Hotel, Inspected

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Blackberry Mountain

Traveling is intensely personal in even the best of times. In a post-COVID-19 world, the P-factor goes up even higher.

That’s why we feel lucky as your luxury travel advisor to be here as your trusted resource and guide to help make sure that when you choose to travel, be it next month or next year, that you do so in a way that feels authentic to your unique needs and desires.

We’re here to help you plan that dream vacation – be it for a honeymoon, a family getaway, or a break from nonstop work stress – at your time schedule.

That said, if you’re ready to go now, we have some ideas of local, drive-able, and most of all, distanced spots. These are places that may have been off of your list for a number of reasons in the past: they were too close, too far from a major city, or felt like they just needed a reason to splurge.

We have news for you: being alive and healthy is a reason to take that trip. Being able to reunite with your partner and family is a reason to take that trip.

And if you don’t want to take that trip today, we’re ready whenever you are – 2021 planning is already heating up as many travelers moved Spring Break and even early summer travel right into the next year, so booking early is key to securing reasonable rates and the best and most flexible policies.

For more information on the booking process, visit our post on working with a luxury travel advisor, and if you want our suggestions for planning in advance for new resort openings, we’ve got those too. We also post daily #LilyPondLux inspo over on Instagram if you just want to peruse pretty pictures for inspiration.

If you ARE looking to travel in the next few months, here are some ideas for inside-the-USA options that may be a perfect fit. These resorts have all planned to re-open for summer, and while many onsite activities remain TBD, we’ve confirmed that most plan to fully re-open with modifications for safety, security, and added cleanliness procedures.

We’ll add some suggestions soon for easy island adventures just outside the country as well.

Southern Charm

Whether you have kids or want to spend time with the extended family, each of these options has multiple generations covered. In many, you’ll also find options for private home rental (we’re happy to book these for you!) where you can socially distance as a small group, enjoying benefits like private chef services, golf carts, and more.

Montage Palmetto Bluff

A short drive from the Savannah airport, the Montage property is one of our all-time favorites for families and groups. It’s got quite the celebrity following too; Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin chose it as the site of their nuptials in 2019 as well.

Set within a planned 20,000-acre development, you’ll ditch your car the moment you arrive for a fleet of bicycles or golf carts and take in walking trails, a marina, two planned “Villages,” the tennis courts and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Spend your days kayaking, horseback riding, or simply reading a good novel on your front porch swing – the image at right is from one of our recent visits.

We love the rooms in the main Inn, but we prefer the cottage accommodations, which can be interconnected for families, or the private homes on property for a bit more privacy.

Complimentary for our Guests:

• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

• $60 daily breakfast credit per bedroom, served in restaurant & In-Room Dining

• $100 USD Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not valid on products, not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Cloister at Sea Island

For nearly a century, Sea Island has drawn luxe southern families to its special blend of beach, golf, and water sports, as well as its world-class dining and hospitality. It’s a perfect spot for romance too – more than 40,000 couples have honeymooned here since the resort opened in 1928.

One of several properties that makes up the Sea Island group, the Cloister is the most “luxurious” of the options and our favorite for those who like a beach-oriented stay. Rooms are distinctively done with Moorish inspiration in the décor, and many renovations have been made in recent years to bring the resort up to today’s five-star standards.

We’d suggest the beach club rooms, which are closest to the water, for a summer stay, or the larger ocean villas, which are ideal for families who wish to stay together. 

Complimentary for our Guests:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Full a la carte or buffet breakfast daily in the restaurant for up to 2 guests per bedroom (max $70.00 per day)

• $100 resort credit that can be applied to any Sea Island amenity excluding accommodations, (Not valid at retail outlets or gift shops, including, but not limited to Sea Island Shop at the Cloister, Peter Millar Collection, The Spa Shop, Tennis Shop, Yacht Club River Shop, Surf Shop, Kids' Shop, Golf Club Pro Shop at the Lodge, The Market.)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi 

Salamander Resort & Spa

Just 90 minutes from Washington DC, in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, this beautiful and pastoral resort is ideal for families and couples alike. Oversized rooms (many of which are also pet friendly) offer terraces, fireplaces for chilly nights, and connecting options. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find plenty for everyone, from strolls down to the full-service equestrian facility to outdoor pools to giant outdoor chess sets, or the charming town of Middleburg.

Complimentary for our Guests:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Complimentary Full American Breakfast for two guests per bedroom daily (Breakfast is up to $30 per person per night. Brunch total cost is not inclusive, but $30 per person can be applied.)

• $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full, excludes cooking studio, valet)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Glamping is Great

The American West has a wonderful allure, and in 2020, the added benefit of built-in social distancing. These dude ranches in Wyoming and Montana offer both private homes and glamping-style tents, mostly inclusive packages, and access for private aircraft. In our discussions with these properties, most plan to re-open most if not all services as planned, due to the nature of the activities already leveraging social distancing protocol. In many cases, homes can even be rented for longer-than-usual periods at discounted rates as well, should families wish to take a home for a month or more. We are far from adventurous travelers ourselves, and even we can say we appreciated the wide-open spaces, high-quality cuisine, and luxe amenities presented even in the glamping style tents. Should a full-service resort not appeal, we can also consult on options like ultra-luxe RV rentals, national park excursions, and private homes in many of these destinations or off-seasons ski areas such as Aspen and Park City as well.

The Resort at Paws Up

We love, if possible, combining a stay in a ranch home with a few nights in one of the glamping tents here. A cattle drive is also a favorite activity and ideal for teenage children as well as adults. For all new bookings between now and the end of June, enjoy an extra $500 towards guided activities with our compliments. They are still planning for some July 4th special activities as well.

Complimentary for Our Guests:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily full breakfast (included in rates)

• Complimentary round-trip private airport transfers

• Bottle of wine in room on arrival

• A $300 USD activity credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi 

Brush Creek Ranch

 With individual accommodations spread across 42 unique cabins, there’s plenty of privacy at Brush Creek Ranch, and many of the homes boast full kitchens as well. We also love this as an unexpected honeymoon retreat; their Magee Homestead portion of the property is reserved for guests 21 and up.

Complimentary for Our Guests:  

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Full breakfast served in Trailhead Lodge Great Room Dining Hall (included in rates)

• $150.00 per person (up to 2 paying adults per room) towards ANY premium activity of his/her choice (No cash value/nontransferable)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi 

Ranch at Rock Creek

At just 26 distinct rooms and cabins, this small Montana resort is intimate in size (perfect for a buyout) but not at all small in activities or charm. Offering everything from fly fishing to horseback riding, guests can enjoy being outside most of each day, and return each evening to cuisine grown and raised locally on the ranch. 

Complimentary for Our Guests:  

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily full breakfast (already included in the all-inclusive price)

• One premium bottle of wine upon arrival

• $100 Ranch Credit (may be used at The Granite Spa or The Mercantile)

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

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

Triple Creek Ranch

The smallest of the ranch offerings at just 23 rooms, we love that Triple Creek, a Relais & Chateaux property, offers a number of small one-bedroom freestanding cabins, making it ideal for couples. Only children aged 16 and up are welcome here as well.  

Complimentary for Our Guests:  

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Full breakfast daily included in rates

• $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Foodie Focused

Much like a ranch vacation, all of the luxurious resorts listed below are mostly if not totally inclusive, meaning food and drinks are built into the base price. They offer a wide array of outdoor activities, ranging from walking trails and fitness classes to gorgeously oversized cabins in stunning natural settings. Their distinctions are many (Twin Farms, for example, is adults only for most weeks of the year, and The Mountain caters to a slightly younger audience than sister property Blackberry Farm) but they are also uniquely positioned up and down the East Coast, with Twin Farms in Vermont, The Point in upstate New York, Blackberry Farm and Mountain in Tennessee and Inn at Dos Brisas outside of Houston, Texas (which is currently closed until September).

