Where to Stay in Bruges: The Pand Hotel
Bruges is a must-see destination for any traveler who loves to get lost in a fairytale town. If you’re thinking about visiting Bruges and need some hotel inspiration, get an inside look at The Pand Hotel. This charming, luxury boutique hotel is situated near some of Bruges’ most famous attractions, which makes it perfect for people who want to maximize their time and stay somewhere centrally located. Read more to discover what this lovely hotel has to offer guests in Bruges, Belgium!
The Pand Hotel: A Modern Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Historic Bruges
Ever since Colin Farrell graced us with his devilishly handsome looks on the silver screen for the movie In Bruges, I have been dying to visit this charming, historic town in northwest Belgium. I can't imagine why his character hated it so much because it's everything a girl can dream to see! This city is fresh out of a fairytale with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and winding canals. In my opinion, it's basically the closest thing to feeling like you're in a Disney movie.
My sister and I spent two nights in Bruges at the start of our recent Euro-trip together, which ended up being a good amount of time there. Two full days and nights left us feeling like we definitely could have spent at least another night or two to hit up some more of the restaurants and breweries on our list, but we crossed off the main things we wanted to do. Since time was of the essence, we wanted to choose a hotel that was centrally located and easy to get around everywhere.
The Pand Hotel was the place we called home for our time in Bruges, and it proved to be perfect for everything we were looking for. It was very centrally located right near the canals, which made it extremely easy to walk just about anywhere we wanted within 5-20 minutes. The Pand was also quietly tucked away on one of the side streets just off the main road, thus diluting the noise of the city. After living in New York City for the last few years, having peace and quiet in the middle of the hustle and bustle is something that I live for!
Getting to Bruges from London
One of the things I love most about traveling through Europe is how easy and accessible it can be to get around from country to country. In the US, you typically have to fly commercial airlines to get from one state to another, which costs about two arms and a leg these days (don't even get me started on how much I hate US-based airlines...). You can also drive if you have access to a car, but it seems like taking the train isn't really a widely popular option anymore. For the most part, Europe has their train systems down to an art and it's such a convenient way to get around!
*PRO-TIP* We flew in and out of London Heathrow for this Euro-trip because it was significantly cheaper than flying in/out of any of the cities we were visiting. It cost us around $500 USD roundtrip versus about $1500 just to fly in/out of the cities we were traveling to. I highly suggest looking into this option if you're considering doing a multi-city European trip. Once you land, you can easily take the trains around Europe, which--if purchased well in advance--is also cheaper than flying.
Dani and I opted for taking the Eurostar from London to Bruges, which was actually pretty simple! We flew into London Heathrow and landed around 7:30AM and booked the 10:58AM train from London's St. Pancras Station to Belgium (any station). There was an earlier train departing around 9-something-AM, but if you've ever been to London Heathrow, you'll understand that it can take FOREVER to get out of that behemoth airport. We were so thankful we gave ourselves plenty of time to get from Heathrow to St. Pancras on the tube. I highly recommend giving yourself ample buffer time to do this as well!
Once we arrived at St. Pancras, we got to our train and departed for Belgium. Once we arrived in Belgium, we got off the train in Brussels and transferred to another train that would take us to Bruges. The nice thing about our ticket type is that it we were able to get on any train that was heading to Bruges at any time of that day. No rushing around to catch the "right" train. It took us a minute to figure it out, but we found the train we needed and headed to Bruges!
ARRIVING TO THE Hotel
Once we arrived in Bruges, we were left with the decision on how to get to our hotel. Bruges' train station is only about a 20-minute walk to The Pand Hotel (and about 10-15 minute walk into the downtown area), but (a) we were jet lagged as hell and (b) we didn't want to drag our luggage across the cobblestone streets for 20 minutes. Ultimately, we opted for public transit since it was the most affordable option and dropped us off about 2 minutes from the hotel.
An 18th-Century Carriage House Turned Modern Boutique Hotel
After stepping off the bus, we hobbled our tired selves, luggage, and backpacks across the cobblestone streets towards the hotel. One of the best parts of the hotel is its proximity to the canals and everything else that's probably on your to-do list in Bruges. The Pand Hotel is located just around the corner from a main road on a side street, which is perfect because it drowns out the city noise.
The first impression I had of the lobby was that it was charming and exuded this old-meets-new glamour that I love about boutique European hotels. There was a beautiful library and lounge area in the front where guests can enjoy a drink or relax after a long day; and towards the back you could see the dining area where breakfast is served daily.
I personally enjoy the character and quaintness of a smaller boutique hotel to the flashy pizzazz of a larger chain hotel. It just feels more...home-y, if you will. It makes you feel like you're genuinely welcome there and can relax and really unwind. That's definitely the feeling you get here at this hotel. It's just so comfortable that it feels like home!
High-End Luxuries That Feel Like Comforts of Home
The Pand Hotel offers guests 4 types of room accommodations: Small Charming Room, Charming Plus Room, Junior Suite, and Master Suite. Each room is individually decorated with beautiful antiques and luxurious designer fabrics and textiles. We opted for the Junior Suite since we wanted to treat ourselves to a little opulence after that long trip from New York.
Our room came with plenty of closet space, a full size bathroom with a jacuzzi and shower, a small living room area, and even an adorable little balcony where we were able to step out and enjoy the view of the surrounding area! That was definitely a magical part of the space that we enjoyed. The bed was super comfortable and even had a canopy with drapes in addition to the black-out shades for the windows, which came in handy since the sun didn't go down until about 10pm and rose around 5am!
HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME HERE
Enjoy Breakfast in the Dining Area
Every morning, guests can wake up to enjoy a full champagne breakfast buffet in the dining area. This was by far the best part about staying at The Pand Hotel. Everything was made fresh for us on the granny's stove that also serves as a focal point of the dining room. We took full advantage of this each morning and indulged in fruit plates, meats and cheeses, omelettes, house-made juices, and of course the champagne! It was so incredibly delicious and left us feeling satisfied for hours.
Have a Cocktail in the Lounge or Garden
There are plenty of places around The Pand Hotel to kick back and relax after a day of exploring. You can have a drink in the lounge or lobby area, or enjoy the afternoon by the garden that is adjacent to the dining area.
Explore the town with guided tours
Upon arrival, we received a voucher for a daily guided walking tour that all hotel guests can enjoy. Tours depart in the early afternoon and cover some of the highlights of Bruges. We did not have time to join one of the tours during our stay, but would have loved to if we had one more day!
GOOD TO KNOW INFORMATION
Currency used in Bruges (and all of Belgium) is the Euro.
If you're planning on taking the Eurostar like we did, book as far in advance as you can as to avoid ridiculously high train ticket prices. We learned this the hard way...
Free Wi-Fi is available on hotel grounds.
The train station is about 20 minutes away on foot or 10-15 by public transit. You can also hire a taxi or arrange your own transportation ahead of time. Public transit was our preferred option because it was affordable and easy!
Because Bruges can get very crowded during the peak hours of the day, I recommend getting an early start to see the town—the earlier the better to avoid having hundreds of people in your photos.
I would recommend at least 2-3 days minimum in Bruges if you really want to see things. You can definitely do a day trip, but you'll probably leave wanting to spend more time in this fairytale town!
Once Dani and I checked out of the hotel, we both agreed that our time in Bruges would not have been nearly as good as it was if we hadn't stayed at The Pand Hotel. The location, service, and comfortable luxuries of this hotel made our time unforgettable and helped us kickoff a really amazing time in Europe. I highly recommend this hotel if you're visiting Bruges and would like to find a hotel where you can maximize your time because of its location, or if you're interested in a boutique hotel that offers a wonderful experience and great service.
The Pand Hotel
Pandreitje 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Mykonos: Semeli Hotel
If you’re thinking about visiting Mykonos and need some hotel inspiration (or have no idea where to begin planning your trip), get an inside look at Semeli Hotel in Mykonos Town. This chic and stylish luxury boutique hotel is tucked away in a quiet corner of Mykonos Town, making it perfect for visitors who want to be in the middle of the action without all the crowds and noise. Read more to discover what this sophisticated hotel has to offer guests in Mykonos, Greece!
Semeli Hotel: A Stylish Retreat Tucked Away in Mykonos Town
Like most avid travelers, seeing the iconic white-washed buildings of Mykonos was something high on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I dreamed of the days where I could frolic through the bougainvillea adorned streets and immerse myself in the Greek culture and island lifestyle. Seeing the bright blue balconies adjacent to the stark white buildings, catching a whiff of the flaming saganaki while I sip my wine, feeling the Mediterranean breeze in my hair while I stare at those famous 16th-century windmills... It was time to make that dream a reality!
My friend Stephanie and I booked a last minute trip to the Greek islands for our birthdays and we settled on spending our short time in Mykonos and Santorini, with Mykonos being the first stop. Now, when I say last minute, I really mean last minute. Like, we didn't even have our hotel booked until about a week before we were leaving. I was super overwhelmed because I normally have so much time to prep before a trip, but not this time! We were down to the wire here!
In the days before our departure, I learned that Mykonos has different towns/villages around the island that you can choose to stay in. I will be the first to admit my naivety that I thought Mykonos and Santorini were all you had to search for and you would find everything you needed in one place and one area. I was so wrong (and honestly can't believe I thought that to be the case haha)!
Each island actually has different towns that you can stay in that give you varying experiences. For example, in Mykonos, you can stay in the main village of Mykonos Town, the beach area near Platys Gialos, or the small village of Ornos (among many others). Each area can give you a different vibe depending on what you're looking for. For example, you can find a quiet, relaxing escape tucked away in the hills, or get down with your bad self at party central on the beach.
We decided to stay in Mykonos Town to have a more centrally located accommodation. Since we went in early May, the beaches were likely going to be hit or miss with the weather (it wasn't extremely hot yet), and we wanted to be somewhere that we could easily walk around without any transportation. We found a last minute deal at this adorably stylish boutique hotel, Semeli Hotel, that was tucked away in a posh area of Mykonos Town.
Getting to Mykonos from Athens
Getting to Mykonos from Athens was pretty easy since they have daily flights to and from the main land. The flight itself is about 30 minutes and if you book with good time, you can find pretty cheap tickets. There are also direct flights into Mykonos from some of the major European cities, like London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Dublin, and more.
You can also take a ferry from Athens, which is cheaper, but it also takes longer (between 2-5 hours). The ferry schedules are also a little inconsistent because of the high/low season availability. In high season, it's more in demand; and in low season, it rarely runs. I would just stick to flying if you can.
ARRIVING TO THE Hotel
Once we landed at the airport, our hotel was just a short 10-minute cab ride away. Our driver pulled off the main street, gave us our luggage, and pointed down towards the stairs that led to the bottom of this inclined hill. I'll admit, these stairs looked flat compared to the situation we dealt with at our hotel in Santorini.
Once we walked inside, I was practically on sensory overload from all the beauty. Every single nook and cranny was impeccably decorated and just oozed style and sophistication. I was so excited to call this place home for the next few days!
A place where impeccable style, comfort, and luxury intersect
In my opinion, one of the most important tasks a hotel designer and decorator has is to make an establishment feel like home for their guests. I mean...think about it: If you feel like you're at home, you're never going to want to leave, right? That's exactly how I felt about Semeli Hotel. I literally never wanted to leave. In fact, I wanted to take every single room and every piece of furniture and decor home with me. It is so stunning!
The hotel is cozy and intimate and offers guests beautiful views of Mykonos Town and the surrounding landscape. You're fully immersed in the natural beauty of this island! The decor throughout the hotel is modern and luxurious, but not so luxurious that you feel like you're in your mother's "fancy family room" and can't touch anything. The entire space feels so warm and inviting with plenty of places to hang out and lounge.
What's not to love about the bright white walls with pops of color here and there? I especially love the hint of juxtaposition with the seemingly older, traditional Greek building matched with all the hip and trendy furniture. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I'm a big fan of this combo! I'm a sucker for old + new.
A place to admire the sweeping views of mykonos
Similar to the rest of the hotel, the guest rooms and suites come full of their own breathtaking details. Can't you just imagine opening up those French Doors to your balcony and smelling the Mediterranean breeze right outside? That's my dream come true! All of the rooms at Semeli Hotel offer guests beautiful views of the sea, town, pool, or garden.
The guest rooms are very comfortable with modern, minimalist decor. There are rooms on the ground levels and upper levels of the hotel (yes, you will have to walk up some stairs, but it's worth it for those views). The garden rooms and lower level suites looked lovely, but I personally prefer being higher up to see everything down below.
Courtesy of Semeli Hotel
We opted to stay in one of the double guest rooms that had a sea view, balcony, and private spa. Some of the rooms offer private hot tub spas either inside or outside of the room. All of the rooms had their own flat screen TV, seating area, and stone and marble bathroom.
We absolutely loved having this room with the private spa outside, which made for a great place to watch the sunset! The private balcony also has a few lounge chairs so you can relax without fighting for a spot near the pool downstairs.
HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME HERE
Watch an iconic mykonos sunset
You haven't really been to Greece if you didn't watch a sunset, amirite? Having a private balcony that overlooked the sea made for a perfect place to watch the sunset without all the crowds.
Enjoy Drinking or dining on Site
Semeli Hotel has plenty of great options for drinking and dining right on site. Guests can enjoy a massive breakfast buffet every morning right near the pool in the hotel's main restaurant area. During the day, you can also order drinks, Greek or Italian cuisine a la cart near the pool, indoors, or on the veranda overlooking the sea and garden. The hotel is also home to Thioni Restaurant, which offers guests a luxury fine dining experience.
