Roam
Maroma Resort – Mayan Riviera
April 20, 2012
Taking a little break to daydream about my next vacation, although with a two-week-old baby I have no idea when that will happen. I can’t wait to plan a trip back to this resort, Maroma, one of the stops on our honeymoon several years ago. Great food, luxurious spa and accommodations, plus a perfect beach. Quiet and peaceful and romantic. About an hour outside of Cancun, so an easy and quick escape from Texas. Here’s hoping we make it back soon…
Location: Mayan Riviera, Mexico
Pura Vida Surf and Yoga Retreats
August 17, 2011
I just got invited on what sounds like the best 40th birthday party ever. A friend of mine is organizing a girls’ week at Pura Vida surf camp in Costa Rica. Daily activities include yoga, surf instruction, spa time, and excursions to local restaurants, etc. They also offer yoga retreats. Pura Vida has been recommended by Vogue and Elle and, well, just read the some of the glowing reviews on their website. Pretty sure you’ll want to sign up for what many have called a “life-changing” adventure/vacation.
Location: Costa Rica
The Backyard Restaurant – Montauk
July 26, 2011
This find is from my friend Piper, who recently lunched here (with kids) and loved it. The Backyard Restaurant is located mostly outside in the gardens of Solé East Resort in Montauk, with a fire pit, tiki torches, day beds, and occasional live music (Thursday night is reggae night and Sunday brunch brings Brazilian tunes). The menu offers fresh seafood from local fisherman, organic meats, and vegetables from local farms. It’s also known for it’s five specialty cocktails, named after the owner’s children. Tell me the Myles doesn’t sound heavenly: Cruzan silver, peach puree, nectarines, mint and lime.
Photo from Hamptons magazine.
Location: Montauk
The Surf Lodge – Montauk
July 25, 2011
One of the best places to drop in for a sunset drink (overlooking Fort Pond) in Montauk. And don’t miss the boutique. The Surf Lodge is also a 32-room hotel that offers a summer concert series, outdoor surf movies, surf lessons, and a popular restaurant. This is its fourth summer and it’s still going strong.
Location: Montauk
Viceroy Anguilla
July 10, 2011
This one is from my friend Bart, who just visited Anguilla. I’ve always been a fan of the Viceroy Santa Monica, but the pictures of Viceroy Anguilla look 1000 times more heavenly. Just as Bart mentioned–The art! The architecture! The view! You are going to want to check out the entire photo gallery on the website. It’s officially on my getaway wish list.
Location: Anguilla
Four Seasons Hotel – Austin
July 5, 2011
A last minute business meeting spurred a 24-hour visit to Austin with the family a couple of weeks ago. Usually we stay at the San Jose, mostly because we can take our kid and our big Labrador, and I also like the hip pool/bar scene and the ability to walk to Jo’s, Guero’s, Stag, etc. But with such late notice it was booked. So we went with the Four Seasons. I was quickly reminded of how brilliant the Four Seasons is for kids. Stuffed animals as gifts on arrival, wonderful rollaways or cribs, kid bath robes and bath products, kid options on the menus, and a family-friendly pool scene. Yet it still manages to feel like a luxurious getaway. While entertaining my two-year-old at the pool I met a few other Dallas parents who had come down for the weekend to do exactly that. I see a lot more visits in our future. And for those of you traveling without kids, it is certainly not so full of families to ruin your serenity. There are travelers of all sorts, as well as locals hanging out at the pool and restaurants. (Trio is especially good for fine dining.) Plus it’s downtown and right on Lady Bird Lake.
Location: Austin
The Cloister – Sea Island, Georgia
June 20, 2011
I love my friend Casey’s taste in travel even though our tastes sometimes differ. She loves old world elegance, which I can certainly appreciate and enjoy, even though I usually opt for venues that are more hip and modern. It’s her passion for the classics that has led to my dream of visiting Villa D’este–I have vivid images in my head of a magical trip there just from hearing her talk about it. She and her husband recently vacationed at The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia with their young children and another family, and once again her recaps have me romanticizing my own trip. So for those of you who like historic, luxury resorts, and are looking for a great family vacation on the beach, The Cloister is highly recommended by my friend, and trust me she knows her stuff. www.seaisland.com
Location: Sea Island
Rock House Hotel – Harbour Island
April 29, 2011
Every getaway destination seems to have one. The chic boutique hotel. Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island has 10 rooms, a lively bar, and the restaurant where fashionable vacationers congregate for dinner.
The bar area is next to the pool, which has private cabanas and outdoor dining. This is where you are seated for dinner if you come with small children, which we did. The main dining room has a view of the marina and the sunset. My husband asked how old kids have to be to sit in the main room, and the staff said they have to be in their teens. Mr. S then replied, “Well, she’s 2, but she’s old for her age.” Actually, the cool pool area suited us just fine. And thanks to our iPad, we had a lovely dinner. Most people were out without kids, but we did see a few others. French fries and pasta were available. The attire was beach-y chic. It reminded me of the fancier hangouts in the Hamptons.
As for staying at the hotel, it is on the marina side of the island, so you’d have to walk or take a short golf cart ride to the beach. But for those who like the well-designed boutique hotel, this is it for Harbour Island. Whether you stay there or just visit for a drink or dinner, do not miss the signature cocktail, the Goombay Smash, supposedly a favorite of Robert DeNiro. It was the best drink I had throughout our entire vacation.
Location: Bahamas, Harbour Island
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
March 23, 2011
I know a lot of us are constantly on the hunt for cool places to vacation with kids that allows both the kids and the adults to have a good time. For me that means a beach, a pool, and food and drink service. Two of my good friends highly recommend staying with kids at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. While the rooms and suites are not over the top luxurious, they are right on the beach and come with all the perks of being a member of the exclusive club. That means you have access to the kids’ club, restaurant, tennis, swim, workout facility, playground and more. With the beach plus all the charming beach towns and the San Diego zoo and Sea World nearby, you have the makings of a great family vacation any time of year. www.ljbtc.com
Location: La Jolla
Hotel Christopher – St. Barth’s
February 28, 2011
Still dreaming of a beach vacation? I am. Some friends of mine were staying at Hotel Christopher last year when I was in St. Barth’s, so I dropped in to check it out. It is a little out of the way, but the island is so small that it really doesn’t matter. This hotel has a great pool and oceanside restaurant, both were even kid-friendly. The pool has a giant shallow area, which was perfect for my little girl. The rooms are newly updated and rates are less than many other hotels on the island. My friends were having a romantic getaway there, and that’s another thing that is great about it–it works for both a family vacation or relaxing R & R. www.hotelchristopher.com
Location: St. Barth's