We’ve long loved these properties for great long weekend escapes (a three-night minimum is suggested or even required at most) and milestone birthdays, but they too often fall by the wayside for longer and further-flung trips. While none of these options are what we’d call budget-friendly, they’re well worth the splurge.

The Point

It’s worth noting that The Point, a former Great Camp in the Adirondack Mountains once frequented by the Rockefellers, is a throwback to an earlier era. Twice weekly, guests still enjoy group black-tie dinners, and the property offers a wide array of outdoor pursuits. Right now, it plans to re-open at the end of May, but programming is still TBD for summer.    

Complimentary for Our Guests:   

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Full breakfast daily included in rates

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi 

Twin Farms

Just outside of Woodstock, Vermont, we love this year-round gem that really caters to a food-focused traveler. While we prefer the “cottage” style accommodations to the main inn, there’s not a bad room in the house here. Our favorite feature is the in-room puzzles by local manufacturer Stave – they even feature puzzle-focused group events a few times each year.

Twice annually, they offer “family weeks” to accommodate little ones, and we suspect these will be extremely popular in 2020, normally children only aged 14 and up are permitted. Right now, the property has a planned reopening date of June 15.

Complimentary for Our Guests:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily full breakfast already included in the rates

• House-made honey with locally made pottery (value of $150 USD)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

 Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain

It’s rare for a discussion of a milestone event to pass without our clients mentioning these gorgeous sister properties in the Tennessee mountains. From truffle-hunting dogs and an onsite brewery to ample wellness programming and gorgeously oversized cabins, Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain set the standard that many other five-star resorts aim to follow.

Both properties request if not require a three-night minimum stay, and “Camp Blackberry,” which welcomes travelers aged 4 and up, is a great way to get kids involved in the farm fun.

Complimentary for Our Guests:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily full breakfast (included in rates)

• $100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Spa credit is not interchangeable with activity offerings or giftshop purchases).

• Welcome Amenity

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Celebrity Worthy 

Celebrities crave great service, but they also insist on privacy and discretion when they travel. After all, why travel if your home is nicer than your hotel? The below resorts are splurge-worthy in price, sure, but they also offer a combination of wow-worthy views, great service, and isolated locations that mean that both paparazzi and the ‘rona can’t track you down. 

Amangiri

The name Amangiri stands for “peaceful mountain,” and it’s absolutely true. Built into the Four Corners desert, this 34-room villa escape is the perfect front door to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce and Zion National Parks, and gorgeous Southwest landscapes.

Each of the suites provides spacious terraces with beautiful views, and many of the oversized rooms have private pools, fire pits, and outdoor spaces. A ten-minute drive away, the resort also has the new-ish Camp Sarika, a glamping experience perfect for a one- or two-night extension. 

Complimentary for Our Guests:

·       Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

·       Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom

·       Spa credit of $125 per person, once, for up to 2 guests, applicable to spa treatments scheduled between 9am-3pm

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

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

Dunton Hot Springs

If you’re a Westworld fan, Dunton Hot Springs is the place for you. This recreation Western Village is available for per-cabin or full buyout of its 13 unique accommodations (we like the Well House, with its private hot spring and wood-burning stove), making it the perfect place to distance in style. They also have a custom “river camp” available for Glamping.

Complimentary for Our Guests:

·       Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

·       Daily A La Carte Breakfast (all meals included in rates)

·       $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

·       Bottle of Sutcliffe Wine in room upon arrival

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

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi 

Ventana Big Sur

Drive the California coastline and head down to Big Sur for a trip that’s as much about the joy of getting there as it is about the joy of being there. We love Ventana (which allows guests 18 and up only) for a couple’s weekend in luxury and nature. Perched 1,200 feet above one of the most dramatic stretches of the state’s Central Coast, the adults-only, rustically romantic resort has just completed a multimillion-dollar re-imagination. Ventana’s 59 guestrooms and suites are tucked amidst 160 acres of redwood forests and meadows; each features a private balcony or patio (book a Big Sur Spa Suite to enjoy a private hot tub). Spend your days hiking and exploring in nature, and your evenings relaxing by your private in-room fireplace or in your private hot tub.

Complimentary for Our Guests:

·       Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

·       Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom (up to $30 per person credit daily)

·       $100 USD Hotel/Resort credit to be used during stay excluding retail (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

Beachy Keen

Beach travel is a must for summer. While we may not be partying it up in Ibiza or rocking with the crowds this summer on the Amalfi Coast, we’ll be exploring and indulging with a cocktail by a pool somewhere. We are more than happy to offer private home rentals in coveted areas like Nantucket and the Hamptons, or to look into your favorite resort in any coastal area. But here are a few options we particularly like for their private spaces and gorgeous views.

Sunset Key

We know, we know – you want to go to the beach. While Key West may seem like party central, we love the peace and quiet of Sunset Key, which is accessible only by a private ferry available from Key West. Each of the intimate cottages – which boast full kitchens and daily “breakfast basket” delivery – has a gorgeous private home feel, all with the relaxed and barefoot vibe Key West is known for. Rent one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom cottages to invite as many (or as few) family members and friends as you wish. Spend your days on the white sand beach before enjoying the best views of the signature Key West sunset in the whole area. Just don’t pass up the chance to have a signature Key Lime Martini at Latitudes, one of the best restaurants in the area and the island’s only dinner destination.  

Complimentary for Our Guests:

• Cottage upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (excludes 1-bedroom cottages)

• Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant.

• $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Ocean House

When we think of the beach, usually Rhode Island isn’t the spot that comes to mind first – but once you’ve seen Ocean House, you’ll never want to go anywhere else. There’s a reason that many of the Gilded Age elite made their summer homes in “cottages” in nearby Newport.

This beachfront resort offers 18 oversized signature suites, including several private homes and fully-furnished apartments right on property, as well as easy access to white-sand beaches, superior farm-to-table dining, and some of the best service we’ve experienced in the nation. For those who want the beauty of a private home with all of the services of a luxury resort, this would be our pick, hands down.  

Complimentary for Our Guests:

·       Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

·       Daily Continental breakfast for two guests per bedroom

·       $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

If you’d like more information on any of these resorts, or a customized consult and proposal, please reach out – we’re happy to discuss!

 

Itineraries

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Edinburgh Explorations

Upon arrival to Edinburgh (the easiest gateway from the U.S.), head directly for the top choice in the city— Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel. Perfectly positioned on Prince’s Street, just moments from Waverly Station, the Victorian-era hotel evokes a castle—complete with turrets and moody stone. The iconic clocktower dome that’s visible from both the Old City and the New is a bonus way to find your bearings as you explore.  We’d suggest at least two nights, but if you wish to sightsee at a leisurely pace, three is ideal.

Complimentary Amenities for LpL Guests at The Balmoral:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Full Scottish breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom served in the restaurant

• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

A mix of classic and contemporary, the recently-renovated rooms boast a chicly-natural palette of greys and soft pastels by Olga Polizzi (sis to Sir Rocco, for whom the brand is named), with pops of green, brown and grey, meant to evoke the Scottish landscape, plus cheeky modern photos featuring Sean Connery as James Bond, and touches like luxe marble baths with heated towel bars and Asprey amenities.

Ask for a peek behind the purple door and owl-shaped knocker into the J.K. Rowling Suite, so named because the author finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the hotel. There's even a bust of Hermes signed by Rowling herself in the room. 

View from Camera Obscura on my tour with Ian Black.