Explore the town
One thing I really, really loved about Semeli Hotel was its proximity to Mykonos Town. The hotel is basically on the beginning edge of the main town, which means you're close enough to get to the main center in less than 10 minutes of walking, but you're far enough that you won't hear the loud music blaring from the nightclubs at 2am. It is the absolute perfect location in my opinion.
That being said, if you can manage to move from your chic abode, I highly recommend exploring the town! It's easy to get lost amongst the windy roads and paths of Mykonos Town, but that's where the fun lies. Go shopping, have some dinner by the sea, enjoy a drink in Little Venice, or go clubbing until the wee hours of the night!
Relax by the pool
There's not much else to say than just, "Enjoy yourself!" The pool is so beautiful and offers a gorgeous view of the surrounding landscape. It was pretty low key and quiet while we were there, but I can see this being a place that gets busy during the hot summer months.
Take time for yourself at the spa or gym
Semeli Hotel has their own spa and gym on site for guests to enjoy. The gym is pretty small, but offers the basic necessities if you want a quick workout during your stay. Contact the hotel for information on the spa services that they offer, which include a variety of massages, facial and body treatments. We didn't have time for any treatments, but hopefully next time!
GOOD TO KNOW INFORMATION
Currency used in Mykonos (and all of Greece) is the Euro.
Reservations for the Greek Islands book far in advance and very quickly, especially during peak season. If you’re thinking about visiting, make sure to do your research with good time on your side.
Free Wi-Fi is available on hotel grounds.
In good traffic, the airport is about 10 minutes away. You can hire a taxi pretty easily from the airport, or arrange your own transportation ahead of time.
Because Mykonos can get very crowded, I recommend getting an early start to see the town—the earlier the better to avoid having hundreds of people in your photos. Plus, the sun won’t be as hot in the early morning so you won’t feel like you’re melting.
If you want to avoid crowds and excessive heat, consider going during a shoulder season (just before or after the peak season in June-August).
While I wouldn't always recommend waiting until the last possible minute to find accommodations when traveling internationally, I have to say that this time worked out in our favor! I fell in love with Semeli Hotel and the 5-star experience they provided us. I'm literally still swooning over the magical colors, style, and decor from this hotel! Overall, I think this was a great choice of hotel for its proximity to town, level of hospitality, and general aesthetic. I highly recommend booking here if you're looking for a luxury boutique hotel in Mykonos Town.
Semeli Hotel
Mykonos Town 84600, Greece
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Berlin: Ackselhaus
When you're traveling to a new city, staying in brand name hotel is fine; but staying in a unique and one of a kind boutique hotel is an even better way to discover the heart and soul of a city. If you're looking for a whimsical, noteworthy place to stay in Berlin, check out one of my favorite boutique hotels, Ackselhaus, which is located in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood--not too far from the Mitte and Alexanderplatz. Read more about what this lovely hotel has to offer guests traveling through Berlin!
Ackselhaus: A Whimsical, Tranquil Refuge in the Heart of Berlin
I'll be the first to admit this: I had very little [to no] expectations when I chose to visit Berlin for the first time. I hadn't heard any rave reviews like I had for other European cities such as Prague, Amsterdam, or Florence. The overall consensus was just "cool" with a casual shoulder shrug. Traveling to Berlin without knowing what to expect was like going to see a movie without watching the trailer. But in the end, I kind of liked it that way. I kind of liked it a lot, actually! It allowed me to go in with a completely open mind and be surprised by anything I experienced.
Once the trip was booked, we settled on staying in the beautiful neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg, not too far from the central district, Mitte. Right in the heart of this trendy neighborhood was our home away from home, Ackselhaus, which was quietly nestled in a residential area not too far from one of the main avenues and a short walk to Alexanderplatz.
ARRIVING TO THE Hotel
After a short 30-minute trip from the airport, we arrived to the lovely area of Prenzlauer Berg where our hotel was located. Personally, I love staying in neighborhoods that are more residential and local because I feel like you get a more authentic experience of what it's like to live in that particular city.
Our hotel was conveniently located near the main street, Prenzlauer Allee, and just a 15-minute walk to Alexanderplatz, which made it ideal for getting around to all parts of Berlin via public transit, driving, or even walking. Despite the dreariness of the winter months, this neighborhood was still so charming and cozy, which made it feel like a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city.
Courtesy of Ackselhaus
A tranquil Escape in a Meticulously Restored Victorian Age Setting
Although we visited in the colder winter months, I could still tell that this building had a unique charm to it. The Victorian Age building, which has been meticulously restored, seemed to stand out amongst the neighboring buildings because of it's curb appeal. Walking through the doors of this hotel was like stepping into our own private oasis with secret gardens, cozy areas, and creatively decorated rooms.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love luxury brand name hotels, but boutique hotels are where it's at. Boutique hotels are where you really find the magic and essence of the city you're traveling to. I feel like you can find the heart and soul of a city through its boutique hotels and we definitely found it here at Ackselhaus. This particular hotel really solidified that uniqueness through the way they decorated and designed their guest rooms.
Journey to other worlds in a Whimsically decorated suite
While the building itself is lovely and charming, the best part of this hotel are the rooms and suites! Seeing photos of each individually decorated room was what made it an easy decision for us to stay here. Each guest room at Ackselhaus has its own unique theme and decor for you to experience during your stay. There are a wide variety of themed rooms to select from, such as Picasso, Beach House, New York, or even Safari themed!
Courtesy of Ackselhaus
Each room is so noteworthy and unique. Personally, I truly appreciated and loved staying at a hotel that you could tell paid so much attention to detail in each individual room with the overall aesthetic in order to make guests feel like they were being transported.
We stayed in the "Afrika" room and it actually felt like we were staying in a hotel somewhere in Africa! The images on the walls, the fabrics and textures throughout the rooms, the canvas made to look like safari tent...all of it was spectacular! I highly recommend browsing the selection of rooms they have available if you'd like to have a specific experience.
HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME HERE
Enjoy Time in the Courtyard Garden
Ackselhaus has a really charming courtyard garden located in the backyard of the hotel. It was too cold for us to enjoy it when we went, but I definitely recommend it to anyone going in the warmer months!
Courtesy of Ackselhaus
Indulge in breakfast at Club Del Mar
A delicious breakfast buffet is available every morning to guests via the neighboring restaurant, Club Del Mar. You can expect fruits, pastries, cold cut meats, cheeses, and an assortment of other breakfast delectables. The restaurant also has a really cute patio area in the front for guests to enjoy in the warmer months.
spend time around the neighborhood
The neighborhood and surrounding areas near Ackselhaus are home to some very lovely parks, local restaurants, and interesting boutiques. I recommend walking around to explore the area, or simply ask the concierge for some suggestions on places to go.
GOOD TO KNOW INFORMATION
Currency used in Berlin (and all of Germany) is the Euro.
In good traffic, the airport is about 30 minutes away. You can hire a taxi from the airport, take public transit, or use a car service.
You can also make a reservation at their adjoining property, Blue Home, which offers additional options for accommodations.
Alexanderplatz (which is a great central location to get almost anywhere in Berlin) is about 15-20 minutes away by walking. You can also catch a public transit tram line just around the corner on Prenzlauer Allee if you prefer to use that method of transport as well.
If you need to get around the city, Uber is popular and inexpensive. You can use my Uber code right here to get a discount on your first ride.
I'm starting to think that having no expectations about Berlin was the best thing I could do for my trip. We left feeling so surprised and fascinated by everything the city has to offer. It's definitely on the top of my list of places I want to go back and explore more.
I particularly loved staying at Ackselhaus in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood because it truly felt like a home away from home. I'd highly recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking to stay in a more "local" neighborhood, or someone who wants to experience a really fun and funky vibe at a boutique hotel in the heart of this creative city!
Ackselhaus
Belforter Str. 21, 10405 Berlin, Germany
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to Ackselhaus and Visit Berlin for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Bangkok: The Siam Hotel
There are so many hotel options in the sprawling city of Bangkok that it can be hard to choose where to stay. Tucked away along the Chao Praya River in the Dusit district of Bangkok is an exclusive, stylish escape: The Siam. This Bangkok hotel is nothing short of a remarkably intriguing, one-of-a-kind work of art. There are touches of modern elegance and Art Deco design juxtaposed with eye-catching colors and rare antiques. If you're looking for where to stay in Bangkok, look no further than this artistic, urban sanctuary in the heart of bustling Bangkok.
The Siam Hotel: An Artistic, Urban Sanctuary in the Heart of Bustling Bangkok
“Sorry for the commotion—We’re in the middle of a photo shoot with the Prime Minister in the library and the Princess is arriving to check-in shortly!”
Did my ears hear correctly? The Prime Minister? The Princess? Did I somehow get passed the royal guards of a private palace in Bangkok?
Courtesy of The Siam
Not exactly... This was just another busy day for the staff members of The Siam in Bangkok, Thailand. And the busy days haven’t seemed to slow down (nor does it seem like they will) at all since this magical boutique hotel opened its doors in 2012.
For our first trip to Thailand, Jay and I knew we would need somewhere peaceful to rest our heads after 24 hours of traveling from New York City. We figured, "Why not splurge a little and go for the best to get our bodies acclimated?" I had seen photos of The Siam here and there, but I wasn’t at all prepared for the enchanting luxury experience that was awaiting us on the other side of the world in Bangkok.
ARRIVING TO THE RESORT
The Siam is an exclusive, stylish escape that is tucked away along the Chao Praya River in the historical Dusit district of Bangkok. If you’re lucky with Bangkok traffic, it’s a 45-minute drive from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. If you need, the hotel is able to assist with private transportation—which I recommend doing ahead of time—to make sure you arrive safe and sound to your serene getaway.
The warm and friendly evening staff greeted us as our car pulled into the driveway just before midnight. “Sawasdee Krab, Ms. Dominguez and Mr. Schoen! We hope you enjoy your time with us at The Siam.” Even through the groggy haze of our intercontinental travel, we knew this was about to be a memorable place.
In all honesty, it’s almost impossible to find just one word that encompasses all that The Siam is. Maybe a phrase will do: The Siam is a remarkably intriguing, one-of-a-kind work of art. This creative oasis is no stranger to the occasional celebrity guest, dignitary, or royal family member. And they treat every single one of their guests like VIP.
Once you step inside The Siam, you definitely get a sense that this resort was built for the uber-chic and sophisticated world traveler. When the hotel lobby has the ability to take your breath away, you know you’re in for a real treat to explore the rest of the property!
An Elegant Dichotomy of Eccentric, Antique Treasures and Art Deco Luxury
As we walked through the bright and spacious atrium, we were greeted by an elegant, calming collection of plants that stood so high they seemed as if they could graze the glass ceiling right above them. The pop of green color in the plants really stood out in contrast to the stark white, black, and neutral colors that surrounded them. We quickly noticed this interesting color pattern was a common feature of the interior decor throughout the hotel.
To say that the design and decor of The Siam is spectacular is really selling it short. Krissada Sukosol Clapp, Bill Bensley, and Khemvadee Paopanlerd, the creative brains behind this property, really outdid themselves when crafting the unique guest experience of the hotel.
Each of the 39 rooms of The Siam (which include expansive suites, secluded pool villas, and a private cottage) is open and airy with just enough style and grandeur that it will make you reconsider your entire decor selection at home. There are touches of modern elegance and Art Deco design juxtaposed with eye-catching colors and rare antiques. The overall ambiance is meant to reflect the period of time when Bangkok was under the rule of King Rama V, around 1853-1910.
For our stay, we opted for The Siam Suite, which didn’t spare any luxury. Our two favorite aspects of this suite were the large soaking tub in the bathroom and the colorful sitting room we had towards the front of the suite. The massive king size bed—which would probably take up all the space inside our New York City bedroom—was sooo comfortable, which made acclimating to the 12-hour time difference pretty easy. As a matter of fact, give me that bed whenever I travel and I’ll never have any issues with adjusting to time zones again!
In addition to this gorgeous suite, we also had free WiFi throughout the property and our own personal Butler, who was SO helpful! The Butler staff here really goes above and beyond to make sure you’re all taken care of throughout your stay.
We were also able to enjoy complimentary boat service along the river between the hotel and the Saphan Taksin pier, as well as complimentary breakfast each morning in the restaurant. Breakfast came with a ton of different selections and was very tasty. I loved the unique juice combinations that you could order!
Courtesy of The Siam
Spend a Night at the Museum...Literally
I never thought it was possible for a building or hotel to have “personality,” but damn does this hotel have personality, character, and soul! I’m not kidding when I say that you can walk into every room and instantly feel like it has a story to tell. It’s incredible that a place that was only opened in 2012 can give off that kind of vibe!
A lot of this vibe is thanks to the marvelous antique collection housed around the hotel, which makes it so distinct and Instagram worthy. Every corner you turn, there is something different and captivating that you could stare at for hours. The history and stories behind each artifact and collectible makes you curious about where they came from and what they mean.
We were actually shocked to find out that Krissada Sukosol Clapp, whose brainchild was The Siam, was the main owner and collector of the art and antiques throughout the hotel. When he was developing the idea of The Siam, it was actually intended as a place to house all of his unique treasures from around the world. I’m so thankful that he decided to incorporate an experience like this into the hotel because each little detail makes The Siam feel like you’re actually living in a museum. It’s so incredible!
A stroll through the hotel’s library will give you a tiny hint of the attention to detail paid here at The Siam. Kriss is so meticulous about each and every little aspect of the collection, which really makes the experience so much richer. We were told that he still comes in throughout the month to add new pieces and treasures as he sees fit. I personally love when an owner is this involved in the experience because it helps you feel that soul, personality, and character behind the project. It’s the secret sauce that makes a hotel stand out like this one does.
HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME HERE
Being that you’re practically in a museum when you stay at The Siam, it’s easy to wander the halls and get lost marveling at all the hidden gems around the hotel. I kind of felt like Alice in Wonderland when she was walking around saying “Curiouser and curiouser...”
BUT—there are so many other things you can do around the hotel in addition to wondering at the artwork! Here are my favorites:
Explore the Artwork Room by Room
The first thing we did after catching up on sleep from our insane jet lag was explore every inch of this hotel. We actually ended up spending most of our first day just admiring all of the artwork! Take a look through the library, the movie room, the restaurants, the spa, and more. Seriously, every nook and cranny is worth taking a look at.
Take the Complimentary River Cruise at Sunset
Every guest should take advantage of the complimentary river cruise, but it’s particularly special at sunset. You can even take cocktails on board with you to enjoy while you’re taking in the sights on the River of Kings. Schedules are available at the hotel and online.
Get a Sak Yant Tattoo from a Specialized Ajarn
I never would've thought that getting a tattoo would be on my list of things to do at a hotel, but The Siam proved me wrong! The sacred tradition of Sak Yant dates back over two millennia. Tribes around the Asian continent would use the intricate patterns of the tattoos to impart magical powers for protection, luck, fortune, charisma, and other powers to the wearer. If you want to make your trip to Thailand truly memorable, you can make arrangements at The Siam’s private Sak Yant Tattoo Studio, where you’ll be inked by the talented artist, Ajarn Boo.
Use The Siam’s Smartphone to Get Tips
In each guest room, you’ll find a special smartphone that will allow you to access information all around Bangkok without having to worry about your international connection or provider. This smartphone is already pre-programmed with tons of valuable travel tips for Bangkok, sample itineraries, and even immediate access to your Butler. It's the perfect pocket guide to take along when you’re out and about! We used ours to discover some nearby attractions and to learn some of the etiquette customs of Thailand.
Throw Some Punches in the Muay Thai Boxing Ring
Muay Thai Boxing is a popular traditional Thai sport that helps with overall fitness and wellbeing. The Siam has their own state-of-the-art Muay Thai trainers and boxing ring for you to practice your moves during your stay.
Courtesy of The Siam
Eat and Drink at the Restaurants and Bars On Site
Similar to other popular Thai hotels, The Siam offers guests a wide variety of drinking and dining options on site. Enjoy some authentic Thai cuisine in the Chon Thai Restaurant, which is set amongst three, century-old Thai Teakwood houses. Step back into the Jazz Age at the Deco Bar & Bistro for some international cuisines (and to catch a look at the incredible instrument collection). Last, sit down with a coffee and pastry at Café Cha, or sip a cocktail poolside at the Bathers Bar.
Indulge in a Thai Spa Treatment at the Opium Spa
You haven’t really been to Thailand if you haven’t indulged in at least one spa treatment. Step into The Siam's world-renowned Opium Spa and enjoy a full day of pampering. Sadly, we didn’t have time for a treatment during our stay, but we did have a look around the spa—which, at the very least, I highly recommend doing!
Sign Up for a Signature Cultural Experience
The Siam has taken the time to put together a curated selection of cultural experiences for all guests to enjoy during their stay. You can sign up for a hands-on cooking class, have a unique dining experience with The Siam Easy Weekend, or relax on a Private Dinner Cruise upon a fully refurbished teak rice barge. Make sure to book these things in advance, or check with your Butler upon arrival to see if they are available!
OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS
Relax by the Riverside Infinity Pool.
Explore the nearby Dusit district. Check out local markets, the Grand Palace, the Dusit Zoo, temples, Vimanmek Teak Mansion, and other attractions.
Use the free river cruise to access the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway to get around quickly in Bangkok.
Indulge in Happy Hour to get buy-one-get-one-free drinks.
Have Afternoon Tea at Café Cha or in the English Garden.
Take some treasures home with you by shopping in The Siam’s unique antique gift shop.
Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with their 4-Day, 3-Night Wellness Program, in partnership with Dr. Adrish Brahmadatta, a notable Ayurvedic doctor and yogi.
Workout with your own personal trainer at the gym.
Courtesy of The Siam
GOOD TO KNOW INFORMATION
In good traffic, the airport is about 45 minutes away. I would suggest arranging a car service before you arrive in Bangkok to take care of this. The Siam can assist with this if you need.
The downtown Siam Square is just 20 minutes away. You can get there by car, subway, or boat.
Take advantage of the free river cruise, which will take you to the nearby subway and skytrain stops. The nearest BTS station is the Saphan Taksin stop. The nearest MRT station is the Hua Lampong stop.
If you need to get around the city, Uber is very popular and inexpensive, and a little more reliable than a tuk-tuk. But, the tuk-tuk gives you an authentic experience...so you choose. You can use my Uber code right here to get a discount on your first ride.
There is an ATM in the hotel if you need to get any Thai Baht during your stay.
The hotel is pet friendly, which means you can bring your fur babies along for an additional fee per night.
Looking back, there couldn’t have been any better way to kick off our adventures in Thailand than staying at The Siam. We truly felt like royalty after leaving. This hidden gem in the heart of Bangkok set the bar so high for everything we experienced from there on out. The original architecture, art, hospitality, and overall ambiance of The Siam gave us a first-class, cultural experience that we will never forget. It left us wondering one thing: Is it really fair to have this much beauty under one roof?!
The Siam Hotel
3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to The Siam Hotel in Bangkok for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Santorini: Esperas Hotel
Santorini is an idyllic and unforgettable destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. If you're searching for where to stay in Santorini--or where you can find the best sunset, food, or views--look no further than the settlement of Oia in Santorini. Tucked away along the cliffsides of this colorful island is the Esperas Hotel in Oia. This hotel is the perfect escape for all types of travelers who are looking to enjoy everything Santorini has to offer. Take a look and see what's inside this luxury hideaway to prepare for your once in a lifetime trip to Santorini, Greece!
Esperas Hotel: A Hidden Escape Along the Cliffside of Santorini
Like most travelers with wanderlust, Santorini has been a destination high on my bucket list for years. I mean, YEARS! I can’t even count how many times I fell in love with the sight of those colorful buildings built into the rocky cliffside, the bright white churches with royal blue domes grazing the sky, and the vibrant colors of the Aegean Sea sparkling in front of the sandy beaches. It’s nothing short of a fairy tale setting in the middle of the sea.
When my friend Stephanie and I decided to book a last minute girl’s trip to the Greek Islands, we knew we couldn’t pass up a stop in Santorini for a few days. To be honest, I had no idea where to begin to look for where to stay in Santorini, or that there were even multiple towns to choose from. After some research, we settled on staying in Oia for a few nights (followed by Fira for the other two nights in Santorini). In my opinion, not only does Oia have the best views of Santorini, but also it’s arguably the best place to watch the sunset on the whole island.
We wanted to be able to stay somewhere that we could easily walk in/out of town, watch the sunset near the caldera, and bonus points if the hotel had caves (which, apparently, is a popular thing to experience in Santorini!). Esperas Hotel in Oia proved to be the perfect location for us to stay during our trip—and it checked each thing off our wish list—so we were excited to check it out!
Getting to Santorini from Mykonos
After spending a few days in Mykonos, we took the early morning ferry from Mykonos Town to Santorini. I’ll admit, it did feel a little bit like we were being herded like cattle (and the cattle were some really horrendous, loud international tourists); but after a quick, couple-hour boat ride, we arrived safely in Santorini.
After an experience like that and getting shoved around by obnoxious tourists trying to rush off the boat to see Santorini for the day, I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I was to disembark and see a man from Esperas right at the front of the group of drivers holding a big sign with my name on it. Ahhhh... Our savior! Coming to rescue us from the hoards of people who were practically jumping off the ferry to be first in the taxi line! Normally, it feels pretty good to have a driver pick you up when you arrive to your destination, but this was a whole other level of feeling good.
We loved the fact that Esperas was able to offer transportation services to/from the hotel from the airport or ferry. It makes the experience totally hassle free and starts the day off on a good note! As excited as we were to get the show on the road, we still had a short drive ahead of us to get to Oia, which is located on the complete opposite side of the island from the ferry port. But, none of that matters when you have an experienced driver and lots of beautiful scenery to look at on the way!
Arriving at the Hotel
Once we arrived in Oia, the driver pulled up to a parking lot that was filled with other transport vans marked with various hotel names. He started unloading our luggage and I was super confused... I kept looking around for our hotel, but couldn’t see any façade with our hotel name in front of it. I asked our driver where the hotel was and he pointed towards a cobblestone pathway and said, "That way!". Coming swiftly down the pathway was a tall, skinny man carrying a moving dolly and some bungee cords. My mind was still lost, but it started connecting the dots after a few seconds.
“Well, no shit, Ana...” I thought to myself. “There’s no way that a car can get down the cliffside. We have to climb down some way...” And climb down a few flights of stairs is exactly what we did! After all, you’re not going to get breathtaking views of Santorini and not have to work for it...amirite?
So, Stephanie and I grabbed our purses as the bellman secured our luggage onto the dolly and we followed right behind him. As we huffed and puffed our way up and down those stairs to reach the hotel, we immediately laughed to each other and realized how this man was so in shape. Climbing some cliffside stairs 20+ times per day will give anyone a perfect body! But like I said, you can’t expect to have the best view in Santorini without working a little for it. And boy were we glad we did...
A Luxury Hideaway Where Cycladic Island Style Meets Elegant Simplicity
Once we got down to the main level of Esperas with our luggage in tow, our jaws completely dropped as we took a look around. There it was. That magical view we’d been waiting our whole lives to see was right in front of us. It made every single step on those stairs worth it.
After collecting ourselves (and our jaws from the floor), we headed into the lobby for check-in. We were given a warm greeting by the lovely staff members and immediately felt welcomed and at home. After explaining some brief in’s and out’s of the hotel, we were shown to our room.
Side note: We thought we were impressed by the bellman when he was carrying our luggage on the dolly to the lobby of the hotel. Well...to get down to our room...he had to ditch the dolly! He carried both of our bags above his head and still went down another 5+ flights of stairs. Can you imagine?! In the hot Greek sun! Those men WORK!
Esperas has a handful of different styles of accommodations ranging from sea view studios to spacious “houses” built right into the caves (some even coming with their own private outdoor jacuzzis). Since Esperas is built into the lower part of the cliff, you’re guaranteed to get a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea no matter what type of room you stay in. This was one thing that we really loved about staying here because there was no disturbance coming from any neighboring hotels. It almost felt like we were staying at a private residence with no one else to bother us.
We followed the bellman and the concierge to our room, which was located literally at the very bottom of the stairs—you couldn’t go any lower. We were full on sweating by now, but still blown away by the stunning view from our balcony and the decor of our suite.
Each of the suites and houses in Esperas is decorated and furnished with that traditional Cycladic Island style that everyone thinks of when you imagine Greece—a lot of bright whites and deep blue hues. It was the perfect touch of luxury with a hint of simplicity and elegance. And since our room was at the very bottom of the stairs, we had the most incredible unobstructed view of the sea. I couldn’t have asked for anything more beautiful to experience Santorini for the first time.
How to spend your time here
Watch the sunset
You haven’t been to Greece until you’ve experienced a Greek sunset—and the epic sunsets in Santorini are some of the best you’ll ever see. If you walk through any town of Santorini, you’ll start to see people crowding the streets around 3-4 hours before the sun even begins to set. No joke. People are that serious about catching the best sunset views in Santorini, especially in Oia. They also applaud as the sun goes down. Not joking about that either...
One very popular place to see the sunset in Oia is the Castle of Agios Nikolaos (also known as the Byzantine Castle Ruins). While I highly recommend visiting the castle during your stay (and the earlier the better), you will see that the crowds there start lining up hours before the sun starts to set. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like waiting with hundreds of other people around me for hours. Not worth it, in my opinion.
That’s where Esperas steps in!
Because this hotel is built right into the cliff—which you can actually see from the castle ruins—you basically get a completely unobstructed front row seat to watch the sunset. It really DOES NOT get better than that.
One night, we bought a bottle of wine at a bodega and drank it on our balcony while toasting the sunset. The night after that, we enjoyed the sunset view from the pool level after hanging out at a nearby restaurant. Both experiences could not be beat—AND there weren’t a ton of tourists around to kill the vibe. It really is the best place to watch the sunset in Oia, in my opinion!
Have breakfast while looking over the ocean
This might have been my second favorite experience after the sunset. A very tasty complimentary breakfast is provided to every guest who stays at Esperas. The best part is that you get to choose when and where you want to have your breakfast as long as you order it by a certain time the night before. That means if you want to have your breakfast at 9am while sitting out on your balcony (which is what we did), it will be delivered to your balcony hot and ready at 9am sharp. The menu is pretty extensive and the food was always very delicious!
Relax in the cave pool and sun deck
During peak season, Santorini can get pretty hot during the day. It’s nice to know that there is a refreshing cave pool to dip into and relax right outside your door. Go relax by the pool on the sun deck, sit in the shade and order some lunch, or sip on a smoothie at the pool bar while you cool off for the day.
Walk into town for a bit (and eat lots of pita gyros)
I’m not going to lie. At first, I was wondering if the location of Esperas would be “too far” from the things that we wanted to do in town. After all, we didn’t have a car and needed things to be within walking distance. If you look at the map, or even catch a glimpse of the hotel from the Castle of Agios Nikolaos like I said earlier, you’ll see that Esperas is basically at one end of Oia in addition to being at the lower part of the cliffside.
After spending a few days in Oia and seeing the massive crowds that Santorini can attract, coming back to our place at Esperas was like a dream come true. It was the perfect hidden escape from the crowds and noise of the town. Since it’s located on one end of town, it’s very easy to get to the city center with just a short walk. It's really ideal, especially for people who are looking to have a quiet getaway in the middle of the noise.
