The island of Lana’i feels a world apart from the other more developed Hawaiian Islands. Lana’i is a special destination where you’ll find adventure, tranquility, romance and breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.
It is the smallest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands, covering 140 square miles. It was once known as the Pineapple Island because over 20,000 acres were covered with plantations.
Today, Lana`i is considered Hawaii’s most secluded island and the place to go if you want a very relaxed, private vacation. It has a unique and unusual beauty and is the ideal destination for couples that want remote luxury.
Lana’i also offers a range of activities and excursions to keep you busy including amazing hiking trails, biking, world-class golf courses, horseback riding, snorkeling, off-road adventuring and five-star dining.
You can even rent a jeep for the day and drive to beaches that are entirely yours to explore!
When visiting Lana’i be sure to stay at the Four Seasons Lana’i. The resort is perched on top of red lava cliffs and overlooks white-sand beaches, the Pacific Ocean and Hulopo’e Bay, a marine sanctuary that’s a playground to spinner dolphins and humpback whales.
The property features a main building and nine separate two-story buildings housing 213 guest rooms, including 45 suites. The resort was recently redone and the decor is gorgeous!
There is a wide range of luxury suites with panoramic views of the Pacific or the stunning hillside.
Enhancing the grounds are five lush botanical gardens, featuring cascading waterfalls and serene koi ponds.
The resort has gorgeous swimming pools overlooking Hulopoe Bay. There is an adults-only pool that offers a peaceful, lagoon-style setting, complete with whirlpools.
The central pool allows children of all ages. You will be well taken care of while relaxing at the pool, as the staff regularly come around with Evian spritzes, chilled towels, frosty Popsicles, sunglass cleaning, a selection of magazines, complimentary sunscreen and flavored ice water.
There are countless activities to keep you busy on the property. I recommend seeing the island with a UTV tour.
For a unique experience that will provide you with a bird’s-eye view of the island, take a helicopter ride. You’ll get to spend the full day flying over coffee estates, remote beaches, and active volcanoes. Land for a gourmet picnic lunch, hiking tour, or a visit to a local attraction.
Or better yet, sit in the pilot’s seat during a private flying lesson, where you will learn to perform basic maneuvers such as takeoff, cruising and landing.
Also, make sure to also carve out some time for a visit to their spa, Hawanawana. The spa focuses on ocean-based products and their treatments are inspired by the healing powers of the sea and are uniquely tailored to each individual guest.
Finally, there is an amazing selection of restaurants located on the property offering everything from steak to seafood to sushi. My favorite is their Japanese restaurant Nobu, which offers an extensive selection of sakes and traditional Japanese dishes as well as sushi.
Lana’i is a destination not to be missed! If you’d like to start planning your honeymoon or vacation to Four Seasons Lana’i please email me. Not only will you be VIP guests but you will receive complimentary breakfast daily, the best rate available, a $100 hotel credit, plus top priority for room upgrades.
I recently explored Utah where the state motto is “Life Elevated.” No two words better describe this beautiful untouched stretch of the American Southwest because everything from the landscapes, to the sunsets, to the amazing outdoor adventures, is taken to the next level! For those who like to keep busy, Utah is the dream destination with no shortage of activities from hiking to fishing to river rafting to mountain biking. Utah is also home to a handful of beautiful National Parks, offering some of the most unique landscapes and rock formations anywhere in the world.
Choosing where to stay will be the easiest decision that you make because everything will pale in comparison to Amangiri! Meaning “peaceful mountain,” Amangiri is part of the exclusive Aman Resorts hotel collection. Their destinations are renowned for their space and privacy and are meticulously designed to frame their natural settings. There are only two properties within the United States, one of which is the breathtaking Amangiri!
Amangiri is located in a secluded and private valley in Canyon Point and overall has a very unique look because it was built directly into the landscape.
The resort has 34 suites as well a four-bedroom accommodation, all of which have been designed to embrace the area’s raw aesthetic with clean lines, natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Each suite has a private outdoor lounge and fireplace providing incredible views of the desert’s unique rock formations.
A few suites also come with a private pool and a roof terrace offering full panoramic views.
The property has wonderful amenities to ensure that you relax and unwind while vacationing in the desert. There is a beautiful outdoor lounge with expansive views of the desert as well as a large pool that has been built directly into the rock formations.
The property also serves delicious food that is inspired by the American Southwest and made primarily from locally sourced ingredients.
And no trip to Amangiri would complete without a visit to the spa! The Amangiri spa has a relaxing ambience with candlelit hallways and spacious treatment rooms that overlook the desert and they offer unique treatments that reflect on the healing traditions of the local Navajos.