Don’t linger too long—although it’s tempting, either over afternoon tea in the Palm Court or in the well-appointed spa, the largest in the city—as there’s much to explore. While a guide is certainly a great way to see the historic sites, we loved a slightly different take. Book top photographer and Insta influencer Ian Black for a two-hour photo safari (from GPB 150 for a half-day), and hit everything from aforementioned Calton Hill (a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts everything from Parliament to the unfinished National Monument, plus great views) to a stroll up the Royal Mile, an aptly named stretch of the Old City that stretches between the two royal residences, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. While pointing out the best vistas (Camera Obscura, the highest point in the city and the town’s oldest tourist attraction) to historic facts (like a peek inside the Thistle Chapel, where the Queen bestows Scotland’s highest honor at St. Giles Cathedral) we found ourselves stopping for photographs along the rainbow-colored Victoria Street, pausing at various alleyways and walkways (known to the Scottish as “closes”) and ending at The Vennel, where you’ll be just below the famed Castle.

By afternoon, pick your poison – we’d opt for lunch at a spot near the hotel like Café Royal, a great spot for local oysters and seafood that’s been in business since 1826, before heading out to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a working palace still houses the Queen and other members of the Royal Family during the annual “Royal Week” in Scotland each summer.  The self-guided audio tour takes 60 to 90 minutes, mixing everything from the majestic (yes, the Queen still receives in these rooms) to the macabre (bloodstains from a 16th-century murder). Then, head to Edinburgh Castle, which once served as the city’s primary fortress, as well as a royal residence until 1633. Today, it’s best utilized during the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which takes place each August during the city’s robust festival period.

A view of the Balmoral Hotel from Princes Street.

Should you wish to take a break from the history books, Princes Street, where the hotel is located, offers a wealth of options for shopping, but we’d bypass the expected tourist destinations peddling tartan scarves and mass-market shortbread for a pop-into nearby Hamilton & Inches, a top jeweler in Edinburgh and the only place in the world where Scottish gold jewelry is available, as well as intricate silverworks made locally by a father and son team. For something a bit less precious, hit up Strathberry, beloved by the Duchess of Sussex, amongst others. Their bags feature Spanish leather, but all of these understated accessories are manufactured right in Edinburgh. For a bit of tweed to take your Scots style up a notch, hit Walker Slater (there are two, one for men and one for women) in the Old City, where you can outfit for a made-to-measure look or purchase off-the-rack.

Complimentary for LpL Guests at The Fife Arms:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily Full Scottish Breakfast for two guests per bedroom

• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Dean's Angus McCoo Shortbread

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

But for a real taste of Scottish handicraft, we’d ask the Balmoral to arrange a private session down in Leith (a trendy waterside neighborhood) with Araminta Campbell. The 30-year-old boasts her own studio with two 19th century looms, making alpaca and cashmere-based textiles ranging from luxe blanket wraps to custom-designed tartans and bedding. You can see the process at work or create a tweed or tartan for yourself (from 1500 GBP for the design session).  Like what you see? If you head to the Highlands, you’ll catch her fabrics at the over-the-top Victorian coaching inn turned haute hotel The Fife Arms in Braemar, home of the famous Highland Games, an annual test of strength and stamina attended by the royal family. 

While down in Leith, plan a quick tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served as Queen Elizabeth’s royal yacht from 1954 to 1997 and hosted everyone from Nelson Mandela to Ronald Reagan.

A suite at the Fife Arms in Braemar.

Whiskey lovers will also want to pause for a dram at the Malt Whiskey Society. While it’s technically a private member’s club, the Vaults at Leith offers private tastings of limited-edition single malts – many of which can’t be found elsewhere. Find a flavor profile you love? Head back to Balmoral’s hotel bar, Scotch, for a sampling of 500+ rare and top-notch whiskeys to further refine your palate.

For dinner, don’t miss tried but true The Witchery by the Castle, which earns its name from the hundreds of “witches” burned at the stake in the 16th and 17th centuries on nearby Castlehill.  Today, it’s a romantic, candlelit fine dining experience located in a historic Old City close. For a post-dinner nightcap or more casual yet still elevated pub fare, stop by The Devil’s Advocate, a dimly lit cocktail bar in an old Victorian pump house.

Other options for a top-notch stay include The Caledonian, a Waldorf-Astoria hotel with great views of the Edinburgh Castle from more rooms than any other hotel in the city. For boutique options, we love The Scotsman, located in the original home of the newspaper bearing the same name, as well as Fingal, a luxury yacht turned 23 room floating hotel in Leith.  

As lovely as Edinburgh is, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’re done. You can certainly pair with another city – Glasgow makes an easy secondary addition – but we’d recommend heading a bit further afield and exploring.

Pair another three to four nights with your chosen activities, including:

The Greatest Game

Invented in Scotland and documented as far back as the Middle Ages, and today, the country boasts more golf courses per population head than anywhere else in the world.  

Complimentary for LpL Guests at Gleneagles:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Full buffet Breakfast

• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not available in Restaurant Andrew Fairlie or in-room minibar, not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

While the Old Course at St. Andrews, which dates to 1574, is by far the country’s most famous, there’s great golf to be had almost anywhere you wish to go. For luxury that even a non-golfer can get behind, don’t miss a stay at Gleneagles, about an hour each from Glasgow and Edinburgh by car. The grand resort (which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and boasts four unique courses) dates to 1924 and still has a Roaring Twenties meets Scotland vibe. Dubbed “Riviera in the Highlands,” it’s a meticulously renovated grand resort in the very best sense of the word. 

Perfect for couples or the whole family, let the team of “playground planner” concierges fit you in Hunter boots and Barbour jackets to take part in an array of outdoor pursuits from clay shooting and fly fishing to off-roading in a custom-outfitted fleet of Land Rovers before unwinding in the ESPA-branded spa or indulging in a perfect gin martini prepped via table-side trolley at The American Bar. After all that activity, you’ll want to recap the day over a candlelit dinner at The Strathearn restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a tasting flight of smoked salmon or a theatrical table-side flambé of filet mignon, retiring sated and full to newly-renovated rooms done in thoughtfully muted earth tones with pops of brass, leather, and tweed. Book one of the Estate Rooms for the best views over the scenic Ochil Hills and grounds. It’s easy to fill your days with activities on the property, linger leisurely over afternoon tea (yes, they have an entire restaurant dedicated to it) or use the hotel as a home base for further explorations.

The American Bar at Gleneagles

Whiskey Wanderings

There’s no shortage of whiskey in Scotland with more than 120 active distilleries producing across five major regions. For a connoisseur, the country can’t be beaten. But for the rest of us, if you’ve seen one or two distilleries, you’ve seen them all. If you can head up north, one to make time to see is the newish Macallan distillery, in the heart of the country’s Speyside region. It took six years and more than $186 million to build, and today boasts 36 copper stills as well as nearly 1000 bottles of The Macallan dating back as far as 1936. Pair the visit with a base in Inverness (we love the newish Ness Walk hotel) and a bit of sightseeing like the famed Culloden Battlefield and of course, a trip to see if you can catch Nessie along the Loch Ness, the largest lake in the UK.

Can’t stand the smoky stuff? Not a problem. Gin is the country’s second-most-loved drink, with many local varieties offered in the form of spritzes, martinis and tonics, and local vodka (we loved Ogilvy) is also a treat. Gin elevates everything, from tea to happy hour, as does elderflower, another local herb often used in liqueurs.

Dining at Glenapp Castle

Highland Highlights

From the magnificent Ben Nevis, the country’s highest peak, to Cairngorms National Park, which offers some of the world’s best dark sky stargazing, to the iconic “Harry Potter” Jacobite Steam Train along the country’s western coast, it’s hard to head to Scotland feel like you’ve really seen it if you skip the Highlands.