When you do make your way into town, just make sure you stop to eat as many pita gyros as humanly possible. My favorite place in Oia was a restaurant called Pitogyros. It’s something I still dream about and miss about being in Greece. *mouth watering*
Eat at Elinikon Restaurant and Check Out the Windmills Nearby
Stephanie and I stumbled across this hidden gem during our trek to the hotel when we were checking in. To be honest, we only went there because we were hungry and had a mad craving for some tzatziki. It turned out to be some of the best food we had during our entire trip in Greece. Every dish we ordered was so outstanding that we literally came back here every day that we were in Oia. They also have an adorable rooftop bar that makes for a great spot to watch the sunset!
Once you grab a bite to eat there, you can walk over to see the old windmills that are right next to it. The best part is that the restaurant and windmills are located just at the top of the hill on the way down to Esperas. It’s a great pit stop on the way back to the hotel or on the way out into the town.
Other notable mentions:
Take a boat ride around Santorini
Hike from Oia to Fira (another popular town about 2 hours away by foot)
Tour a winery
See the Red or White Beaches
Experience the popular nightlife during peak season
Book other excursions through the concierge
Good to know information
If you’ve read this far, you know that there are quite a few stairs to get down to the hotel from the top, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
Reservations for the Greek Islands book far in advance and very quickly, especially during peak season. If you’re thinking about visiting, make sure to do your research with good time on your side.
Ask the concierge or booking staff if you can arrange transportation to/from your point of entry into Santorini. It is completely worth it and saves the hassle of trying to figure it out on your own.
Because Santorini can get very crowded, I recommend getting an early start to see the town—the earlier the better to avoid having hundreds of people in your photos. Plus, the sun won’t be as hot in the early morning so you won’t feel like you’re melting.
If you want to avoid crowds and excessive heat, consider going during a shoulder season (just before or after the peak season in June-August).
Esperas proved to be the missing puzzle piece in our search for the perfect location for an epic girl’s trip to Santorini. This luxury boutique hotel is truly a hidden gem of Oia and I highly recommend it to travelers who are looking for simple-yet-chic elegance, outstanding customer service, unbeatable views of the Aegean Sea + sunset, and a great value for what you’re paying. We can’t wait to return to Esperas on our next trip to Santorini!
Esperas Hotel
Oia 84702
Santorini, Greece
For more information about this hotel, please click the link below
Thank you to Esperas Santorini for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai
Have you ever felt like you've time traveled into another destination from the past? This luxury hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai will do just that. The Dhara Dhevi is a truly special experience for people looking for something authentic and unique while visiting Chiang Mai. Step into this world of the 13th century Kingdom of Lanna and get ready to be treated like royalty!
Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai: A Magical Step Back in Time to the Lanna Kingdom
August 1997:
The time I realized I wanted to time travel thanks to Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and a flying DeLorean.
February 2017:
The time I think I *actually* time traveled back into the 13th century kingdom of Lanna at the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai.
Ok, so I didn’t actually hop inside the DeLorean, throw on the flux capacitor to generate 1.21 gigawatts, and floor it to 88mph to get here; but it sure felt like I did!
From the moment our car pulled up to the front gates of Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai, all it took was one look up the long, stone driveway through the tall, wooden gates for my mouth to drop in awe. For a girl who normally can’t stop talking, I found myself absolutely speechless for the first time while staring up at the abundance of beauty that was in front of me. I kept asking Jay to pinch me to see if what was in front of us was actually real.
Had we just stepped back in time to the Lanna Kingdom of the 13th century, or was this just one of the most remarkable architectural properties we’d ever seen?
What exactly is the Lanna Kingdom?
Unless you’re a Thai or Asian history buff, you’re probably wondering, “What the hell is the Lanna Kingdom??” Full disclosure: I had NO idea what it was until I actually came to this property either...
Before Thailand was the country that we know it to be today, it used to be quite different in terms of culture and size. Two main cultures—the Siamese and the Lanna—dominated the region for centuries. The Lanna had hold in the northern region, and the Siamese had hold in the southern. The two kingdoms eventually unified after the kingdom of Lanna was faced with repeated invasions and wars and was forced to turn to the kingdom of Siam for aide. They merged together to form what we now know as Thailand!
Despite this historic merging of cultures, the northern part of Thailand has still managed to maintain its identity in a number of ways—which is probably why you’ll often times hear Chiang Mai being referred to as “Thailand’s Culture Capital.” The food is different (HELLO, DANGEROUSLY SPICY), the architecture is different, and even some of the language can be different. For those of you who live in the US, it’s similar to comparing the culture and lifestyles of a place like Philadelphia to a place like New Orleans.
Bravo to you for finishing that mini history lesson of the day on Thailand!
Arriving at The Palace via Time Travel...Maybe
So now that you know that there was a Lanna Kingdom, let’s get back to the subject of time travel...
I’m not joking when I say that you are literally transported back in time from the minute your car turns onto the property grounds. As you enter the hotel, you cross over a noisy, rickety bridge that makes a sound as if your car might break the wood beams that are holding the bridge together. We learned that this was actually customary in palaces and kingdoms of the time period because the noisy sound of the bridge would essentially work as an alarm system for the guards who were standing watch to let them know that someone was arriving. They even have an actual watchtower near the entrance that is a replica of what would have been used!
See what I mean? You haven’t even stepped foot out of your car and they are already coming at you with the history lessons...
A Place Where No Detail Goes Left Unnoticed
As you drive up the authentic stone driveway that leads to the main building on the exotic 60-acre estate, you’re instantly surrounded by some of the most spectacular architectural designs and features that you might have seen around a traditional 13th century Lanna Kingdom. You have everything from grand marble entrances to intricately decorated doorways and multi-tiered rooftops. You’ll see architectural inspiration from Laos, Myanmar, China, and of course traditional Lanna style, just to name a few.
The only thing that we were able to effectively express after our mouths had been wide open for about 15 minutes was just how incredible every tiny attention to detail was. From the gilded dragons to the carved sculptures, from the exotic horticulture to the traditional rice paddies; every single nook and cranny of this resort seemed to have a purpose and meaning behind it. No detail was left unnoticed. It’s hard to not feel like you’re royalty by staying somewhere that pays this much attention and care to the guest’s experience.
After briefly recovering from our sensory overload (and pinching ourselves saying, “YES, this is real life.”), we sipped down our tasty welcome drinks and cooled down with a refreshing washcloth that the concierge provided. The staff graciously gave us some information about what we can expect to see, eat, and do throughout our stay, and sent us with our butler to our suite via golf cart (BTW I just love when hotels do this!). Needless to say, we were ready to start exploring the property!
Choosing Your Style of Accommodation: Traditional Lanna vs. Colonial Luxury
The designers and engineers of Dhara Dhevi have essentially created a miniature version of a traditional Lanna-style village among the 60 acres of lush, tropical land. When I say that you actually never have to leave the property during your stay, I mean it (we really didn’t...). There are houses, villas, apartment residences, suites, and even penthouses secretly tucked away all around the grand estate. Some rooms come equipped with their own private pools, terraces, or even additional living spaces and kitchens. Keeping similar to the rest of the hotel aesthetic, not one single detail was missed.
Among the 123 spacious accommodations throughout the property, you have two distinct styles of rooms, villas, and suites. There are the more traditional Lanna-style buildings that are built from teak wood and follow a common Northern Thai design aesthetic, and then there are the colonial style residences that adhere to a more modern style of luxury (which is where we stayed). I can assure you though; you really can’t go wrong with either choice.
Our room was in the Colonial Wing of the hotel, which I thought was a fun experience since it’s the most modern and “urban” style of accommodations that the resort has to offer (perfect for The CITY Sidewalks). Even though it’s not the traditional Lanna-style of the other villas and houses, you still get a really authentic experience that transports you to a different era, which is exactly what we were looking for. The style of the decor, architecture of the buildings, and even the intricate carvings of the wood details all pulled together to create this truly unique feeling of being lost in a colonial village of another time in Asia.
In addition to the traditional bedroom/bathroom setup you typically see in luxury hotels, our suite also came with an airy living room (with very high ceilings!), a powder room, and an outdoor terrace that overlooked a charming pond and the grounds of the Colonial Wing. It was a dreamy place to kick back and watch the sunset! PS—I highly recommend taking a dip in the bathtub in these suites. It was such a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day of exploring the grounds! Plus, they give you all the bathtub toiletries, so you really don’t have an excuse not to do it...
Although we didn’t stay in the traditional Lanna-style villas or houses, we were lucky enough to get a quick peek inside one of them to see what they offer. These villas, houses, and suites on the other end of the resort are truly magnificent. Each one is incredibly spacious and follows a very unique design aesthetic that is true to the time period and culture of the old Lanna Kingdom. Some of the villas even come with their own swimming pools (sometimes more than just one), outdoor showers, gardens, kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, and terraces. They are truly fit for royalty!
How to Spend Your Time Here
It’s time for some honest truth here... We budgeted 4 nights total in Chiang Mai, 2 of which were spent here at Dhara Dhevi. We left Chiang Mai feeling like we hadn’t even scratched the surface of things to do and explore in the actual city. Want to know why? We literally never left Dhara Dhevi on the days that we spent here. I’m serious.
This hotel really has SO MANY things that you can do, eat, explore, and experience that you actually never have to leave—which is exactly what I’d recommend doing. Soak in everything that this resort has to offer because it is truly a once in a lifetime experience that will leave you wanting more.
So what exactly are these world-class services and amenities that are available? Here are some of my favorites:
Rent a Bike and Explore
This was by far one of my favorite things to do at Dhara Dhevi! You can rent a bike at the fitness center for the day so you have a quick and easy way to get around the property. Jay and I did this for one day and it was really fun to weave around the winding paths of the grounds to explore everything that the hotel had to offer. It’s hard not to spend all day just riding around on the bikes to admire the architectural beauties of the hotel. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s truly breathtaking.
Spend Time at the Spa
I say “spend time at the spa” because even if you don’t have an appointment for a treatment, you should still come to see it. The spa at Dhara Dhevi is world renowned for its services and treatments. Not only do they specialize in various forms of holistic healings and relaxation therapies, but they also boast one of the most spectacular buildings on the entire property.
Just one look at the palatial center (which is over 3000 square meters) and its impeccably designed moldings and embellishments will leave you speechless. The entire building took over 3.5 years to complete! So as I was saying... By all means, sign up to get a treatment if you can. But if you can’t, don’t miss stopping by to admire this architectural marvel.
Take a Cooking Class
If you’re interested in learning how to cook some authentic Thai cuisine, make sure to sign up for the cooking lessons that they offer on site! This was something we didn’t have time for, but hope to do upon our return.
Visit the Rice Paddies
Another area of the resort that you must come to have a look. The rice paddies are a graceful nod to the old, traditional rice farming that would have been done in a community or village like the one they’ve recreated. They even offer activities for kids and families so you can come and plant some rice during your stay!
Sign Up for Free Activities – Like Morning Yoga
There are tons of daily activities always happening right on the resort (another excuse to never leave), and one of my favorites was morning yoga just above the fitness center. You can stop at the concierge to see what kinds of things they have planned during your stay!
See the Dance Performance at Le Grand Lanna Restaurant
Even if you don’t eat on site, you absolutely cannot miss the nightly dance performances at Le Grand Lanna. It is a really special part of experiencing Thai culture and I highly recommend going at least once. We went and had a cocktail at the bar while we enjoyed the show!
Relax by the Pool – ALL the Pools
Although some villas and suites come with their own private pools or spas, there are also two marvelous pools for all guests to enjoy right in the heart of the property. I recommend visiting both of them, as they each offer different views and experiences. I can’t even say I have a favorite because they are both so unique...
Watch the Sunrise and Sunset
Something truly magical happens at dawn and dusk here at Dhara Dhevi. It’s almost as if the resort, the sun, and the skies have a prearranged agreement to just make everything look even more stunning than it already is. I’m telling you, this property absolutely GLOWS at sunrise and sunset. The rooftops stand out against the warm sky backdrop, and the lights around the buildings seem to actually sparkle. It’s also the best time for photos in my opinion! So cozy up on your balcony or terrace—or maybe even get reservations at one of the restaurants on site—and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. They do not disappoint!
Other Notable Mentions:
Visit the extensive library below the main building
Have a cocktail at the Horn Bar adjacent to the lobby
Visit the shops at the Kad Dhara (an open-air shopping village)
See the animals around the property like the ponies and water buffalo
Visit the workout facilities or sign up for a class, like Thai Boxing
Have your kids spend the day at the on-site Kid’s Club and/or visit the arts and crafts village with them
Shop antiques at the shops just beneath the lobby and near the library
Hire a car for the day to take you in/out of town
Ask the concierge about any special happenings or tours that they can arrange
Eat, Eat, Eat... And Then Eat Some More
Normally, I’d include the cuisine options of a hotel under the “How to Spend Your Time Here” section above. However, I think that this deserves it’s own section because if Dhara Dhevi did one thing right during our stay, it was the food. (Let’s be real though... They did a lot of things right.)
The cuisine choices at Dhara Dhevi will not disappoint even the pickiest of eaters. There are more than half a dozen food options that you can choose from, and even a few different bars to have a drink or appetizer!
Akaligo (International): This is where they serve the breakfast and brunch menus. We were overwhelmed by how many tasty things were available for us to indulge. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an incredible brunch spread in my life—and I live in the city that loves to brunch! They have your traditional eggs, meats, cheeses, pastries, etc., but they also have Chinese and Japanese style breakfast, a fresh squeezed juice station, a ramen station, salads, pastas, specialty meats, and so much more! Rest assured, you will not have a problem finding something to eat at breakfast. They even do Sunday Jazz Brunch if you’re into having a little “vibes” on the side of your meal.
