Posts

Posted on

Paséa Hotel and Spa: Cool Kids Summer

Located in Surf City USA Huntington Beach, California, Paséa Hotel and Spa is the perfect escape to a coastal paradise where luxury meets family-friendly fun. With its idyllic location just steps from the beach and a short walk to the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, stunning ocean views, and a host of amenities tailored for families, Paséa Hotel & Spa offers an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. From relaxing poolside to playing at the beach to exploring all that Huntington Beach has to offer, it is the ultimate destination for a Southern California vacation or staycation.

Our family enjoyed a lovely staycation over Memorial Day weekend. With summer right around the corner and school vacations starting up, it’s a great time to plan a fun-filled escape for the entire family!

From the moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted by an ambiance of elegance, sophistication, and a seamless blend of modern design and coastal charm. With its coastal-inspired decor, comfortable seating areas, and beautiful art displays, the lobby offers a captivating and welcoming atmosphere providing a seamless transition into the luxurious and unforgettable stay that awaits guests at this coastal paradise.

Cool Kids Summer

Cool Kids Summer has officially arrived at Paséa Hotel & Spa! This summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can enjoy exclusive family-friendly programming, including daily Kid’s Swim, Kid’s Happy Hour, Beach Picnics, Movie and Activity Nights, and more.

Pick up your Cool Kids Summer activity guide at the front desk to start the fun! Here’s just a few things that families traveling with children can enjoy at Paséa this summer:

  • Kids’ Swim: Daily from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Kids’ Happy Hour at Blend (featuring items in their honor): Daily from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
  • Family-Friendly Beach Picnic Baskets at Blend: Available Daily
  • Movie & Activity Nights: Select Thursdays – Saturdays around the Hotel

You can book a Cool Kids Summer Package* which includes a kids beach amenity, $150 resort credit and access to Paséa’s Cool Kids Summer daily events. Your resort credit can be used anywhere at Paséa including at Blend for kids picnic baskets or smoothies, kids meals at Tanners, yummy in-room dining and much, much more.

*Two-night minimum stay required. Available for new reservations only. Not available for group bookings. Blackout dates apply. Based on availability. 

Accommodations

The hotel boasts a variety of exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites, each offering views of the Pacific Ocean. With stylish decor, plush bedding, and modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrooms, you’ll find comfort and elegance in every corner.

We stayed in a Ocean View Guestroom with two queen beds, which was perfect for our family of four. Located on the north and south sides of the resort, these guest rooms welcome you to step onto the balcony and soak in the views of the legendary Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. Available with either one king or two queen beds, these rooms feature ocean-inspired décor and indulgent amenities. Custom Frette® linens, intoxicating luxury Aarna Spa bath products, and exclusive hooded sweatshirt robes and flip-flops encourage a relaxing, rejuvenating stay. 

Ninth Island Pool

The highlight of any family vacation for our kids is always the pool, and Paséa Hotel & Spa’s Ninth Island Pool did not disappoint! They loved splashing around in the heated pool and it was so relaxing to just hang out by the pool and enjoy the best of Southern California. All hotel guests can enjoy pool access with complimentary towel service for guests, lounge chairs, an oceanfront pool, as well as a whirlpool and hot tub.

For an enhanced pool experience, guests can reserve a cabana or daybed and a limited number of day passes, daybeds and cabanas can be purchased through Resort Pass for those not staying at the hotel.

To the Beach!

Paséa Hotel & Spa boasts an enviable location in Huntington Beach, California, which is renowned as “Surf City USA” and is celebrated for its pristine coastline, vibrant surf culture, and endless outdoor activities. The hotel’s prime location ensures easy access to the beach, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the sun, sand, and surf within moments of stepping outside. Beach amenities like towels, beach chairs, umbrellas and sand toys are included in every stay. It’s an easy walk across the street or you can hitch a ride from one of the hotel’s friendly beach butlers who can transport you and all your beach essentials with their exclusive pedicab service, available all summer. Just swing by the front desk to pick up your beach gear and reserve your beach butler!

Tanner’s Restaurant

From its inviting atmosphere to its innovative menu, Tanner’s (the hotel’s on-site restaurant) is a culinary haven that delights both locals and hotel guests alike. You can enjoy the best in locally sourced, contemporary coastal cuisine with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean from both indoor and outdoor seating.

Tanner’s Restaurant goes beyond offering exceptional food and ambiance. The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensures that every guest enjoys a memorable dining experience. From their warm hospitality to their expertise in guiding you through the menu and recommending the perfect pairing, the team at Tanner’s Restaurant strives to make your meal a truly unforgettable occasion! We had a fantastic family dinner at Tanner’s.

Tanner’s is open for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch.

Why stay at Paséa?

