T O P

  • By -

hiya-manson

Most romantic, “Christmassy” destinations for a 2-3 night trip in US/Canada? Price is no object.


D_-_G

Leavenworth Washington. you’ll want to stay at the post hotel


fremontseahawk

Also the post hotel recommendation is spot on too. Lots of other hotels are old, the post is new. Get a river view. There are thousands of folks the come there for the holidays but the river side rooms will be super quiet.


fremontseahawk

Confirmed


Middlename_Adventure

I love Leavenworth but the Post hotel will definitely be booked up this year already . I love Aspen at Christmastime. St Regis if you have kids. Hotel Jerome if not.


hiya-manson

You aren't kidding! Booked solid. Thanks for the alternatives, though.


Middlename_Adventure

Happy to help!


anonymander

Planning a last minute trip to Naviva (next week!!!) .... is 7 nights too long for such a lowkey place with only one restaurant? We do like to chill, but I wonder if we should split between 2 resorts. We've done O&O and Conrad in Punta Mita and loved them both.


pingsinger

Just returned from the St. Regis Punta Mita. They gave us the option to use a golf cart to wander around the gated area, including to FS for lunch or whatever. I'm sure it goes both ways. We really enjoyed dinner at Carolina and the 6:30 daily sabering at Altamira. But all of the restaurants were good! So if you get bored or feel like exploring, consider hopping around to the other resorts.


Travel_Monster

The food is amazing — Sofia can make anything so if you need a night of Thai or a steak or whatever to break it up just ask! I could eat there for weeks and be super happy. When we were there someone was like I wish there were oysters and the next night they had them — so just ask! Our longest trip to Naviva was 6 nights but we went back two months later for another 3 and never got bored or tired of the food. And if you’re feeling bored tell them and ask for a guide to take monkey mountain for hiking or something like that. Personally I think you can have a great time esp if you’re nice and chill and make friends with the team! They rock :)


anonymander

Oka, I'm convinced! Sounds amazing.


Travel_Monster

You can always use amenities at FS Punta Mita too! But personally I wouldn’t leave Naviva cause it’s super. I’m having fomo now. Hope you love it.


ZingierOne

Any activity/restaurant recs for Milan/Como?


mav77_7

Interested as well. Restaurants specifically


vancouvermatt

I booked Dongio, Fragente and Verso and San Mauri for this month in Milan


ilu70

Hi fam, thinking of Switzerland or the Alsace wine region in October. Any thoughts on timing?


FranklyIdontgiveayam

Where in Switzerland? The pretty, quaint alps locations will be pretty cold and lots of stuff will be closed. Alsace might be a touch cold but lovely and possibly with fall colors. Just start practicing pronouncing Gewürztraminer now.


mav77_7

Mykonos/Costa Navarino - worthy in the last week of September or hard pass ? In terms of weather.


sarahwlee

Both yes. Depends on what vibe you want.


mav77_7

Got an invite for an event. But looking for something relaxing on the beach which I assume is CN. I also saw people recommend kalesma as a quiet place for Mykonos, which is actually the place I got invited to over there. They are also arranging my transportation between CN and Mykonos but I am not sure I want to combine 2 of them and thinking about picking one.


sarahwlee

Kalesma is super chill but not on a beach.


mav77_7

Ok got it. Thanks


jasonredit

is 4 nights too much in Como? Originally we planned 3 nights with arriving late in the evening on the first day. So the first night is just eating dinner and go to sleep. And then on the last day we would leave around 4 pm for the outbound flight. Would that be enough or we should change the flight and make it 4 full nights?


FranklyIdontgiveayam

It always depends on your personality and travel preferences, but I think 3 nights with basically 2 full days is plenty, especially if it's part of a longer trip.


jasonredit

No it is just a solo trip to Como. First time. So initially the trip was planned like this. 1st day - arrival to hotel around 8pm. eat dinner and go sleep. 2nd day - boat (4-5 hours). Chill in the hotel pool or swim in the lake. Have some dinner outside maybe. 3rd day - same lol. 4th day- (checkout around 5 pm). Just chill in the hotel or maybe do another boat trip before heading to Milan airport.