Farang Ses (French): AKA the single best French meal I’ve ever had in my life. How is that possible when I’m in Thailand? I don’t know, but I’m not complaining about it. If you pick one place to splurge a little while you’re at Dhara Dhevi, I would 100% recommend coming here. Every dish we had was worthy of licking the plate afterwards. It was that good. PS: The restaurant's building and interior decor is not one to miss either!
Le Grand Lanna (Thai): You’re in Thailand, which means you need to eat authentic Thai food. At Le Grand Lanna, you can try both Classic and Northern Thai dishes. Be aware that Northern Thai dishes are much, much spicier than most westerners are used to. Just a word to the wise! Make sure to go here in the evenings so you can catch the traditional Thai dance performance as well! It's really beautiful!
Fujian (Chinese): If you’re craving some Cantonese or Contemporary Chinese food, this is your place. It’s located within the Kad Dhara Shopping Village, so you can even do a little shopping if you have time!
Allegro (Italian): This place is great for foodies looking to indulge in a hearty meal in a lively atmosphere. Allegro’s traditional Italian cuisine is a perfect option for families or larger parties who want to share classic, rustic dishes without having to travel into the downtown area.
Dhara Dhevi Cake Shop (Victorian-Style Tea Salon): Your dining and culinary experience on site is absolutely incomplete without a stop at the Dhara Dhevi Cake Shop. The sweet treats and decadent dishes at the Cake Shop will make you believe in “second stomachs for dessert.” You can have your treats at the shop, or take them to go if you want to indulge back in the room. If you have a major sweet tooth like I do, make sure to check out when they have the weekend dessert buffet set up.
Other Dining Options: In addition to all these incredible restaurant choices, the resort offers guests the option for private dining services or parties. Obviously, you can have your choice of standard room service, but you can also pack a picnic to eat somewhere around the hotel, have an in-villa barbecue prepared, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea, or even arrange a private (candlelit?) dinner in your suite or villa.
Bars and Pool Service: Make sure to check out the trendy Horn Bar, which is located in the lobby adjacent to the reception. I’d also recommend lounging by both of the main pools and ordering poolside service. Like I said before, be aware that Northern Thai food is much spicier than most western cultures are accustomed to. We felt so bad that we tried a dish by the pool and had to request that they make another one with absolutely no spice because it was too rough to handle!
Good to Know Information
When you’re planning your trip to Chiang Mai, I would factor in the time you’ll want to spend on the grounds at Dhara Dhevi separately from the time you’ll want to spend in the downtown area of Chiang Mai. You can totally do both; but I promise, once you experience the world-class services and amenities that Dhara Dhevi has to offer, you’re going to wish you had just experienced the resort on its own and never left.
The resort isn’t really a single’s scene and is best for couples, small groups, or families. It’s an ideal place for a relaxing, secluded getaway in the heart of Chiang Mai.
It’s conveniently located just about a 15-minute drive from the main Chiang Mai airport, which you can reserve pickups to and from.
You can easily hire a car to head into town, use the hotel's shuttle service, or use a ride share app. The city center of Chiang Mai is just about 10 minutes away, but it’s hard to leave Dhara Dhevi with all it has to offer!
You receive a custom magazine with all the hotel happenings when you arrive in your room. You can refer to this for special things going on, or just head to the concierge for more details.
The butler service can arrange for golf carts to take you around the property if needed, but we preferred getting around by bike!
Depending on the time of year you come, it might be a good idea to pack some mosquito repellant. This is a tropical area after all!
As I said earlier, we only scheduled 4 days in our 2-week itinerary to spend in Chiang Mai (which was clearly not enough), and I wish we would have had scheduled a full week just to spend at Dhara Dhevi. This was, without at doubt, one of the most breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and over-the-top hotels I’ve ever seen in my life. You are never short of an abundance of eye candy when coming here!
As sad as we were to leave, we now know that this destination (and hotel) holds a special place in our hearts. We very much look forward to coming back for a quiet, romantic week to spend at Dhara Dhevi sometime in the future. I highly recommend this all-encompassing resort experience when you visit Thailand!
Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai
51/4 Chiang Mai - Sankampaeng Road
Chiang Mai, Thailand
For more information about this hotel, please click the link below
Thank you to Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
Nestled right in the heart of Thailand's cultural capital is the urban oasis of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai. If you're researching where to stay in Chiang Mai, you might want to consider this luxury boutique hotel, which has been named one of Travel and Leisure's Top 100 Hotels in the World. Discover where you can find the best Thai spa treatments, Thai cooking classes, and so much more right here in this luxury getaway!
137 Pillars House: An Urban Oasis in the Heart of Chiang Mai
After years of watching what seemed to be like everyone around me jet off to Thailand and explore the ancient country, I was officially sick of the FOMO this year and decided to travel there to see it for myself. On the (long) list of places I wanted to see was Thailand's cultural capital in the North: Chiang Mai.
The city of Chiang Mai, whose history can be traced back to over 700 years ago, provides a cultural look into the past juxtaposed with a modern look into the future. It's a beautiful city where travelers can see these two elements cohabitate harmoniously. To give a visual example that you can imagine, there are areas where you basically have the ancient ruins of the old walled city right next to an incredibly chic row of trendy coffee shops and restaurants. It is the perfect mix of old and new!
During our 4-day stay in Chiang Mai (which proved to not even be nearly enough time as we had wished to have), we wanted to get a taste of both "the old" and "the new." I love a really well-designed boutique hotel just as much as the next traveler, so when I came across 137 Pillars House in the heart of Chiang Mai, I knew this would be the perfect home for a few nights. It just exuded the utmost elegance, modern luxury, and this unique feeling of comfort that you can only find in a few places around the world.
A Location With a Story as Beautiful as Its Architecture
It's worth noting that the city of Chiang Mai, which was once its own kingdom, is full of its very own unique culture and history (hence why people sometimes refer to it as the cultural capital of Thailand). The property and plot of land in which 137 Pillars House stands is no exception to that either.
The main bungalow-style house (and focal point of the property) was once the Northern Headquarters of the Borneo Trading Company. The Borneo House, which was constructed from teak wood, was built over 125 years ago by the son of Anna Leonowens. Leonowens was the British tutor of the King of Siam who inspired the popular book "Anna and the King." At the time of construction, it was standard in Lanna style Thai houses to show their wealth and status by having as many pillars on your home as possible. The Borneo House had exactly 137 pillars, which clearly showed the high status of the person who built it.
After some time, the Borneo House was purchased by a family in 2002 who fell in love with the location, beauty, and integrity of the architecture of this home. An incredible team of architects and designers worked together to rebuild and restore the old Borneo House into the gorgeous property that we see today. While keeping as true to the Lanna style as possible, they've included some modern touches that are sure to make all guests feel welcome and at home. They kept the name original--137 Pillars House--since that was one of the features that made the home unique in the first place!
Arriving at the Resort: Taking Personal Service to the Next Level
You know how they say you only have one chance to make a first impression? I'm pretty sure that the executive staff at 137 Pillars House kept this in mind when they put together their plan of action for how to welcome and greet their guests. Let me just say that I've never had the kind of first-class service that I experienced here at 137 Pillars House anywhere else in the world. Let me give you the rundown of how it all happened...
1. The Transfer Service
We were greeted at our previous hotel by a member of the 137 Pillars staff, who transferred us to the new hotel in a luxury vehicle that had Wi-Fi, personal TVs, magazines, cool towels, and more. It basically made it impossible for me to enjoy any other transfer service without these amenities from there on out.
Upon arriving at the hotel, which was tucked away in a local neighborhood just outside of the walls of the Old City, we were graciously welcomed by the concierge and reception staff with chilled towels to cool off and a refreshing beverage to sip on the side. We checked in, got a quick tour of the property, and then were escorted to our impeccable Rajah Brooke Suite.
2. The World's Greatest Butler Service
Waiting for us at our suite was our wonderful butler, Pui. As if I thought I wasn't in love with the property already, this woman and her expertise of the city and hotel really took our experience to a whole new level. Where most butlers or concierge members would kindly let you know to ring them if you needed any assistance, Pui actually took the time to stay and speak with us to share bits of information about the neighborhood to really make sure we felt comfortable and at home.
She gave us a small pocket map of the area and highlighted the places that she suggested would help us make the most of our time. It was basically like getting our own personal travel agent on site! She even let us know that we could text her for other tips (or bookings/reservations) at any time, which she was super quick to respond to. I mean, this woman was on top of her game.
3. The Custom Pillows and Fragrances
Just when we thought she had gone above and beyond, she mentioned that all guests at 137 Pillars House receive their own custom choices of pillows and toiletries. This was really my favorite part... She pulled out a mini box of tiny pillows that you could feel and touch to see which ones were best for your sleep style. OH MY GOODNESS--WHY ISN'T EVERY LUXURY HOTEL DOING THIS?! Gone are the days of sleeping with pillows that are too thick or too thin! You can basically be like Goldilocks here and choose the one that is juuuustt right for you. She also had a set of fragrances for the toiletries, which you could choose from as well! We loved the Thai Jasmine & Mint :) Definitely recommend it.
When History Meets Modern Luxury
Something beautiful tends to happen when you flawlessly combine antique architecture and design with modern, luxurious details and finishings. The designers and architects of 137 Pillars House have really gone above and beyond with the decor and ambiance of this property to make you feel like you are right at home--or at least in a home that you wish was yours.
If there is a such thing in design and decor as "eclectic style-meets-modern luxury-meets-contemporary elegance," then that is this property. Seriously, every nook and cranny of this place is so picturesque, it will make you never want to leave! The attention to detail is just remarkable! I want whoever designed it to come to my house next...
The hotel's 30 suites are all bright, colorful, and spacious; some are even eqipped with their own private pools or outdoor showers! The clawfoot bathtub (just adjacent to the changing room) was a beautiful centerpiece of the bathroom, and the balcony made for a great place to kick back and relax. We particularly loved how plush and comfortable the bed was--especially with our personalized pillows that we chose!
How to Spend Your Time Here
I felt so conflicted when I arrived at 137 Pillars House because I obviously wanted to explore the city of Chiang Mai since I had never been before (and it was just steps outside the front door), but the hotel had so many amenities and services that it is so easy to just stay home in this urban oasis and spend your entire vacation on the property! What's a girl to do?!
However, if you find yourself at 137 Pillars House, I definitely recommend these things:
Sign Up for a Spa Treatment
If you're gearing up for your first trip to Thailand (or you've already been and you're returning), you've probably heard from all your friends that you "absolutely must get a Thai massage when you're there." I can't even count how many times I had heard that...
After the 24-hour trip from New York to Thailand, Jay and I figured we deserved a little pampering after that long haul travel. We signed up for the 2-hour couples massage, which had a combination of Thai and Swedish methods if I remember correctly, and included various essential oils and organic products. WOW, did we pick the right place to indulge! I just feel bad because I was so relaxed I fell asleep halfway through it! I guess I'll just have to go back to do it again...
Take a Thai Cooking Class
When in Thailand, learn to cook as the Thai people do! This is actually one activity that I'm so sad we didn't have time to do, but will definitely be doing when we return. The 137 Pillars House Thai Cooking Class comes with a few different menu options that you can choose from when you sign up. Guests can opt to also take a trip to the local market with the chef to see where locals actually get their ingredients! Once you have your ingredients, you head back to the hotel where you learn how to cook these authentic Thai meals. I'm very much looking forward to doing this when we return.
Relax by the Pool and Garden
It gets pretty hot in Thailand, so having a great pool you can dip in to cool off is a necessity at any Thai hotel. The live wall near the infinity pool of 137 Pillars House is certainly a jaw dropping focal point that will entice you to slide into one of the canopied chaise lounges or private cabanas for a little R&R. The pool side food and drink service is not one to miss either!
Drink and Dine On Site
If there's one thing I can promise you about staying at 137 Pillars House it's that you will not leave hungry. The food here is to die for; it's nearly impossible not to indulge. And even though I always like to go out to eat when I'm in a new city, the food was so good here that we kept coming back for more.
There are 2 main restaurants on site: The Dining Room and Palette. The Dining Room offers more traditional Thai and Lanna dishes, while Palette offers a more western-style menu of farm to kitchen dishes. Since we can get western food just about any time we want to back home in New York, we opted for the The Dining Room for our meals.
Once you're done with dinner, hop over to the hotel's uber chic cocktail lounge Jack Bain's Bar. It's another one of those jaw dropping type of rooms in the hotel that just makes you never want to leave. Plus the cocktails are awesome.
PS: YOU CANNOT LEAVE WITHOUT TRYING THE MANGO STICKY RICE DESSERT. Thank me later... It was literally the best we had in Thailand.
Other Notable Mentions:
Take advantage of the breakfast buffet in the morning! It is exquisite and offers plenty of options for all dietary styles. There are even tons of freshly squeezed juices and fruits if having a big breakfast isn't your thing.
Visit the on site museum that tells more about the history and story of the property.
Walk through the property and garden areas -- lots of tropical and exotic horticulture right outside your room!
Have Afternoon Tea in the gardens or the Parlor of the Borneo House.
Hit the gym in the morning to get your day started with a little exercise.
Sign up for a private tour/excursion in Chiang Mai, which can be organized with your butler or the concierge.
Explore the shops, cafes, and galleries nearby the hotel. My personal favorite is Woo Cafe!
Take a walk into the Old City, which is just about 10 minutes from the hotel. The Night Bazaar is another popular stop for travelers, which I definitely recommend at least once just for the experience.