Don’t miss a few days in the countryside, blending luxury hospitality at a spot like Inverlochy Castle, The Fife Arms or Cameron House (re-opening later this year) and take a few days time to see the country’s many castles, ruins, parks and more.

Speaking of castles, it’s hard to drive what feels like more than a mile without seeing a ruin or historic marker sign. While it’s tempting to pause at every spot, make time for a few major sites to avoid castle fatigue. We’d suggest Stirling Castle, about 30 minutes outside of Edinburgh, childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots and yes, a fixture in movies like Braveheart. While you’re nearby, hit up Linlithgow Palace, her birthplace and a magnificent ruin, as well as Doune Castle, another Outlander filming site that also doubled as the setting for Winterfell in the pilot of Game of Thrones, as well as the famed castle in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Culzean Castle made a fun day trip during our visit to Glenapp.

 Today, many castles and noble homes are available for visiting. Glenapp Castle, a Relais & Chateaux gem in the south, is one of our favorites, both for its gorgeous views of Alisa Craig island and for its quiet beauty, with 36 acres of landscaped gardens and activities like falconry and even a glamping program available in warmer weather. While there, plan a day trip to Culzean Castle, a cliff-top masterpiece with a country park, miles of trails, and a home that once housed private apartments of General Eisenhower.

Perfectly Planned:

But, Will it Rain?

Will it rain during your visit to Scotland? Most certainly. The Highlands get measurable rainfall more than 250 days each year, and other areas get rain up to 175. As the locals say, however, if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute and it will likely change. Just pack layers.  

Peak spring break months top out, generally, in the mid or upper 50s, while summer stretches in to the 60s and 70s, with lovely long days, that, towards the north, areas like Orkney, Skye and Loch Ness, may mean as many as four hours more daylight than London. It’s light up until almost midnight in most areas, allowing you to see and explore into and past the early evening in most cities.

August is a particularly good month, crammed with a festival nearly every weekend that infuses the city with a buzzy vibe. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a mix of art, music and theater events held at locations around the city, is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Hotels will rise to premium rates at this time, so be sure to book early.

Fall is also lovely—particularly if you fancy catching the heather in bloom across the Highlands or want a leisurely round of golf before a roaring fire and whiskey come the evening. Winter isn’t the optimal time to visit, but it does offer one bright spot— the festive period of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve, known as ‘Hogmanay’ in Scotland, are packed with great three-, four- and five-night activity packages for the whole family at most resorts, ideal for an alternative to skiing or the Caribbean for adventurous families.

Getting There:

Scotland is a relatively inexpensive option for European travel, with tickets often below $600 in Economy from major East Coast gateways.

Getting Around:

Yes, you’ll drive on the “wrong” side of the road in Scotland, but roads are well-marked and in miles, making, for the most part, driving a relatively simple task. Uber works in major cities, but private drivers are an easy fix for avoiding any hassle. Use a reputable tour planner like yours truly and we’ll get you all set up.

A Double or Triple Feature:

While Scotland certainly makes for an easy enough trip by itself, it’s easier than ever to add Scotland to a larger UK trip or a European Grand tour. Make it a 5-hour train from London to Gleneagles, or a quick nonstop from Heathrow into Glasgow, Edinburgh, or even Inverness. From Edinburgh or Glasgow, most major European cities are within a two or three-hour flight at most.

The most logical pairing would be to start or finish with London or Dublin, adding in 4 or so nights to visit London and then pairing with a few nights in major cities or a week or more in Scotland. Ireland is another easy combo; we’d suggest just two nights in Dublin plus any additional driving you wish to do around the country or mixing a week in each destination for a true taste of the UK.

If you’ve visited the major tourist sites previously, Amsterdam is a well-considered addition, particularly it offers a direct flight back to JFK.

One thing is for certain, however. One visit to Scotland and you’ll have the urge, as all road signs point to as you leave a city, to “haste ye back” as soon as possible.

This piece originally appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Woodbury Magazine, written by yours truly.

Safety & Security Update

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COVID-19 AND TRAVEL

The travel industry of today is in a state of flux and travelers are increasingly unsure of how to navigate the constant stream of information. We hear your concerns, understand your fears and empathize with the difficult decisions you have been facing. We know there is confusion and uncertainty, and we are here to help.

As your travel advisor, we are your personal advocate and we are ready to assist in any way we can. We will update this page with any relevant information and resources that may be helpful to you.

HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES:

Kindly reference the links below including general guidelines on hygienic measures that can be taken while traveling and updated status reports on identified cases in affected countries. These official websites are the most reliable sources for verified information and can easily be shared.

• CDC - CDC Coronavirus General Information

• State Department - Resource for current travel advisory notifications and precautions

• World Health Organization - General information on COVID-19

• World Health Organization - Q&A on COVID-19 

• ECDC - COVID-19 updates within the EU/EEA & UK

We recommend that all travelers enroll in a free service called The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or "STEP". This program allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

Benefits of enrolling in STEP:

• You will receive the latest safety and security information for your destination country, so you can make informed decisions about your travel

• The information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency

• The program allows your family and friends to get in touch with you in an emergency

Enroll in the STEP Program today

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES from virtuoso:

We are, as you know, a Virtuoso agency. Virtuoso allows many protections for travelers during this time, as well as while you are traveling. Suppliers are required to provide proof of financial solvency, offer advisors like ourselves direct access to the highest levels of management, and to offer benefits for travelers while they are on property or in destination. We are in constant communication with our contacts to ensure your trip is a success.

• “What Virtuoso Advisors Want You to Know About Traveling and Coronavirus”

• “Why we are Going to Keep Talking About Travel”

If you have planned 2020 travel and you’d like to discuss options and policies regarding deposits, payments, and trip adjustments, please email directly or call or text. I am here for you. I have done my best to reach out in advance of planned trips, but if we have not yet connected, let’s catch up.

New & Noteable

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It’s that time of year again. The time for New Year’s Resolutions… and ours are almost always of the travel kind. Get excited for 2020 with these new, notable, and Lily Pond Luxury approved soon-to-debut and recently-arrived hotel openings.

Domestic

New York City

2020 will be the year of high-end, resort-style brands making an entrance to the NYC hotel market. Two of our favorites include:

Aman New York from the sky.

Aman
Aman, known for gorgeously private resorts in often remote settings, enters New York with an 83 room urban resort in the former Crown Building. Expect a private garden terrace overlooking Central Park, a spa that occupies three full stories, and an indoor pool, amongst other perks.

Six Senses

Further downtown, Six Senses also plans a North American flagship in West Chelsea, boasting 137 rooms, two restaurants, and a signature spa.

Miraval Berkshires

We’re excited to see the third Miraval resort, a convenient option for our East Coast-based clients and an excellent addition to an area that already boasts a favorite in Canyon Ranch. Boasting 380 acres and a gorgeous Tudor-style mansion, the resort promises everything from equine activities to a Culinary Kitchen and of course, a fully-inclusive program of wellness activities.

Montage Healdsburg

2020 is an exciting year for luxury brands, as Montage plans its first entree into Sonoma County with a 258-acre resort and 130 bungalow-style rooms.

Four Seasons Napa

This gorgeous Calistoga resort promises Four Seasons luxury with an added bonus — a private vineyard onsite. For more info on napa, view our recent Napa luxury travel guide.

Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resort

Mauna Lani, An Auberge Resort

Once a location where warrior kings came to get a little R&R, this new Big Island resort is everything you could want from an Auberge experience on the Kona Coast, featuring amenities like an onsite Hale‘I’ike (“House of Knowledge” cultural center), farm-to-table fare and more.