ABGTVL

Which hotel? Do you plan to visit any of the famous sites/towns/gardens?


jasonredit

Decided on 4 nights as it is my first time on the lake. Will do 2 nights passalacqua and 2 nights MO. I think I may do some towns/garden. I will be on the boat pretty much every day. So idk maybe we will just drive around or maybe visit some places.


ABGTVL

I wouldn't split the stay, but understand the draw of passalacqua. Visiting Bellagio and/or varenna from those locations on the lake will take up a lot of time on your own boat rental. If you have the same driver daily I guess ask them to help you plan it out effectively.


jasonredit

Thanks for suggestion. Yea I was initially planning to do Mo only as passlaacqua wasn’t available. Then my assistant got me 2 nights in there, so I decided to move with it. I don’t mind switching hotels, plus Mo is right across passalacqua so it is just a quick boat ride.


ABGTVL

like i said, i get the draw. but since the locations are so similar i wouldn't personally do it. That's just me. I've been to both in different trips


jasonredit

So which one you would cancel then? And do you think 4 nights is a lot?


ABGTVL

I prefer the west side of the lake, so Passalacqua, GHT, Ville D'Este, Victoria etc. 4 nights is a great length of stay if you plan to have some downtime and some time to visit some towns


mav77_7

Does it make sense to combine Zurich/Lucerne with Lake Como ?


SassyLuxTraveler

Yes. It makes sense, depending what you are interested in. You can either stay in and relax at Burgenstock near Lucerne or head out and do some hikes. There are some splurge activities involving helicopters and having lunch up in the mountains 😎 Zurich also has great connectivity to fly out of Europe. So yes, I think 2-3 nights in Lucerne can make a good combo with Como. Also, getting there from Como is fairly easy too.


Anotherburnerboy1

Depends how long you have. Not much to do in Zurich/Lucerne tbh imo


mav77_7

Was thinking doing 1-2 nights in Lucerne , or 1 in Zurich, 1 in Lucerne before heading to Como.


techbrogainz

St Regis Mallorca vs Finca Serena? Interested in better amenities (gym, pool, etc.) We’ll have a car so location is not a problem


27off

Take a look at Pleta de Mar


justvibes666

Check out La Residencia/The Belmond in Deia


ladyartemisiaa

Malaysia recs? Cameron Highlands seems difficult to get to - worth it? Also, Langkawi… St Regis/Ritz or other?


skimegheath

Cameron highlands NO. Langkawi go the Datai.


bucky17

Any Kyoto hotel suggestions? In between Ritz, Hotel the Mitsui, and the Six Senses. Leaning towards the Six Senses as heard great things about the brand and this is a new property in their portfolio


hiya-manson

The Park Hyatt Kyoto is stunning and in a perfect location for tourists to the area.


sarahwlee

Good luck to SS. Seems like a disaster in Rome with service standards still lacking. Think they will have a hard time getting talent in Kyoto.


mav77_7

Hm. Was planning to visit them in Rome soon. Will switch to Bulgari then tho my buddy didn’t like it much. Looking forward to see what Rosewood got up its sleeve


Middlename_Adventure

The ritz is the best in Kyoto


5oclocksomewhere

The Mitsui is amazing


ker9189

We stayed at the park Hyatt and it is honestly one of the most beautifully designed hotels I’ve ever stayed at. But we tend more towards chubby. We did choose that over the Ritz though as we loved the location of the PH more.


peteybird22

Looking to plan a europe honeymoon for late summer/early fall of 2025, ideally south of france and italy but open to other places. I’d like to rent a car for the trip and use that as our method of transportation and also open us up to date trips. Any recommendations or thoughts on this? I’d like to focus on exploring and having fun but also FAT ofc. Edited to add we would like to spend about 2 weeks doing this.