Good to Know Information
If you want to do any of the activities on site, like cooking class or a spa treatment, I would recommend booking as far in advance as you can so the spots don't fill up. The resort only has 30 suites afterall, and they like to keep experiences cozy and intimate.
Book your transfer to/from the hotel with your concierge. You'll want to experience that 5-star greeting, so make sure to arrange that as soon as you can!
Utilize your butler and concierge to make the most of your time! The staff at 137 Pillars House was so excellent and helpful. We wouldn't have had as good of a time if it weren't for them!
The hotel is perfectly located and walking distance to the Old City, but it can definitely get hot and sweaty on some days, so I recommend taking a water bottle with you when you head out.
If you're traveling outside of Chiang Mai, check out their new property 137 Pillars Suites & Residences in Bangkok, which just opened in Spring 2017!
Our stay at 137 Pillars House really made our entire experience in the downtown area of Chiang Mai unforgettable. Like I said earlier, I don't think that 4 days was even close to enough time in Chiang Mai as we had wanted to have! This city really has something special to it and I'm itching to get back and explore more.
I'm definitely looking forward to returning here when we come back to Chiang Mai--and also seeing their new 137 Pillars property in Bangkok! If it's anything like our experience in the cultural capital, I know it will be one for the books!
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road,
Tambon Watgate,
Muang Chiang Mai
50000 Thailand
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Charleston: Belmond Charleston Place
Located in the heart of the downtown Charleston is the chic and elegant Belmond Charleston Place. The hotel's prime location--just a stone's throw away from all the city's major hot spots--makes it an ideal home base for visitors from all around. Step inside this luxury, urban oasis and see why it's nearly impossible to leave the city after falling in love with its Southern Charm.
Belmond Charleston Place: Where Sophisticated Luxury Meets Southern Charm
There’s something special going on in the southern part of the United States right now that’s attracting travelers from around the globe for a myriad of reasons. A refreshing, modern revival has been hitting places that used to fly pretty under the radar for most travelers. A southern renaissance, if you will.
We’re seeing a rise of fresh and new fusion cuisines, exclusive and trendy restaurants, very unique local boutiques, and cocktail lounges that could rival those of Manhattan or London. Charleston, South Carolina has been one of the cities at the forefront of this incredible rebirth of the modern-day “south,” and it’s definitely not a city to be ignored. The cobblestone streets, the candy colored houses, and the quintessential southern charm all make for quite the fairytale destination—and it’s all located right here in our very own backyard.
After doing a little research on the city and getting an idea for where everything was, I knew I wanted to stay somewhere that was centrally located so that I could walk around as much as possible. You know me... I’m a city girl with a natural disdain for cars and driving. Give me my walking shoes, public transit, and taxis and I’m a happy girl!
The Belmond Charleston Place seemed to be the absolute perfect location for getting around town and seeing everything that I wanted to see. It was never more than a 10-15 minute walk to get anywhere I wanted in all of downtown Charleston, with many of the places I wanted to check out just literally steps from the front door. You really can’t get much better than that!
Arriving at the Resort – Location, Location, Location
Like I said, the prime location of Belmond Charleston Place is one of the hotel’s strongest attributes that set it apart from any other hotel in the city. Getting to the hotel from the Charleston Airport was a quick 20-minute drive (on a good day with hardly any traffic). Once you pull up to the hotel, the magnificent Quadriga Fountain greets you as you begin your stay.
Walking into the lobby felt like stepping into the luxurious mansion of your long-lost southern relatives. I’m not sure which one made me feel more cozy and at home first—the breathtaking spiral staircase fully decked out in holiday decorations (with an electric train chugging around the perimeter), or the warm hospitality of the concierge staff greeting me as I walked in.
Image courtesy of Belmond Charleston Place
*Notable Mention: The concierge staff is incredible, by the way... When I arrived, I told them I wanted somewhere trendy and local with great seafood to take my mom over the weekend and their recommendations were on point every single time. I never felt like I was heading into a tourist trap, which is the last thing I want when I’m traveling.
Modern Luxury and Urban Elegance Meets Southern Charm
There have been a small handful of times in my life where I’ve walked into a hotel suite and thought to myself, “Um...is this real life???” Stepping into my room at the Belmond Charleston Place was one of those moments.
The luxury accommodations and signature suites at Belmond Charleston Place are a perfect marriage of modern, sophisticated grandeur and old, southern style elegance. The entry hall of our suite led us into a grand living room that was full of bright, natural light and Charleston’s historic city views. The living room came with a smaller dining area attached, where I was able to enjoy a lovely breakfast while overlooking the city every morning.
As if it couldn’t get any better than that, the living room led to a set of French doors (yes, please!), which welcomed us into our spacious king-bedded room with an ensuite bathroom. The bathroom—which gave me total bathroom envy—included an Italian Carrara marble vanity and a walk-in rain head shower. One step into that shower and I felt like I could just stay there the whole time... It was quite relaxing (especially once you slip into one of their signature robes)!
One of my favorite conveniences of the room was the master controlled lighting, which was just on the side of the bed. One touch and you can control all the lights in the suite—which was really great for my lazy bum when I didn’t want to get out of bed :) It’s the little things, ya know?
How to spend your time here
Book a stay with access to the Club Level Lounge
Having access to this part of the hotel was what took my stay at the Belmond Charleston Place from great to EXCELLENT. On the top 2 floors of the hotel, there is an exclusive VIP Club Lounge for guests who are staying on the 7th and 8th floors (or guests with suites that permit access) to enjoy 24 hours a day.
What’s included in the lounge, you ask? Oh, just breakfast, snacks, high tea with little sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres, and dinner appetizers... Oh, and also complimentary cocktails and beverages. Yes...all of that. All day.
You have 2 spacious floors to come, kick back, eat, drink, relax, and take in the views of Charleston (especially gorgeous views of the city at sunrise and sunset from the club level). AND the food menu changes on a daily basis, so you’ll always be getting new tasty treats up there! I made it my ritual to go there basically before and/or after every meal to enjoy a glass of wine or some appetizers. It was simply divine.
I highly encourage booking a stay on the Club Level for the sole purpose of getting to enjoy this lounge every day. It is worth every penny. And a special shout out to the staff up there that made each visit to the lounge an absolute delight! These guys are seriously awesome!
Spend some time at the pool and rooftop area
The pool at Belmond Charleston Place looks like something fresh out of a Greek mythology textbook. Something about the large, white pillars on both sides of the pool and bright, open skylight make this room marvelously irresistible.
If you want to catch an incredible view of King Street, head to the rooftop area to catch a glimpse at any time of the day. There are even lounge chairs, tables, and an outdoor bar and grill area for guests to enjoy during their visit. If anything, you should at least head up there to grab a picture of the cute and colorful buildings along King Street.
Do some shopping
If you’re looking to shop and splurge a little bit on your trip, consider taking a look through the shops downstairs on the main floor of the lobby. There are luxury boutiques, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and a few mid-range ones, such as White House/Black Market or Tommy Bahama. If this is the sort of thing you’re into when you travel, then you’re in luck because it’s right downstairs in the hotel! No need to travel too far.
Other notable mentions:
Spa and Gym
Located on the same floor as the pool, the spa and gym area offers a great escape into the tranquil oasis that this hotel has to offer. Book a massage or beauty treatment during your stay, or hit the gym to work off all that delicious southern food (like shrimp and grits) you’ll be eating.
Dine at the many Restaurants
Charleston is becoming widely known as a being an epicenter of food culture in the south (Top Chef, anyone?), so it comes as no surprise that Belmond Charleston Place has its own gourmet cuisine right on site.
Right on the first floor, you’ll find the Charleston Grill, which I particularly loved in the evening times to sip on some cocktails and listen to live jazz music. Just around the corner from that is The Palmetto Cafe, which has an incredibly gorgeous garden-style courtyard just along side their bright, spacious indoor dining room. It’s a great place for weekend brunch if you don’t want to venture out too far.
Also located within the hotel grounds is Meeting at Market, an upscale pub for those looking to relax with a beer and burger while watching a game. Their menu does offer a slightly elevated take on traditional bar food, which makes total sense considering the upscale amenities of the rest of the hotel.
Guests can also enjoy tapas and drinks at the Thoroughbred Club, or order an assortment of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres with afternoon tea (for parties of 10 or more). You’re definitely taken care of when it comes to dining and drinking here!
Book a Tour
Belmond Charleston Place offers their guests the convenience of booking tours and excursions right with the concierge. You can browse their itineraries, visit the historic sites or plantations, or even play a round of golf. You can book these services once upon your arrival with the hotel or on their website right here if you’re a current guest.
Good to Know information
Like I said earlier, Belmond Charleston Place is within perfect walking distance to just about anywhere you want to go in the downtown Charleston area. You will not need a car to get around from the hotel. You have King Street, the waterfront, and all kinds of historic areas literally just steps away from the front door.
If walking isn’t your jam, you can always use ride share apps like Lyft to get around just fine!
Use the concierge for recommendations on places that you’re interested in going, seeing, or eating at. I’m telling you—they were absolutely on point with all the places they told us to check out!
Overall, I really loved my time at Belmond Charleston Place. The hotel's location is absolutely perfect for getting around anywhere you need, the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgable about the city, and the conveniences and amenities of the hotel made me feel cozy and right at home. It doesn't get much better than that! I would highly recommend this urban, luxury experience to anyone traveling through Charleston and look forward to returning one day myself!
Belmond Charleston Place
205 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to Belmond Charleston Place for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.
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How to Decide Where to Stay in London (or Any City)
If you’re heading to a big city like London for the first time, it can be overwhelming to sit down and plan everything—especially your accommodations. If you're sick of the planning headache, use this easy 3-step system to help you decide where you want to stay in London—or any city! *Plus, check out a few ideas on where you can stay in London and the adorable vacation rental I stayed in!
How to Decide Where to Stay in London (or Any City)
Tell me if this has ever happened to you:
You just booked a flight to visit a new city you’ve never been to. You’re super excited and you’re on your “Traveler’s High” because you scored the perfect ticket. You’re daydreaming about all the adventures you’re going to have, all the food you’re going to eat, and all sights you’ll see.
And then...all of a sudden... You realize that you have to actually PLAN everything. Where to stay, where to eat, how to get around...
If you’re heading to a big city like London for the first time, it can be a bit daunting and overwhelming to sit down and plan everything—especially where you want to stay. There are so many options and so much ground to cover that choosing the perfect place can be tricky.
Luckily, I’ve gone through this headache enough times to figure out an easy way that you can decide where to stay in any city based on your biggest priorities. You can use the examples below to help pick your accommodations for London!
Step 1: Know Your Priorities
Like I said, this system was created on selecting a place to stay based around your priorities. There are 3 main priorities when it comes to choosing an accommodation:
1. Budget
The most obvious priority here is budget. What is your budget? Do you know how much money you’re able to spend per day on accommodations?
If you have a lower budget, you might be considering hostels or couchsurfing. If you have a medium budget, you can start to consider apartment rentals or low to mid-range hotels. If you have a high budget, you’re probably able to consider luxury hotels or even home rentals.
2. Location/Convenience
The next priority tends to be the exact location of where you’re staying and how convenient it is for your travel itinerary. Some things to consider:
Transportation: How close is it to public transportation? Do you need a car, or can you get around by foot? What is the transportation like to/from the airport (or train station, dock, etc.)?
Walkability: Is the hotel in a good location that you can easily walk anywhere? Is it in a safe area that is good to walk at any time of day?
Nearby Attractions: What attractions, restaurants, or other places of interest are nearby? Is it close to where you want to be?
Safety and Ambiance: Is the area or neighborhood safe? Does the accommodation feel homey and somewhere that you wouldn’t mind spending time around? How big is the room and does it have adequate privacy? Noise levels?
3. Amenities
This might not fall high on the priority list for everyone; but for others, amenities can sometimes make or break a decision on where you want to stay during your trip. Does the place you’re staying have convenient and comfortable amenities for you to enjoy? Some amenities to consider can be:
Wi-Fi (this is huge for me!)
Complimentary meals, refreshments, or hors d’oeuvres
On-site pool, gym, spa, etc.
Bar, lounge, or restaurants on-site or nearby
Room views, balcony, or other outdoor space options
Bike rentals or other means of access to transportation
Pet friendly
In-room amenities (toiletries, electronics, robes, etc.)
Check-in/out times (for real...this can be a huge hassle sometimes!)
Step 2: Choose Your Style of Accommodation
Once you’ve decided on your priorities with the questions above, you can start to narrow down the selection on the type of place you want to stay. In London, there are options for all budget ranges that fit everyone’s needs! Here are a couple examples to help you with your selection:
Hostel
For the budget friendly traveler
Hostels are a great option for adventurous, budget friendly travelers. You can usually pick places that have both private and shared rooms at very affordable prices. I personally love the website Hostelworld
Photo via Wombats City Hostel London, 7 Dock Street
Apartment Rentals
For the mid-range budget traveler
Apartment (and home) rentals have been on the rise in popularity in recent years because of their affordability, convenience, and overall homey feeling that can be hard to find when you’re traveling. I personally love them because you can really get what it feels like to live like a local in the city you’re visiting. You can experience the local grocery store, the local bars, the local restaurants, the local shops... all without feeling like you’re being coerced into doing so just because your hotel is right next door (or the concierge recommended it $$).
Living room of my FG Properties apartment rental in London
While I was in London, I stayed in a really lovely apartment rental through FG Properties. I was very impressed with the wide variety of locations and types of apartments that they had all over London—plus the interior decor on all of their properties looked so cute! Everything about the apartment was super modern, up-to-date (including a keyless entry), and the location was perfect (literally steps away from the tube station and tons of places to eat). There was even a washer/dryer in the apartment, which is perfect for people who are staying longer term and need to do some laundry!
