pool, fire pits and very comfortable seating to lounge it. I can see myself drinking many glasses of bubbly here while enjoying the views of the vineyards.
Acacia House
Enjoyed one of the best brunches of 2017 at Acacia House by the incomparable Chef Chris Cosentino.
Some highlights were:
HERBtonic: apple, basil, cilantro, cucumber, spinach, ginger juice
Turmeric Shot: Fresh turmeric root
Oranges & Dates: Fresh Oranges serves with dates, pistachios and mint
Buttermilk buckwheat pancakes served with mascarpone, fruit and maple syrup
Croissant milk toast: croissant bread pudding French toast, vanilla and whipped mascarpone. This blew my mind, the BEST French toast I’ve had and I am picky when it comes to French toast
Atrio is a aroma driven spa, my experience started with a customized blend of essential oils using a proprietary technique to find the best scent for me. This blend was later used on me in the massage room.
The massage was magical, I left feeling renewed. Can’t recommend the spa enough.
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley
1915 Main Street, St. Helena, CA, 94574, United States