With its prime location, exceptional amenities, and unparalleled hospitality, Paséa Hotel & Spa is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable coastal getaway!

*Many thanks to Paséa Hotel and Spa for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

A Family Stay at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran is a family-friendly luxury resort in South Bali conveniently located near the beach of Jimbaran Bay and just a short drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Jimbaran offers a unique combination of luxury resorts within an authentic local community. It has a more relaxed feel than its busy neighbors Kuta and Seminyak up the coast while still being one of the most accessible areas in Bali. Jimbaran is a great place to stay for families and one of the biggest draws is the beach which offers soft sand and ideal swimming conditions. Jimbaran is also known for its many seafood restaurants which serve catch of the day sourced directly from local fishermen. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran is located just behind these beachfront seafood BBQ restaurants. While we did enjoy the beach which is just steps from the hotel, we were happy to spend most of our time relaxing on the resort property.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a warm welcome, a buggy ride to the third floor lobby, and a welcome drink. The lobby was bright, airy and modern and there is always someone at the concierge or reception desk to answer any questions or assist with any of your needs.

Lagoon Access Rooms

There are 118 rooms and suites at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, all of which have large balconies and some that feature direct access to the hotel’s star attraction: an enormous, wraparound saltwater lagoon-style pool. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the suites which had direct access to the pool and it made our stay extra memorable. Our suite (101) was located on a corner so being part of the lagoon, it was literally like having a private pool right off our balcony.

We stayed in an Avant Garde 2 Bedroom Suite with lagoon access and it was massive! At over 1800 square feet, we had a separate dining area, a living room, 2 bedrooms (one with two queens and one with a king bed) and THREE bathrooms! More than enough room for all of us to spread out and feel right at home.

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran offers luxurious rooms and suites, featuring a range of amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. All rooms are elegantly designed with a modern Balinese decor, and feature plush and premium bedding and pillows, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep. The rooms also come equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

The spacious and well-appointed bathrooms feature a separate shower and bathtub, as well as premium toiletries and soft towels.

The spacious and well-appointed bathrooms feature a separate shower and bathtub, as well as premium toiletries and soft towels.

Lagoon Pool

One of the standout features of Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran is of course its stunning lagoon pool. The pool is a true oasis, surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees, providing a tranquil setting for families to relax and unwind. The lagoon pool is 1300 square meters and a meandering body of water that snakes its way through the resort’s gardens, creating several secluded coves and private areas for guests to enjoy. The pool also features several bridges and walkways, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery. And the unique design of the hotel means that all rooms either have direct access to or a fantastic view of the pool from the room balconies.

Families can spend hours lounging by the pool, taking in the beautiful surroundings, and enjoying the warm Bali sunshine. The main lagoon portion of the pool features several cabanas and loungers, perfect for those who prefer a little more privacy and seclusion.

The pool bar is also a cool feature of the main pool and serves a range of refreshing drinks and light bites.

Make sure to take advantage of Happy Hour from 2-4pm every day where there are 2 for 1 drink specials!

Fun for Kids

For families traveling with children, the resort has a range of activities and facilities to keep them entertained other than the pool. The Kids Club is perfect for children aged 4 to 12 years old and offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, and cooking classes. The resort also has a family-friendly pool with a separate children’s area and a beach club with complimentary beach toys and games.

During the day, there are organized games run by staff members. We all had fun participating in “coconut bowling.”

The games were led by our favorite staff member, Alit! He, along with all of the other staff members, were so friendly and attentive. From the moment we arrived, everyone knew our names and was happy to assist with anything to make our stay more enjoyable. This is truly what impressed us the most about the property!

Our kids also loved getting an afternoon treat at Le Scoop at WaLa, which offers delicious Gelato flavors. as well as food and drinks such as french fries, popcorn, croffles, tea and several choices of smoothies.

Delectable Dining

Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran has several dining options, including the Bamboo Chic restaurant, which serves up an excellent fusion of Asian and Western cuisine. We had breakfast daily as well as dinner at Bamboo Chic, which boasts a stunning setting overlooking the pool and gardens. The restaurant’s modern design and Balinese decor provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing morning meal or a fine dining experience during the evening.

We absolutely loved the breakfast buffet which offers both local and international flavors, catering to all tastes and preferences. The buffet features a variety of dishes, including a selection of fresh fruits and juices, pastries, bread, cereals, and yogurts. For those looking for something more substantial, there are hot dishes such as sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, and omelets cooked to order.

The buffet also offers a range of local specialties, including our favorites nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles). We also highly recommend trying out the noodle bar!

Overall, the breakfast buffet at Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran is an excellent way to start your day. With its wide range of dishes and beautiful setting, it’s sure to leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day’s activities.