Click and browse the gallery below to read more about the apartment:
I’d recommend this company as an option for Apartment Rentals if you were coming to London! Plus, you’d be supporting a local business! You can check out their rental properties right here. f you need to contact them during your stay, you can get in touch with their reception desk, who helps with check-in/out, maintenance, and any other things you need throughout your visit.
Bedroom of my FG Properties vacation rental in London
Hotels
For the luxury traveler
If your travel budget permits, you might consider splurging a little and booking a reservation at one of London’s finest hotels. Take advantage of all the amenities and luxuries that your little heart desires. And, since London is quite the thriving metropolis, you won’t have a problem finding an excellent luxury accommodation within the city.
Photo via Hotel 41, 41 Buckingham Palace Road
Step 3: Book Your Reservation
The last part of the process has arrived. Now that you’ve selected your accommodations, it’s time to book it. Get your confirmation number and get ready to travel!
Not too bad of a system, right?! It’s pretty easy to select once you actually have an idea of what your priorities are and what you’re looking for.
Try out these tips next time you’re having difficulty deciding where to stay in a new city and let me know what you think!
Thank you to FG Properties for hosting my visit in London. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Big Sur: Glen Oaks Big Sur
Last Stop of the California Road Trip: Big Sur! Are you traveling to Big Sur too? Check in to Glen Oaks Big Sur, where you'll be able to choose between luxurious comforts with a side of nature or immersive glamping in the heart of the forest.
A Weekend at Glen Oaks Big Sur: A Luxurious Haven in the Heart of Big Sur
You've seen pictures of Big Sur, California, haven't you? The stunning pictures of those deep blue waters from the Pacific Ocean that come crashing onto a shoreline filled with magnificent, towering rocks... Or maybe you've seen the pictures of those endless coastline views that seem to be more and more breathtaking with every turn you make. Yeah, I've been seeing those pictures for so long that I had developed serious travel envy. I needed to get to Big Sur, stat.
After spending some time in the Santa Barbara area, it was time for Jay and I to continue our journey north. We grabbed our hiking shoes, our cameras, and our chicest "Big City-meets-Big Sur" outfits (ok, maybe that was just me...) and headed up Highway 1 to get a look at the enchanting Big Sur area for ourselves. And since I'm a big believer that where you stay can make or break your travel experience, I knew that we had to stay somewhere amazing to make our Big Sur adventure magical.
I was sort of into the idea of staying somewhere "outdoorsy" since I'm constantly surrounded by urban structures, but I still wanted the comforts of modern living (you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl). I spotted Glen Oaks Big Sur on a list that premiered the most romantic outdoor getaways in the United States and was immediately hooked in. The luxurious, newly remodeled guest cabins and lodges, the lush and pristine Redwood Grove, the on-site restaurant, and the ideal location in the heart of Big Sur all sold me on this perfect glamping getaway.
Arriving to this Natural Hideaway
Getting to Glen Oaks Big Sur is really half the fun of staying here! You'll be coming from either north or south on Highway 1 and encounter so many incredible opportunities to stop, pull over, and soak in the majestic views. You could see the beautiful, secluded McWay Falls, the legendary Bixby Bridge, and the miles and miles of incredible, untouched beauty around the California coastline. *Since check-in doesn't start until the afternoon, I'd recommend leaving with ample time in the morning to be able to stop and enjoy the views as many times as you want.
We drove up north on Highway 1, which gave for a longer, more scenic route into Glen Oaks Big Sur. We probably stopped along PCH at least a dozen times before arriving at the lodge. When you take this route, you can stop and see the "Portal to Big Sur" at Ragged Point Inn & Resort, the McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the purple sand beaches at Pfeiffer Beach, countless hiking trails and stunning views, and all of the adorable, local restaurants, like Big Sur Roadhouse. The entire road trip kept building up our anticipation to arrive at Glen Oaks!
Choosing Your Experience
After spending the day exploring Big Sur, we were finally ready to check into our room at the lodge. What I love about this property is that it is comprised of multiple fireside motor lodges and numerous single and multi-room cabins, all of which are newly renovated and remodeled. These separate options allow you to choose the exact type of experience you want to have during your stay: either "immersive glamping in the forest" or "comfortable luxury with a side of nature."
The upscale cabins are all in the heart of a Redwood Grove, which makes for a perfect, quiet nature experience. The stately fireside motor lodges are a little bit more suitable for those who want the beauty of nature with a little more modern, luxury comfort. Since it was our first time staying in an outdoor getaway like this, we opted for the Adobe King Fireside Lodge because we wanted that comfortable luxury with a side of nature experience. It was perfect for my "Big City-meets-Big Sur" mentality :)
Luxury Comfort Meets Rustic-Chic
Entering our elegant fireside lodge was such an unforgettable experience. After we pulled up to the property, we got out of the car and followed a path around high fences covered in fresh Jasmine that danced alongside the towering trees. We opened the gate to our lodge and were greeted by a lovely, private outdoor patio that came with a two-way gas fireplace, which was visible from the outside and interior of our room.
Our King guest room was beautifully decorated in a rustic/retro style with a modern twist. The room had bright, colorful decor, gorgeous wood furnishings, fun activities to keep you busy (like yoga mats, board games, and a Buddha Board), and even a complimentary s'mores kit! The bed and pillows were a fabulous highlight of their own... I think I fell asleep within 2 seconds of putting my head down on that pile of plush pillows.
However, my favorite part of the whole room (and probably the thing that I was most excited about) was the bathroom. The glamorous bathroom came with heated floors, modern fixtures, and a large, two-person shower with stone flooring. I wanted to cut this room out of the lodge and take it home with me!
How to Spend Your Time Here
After exploring Big Sur all day, it's nice to know that you have stylish comforts to come home to at Glen Oaks Big Sur. However, the homey lodge is much more than just a place to sleep. There is plenty to experience right outside your front door around the property!
Here are some things I would recommend doing during you stay at Glen Oaks Big Sur:
Walk to the Big Sur River
The Big Sur River is located near all of the cabins on the west side of the property. Follow the paths down to the river and enjoy the soothing sounds of the water. If it's warm enough, you can even go in the water for a quick, refreshing dip!
Meander through the Redwood Grove (and see Grandmother Pfeiffer!)
Along the path to the Big Sur River is a stunning Redwood Grove that boasts some of the oldest and largest Redwoods in the area. Make sure you stop and see Grandmother Pfeiffer, which is the second-largest Redwood in all of Big Sur. She is truly magnificent!
Take a hike around the property
You can walk around the property to enjoy all of the natural beauty that surrounds it, or even ask about some of the nearby trails to continue your journey further into Big Sur.
Enjoy the communal campfire
Every night around sundown, Glen Oaks Big Sur hosts a private campfire for their guests at the communal campfire site until 10pm. Bring your s'mores supplies (and maybe a glass of wine), ask the front desk for some skewers, and enjoy!
Stop in at Big Sur Roadhouse for breakfast
The Big Sur Roadhouse, which is currently undergoing a wonderful redecorating process, is a great spot for Glen Oaks guests to stop in for breakfast. They provide complimentary donuts and coffee for guests, as well as an assortment of other small breakfast items. Once the redecorating is complete this year, they will also be serving a full menu with other meal options. The restaurant is so chic and decorated with a variety of unique and hand-made furnishings. It's a must-see!
Chill out in your private outdoor patio
The best part of staying in our guest room was having the private outdoor patio to enjoy at our leisure. You can come out and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, a glass of wine in the evening, or just relax out there with a book or your Buddha Board! I loved that our room had the dual two-way gas fireplace because we were able to turn it on and enjoy it from both the inside and the outside.
Good to Know Information
All of the accommodations at Glen Oaks Big Sur are undergoing an exciting redecorating project to allow for more luxurious comforts throughout the property.
There are no televisions in the rooms to allow for a full nature immersion experience.
There is no cell phone service in Big Sur, but you will have Wi-Fi access in your cabin or lodge.
Coffee and beverages are always available in the front office, as well as across the street at Big Sur Roadhouse. Make sure you pick up a maple donut for breakfast there too! I promise you will be licking your fingers after you eat it... It's that good.
Parking is available on-site near your accommodation.
There is a general store next to the front office in case you need groceries, supplies, or anything you might have forgotten at home.
Staying at Glen Oaks Big Sur really made our Big Sur experience so wonderful! It was perfectly located for what we wanted to see and do, the staff was incredibly friendly, the prices were very affordable for the area, and the accommodations were the excellent combination of "comfortable luxury with a side of nature." We will definitely return to Glen Oaks Big Sur the next time we visit!
Glen Oaks Big Sur
47080 Highway One
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2105
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to Glen Oaks Big Sur for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in the Santa Ynez Valley: Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
It's time to take a step back, unplug, and unwind in the country. Experience the authentic Old West with me at The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. Join along as we explore this iconic, luxury ranch nestled away in the Santa Ynez Valley!
Retreat to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort: Unplug and Unwind in the True Wild West
As a full-time entrepreneur, I'm always connected to the outside world in some way, whether it's through social media, texting, emails, etc. I'm always ON. It's kind of exhausting sometimes! Amirite fellow entrepreneurs?!
After spending some time in the heart of Santa Barbara, I wanted to take a break from the urban lifestyle for a bit, which is something I rarely do. I was ready to test my limits and go "off the grid" for few days. I get so used to the comforts of city living that I forget how necessary it is to just unplug and unwind for a bit! I wanted to have an experience where I could really immerse myself into California's rich, western culture and retreat into the depths of the countryside.
I came across the iconic Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort and instantly loved what I saw. This secluded, romantic ranch and resort is tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley (aka Santa Barbara's premiere wine country) and sits upon a property of over 10,000 acres. The spirit of the Old West is alive and well at this seductive getaway, which has even been a hotspot for old Hollywood royalty (à la Clark Gable and Doris Day) since their doors opened in 1946. With all the lush, rolling hills, natural beauty, and wide-open spaces, I knew it would be the perfect place for Jay and I to get some R&R for couple of days.
Escaping into the True Wild West
We've all seen the old movies and pictures of the "Wild West," but how many of us have actually experienced it? Can you imagine a life where you wake up early to the sounds of the birds flying around the crisp, cool morning air? A morning when you can practically smell the beads of dew that sit on the grass... And as you smell the fresh dew, you start to hear the sounds of the animals on the ranch waking up and moving around. You go outside to see the sun peaking out on the green, rolling valleys and you know it's going to be another beautiful day. Well that, my friends, is exactly the life you get to experience when you come to Alisal for a visit.
I was almost on sensory overload with all the natural beauty that surrounded me at the resort! From the moment you pull up to the property, which is about an hour away from downtown Santa Barbara, you're greeted by lush, open fields that are filled with magnificent horses and cattle that are grazing the property. On one side of the road, you see the large, wood barn and stables where the animals roam freely in their spaces. On the other side, you see all of the charming guest cabins and accommodations surrounded by beautiful trees in bloom with colorful flowers dancing around them. It instantly felt like we had left the world we knew behind us and entered a bygone era of the authentic Wild West.
A Luxurious "Camp for Adults"
After you drive up to the main office and get all checked in, you're given the key to your guest room and access to the grounds, where a whole other world awaits you. As you enter your room, you're immersed into a stylish and spacious accommodation that is filled with authentic Western decor, a wood-burning fireplace, and even a private outdoor seating area.
Every room comes equipped with its own little "kitchenette" that includes a small refrigerator and coffee maker, wood for the fireplace, and all of your other typical in-room amenities. One thing that is unique about the accommodations here is that there are no televisions or phones in the guest rooms. Alisal does this to maintain the integrity of the true ranch experience. It definitely helped me "unplug and unwind."
Once you're all settled into your adorable new room and you're ready to explore, you have virtually every outdoor activity you could imagine available to you. You could go horseback riding, hit up the tennis courts, go for a hike, swim at the pool, play a round of golf, take your shot at archery, go for a bike ride, fish on the lake, have a picnic... The list goes on and on! You could even take a break and get a massage at the spa, play some Ping-Pong or pool in the Billiards Room, or go to the gym and have a nice workout. It was seriously like we were in a luxurious camp for adults! There was so much available to us, and we didn't have to respond to anyone in the outside world! HOORAYYYY!
How to Spend Your Time Here
What I loved most about visiting Alisal is that we never had to leave the resort for anything. It was truly an immersive ranch experience that did not require us to go far for anything we wanted to do. All of our activities were right there, all of our dining options were steps from our front porch, the wonderful staff was incredibly responsive and attentive to anything we requested, and best of all, we spent all the time we desired in the gorgeous nature around us.
The list of things you can do when you visit is so extensive that you really can't go wrong with what you choose. However, these are my personal favorite things to do when visiting Alisal:
Experience a Morning Horseback Ride (or any ride for that matter)
One of the most memorable experiences Jay and I had during our stay at Alisal was the morning horseback ride we scheduled on our second day. We arrived early to the stables, where there was coffee and hot chocolate waiting for us. As soon as we got our horses assigned, we were split into our respective groups (either Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced) and sent off on the trail.
**TIP: Jay and I had both ridden a small handful of times, but weren't sure what the dude ranch equivalent to a "Beginner" was (I seriously thought it was probably some advanced stuff because...you know...it's a ranch and all...), but we put that down anyways. We could have easily been in the Intermediate group because we were more skilled than we thought. So if you have some experience and you're on the fence, just try "Intermediate."
