Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! Before we move onto the topic of the week, I have exciting news to share with you.
Join me on February 24th at 7pm EST for a first-of-its-kind virtual travel event. You’ll learn from a panel of experts about where to go, how to plan, what to wear, and how to pack for your next vacation.
The link to register (note space is limited) and get more info is here: http://bit.ly/registrationFeb2421
Bonus – all attendees will be entered into a giveaway for an awesome travel basket, including a $100 gift certificate from NIC+ZOE and some handy packing tools from AWAY thanks to Tidy Nest.
More details below. Questions? Email me 😊
Moving along, the long, double-holiday (Valentine’s Day and President’s Day) weekend is almost here. What are your plans?
Typically, this weekend and week are a peak travel period which means high prices with limited availability, especially at the last minute. Many people are staying local this year but make a note to yourself for next year – plan well in advance if you want to do something special!
Speaking of special, couples’ getaways are on my mind with Valentine’s Day on Sunday. The romance sector of the travel industry is huge, and there are many options for incredible vacations for two, beyond honeymoons (or babymoons, secondmoons, or buddymoons 😊).
Whether you’re in a romantic couple or a platonic pair, the inspiration for destinations and experiences in this newsletter will get you dreaming about your next awesome vacation together any time of year.
You deserve to look forward to an adult getaway! Whether beach or forest appeals, read on with your loved one or a good friend for the scoop…
Enjoy laid-back luxury and rustic elegance at Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn resort in gorgeous Belize. Thatched roof cottages with private decks are just steps from the white Caribbean sands.
Relax in a hammock, swim in either of the two infinity-edge pools, and explore the incredible waters by snorkeling, diving, or kayaking. Consider becoming a certified diver so you can get up close to the underwater paradise of coral reefs and exotic tropical fish.
Coppola’s love of cinema, wine, and food make this hideaway experience unique! Virtuoso clients are VIPs with valuable perks.
Hidden Gem Itinerary Tip: When in Belize, visit the world’s only jaguar preserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
All-inclusive in Cabo, Mexico
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Cabo San Lucas on the west coast of Mexico should be added to your travel bucket list. There are many hotel options for all kinds of travelers!
If you’re after an adults-only resort with total relaxation, a fabulous spa, fantastic food and top shelf drinks, butler service, and overall excellent value for your dollar, Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos is a top choice. My clients stay as VIPs!
You can be as active as you’d like. Take a catamaran ride on the Sea of Cortez, whale watch, and tour historic San Jose. Or lounge by one of the four pools and read a juicy novel in between spa treatments and tropical cocktails. See for yourself here: https://www.leblancsparesorts.com/los-cabos/en/gallery#group_101-1
Note – If you’re dreaming about your next awesome vacation together with a shorter flight, there is also a Le Blanc in Cancun.
Caribbean Islands – St. Lucia & Anguilla
I love that every island in the Caribbean has its own personality and vibe!
For example, St. Lucia is often called the most romantic island in the Caribbean. It’s more mountainous and volcanically active than many of its neighbors, has gorgeous sugar sand beaches, and offers activities for adrenaline junkies. Jungle ziplining, hiking the Pitons mountains, and biking to waterfalls keep active travelers exploring. For couples, I love Ladera resort nestled in the majestic Pitons – a UNESCO world heritage site!
If you’re after a mellow island vacation, Anguilla offers 33 picture-perfect white sand beaches. This British overseas territory is only a stone’s throw from the islands of St. Maarten and St. Barths. Anguilla is very small – only 16 miles long by 3 miles wide; it’s shaped like an eel. There are no malls, only small, locally run shops which adds to its appeal.
I recommend staying at unique Belmond Cap Juluca (pictured) which offers 23-whitewashed Moorish villas, with turrets, domes, and parapets that seem to rise from the white sands. Virtuoso perks apply!
Napa Valley, California
Moving away from beach destinations, I spent Valentine’s Day weekend in Napa Valley in 2019. Despite being February with the vines dormant, I appreciated the mild, occasionally rainy weather and lack of crowds.
For a future couple’s experience, I recommend Las Alcobas, a Virtuoso network boutique hotel next to the historic Beringer Estate winery in St. Helena. Clients describe it as “modern yet cozy,” and a 5-star experience with the spacious rooms, indoor-outdoor decor, farm-to-table dining, and holistic spa.
All 62 guest rooms have private balconies with serene views. Very relaxing and romantic. For 2021, Virtuoso clients enjoy a $100 credit and breakfast for two each day!
Hidden Gem Tip: I also recommend the Las Alcobas sister property in Mexico City’s vibrant Polanco district.
Adults-only, all-inclusive in Pennsylvania
The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning, all-inclusive, adults-only destination spa resort in Pennsylvania’s lake region that’s only 95 miles from New York City.
The spa is heavenly with pools with Hydromassage WaterWalls, indoor/outdoor whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and a state-of-the-art CardioWeight studio. Collective sigh…
For activities, there’s a robust list offered right now, including stimulating workshops, creative arts classes, gourmet cooking demonstrations, mind/body classes, and hiking and birding outdoor excursions. Thinking spring, summer or fall and love to golf? There’s an 18-hole course nearby!
Of course, Virtuoso guests are VIPs here 😊
Dreaming about your next awesome vacation together? If you’re ready to learn more, here’s the direct link to my calendar to schedule a chat: https://calendly.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting/45min
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration and couple’s experiences. And I post a video every Wednesday…
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