Caribbean

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Rooms at Little Dix Bay

Re-opening after a multi-year closure, Virgin Gorda’s iconic beach resort is a hot ticket item for spring break and couple’s weekends. We can’t wait for the signature Tree House suites, as well as one-bedroom suites with private pools, as well as three restaurants serving local and farm-to-table options.

One&Only Mandarina, Mexico 

One of several exciting openings from the One & Only brand this year, Mandarina is an exciting entrant into Riviera Nayarit. Standalone villas, treehouses, a beach club and more make this one to watch for next holiday summer.

Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Los Cabos

Technically just opened, we’ve been waiting for ages for this exciting and sexy Los Cabos entrant. The gorgeous property’s best feature? A nearly 30,000 square foot destination spa with a super private VIP area (Casa Privada) boasting a private plunge pool, massage room, lounge and steam area just for guests.

Europe

Castello di Reschio

We’re a sucker for anything in the rolling hills of Italy, and the collection of nine farmhouses that makes up Castello di Reschio doesn’t disappoint. From an onsite equestrian program featuring Andalusian horses to truffle hunting and of course, wine tasting, there’s room to do everything or nothing at all.

Paris

Paris really never is a bad idea. Three openings in the City of Light make it an even better time to visit.

Cheval Blanc Paris

Cheval Blanc, the brand best known for over-the-top luxury in places like St. Barths and the Maldives preps for a spring Paris opening, promising 26 rooms and 46 suites in the famed city of light.

Bulgari Paris

The iconic luxury brand, part of the Marriott collection, plans a 2020 opening for its 76-room Paris property. Expect a serene courtyard and convenient proximity to major attractions and shopping, thanks to its central Triangle d’Or location.

J.K. Place Paris

JK Place Paris

Perfectly positioned on the hotter than hot Left Bank, J.K. Place’s first opening outside of Italy is going to be the destination for intimate luxury at just 29 rooms. You can expect chic touches like Hermes desk lamps, a Sisley spa, and Casa Tua, an Italian restaurant that nods to the brand’s roots.

100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

Offering up some of the best views of the famed Edinburgh Castle, this former private members club is going to be the first of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection in Scotland. We’ll keep an eye on details about this late 2020 planned opening.

Nobu London

Nobu — the hotel brand, not the restaurant — is on fire. We’re excited to see the second Nobu in London open, following sister property in Shoreditch. The second hotel will offer both a restaurant with Japanese-Peruvian fusion and 249 rooms in the West End.

Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

There’s very little not to love about a Rocco Forte hotel, and when the brand renovates an iconic Palazzo overlooking the Gulf of Palermo, we’re pretty sure we’ll be booking this one on the regular.

One & Only Portonovi, Montenegro

The perfect combo with Croatia, One & Only gives us yet another reason to visit Montenegro with the brand’s first European hotel, boasting perks like six (count ‘em!) pools, four restaurants and rooms overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Asia

Bangkok

Four Seasons Bangkok

Capella Bangkok

Located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this 101 suite-and-villa hotel offers four restaurants and a spa.

Four Seasons Bangkok

The same ownership team as the Capella brings another gem to the area with nearly-next-door Four Seasons, a 299-room resort promising a see-and-be-seen hotel with seven restaurants and bar, an infinity pool with river views, and an amazing array of local art.

Tokyo

Just in time for the 2020 Olympics, two splashy new hotels come to Tokyo.

The Tokyo EDITION

Perfectly positioned in Toranomon, one of Tokyo’s best neighborhoods, the new EDITION promises a cool cocktail bar, signature restaurant, and 206 rooms and suites.

Four Seasons Tokyo

The top six floors of a 39-story building, the city’s second Four Seasons overlooks the Imperial Palace.

All of these properties will include value-added amenities for LpL travelers including upgrades If available, breakfast for two guests daily, credits and local amenities. Reach out directly to plan your next escape.

Itineraries

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WELCOME TO WINE COUNTRY

To an outsider, Napa is often thought of as a singular destination — a city where wine is plentiful and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. It is, technically. But what many don’t understand is that the Napa Valley itself is not just one place, but simultaneously a sprawling and densely-packed area, more than 30 miles long and five miles wide, and part of an even larger 700 square mile Napa County. The area includes over 475 vineyards and more than 1,000 distinct wine brands. Despite all the hype, the Napa region still produces just 4% of the state’s total wine, the majority in small-batch, high-quality production of grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, many of which are reserved just for those visiting the vineyard and/or wine club members. Moral of the story: if you’re looking for something special, you’ ll almost certainly want to make the trip in person.

In order to divide the valley into more navigable areas, visitors tend to call Napa by wine-focused sub-sets: the foodie Yountville, the small towns with big wines of Cab-heavy Oakville and Rutherford, posh St. Helena, boho-chic Calistoga, and the up-and-coming Napa proper. To plan the ideal visit, it’s important to plot out not only what you want to drink, but the overall feeling of the visit — is it a tasting menu extravaganza, a wine buying spree, a girls’ weekend of wine and spa, romantic reconnection? Whether it’s your first trip or you’re a seasoned collector, Napa’s diverse mix of hotels, restaurants, and wine-focused experiences offer something for almost everyone.

Calistoga
Romantic getaways + wellness escapes

Many rooms at the Four Seasons Napa Valley overlook the working onsite vineyard, Elusa Winery.

For a leisurely visit of three days or more, begin in Calistoga at the north end of the Valley, where the mountainous scenery instantly puts one in vacation mode.

Complimentary Amenities for LpL Guests:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Full breakfast daily for up to two guests per bedroom

• $100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay

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

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Romance seekers should look to the newly opened Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley. The hotel is creatively nestled into the middle of a working vineyard, Elusa Winery, allowing for spectacular views throughout the property. Wander the grounds and you’ll find the 85 rooms and suites laying low between olive and oak trees, while the residential villas showcase views of the vineyard. Each room offers ample privacy, and all feature fireplaces and private terraces. It’s also one of the few resorts in the area offering multi-bedroom lodges with full kitchens, perfect for families. It would be easy to check into this resort and never leave – hiking trails, two sparkling pools, and an onsite vineyard are perfect for those seeking a little R&R. Your time in Calistoga (a renowned spa & wellness destination) wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Spa Talisa. Bathe in mineral-rich whirlpools or indulge in their signature mud & sun experience for the ultimate renewing treatment.

Just across the way, the Auberge resort, Solage, embodies a chic vibe with whitewashed buildings and a fresh, youthful spirit. We’d definitely recommend booking for a girls’ weekend or a spa-focused escape here. Their modern signature restaurant, Solbar, is a must-visit, dishing out fresh and flavorful California cuisine in a contemporary setting. The menu is evenly divided into “hearty” and “healthy” categories so you can decide how much you want to indulge.

Calistoga proper is just a ten-minute hop away. While the shopping isn’t grand, it’s still easy to spend an afternoon exploring the city’s small local bookstore, home, and apparel boutiques, or indulging in a signature soak in the area’s many mineral springs or mud baths.

Standout dining spots include Lovina, offer- ing New American fare in a historic Craftsman home. When featured on the menu, definitely order the chef’s play on chicken tikka topped with homemade lentil chips. If you’re in the mood for a tasting, end your stroll downtown at Tank Garage, which makes its home in a chic vintage service station. We also love the Calistoga Wine Stop, located in the town’s old train depot. Owner Tom Pelter specializes in local offerings and has been selling and talking about wine for more than 30 years. Ask him to make you up a case of local favorites, select the best bottles for cellaring, or even help decide the pairings for your next dinner party. We think of him as a one-man wine club without the recurring subscription.