Going along that trail in the morning was one of the most calming and extraordinary experiences I've ever had. The crisp, fresh air, the sounds of the horses walking, the views of the rolling mountains with the sun peaking over them, the trees with the Spanish moss growing all over them... It was breathtaking! I was seriously speechless with the beauty that surrounded me.
Once we reached the end of the trail, we came upon a few small, old cabins with a large outdoor dining area. The Alisal staff was hard at work preparing a massive breakfast feast for everyone to enjoy. The smell of the fresh eggs, the sizzling bacon, the massive buttermilk pancakes with the signature "A" branded in the middle... It was incredible! And to top it all off, they had a man playing guitar and singing country songs, while another man came out to tell some old folk stories. Talk about that "camp for adult" feeling again!
After our bellies were full and our hearts were warm, we got back on our horses and rode back to the resort. The views on the way back were just as spectacular, and we even got the chance to see some of the local cattle and other wildlife during our ride! I could have spent the entire rest of the day riding around the grounds on my wonderful horse, Jesse. If we hadn't already scheduled the rest of our day with activities, we would have immediately signed up to do another ride.
Enjoy Fine Dining Cuisine On Site
Let me tell you something... The food here is out of this world. No joke. Jay and I never left one meal feeling dissatisfied or hungry. Everything we had was un-be-lieve-a-bleeee. Plus, breakfast and dinner are both included in your resort package! So make sure you head to the Ranch Room for your meals and enjoy everything your little heart desires.
Tour the Grounds
There is so much to explore and do on site at Alisal. But before you get after it, walk around the grounds a little bit and just take it all in! It's not too big to be able to walk from one end of the main property to the other. Walk into the many rooms and buildings, explore the pool, hit some Ping-Pong around, etc. It's really fun to just walk around and explore!
Build a Fire in Your Guest Room's Wood-Burning Fireplace
Besides the horseback ride, this might have been our favorite little experience. Since Jay and I are both city dwellers now, we don't have a lot of opportunities to build a real fire in a wood-burning fireplace. It was a really sweet "country" experience for us to have together. Truth be told, I didn't do much (read: anything) besides sit back with a glass of wine and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the crackling fire. Jay really did all the work here :) But I still loved it so much!!
Retreat to the Post-Dinner Events
After dinner each night, there is typically some sort of entertainment in the magnificent Oak Room, which is just down the hall from the Ranch Room. It's a nice spot to come and sit by the fire, grab a drink, and listen to whatever type of entertainment they may have.
During our stay, we had the pleasure of seeing local legend, Bill Powell, play some beautiful piano songs. I actually cried because it was so lovely! Bill has been playing at Alisal for several decades now and is known to many guests. He was so sweet too!
You can also head to the Library after dinner if you want some adults-only time (and access to a TV!), or head to the Billiards Room for some post-dinner games. Either way, you can't go wrong with what you choose!
Other Notable Mentions:
Hit the Tennis Courts
Play a round of Golf
Schedule a massage at the spa
Take the shuttle lake (where you can fish, picnic, or explore)
Try your best at Archery
Take a small boat on the lake
Go for a bike ride around the property
Take a run around the property
Watch the sunset from your patio
Head to the gym for a workout
Good to Know Information
Breakfast and dinner are both included in your rate, but alcohol is not. Like I said before, the food is incredible and you're never going to leave hungry.
Adults and children are expected to keep a semi-formal attire for dinner. Men must wear sport coats or blazers. *I really loved this rule! Everyone looked so wonderful and dressed up for dinner. Why don't more places do this nowadays?!
Lunch can be found at any of the four restaurants on site. If you're heading to the lake for the afternoon, you can even order a boxed lunch to be delivered during your excursion!
Before and/or after dinner every night there is typically some sort of entertainment in The Oak Room Lounge (which is such a stunning room). It becomes adults-only after 9pm!
There is another adults only Library that is located just across the lawn from the main dining building. It's a nice place to go and hang out or watch TV. Yes, one of the few TVs on the property!
Every day you are given an itinerary of events that are happening around the resort. It's helpful to keep handy if you want to know where and when everything is going on (i.e. meals, activities, etc.)
Wi-Fi is included throughout the property, but remember you're there to relaxxxx! Enjoy yourself and unplug for a bit :)
After our time at Alisal, I felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to head back into the city. It was such a wonderful, romantic escape and an incredible experience to be part of. Who knew that this little city girl could actually come to love the country?! I'm definitely looking forward to returning to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort again, perhaps next time with my whole family in tow!
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
1054 South Alisal Rd
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-6411
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Santa Barbara: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Join me along my California coast road trip! FIRST STOP: A romantic getaway to the elegant Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Spanish architecture, hidden bungalows, and oceanfront views. Doesn't get better than that!
A Romantic Getaway to Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
My goodness, it has been a hot minute since I've been able to sit down and share my recent travel adventures with you all! If you've been following along on Instagram, you've probably seen that I've been all over the West Coast and the Caribbean in the last month! Wheeewww! It's been a beautiful whirlwind, and I'm so thrilled to finally share it with you!
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After a successful Women in Travel Summit last month, I was ready to kick back with Jay for a few weeks and relax. I had never been up the coast in California, so we drove up PCH all the way from Irvine and started our romantic getaway in beautiful Santa Barbara. As if the city wasn't spectacular enough, we checked into the incredibly romantic Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara for our stay.
I believe that where you stay when you travel can make or break the experience, and I can confidently say that our visit to Santa Barbara was exponentially better because we stayed at The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Everything at the Resort, from the gorgeous Spanish architecture and decor, to the warm hospitality, to the charming location made me absolutely fall in love with Santa Barbara.
Arriving at the Resort
Conveniently tucked away in the exclusive enclave of Montecito is the elegant Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Since their doors opened in 1927, it has been a hotspot for locals, celebrities, and travelers alike. The minute you drive up to the property you can feel the incredible history that practically oozes off the walls. It is such a unique property because you feel like you are truly escaping from all reality.
As you enter the resort, you're immediately immersed into a magical wonderland of natural gardens and Spanish architecture. I was absolutely in awe from the minute I walked in. Every corner is more breathtaking than the next! You walk in and see the wood beam ceilings with the multi-colored ceramic tiles, the red tile roofs and white stucco walls, the radiant bougainvillea growing alongside the native plants and trees; and as you look out just in front of the property, you're greeted by a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean from Butterfly Beach. I felt like I was in a Spanish-themed Alice in Wonderland!
A Spanish Colonial Modern Fusion
I know that this might come as a shock, but I love that there are no high rise buildings in Santa Barbara. I know...shocking statement coming from the city girl! But seriously, it adds so much charm and elegance to the city. The Biltmore Santa Barbara is no exception to that rule. The Resort is actually comprised of multiple low-lying buildings and single-storey bungalows, which enhances that "mysterious wonderland" feel. Once you exit the main building, you'll probably follow one of the many winding sidewalk paths through the gardens towards your guest room or bungalow.
Entering our room was an experience in and of itself. The rooms are a beautiful marriage of old-world Spanish Colonial style with a touch of modern aesthetic. Jay and I were both blown away at the attention to detail of this luxurious accommodation. The room was filled with gorgeous green and white decor, colorful bathroom tiles, a cute work station under the window, and there was even a mini living room with a gas fireplace. The living room led out to our private outdoor patio, which was our favorite place to relax and have breakfast in the mornings. It was truly a home away from home. And let me just say...that was probably the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. Ugh. Gimme!!!
How to Spend Your Time Here
The wonderful thing about staying at a place like the Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara is that you really never have to leave the Resort if you don't want to. There is so much to explore and do while you're spending your time on the grounds that you could literally just escape here and say goodbye to the outside world. *That is actually what a lot of old Hollywood celebrities would do! I told you...the history here is fascinating!!
However, when you do come for your visit, I recommend doing these things:
Watch both the sunrise and the sunset over Butterfly Beach
Yep, you heard me. The sunrise AND the sunset over the beach. Say what?! When our wonderful concierge told us about this, I was so confused. I thought to myself, "It's California... There's only sunsets over the beach, sweetheart." Oh man, I was surely mistaken. SB is along a south-facing curve of California, thus allowing for visitors to actually see the sunrise and sunsets over the beach!
Butterfly Beach is conveniently located just in front of the hotel, so Jay and I woke up early one morning--coffee in hand--and headed to the beach to get a look. The tide was pretty high, but we made an adventurous trek across the rocks to get an exclusive view; and wow, was it breathtaking. You can head back here for sunset as well, or catch a different view from the Coral Casino next door, which is accessible for guests of The Biltmore Santa Barbara.
Tour the gardens
The horticulture on this property is one of the most immaculate and stunning collections I've ever seen. I could seriously spend most of my time just wandering around the gardens and spending time in nature. Grab one of the mini botanical guides that are in your room or at the concierge and tour the property to see the exotic plants, trees, and flowers!
Dine on site at Bella Vista or the Ty Lounge
The dining options on site are just as beautiful as they are tasty. Step into the main Bella Vista restaurant (or as I called it, "the Aladdin room") and take in the gorgeous view of Butterfly Beach from your dining table. It is a spectacular oceanfront, al fresco dining experience with a decadent menu. This is also a hot spot for people to come and brunch on Sundays!
By night, head into the trendy Ty Lounge for some happy hour cocktails and live entertainment. They recently finished some minor renovations in this lounge and painted the gorgeous wood beam ceilings! It's a must-see for sure!
Visit the Coral Casino and drink at the Tydes Coral Reef Bar
The Coral Casino, which was built in 1937, is an exclusive members-only club that is located adjacent to the Resort. Luckily, all guests of The Biltmore Santa Barbara are granted complimentary access to part of this property. You must check out the incredible Coral Reef Bar that is in the lounge upstairs. It is round 275-gallon aquarium that sits on top of the main bar, and it's filled with a live coral environment and fish!
Jay and I came here for a couple of happy hour drinks and to watch the sunset. The view was unbeatable, and the cocktails were pretty damn good themselves... We didn't dine here, but the food looked awesome.
Hit up the Gym, Resort Jungle Pool, and Spa (especially on Meditation Monday!)
The Gym, Resort Jungle Pool, and Spa are all conveniently located within steps of each other. If using any of these facilities is your jam while traveling, then Four Seasons Resort is the place to do it!
The Gym is spacious and full of great equipment for a travel-workout. They also have some little snacks you can purchase if you want to load up on nutrients before/after your workout.
The Spa was lovely and had an extensive menu of luxurious treatments (and also a really delicious smelling pear scented soap in the bathroom! OMG, I need to have it!). Also, make sure to attend "Meditation Monday" at the Spa during your visit if you can! The Resort began this new experience in March 2016 and is offering this complimentary service on the first Monday of every month. I was so bummed we missed it, but will definitely be back for it!
The Resort's Jungle Pool is exactly what is sounds like: a pool that looks like it's in the middle of the jungle. There is one large pool and 2 smaller hot tubs with different temperatures (I learned this the hard way by getting into the colder one first). Make sure to dip your head underwater in the pool and listen for the music playing! YES, underwater music! Super fancy! Jay and I spent our last afternoon here lounging by the pool; it felt like we were in our own little oasis :)
Other Notable Mentions:
Check out the tennis courts, croquet lawn, and putting green
Rent a bike from the spa to ride into town
Grab your board and go paddle boarding or surfing around the Santa Barbara area
Tour the gardens with the Resort's landscape manager
Order 24-hour room service and chill out on your patio or in front of the fireplace (ahhh...yes. My favorite!)
Good to Know Information
Download the Four Seasons app on your smartphone to enhance your visit. You can check out, plan activities, make reservations, or even contact housekeeping all from your phone! We tried it out for the first time and loved it.
Having a car isn't essential (especially if you are really trying to have a getaway experience and stay on the grounds), but it helps if you want to go in and out of downtown frequently. We parked ours in the self-parking lot, which was just behind the hotel, so that we could get around whenever we needed.
Complimentary coffee and tea is available every morning in the lobby.
There is a local train that passes through relatively close to the Resort. We never heard it from our room (or maybe we're just used to the city noise?); but just in case, there are ear plugs provided in each guest room.
Butterfly Beach, which is located just across the street from the property, is a wonderful public beach to hang out at.
My only regret of staying here is that we didn't have more time! I fell so in love with this property and Santa Barbara that I'm definitely looking forward to returning in the future. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara was the perfect romantic getaway for us. It will be our hotel of choice when we come back to SB!
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2261
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Soho House Chicago
Soho House staycation and relaxing hard this weekend - Chicago, Illinois
This last weekend I stayed at the Soho House Chicago for a nice (and much needed) staycation after the hectic holiday season. The Soho House is known for having high quality service to their members and guests alike, so I was very excited to try out their accommodations as a hotel guest this time.
First of all, I blame the bed and pillows for the reason why I barely moved all weekend. The combination of all the huge, fluffy pillows and that unbelievably comfortable mattress was a recipe for greatness. I would recommend staying at the Soho House solely just to experience this. The rest of the amenities provided in the room were wonderful as well. They even provide a lovely tea set that you can utilize in your room during your stay. A notable mention also goes out to the amazing rainforest shower that is in the bathroom, which came fully stocked with every Cowshed product possible. Smelling all of those delicious scents of shampoos, conditioners, body wash, and body scrubs made me want to run downstairs to the spa and buy every last bottle! It was such a nice touch and much better than having to use the tiny hotel sized products that you normally get while traveling.
The Soho House definitely did not disappoint me during my stay as a hotel guest there. It was as relaxing, lovely, and elegant as I hoped it to be. I would gladly return to do a staycation there again! Click HERE to check out Soho House Chicago.
Hi, I'm Ana Rebeca! Welcome to The City Sidewalks. Here you’ll find tips on Travel, Lifestyle, and Wellness.
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