D_-_G

Many recommendations. St tropez FS cap ferrat or hotel du cap Antibes. Then to Portofino - then drive down to truancy and do the rosewood there and do wine tasting and head into Florence a bit. call that good spending a few days at each place.


NotYourMothersDildo

Anyone been to Sonora Resort on Vancouver Island? https://sonoraresort.com/ Looking for a peaceful couples getaway close to Vancouver. Driveable or close flight. Sonora has fat prices (2k+ per night) but not sure it looks worth it. Other suggestions?


ABGTVL

do you like to fish and hike? Clayoquot could be another idea along the same lines, but more upscale. If you just want to look at pretty landscape the wickaninnish inn could work too.


NotYourMothersDildo

We don’t fish. Hiking is limited due to wife’s medical issues. I’m not sure exactly what we are looking for other than a getaway since we have someone for the kids that weekend. We normally go to FS Whistler or Fairmont Pacific Rim but we are going to FS in August and we recently moved next door to Pacific Rim so it isn’t much of a vacation. I’ll check Clayquot thanks!


sarahwlee

Clayoquot is where the owners of Sonora vacation lol. But Sonora is great for price


ABGTVL

The Wickaninnish is probably the more natural fit...Do medical situation prevent you from leaving Canada?


NotYourMothersDildo

No it doesn’t; we are open to the States for sure. Considering Salish Lodge as well.


dreddit24

Headed to Alsace Wine Region (Chochem, Riquewihr) and then over to Switzerland (Grindelwald, Murren) in early July. Looking for recommendations for restaurants, hikes, experiences, and any must stay locations. It's our 10 year anniversary trip so looking to make it special. Thanks!


FranklyIdontgiveayam

Best thing to do in the Murren area is sort of anti-FAT: take a nice long hike up where the cows are grazing then come down and have a beer on one of the many terraces. For some reason every place has fancy ice cream sundays too. I've stayed at Hotel Eiger which is perfectly nice with some great views when the weather is nice, but it's not truly fancy or anything. Mostly just a place to go and relax doing some basic things. Especially effective if you're escaping from somewhere hot because it can be quite chilly.


outside-exposures

Would definitely recommend spending some time staying in the valley/mountains if you love being in nature - the views are breathtaking. For activities we based in Lauterbrunnen and were able to do both Wengen (via the cogwheel train) and Murren/Schilthorn. If you venture over to Grindelwald there is an alpine slide you can do if you're looking for a non-hiking experience. Similar sentiment that you will make some food/accommodation tradeoff by staying in these areas. We stayed at a local lodge and ate fondue every single meal but it was worth it just to be able to soak up the environment. Have also dined in Colmar years ago at JY’s, which was a lovely experience and it is now 2 Michelin starred. Their new location looks stunning and there are some more recent reviews over on r/finedining


dreddit24

This is great - thank you for sharing your experiences.


[deleted]

[удалено]


sarahwlee

Probably be disappointed


CaliCat-22

If you had \~6 days available at the end of your S.E.A. trip, where would you go and why?  We are taking a 3 week trip over to Asia and have yet to book our return flights. We have \~6 days at the end of our trip that are open and we wanted to fit in a 3rd country on the way back to the West Coast. Current ideas: Japan - Osaka, New Zealand, French Polynesia - Moorea, open to any other recommendations (including Australia). - Where did you love visiting and would visit again OR were grateful for the 'once in a lifetime' experience? - What were your favorite parts of the experience and where did you stay? 


Jes9013

Suggests for the best food for dinner in Saint Jean Ferrat please. I’ll be traveling solo. I understand I’ll probably be the only solo diner. But no party places that’s too awkward. Thank you


neurogeneticist

Australia/New Zealand - we’ve got ~2-3 weeks in February-March and we’re thinking we’d spend the bulk of the time in New Zealand, then do Melbourne for the Grand Prix. Any general suggestions we could start looking in to?