It’s always best to make wine tasting appointments in advance, particularly if you’re looking to hit the big names like Schramsberg, known for its bubbly, or Chateau Montelena, designed to look like an authentic castle. Montelena is a name you likely recognize – it’s the winery known for putting California grapes on the world’s stage in the 1976 famed “Judgement of Paris” wine competition, as well as the setting for the 2008 comedy Bottle Shock. Don’t want to wait in line? In-the- know guests head to Davies Vineyards, the parent company behind Schramsberg, where you can also sip the sparkling stuff out of its St. Helena tasting room, as well as their red offerings under the name J. Davies.

VISITORS TEND TO CALL NAPA BY WINE-FOCUSED SUB-SETS TO DIVIDE THE VALLEY: THE FOODIE YOUNTVILLE, THE SMALL TOWNS WITH BIG WINES OAKVILLE AND RUTHERFORD, POSH ST. HELENA, BOHO-CHIC CALISTOGA, AND THE UP-AND-COMING NAPA PROPER.

However, one of the best ways to experience the area is to enjoy a small producer that offers that only-in-Napa experience. We love Frank Family Vineyards, owned by former Disney president Richard Frank. This vineyard is one of the few in Napa to offer an impressive collection of bubbly, white and red wines, many of which are named after Frank’s beloved dogs. Many days, you’ll even find Frank himself greeting guests.

St. Helena
In the center of it all

Those looking for a more walkable retreat should try St. Helena as their home base. Thoroughly central, St. Helena offers no shortage of places to stay, from the country- club chic Meadowood, with its eponymous 3 Michelin-starred tasting menu hotspot, the Restaurant at Meadowood, to the sleekly modern Alila Napa Valley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which offers walk-to-town positioning and expansive balconies with firepits overlooking the Beringer Vineyards, the intimate Ink House, or the quietly charming Harvest Inn.

Spa Lounge at Alila Napa Valley.

We find St. Helena to be the truest “town” in the valley. Its popular Main Street is a delight, where you’ll find everything from the 90-year-old Model Bakery, a Napa institution boasting English muffins so delicious they’ll make you rethink giving up carbs, to the quirky Martin Showroom, which, on a recent visit, boasted a $3.9 million T-Rex skeleton named Roosevelt amidst modern sofas and the latest chic coffee table books.

Throw a stone and you’ll hit some of the valley’s best wineries. The new and darkly sexy tasting room for The Prisoner is a must-visit, offering reds and whites at more affordable price points than many in the valley. We’ll return again and again to Hall, which offers excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as more than 33 acres of gardens with an impressive collection of over 35 pieces of sculpture and modern art. Appointments aren’t required, a rarity in Napa, so you’ll also be able to come and go as you please. Actually, some of the best experiences you’ll have here are the ones you won’t even have to book ahead or online. We can help curate custom gastro tours with invite-only wineries and chefs, bike and wine excursions, or visits to by-invitation-only wineries for our clients.

For dinner, pass on at least one tasting menu evening for the rotating selection of gourmet chicken wings or the burger at The Charter Oak from Christopher Kostow of Meadowood fame, or skip the wine for a night and try a craft cocktail from speakeasy-style local favorite Goose & Gander.

Oakville & Rutherford
Where the serious wine drinkers come to play

Just a few minutes down the road, Oakville and Rutherford offer up some of the area’s top vineyards and one standout hotel property. Auberge du Soleil, sister hotel to Solage, dominates with its hilltop restaurant, another Michelin-starred spot, offering one of the most romantic experiences available in the entire valley. For atmosphere without the $1,000-plus-per-night and up price tag, snag an outdoor table for lunch or a late afternoon drink at the no-reservation-required bistro on property.

These towns have no shortage of hard-hitting winery experiences and Cabernet Sauvignons that cost as much as your plane tickets from New York. Interested in the art of winemaking? A must-see is Palmaz Vineyards, one of the most high-tech in the valley, built into an 18-story cavern at the base of Mount George. For bragging rights, book into the newly-open-to-the-public Newton, part of the LVMH portfolio, which name drops Dom Pérignon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot, and Ruinart in their book of booze. To truly inspire jealousy amongst your wine-loving friends, grab a hard-to-get visit to only-available-with-the-right-strings-pulled Harlan or BOND, both of which boast lengthy waiting lists for their wine clubs. Hint: BOND is on this year’s Camp Napa visit list.

Yountville
Foodie focused

The French Laundry is a restaurant that has put — and kept — Napa dining on the map

for decades, and if you’re coming to worship at the altar of Thomas Keller, there’s no better place to do it than in Yountville. This is where he boasts four distinct dining ventures: the prix fixe French Laundry, which books exactly two months in advance; his signature Bouchon Bakery, where we encourage you to get both bread and a homemade Oreo; the decidedly less pricey $58-per-person prix fixe Ad Hoc + Addendum, where we recently tried the best-fried chicken on the planet; or his newest venture, a Mexican/Oaxacan spot called La Calenda.

There’s no better place to stay than the sleek Bardessono, built from salvaged stone and reclaimed wood, boasting LEED Platinum certification. It feels modern without veering at all into crunchy California territory. While you’re there, wander across the street to RH Yountville, a Restoration Hardware concept store offering a sleek restaurant perfect for brunch or lunch. Finish with an elevated tasting experience in Ma(i)sonry, a two-story wine vault in a more than century-old stone home. Youʼll experience unique flights from hand-selected area producers, many of which donʼt offer tasting experiences elsewhere. Weather permitting, lounge on comfortable sofas and enjoy your drinks in the trellised outdoor garden surrounded by olive trees and chandeliers.

Let’s be honest, we never thought we’d be so excited to visit an RH either, but their restaurant was a highlight brunch of a recent visit. Be sure to stay for a wine flight.

Napa
Buzzy + youthful

For years, downtown Napa offered little more than a stop on the way to “real” wine country, but recently, itʼs become a see-and-be-seen destination unto itself, full of new boutique (and well-priced) hotels like the Andaz by Hyatt as well as the Archer, which boasts the cityʼs only rooftop bar (Sky & Vine) as well as a Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant. Wineries like the new Ashes + Diamonds offer stylish midcentury modern décor, and in Napa proper, youʼll find actual nightlife beyond 10 pm.

Pop in and out of tasting rooms and shops as well as spots like Bounty Hunter, a popular wine shop, barbecue restaurant and tasting room that offers a standout selection of more than 400 top bottles. We could easily spend a day here in Napa _ starting with a cooking class at the Culinary Institute of Americaʼs (CIA) at Copia campus, browsing local shops at First Street Napa like the collection of artisan makers at Makerʼs Market and the food-focused Napastäk Napa Valley _ or the Oxbow Public Market, a unique collection of food stalls and farm-to-table vendors offering everything from oysters to fresh-pressed juices and one of the areaʼs only distillers.

New on the scene and just 10 minutes from downtown, Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resort, is sure to steal your heart. Impeccably designed and surrounded by 700 acres of historic working ranch land, the Stanly will offer 78 guest rooms & stand-alone cottages. Each accommodation is meant to feel like a home away from home, with its warm neutrals, outdoor firepits, and open seating areas– perfect for sipping a glass of Napa wine. If you’re in need of a re-set, the resort’s spa (Halehouse), restoration (Springhouse), & movement studio (Fieldhouse), are ideal to unleash your untapped potential. With a focus on total wellbeing, each house creates individualized programs to balance your mind and spirit. 

As you head out of town, donʼt worry, a return visit is a must, not just because youʼve likely joined at least one wine club, but because thereʼs more than enough to see to justify a second, third or fourth trip.