There are also fun activities for guests every night including campfire s’mores and stargazing! Be sure to spend an evening unwinding on the outdoor beds. They are a unique feature at Amangiri and the perfect way to stargaze in the desert.
Finally, make sure to take advantage of the amazing hikes and canyon tours that are in close proximity. Don’t miss their exclusive Via Ferrata hike with ladder rungs, fixed cables, and a 232 foot suspension bridge with the most stunning views!
Horseshoe Bend is also a must see but try and go early to avoid the crowds.
And finally don’t miss the 3-canyon tour visiting the famous slot canyons that takes you to Rattlesnake Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon and Owl Canyon.. They are amazing and truly a sight like no other!
Amangiri is the perfect destination for both a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-fulled adventure. Please email me if you’d like to start planning your vacation at Amangiri. We will make sure you that you are well taken care of!
Photo credit: Scott Clark Photo
With harvest season just around the corner (late August to October), I decided to explore Sonoma County. Sonoma is a unique wine region with a slightly different feel than Napa. Tasting rooms in this region can range from simple and rustic to elaborate wine castles and with more than 425 wineries, miles of beautiful coastline, towering redwood forests, farm-to-table dining, and amazing boutique hotels and resorts, Sonoma makes for the perfect romantic getaway.
There are many options when visiting Sonoma from large resorts to boutique hotels but I recommend making the Farmhouse Inn your home when visiting wine country. It’s one of Sonoma’s most unique and luxurious properties and is located at the center of the Russian River Valley, surrounded by vineyards, redwoods and just minutes from the coast. The Farmhouse Inn is a 5th generation family-owned and run business with siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei currently managing the property. You’ll often find them on-site, handling the day-to-day operations.
The Farmhouse Inn offers 25 luxurious rooms & suites that come with private outdoor spaces, gas or wood burning fireplaces, steam showers, jetted bathtubs and unique décor that is both rustic and chic.
Guests of the Farmhouse Inn are given VIP access to 12 of the best wineries in Sonoma and after a long day of wine tasting you can come back and relax and unwind at the beautiful pool or enjoy the various fire pits and outdoor seating options.
There is a beautiful Spa that features bold architectural accents, richly textured hand-woven fabrics, and simple elegant furnishings. There is a full menu of services many of which utilize products and produce that are grown and harvested at The Farmhouse Inn. Local honey, herbs and heirloom cider apples are used in many of the treatments offered at the spa.
You won’t have to travel far to eat amazing food. There is a Michelin-starred restaurant on the property that features an ever-changing, farm-to-table menu, using ingredients from the Farmhouse Inn’s ranch as well as other local artisan farmers. Wine pairing options are also available and there is a special wine program that allows diners to taste local wines chosen to perfectly complement their meals.
The Farmhouse Inn combines the hospitality of a family-owned bed and breakfast, with the service and amenities of 5-start luxury hotel and is the perfect spot for a romantic and relaxing escape. Please email me if you’d like to plan a getaway to Sonoma. Harvest season sells out quickly so I recommend booking at least 4 months in advance.
Four Seasons Hualalai has a lot to offer a couple. It’s located in paradise on the Big Island of Hawaii, and this resort has all of the amenities so that you can do as much (or as little) as you’d like. Plus, they offer champagne picnics every night at sunset, the perfect end to a perfect day in our opinion! Find out more about our benefits below.
THE SCOOP
Beautiful resort on the beach with gorgeous pools. Resort is spread out along the beach and offers a lot of privacy. Incredible restaurants on the beach with fire pits and live music in the evenings.
THE PERKS
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), breakfast daily, and a $100 food & beverage credit.
MORE INFORMATION
Read about my time at Four Seasons Hualalai here!
Surrounded by emerald jungle and pristine white beaches, Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya defines a private world of rare luxury and refined beauty. I had the absolute pleasure of staying here a couple years ago and I can’t recommend it enough! The suites are so beautifully designed and very spread out, offering a lot of privacy. And the service here couldn’t be better!
THE SCOOP
Resort is set on lagoons and a gorgeous beach. Unique accommodations over the lagoons, most with a private dock. All suites have an outdoor deck and a private plunge pool. The resort also offers incredible food and service.
THE PERKS
When you book with Ever After Honeymoons, you will receive an upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), breakfast daily, and a $100 spa credit. We oftentimes have access to exclusive specials as well!
MORE INFORMATION
See more about this incredible hotel in my latest post here. And of course email us if you are interested in staying here!