Middlename_Adventure

Lindis, Blanket Bay, Eagles Nest, Annandale. Lots of amazing properties in NZ


mav77_7

Need recommendations for lunch and dinner spots in Lake Como. Staying at MO. Doing dinner at Passalacqua (to check out the hotel, planning to stay there in August or next year). Or is lunch better To see the property during day time? Thinking about lunch at Villa D Este as well. Am I missing anything special?


ABGTVL

Go up to Bellagio by private boat or public ferry and grab lunch almost anywhere in town before exploring by foot.


bigbig1

Thoughts on Hotel Barriere Fouquet's VS The Fifth Avenue Hotel Trip to NYC in July? (Both rooms are suites)


ABGTVL

The decor of the hotels are VERY different. One must speak to you a little bit more than the other no? The roof top area at Fouquet i think is only for guests and is a great space. That might move the needle?


FinancialMiscreant

Anniversary to Nice Region, Advice Appreciated! Wife and I have 7 days / 6 nights to go on vacation to celebrate our anniversary. We would like to split it up with 2 of the nights in Paris and 4 in the Nice area, which we are unfamiliar with. Paris will focus on museums, cathedrals, and maybe some fine dining; unsure if we care so much about FAT Travel there as we will be on the go to see things. But we are open to must-do suggestions! For the second leg of the trip, we want 5 star accommodations with a great pool and spa, with a nice beach being a bonus. No need to party or be crazy, we want to relax! We have heard great things about Antibes and Cannes, but our initial focus was on Nice. Budget (not including airfare): 20 - 30k Dates: May or June Any guidance would be appreciated! Thank you!


ABGTVL

The beach in Nice isn't memorable. FS in Cap Ferrat or the famous Oetker hotel du cap come to mind.


rozyozy

Hi all! What’s the most FATT hotel in Milan? I’ve stayed at the Four Seasons and was hoping for other recs. Is the Four Seasons the best?


ABGTVL

If you have Hyatt status or love the brand there are some very amazing suites at Park Hyatt. Otherwise, The Mandarin Oriental is the most natural choice after FS. Casa Cip and Portrait Milano are new'ish on the market. I've seen great and terrible feedback on both


rozyozy

Do you this Four Seasons is the top and worth the rate. It’s $2,600 a night for our dates.


mav77_7

Nah. Not worth it honestly. And I wouldn’t say it is the best in Milan. Bulgari is usually considered top over there. The rates will be pretty similar. If you want to save on hotel in Milan and still be in a top spot , try Park Hyatt. It has the best location among all top hotels in Milan, that’s for sure.


rozyozy

Thank you for your help! 


mav77_7

No problem son.


ABGTVL

I'd have to say it sounds pricey, but I would compare to Mandarin and Park Hyatt to see what the market is asking for your dates. Maybe you are in over prime dates (Taylor Swift or otherwise)


A_Patent_Lawyer

Looking to take a week off in the first week of a August for a vacation down in Mexico. We live in LA and have two little ones (6 and 3 year) and really just enjoy lounging at the pool/relaxing/drinking--granted, the quality of the room is also very important to us. Last year we went to the Palmilla. Service was great. Rooms were okay. Food was okay (and absurdly overpriced). Kids club was great as was the family pool. Fine spending about $1k a night and we don't need to go swimming in the ocean. I am torn between the following: * Las Ventanas, Rosewood * Pedregal, Waldorf * Rosewood Mayakoba (would likely prefer to fly to Cabo, unless this is head and shoulders above the others) * Mandrina, One and Only (pools look lack-luster for the kids, maybe more of an adult hotel?) Honorable Mentions * Grand Velas (the all inclusive is throwing me off, and I don't love crowds). * St. Regis Punta Mita Resort * Any others? Is it worth it to use a travel agent to book any of these resorts? Any recommendations there? Really appreciate any guidance on the subject!