WHILE HARVEST FROM AUGUST THROUGH OCTOBER IS TECHNICALLY “HIGH” SEASON FOR NAPA, THERE’S TRULY NO BAD TIME TO DRINK WINE.

THE LOGISTICS

While harvest from August through October is technically “high” season for Napa, there’s truly no bad time to drink wine. Temperatures are mild year-round and rarely go below 50 degrees during the day. In fact, we prefer spring, where the area’s already lushly green hillsides become even more vibrant with blooming flowers and plants coming into their own, as well as the quieter periods during the late fall and winter when you can avoid crowds at many of the larger wineries and feel almost as if you have the place to yourself.

We’d suggest spending a night or two on the front or back end of your visit in San Francisco. The newly-renovated Four Seasons San Francisco is a great choice for an easy and modern downtown location. It’s about a 90-minute drive out to Napa proper, longer if you’re headed up to areas like Calistoga, or hit weekend or rush hour traffic. While wine plus driving never mixes, we suggest renting a car for the duration of your visit, as having a car is useful to prowl between towns during the day. We love Silvercar, easily accessible from downtown San Francisco or the airport, as they rent only three fully-loaded Audi options: the A4, Q5 or Cabriolet, each equipped with navigation, fast passes for tolls and Wi-Fi to ensure a smooth trip. Oakland, Sacra- mento, Sonoma and San Jose airports are all options for easy connections within the state of California. Note that Napa County has a small airstrip reserved for private and charter flights.

When you’re in town, drivers are a must for full-day wine touring. Many hotels offer a house car option or their own recommended driver services. Just be sure to book in advance, as wineries and drivers alike book up weeks — if not months — in advance for weekend peak season experiences. While Uber is readily available, we found the wait for rides to belong and fares high compared to city prices.

This piece is adapted from its original format, written by McLean Robbins for Woodbury Magazine.

Lily Pond Approved

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There are a few days left to fully embrace your inner witch. Halloween is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to celebrate. No matter if you’re at home or on the road, your local hotel is likely offering something sweet to make this a holiday to remember.

Check out 7 hotels getting into the Halloween spirit, our latest story over on Forbes Travel Guide.

Itineraries

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Italy is the most-requested destination for Virtuoso travelers, and Lily Pond Luxury is no exception. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you live la dolce vita on the regular, find some of our favorite spots to stay, play, dine and wine in Tuscany, below.

Know Before You Go

Perhaps no area epitomizes la vera Italia more than Tuscany, with its rolling green hills, and quintessentially “Italian” small towns, or its beautiful bounty of cheese, wine, olives and more.  

Osteria di Passignano

Cooking school done right

But what many travelers forget is that Tuscany takes up much of central Italy, occupying nearly 9,000 square miles. That’s the size of New Jersey, or roughly the size of Israel… so planning your perfect visit requires a detailed vision for the scope and style of your travels.

Florence, the state capital and cradle of the Renaissance, is the area’s biggest draw, but you’ll find diverse and worthwhile terrain throughout the region, from the posh Forte dei Marmi to the beautifully preserved Siena, where the famous Palio horserace takes place every July and August.

But to truly enjoy Tuscany, it’s less a forced march through the Uffizi and Accademia with bits of wine and cheese thrown in for succor and more a leisurely stroll through small towns, with a great resort or villa as your home base.

For a city break/country escape, we love Castello del Nero, a 12th century restored castle turned 52-room hotel just 40 minutes south of Florence, on the outskirts of Chianti country, recently re-flagged under the wellness-oriented Como Hotels brand. The hotel offers regular shuttle service to both Florence and Siena, making a day trip possible, but not mandatory. Request suite 118, with its beautiful frescoes, or 116, with a gorgeously arched ceiling, or Room 222, which boasts a 30-square-foot rain shower with two showerheads.

While you’re in town, don’t miss a dinner or afternoon at the cooking school of Osteria di Passignano, an ancient monastery dating back to the year 395, established by the archbishop of Florence. Today, the Vallombrosan Order, a type of Benedictine monk, make excellent wine on the property. The Osteria also offers a cooking school, branded by KitchenAid, where guests learn to make traditional Tuscan fare, taste local olive oils, and, of course, sample local wine.

Il Borro

Convenient combination with Florence

Similar in vibe and proximity to Florence is Castello di Casole, a Belmond Resort, one of the largest private landholdings in all of Italy – if you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the more family-friendly high-end Tuscan options in the area.

Arguably one of the best names in Tuscan wine, Antinori is a must-stop and just an hour from Florence perfectly positioned on the highway toward Siena. You can taste your way through Chianti Classico in the impressive winery that’s been in the same family for 26 generations, since the year 1385. It’s well worth a seven-wine cru tasting, as well as lunch at the onsite Rinuccio 1180, where you’ll see 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

The resorts themselves are practically playgrounds for the epicurean-inclined, but for those who want something a bit more physical for their souvenirs,  plan for an afternoon The Mall, an outdoor outlet mecca with more than two dozen shops, including massive outposts of Gucci, Valentino, Tods, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi and Prada, plus other top names including Loro Piana, Moncler, Jimmy Choo, Aquazzura and more. You’ll fight your way among tour busses on a weekend, but the sale prices are often worth the crowds. Goods are usually last season, not specialty “made for factory store” varieties. If it’s just Prada and Miu Miu you’re after, travel about an hour further afield for Space, located at the Prada factory, which boasts a dedicated outlet for clothing, shoes, and bags, plus an onsite café.

For honeymooners or those who wish to truly escape from it all, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro is another excellent option, a collection of fewer than 20 rooms and suites in a 13th century villa. Bohemian meets elegant, the resort looks straight out of an Instagram dream, with its picturesque walled gardens, infinity-edge pool overlooking vineyards, and its massive “white road” driveway lined with Cypress trees. For ultimate luxury, book one of the private villas with their exclusive use walled gardens or one of two brand new suites featuring private pools.

We spent part of our own honeymoon at this gorgeous escape.

Borgo Santo Pietro

Romantic, Perfect for Honeymooners

We loved the intimate Borgo Spa, which makes its own in-house products from the herbs and animals on the property, as well as the onsite cooking school and Michelin starred restaurant Meo Modo, which dishes up the modern farm to plate fare with a dignity one wouldn’t expect in a remote countryside resort. You’ll be walking distance (or a short Vespa) from the San Galgano Abbey, home of the famed Sword in the Stone, although if you spent days lounging by the infinity pool and never left the resort, we’d hardly judge.

If you’re headed afterward to Rome, look to Monteverdi, another high design escape that mixes traditional Tuscan with a stripped-down, minimalist modern aesthetic that could look Spartan, but instead manages to strike the perfect balance between luxurious and authentic.

Side Trips

With so much to see and do, it’s hard to say what to skip because even the small villages, such as the perfectly preserved Pienza, have their charm. It’s also possible to make an easy day trip to the walled city of Lucca, an excellent and less touristy alternative to Pisa.

To skip the true tourist traps, stay away from anywhere that actively advertises its status as a restaurant not catering to locals; photos of the food on menus or a “we ship to the States” sign are dead giveaways. Also, avoid anything billed as a “wine and cheese” tour, says Marco Amorico, of Access Italy, a celebrity favorite private tour company to Oprah, Ben Stiller, President Obama and a range of top executives, as they often serve a sub-par combination of both.

Be glad to know that all of our itineraries come with optional restaurant suggestions - we’re happy to book you a table at a Michelin-starred spot or a local eatery that suits your desires.

Tuscany’s vast size and often less-than- direct roads can make getting from point A to B a bit of a trek, but still, it’s worth heading deep into the countryside for a few days of rest and relaxation.