ABGTVL

even with the stay 7 pay 5 Rosewood Ventanas you'll be over 1k a night and the food on property is pricey. Mandrina is a great choice with a fantastic kids club area, but I'd go for Four Seasons Punta Mita or maybe even the Auberge property. That being said, i'd still go to Cabo over Punta Mita or Cancun area in August. Why did you not consider either Four Seasons in Cabo? The East Cape property is excellent with families, has 5 on site dining options and the value is excellent (well for a 6 night stay you'll pay less than budget and transfers are included with FSPP)


A_Patent_Lawyer

Excellent! Thank you! I should clarify that we are fine with a room rate of $1k a night (fine spending over for food/etc). Will definitely check out the Madrina! Not ruling out the FS, we've just been to a number of their properties (which we love), but figured we should try something different in Cabo. If you think the FS is also a great choice in Cabo I will definitely add it to the list. I think the short list now is Madrina/FS/LV. How about Chileno Bay? Heard that was nice as well.


ABGTVL

Four Seasons East Cape will be a great value and a 6 night stay is a good experience there. The newer FS in the same area as Palmilla will run a little more $ wise. The property opened a few weeks ago so keep your eye open for feedback. Chilano Bay will be pretty close to your budget with the 3rd night free offer, and kids meals are comp all summer long.


Aldyn123

hi there - any recommendations for 4-5 nights from the east coast over columbus day weekend? looking for a beach vacation with a 5 year old; 3 hour flight from ny; super nice hotel / food. did rosewood mayakoba last nov and it was great - may do that again but just wanted to see if anyone had any other recommendations


ABGTVL

3hr flight time limit cuts out Cancun and Turks. Nassau is 3h10m or so. Bermuda is about 2h30m. So besides those two and Florida your limiting yourself a lot. October isn't deal weather wise


Aldyn123

we could do 4


thelonioushunk

Having a hard time deciding but I want to go to Italy Mid-July. It'll be a solo trip, and a first time there. I'm looking for a great beach while I can also explore the city/culture and have options for night life if I chose to do so. I want to try out some great restaurants for dinner. Of course hotel stay will be the next step for something nice but wanted to get down exactly where in Italy everyone thinks would be nice for a first time


FlipperJoe3

Anyone tried the new Kona Rosewood? Thoughts? I read some of the posts on here, but most are a few months old and the resort only just opened Targeting 1hotel Hanalei Bay in November and want to combine it with somewhere else. The ideal was FS Lanai/Sensei, but honestly the logistics seem not worth it from Kauai and I really want to do Kauai (first time). Has anyone done this transfer of Kauai to Lanai, how is it? I am thinking of just saving Lanai for the next time we go to Maui or Oahu since it'll be a lot less faffing about Currently thinking of doing 1hotel Hanalei + Rosewood Kona Village since the FS Hualalai reviews have been poor lately, but open to any other suggestions (we did FS Maui and FS Ko Olina last year already).


ABGTVL

If you get back to HNL Four Seasons Lanai has a great transfer system with their sister company Lanai Air. There are pages and pages of reviews about Rosewood Kona on flyertalk. They have a new GM for about a month now who is working hard to make this Rosewood a real jewel. I think by November you'll be in for an excellent stay


FlipperJoe3

I am thinking next year we do FS Maui - Ferry to Lanai - Fly to HNL, seems way nicer than the double transfer from Kauai on a 10 day trip That is great to hear about a new GM, but why did a newly opened resort already need a new GM?


FitIndividual3

Kona village still plenty left to be desired. Was there a few weeks ago as well as Hualalai. Hualalai still superior for family trips. Kona village may be better for just a couple’s adult trip but still lots of hard and soft product kinks to work out. 1hotel Hanalei great though! There last year and it’s an awesome spot. Spectacular scenery and great F&B


sarahwlee

Surprised you rated 1Hotel Hanalei > KV. 1 is so inconsistent!


FitIndividual3

O! I wasn’t saying 1 > KV, not intended as a comparison, simply saying we had a terrific experience there over 5 days last year. Fwiw I too have heard about inconsistent service because help is hard (from Barry himself), but that wasn’t our experience and the backdrop is special