Uri Harash, who has been guiding well-heeled travelers around Italy for his company Perfetto Traveler since 2001, says that travelers often try to pack in more than they will enjoy. Spreading your time among three or four nights at several resorts is preferred to trying for several day trips from a city home base.

Florence Explorations

Pro Tip: Book Flytographer and rise before the crowds to capture the moment. This is us, back in 2017.

For a true Italian experience, it’s also strategic to plan your trip with ample time to relax and enjoy the Tuscan scenery. A great local guide can offer a “made in Tuscany” day to show you under-the-radar finds like an authentic producer of fine cashmere, or take you to goldsmiths or leatherworkers for a one-of-a-kind piece designed just for you.

You’ll save yourself hours of searching, and enjoy an authentic local expe-rience in the process.

When to Go

Tourist season begins in earnest on Easter Weekend and runs through September, but you can avoid crowds—and most costs—by visiting early or later in the season. July and August will bring the highest prices, and the biggest crowds. May, September, and even early October are some of our favorite times to visit Tuscany, as you’ll save cost and crowds but still have gorgeous weather.

Getting Around

While the romance of driving a convertible up and down the winding Tuscan roads or around the hairpin turns of Amalfi can seem a dream, but in reality, the unmarked roads, dust, traffic, and lack of cell service can make it a nightmare.

Private is the way to go – avoid the crowds and often unpredictable trains (except the high-speed versions between major cities like Florence and Rome) by utilizing private transfers and guides.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular visitor, maximize your time in Italy by planning for a minimum of three nights in each destination or hotel. While you may be tempted to go, go, go, skip daily guided touring for a mix of full- and half-day excursions, as well as plenty of downtime to enjoy local café culture, relax by the pool or beach club, or explore local towns and villages. 

An ideal length of the trip is anywhere from eight to 14 nights, with two to four destinations in total. Italy is also easily combined with other countries, including Greece, Monaco, France, or Switzerland.

Popular combinations in Italy include city breaks and country escapes such as Florence and the Tuscan countryside, Rome plus the Amalfi Coast, or even Tuscany and Amalfi together. Or, pair one of the destinations with an up-and-coming region, such as Forte dei Marmi, Sicily, Puglia, or Sardinia. For a family trip, try the grand tour, starting in Venice, meandering through Milan, finding fashion in Florence and then ending in Rome.

How to Get There

To begin in Tuscany, fly to Florence or Pisa, although Rome, with its direct flights, is also popular.

Even if you don’t intend to spend much time in the cities, you’ll find a night or two in Florence or Rome on the front or back end makes traveling that much easier – you’ll be easily primed for a morning return flight, and can get your quick fix of museums or designer shops.

Should you have several nights to spend in Tuscany, we’d suggest combining one or more resorts for an experience that spans several regions. In fact, for repeat visitors to the area or those staying at least a week, it’s worth considering a villa instead of a hotel for your stay.

We’re happy to source fully staffed villas for families or couples — our network extends throughout the country. These are often great options for longer stays.

Hotel de La Ville

Rome perfection

Even if you don’t intend to spend much time in the cities, you’ll find a night or two in Florence or Rome on the front or back end makes traveling that much easier, as you’ll be easily primed for a morning return flight and a quick fix of museums or designer shops. Of course, either of these destinations is worth a deep dive if you haven’t already experienced them to their fullest.

For a great Florence city center hotel, try the Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte property that just finished up a multi-year renovation this April. It’s a convenient location (just off the Piazza della Republica and right next to the Duomo) and the décor—the perfect blend of modern chic (think: chic Ferragamo-inspired paintings shoes) and historic (the property dates to 1893)—makes it a great escape.  The Lungarno property, owned by the Ferragamo family and right on the Arno, is another solid choice, as is the boutique chic Villa Cora, one of our favorites for honeymooners due to its intimate size and welcoming hospitality.

In Rome, an all-star is Hotel Eden, part of the Dorchester Collection. It’s perfectly perched on a corner in the via Veneto neighborhood, an area known for its spectacular views. Rocco Forte also boasts three great choices: Our favorite for location in Rome is the new Hotel de La Ville, near the Spanish Steps, or their all-suite Rocco Forte House.

This piece has been adapted from a story originally published in Woodbury Magazine by McLean Robbins.

Special Offers

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From time to time, Lily Pond Luxury is in receipt of special packages and offers not available to the general public. While we are always happy to curate a unique journey or experience just for you, we love to share these exclusive packages when they become available. Private and perfect for art buffs and luxury lovers alike, this unique package offers a special way to experience the gamed Grand Dinner du Louvre, currently sold out, and enjoy Paris like a local for the weekend.

What Is The Grand Dîner du Louvre?

Each year, Le Louvre sets up a magical dinner in the museum, reserved only to its curators. For the first time in its history and exclusively to celebrate the 30 years of the Pei Pyramid, this exceptional evening will take place at the very heart of the glass monument on November 19, 2019.

Guests will enjoy access to an exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci as well as a multi-course dinner prepared by the team of famed chef Alain Ducasse and enjoy an unforgettable evening.

What Am I Buying?

There are only four seats available at this incredibly exclusive one night only event and we have access to book them.
Our Grand Dîner du Louvre package includes the following:

• Three nights in an Eiffel Tower view Suite at La Reserve Hotel

• Two seats for the "Grand Dîner du Louvre" and the private tour of the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition

• Chauffeur-driven car to and from the "Grand Dîner"

• VIP welcome in the suite

• Two dressing gowns with personalized embroidering

• American breakfasts served in the suites or at La Pagode de Cos

The three-night package starts at $18,050 for two people.

Want to book or discuss your next trip to Paris? Shoot us an email today.

New & Noteable

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The REAL ID program begins October 1, 2020 and impacts all Americans 18 and older.

Beginning October 1, 2020, all Americans aged 18 and up will need driver’s licenses that are REAL ID compliant in order to board flights.

As many Lily Pond Luxury clients are already planning travel well into the fall of 2020, we wanted to share some pertinent news about how to ensure that your identification is compliant and ready for your travels, both now and in the future.

What is the REAL ID Act?

According to the TSA:

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane.

Beginning October 1, 2020, all travelers 18 years and older will need to provide REAL ID compliant identification when traveling.

How do I know if my ID is REAL ID compliant?

Travelers with a compliant REAL ID will see a gold or black star, or a star cutout in a gold or black circle in a gold grizzly bear on their license, in the upper portion fo the card.

Most U.S. states already issue compliant driver’s licenses as standard.

Certain states, including Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York, have REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses. These are both considered acceptable forms of identification. State-issued enhanced licenses are marked with a flag, and will be accepted at TSA checkpoints when enforcement begins.

How do I obtain a REAL ID-compliant ID?

You may obtain a compliant ID by going to your state’s license agency, usually the DMV. Please reach out to your driving agency in advance to make sure you have the necessary documents needed to obtain a new compliance license.

To see if your state’s ID is already compliant, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s page detailing state status.

What is required for minors?

Currently, the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

I am traveling but don’t have a REAL ID - what can I do?

Never fear! A number of alternate forms of ID are accepted. A full list is below:

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)

• U.S. passport

• U.S. passport card

• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

• Permanent resident card

• Border crossing card

• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

• HSPD-12 PIV card

• Foreign government-issued passport

• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

• Transportation worker identification credential

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

View a number of other FAQs on the Department of Homeland Security’s Website.

We have you covered, no matter where you’re going. From passport renewal assistance and visas to international driving permits, let Lily Pond Luxury take care of the details so that your travel remains seamless from start to finish.