We also enjoyed a wonderful family dinner, specially prepared by the resort’s head chef, Boy Syahputra Ginting. Chef Boy leads the hotel’s culinary team of 25 staff in Bamboo Chic Restaurant, Le Scoop at WaLa, Smoqee Sky Bar, Pool Bar, as well as banquet culinary operations at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious!

In addition, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran offers a delightful afternoon tea experience for families to indulge in. The afternoon tea can be served anywhere on the resort property you like, and we chose to enjoy our service right on our balcony! The afternoon tea includes a selection of sweet and savory treats, along with a variety of teas and coffee.

Rooftop Views

Those planning events in Bali will appreciate the resort’s versatile event spaces, including the remarkable Bale Banjar ballroom with its 360-degree glass windows and breathtaking ocean views. The ballroom is the perfect venue for weddings, conferences, and other events, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the Jimbaran Bay and the surrounding landscape.

Above Bamboo Chic, the Smoqee Lounge and Sky Bar is perfect for enjoying drinks and cocktails while taking in the stunning views of the ocean and sunset.

If you’re looking for a luxurious and serene escape in Bali that is also family-friendly, then Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran is the place to be. This five-star resort offers a combination of modern amenities, warm hospitality, and breathtaking ocean views.

*Many thanks to Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare

Our family was fortunate enough to stay at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit on our most recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is an easy three hour direct flight from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, and we simply love this area along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The resort itself is located just 15 minutes from either the airport or downtown Puerto Vallarta, but feels like we are in our own little secluded slice of paradise.

The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the only luxury all inclusive resort located on the beautiful Bahía de Banderas to receive the AAA Five Diamonds award for excellence in quality and service. The Grand Velas “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” concept creates a sublime vacation experience difficult to match, with gorgeous ocean view suites, a massive three-tiered infinity pool, and incredible dining options throughout the resort.

Your luxurious all-inclusive vacation begins from the moment you step into the lobby of the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a warm welcome and a refreshing welcome drink, setting the tone for the rest of their stay. We also all enjoyed mini massages from a massage therapist from the resort’s spa. We then met with our personal concierge and took a quick tour of the property before checking into our room. Your personal concierge is available 24/7 to answer any questions or set up any reservations or activities you would like to do while on property. Throughout our stay, our personal concierge checked in with us daily to let us know of the activity schedule and to help us with any of our needs.

All-Inclusive Resort

This was our first time at an all-inclusive resort, so it was a little hard to believe that ALL of these amenities were included in our stay:

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte or buffet at Azul
  • Beverages and snacks at Selva del Mar restaurant
  • Dinner à la carte any of the resort’s 4 signature restaurants:
  • Premium-brand domestic and international beverages
  • Minibar in suite, stocked daily
  • Recreational activities program for children and adults
  • Kids’ Club with daily activities program 
  • Ultra-modern Teens’ Club
  • Live entertainment in selected seasons
  • Life Fitness Center, fitness classes and personal trainers.
  • Tennis and paddle tennis courts
  • Watersports (kayaks, boogie boards)
  • Infinity pool and kids pool
  • Infinity Jacuzzi
  • Pool & Beach Concierge 
  • 24-hour Personal Concierge
  • 24-hour gourmet suite service
  • 24-hour Business corner with computers, desk and printer 
  • Premium high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Smoke-free hotel
  • Parking lot and Valet parking
  • All taxes and gratuities

The resort property is just stunning and is so well maintained. The views from all directions were simply spectacular.

The all-inclusive package at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit includes also includes access the Koi Bar and Aqua Bar located in the infinity pool. We also loved all the thoughtful details like complimentary sunscreen and coconut waters around the pool. Everything to make your stay extra special!

So what’s not included? The resort offers the following services and amenities for an additional cost:

  • Airport Transportation
  • ATM
  • World Class Spa, massages and Water Ceremony
  • Beauty Salon
  • Boutique and gift shop
  • Car rental
  • Taxis and Transportation
  • Convention center
  • Audiovisual equipment
  • Photography session experience
  • Meeting & Event Facilities
  • Banquet & Event Catering
  • Doctor On Call 24 Hours
  • Stand-up paddle and surf boards
  • Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services

Suites

The beachfront resort features 267 ocean-view suites. Yes, every room is a suite, starting at 1,000 square feet and ALL suites at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit have ocean views with private terraces, some with private plunge pools or jacuzzis. Families or larger groups can utilize the Family Suite or the Two or Three Bedroom Residence units to take the entire clan to a luxury vacation overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Every suite includes an indoor jetted tub to help with relaxation. A minibar restocked daily is included in the all-inclusive fee for the hotel.

We stayed in a 2-bedroom family suite and it was enormous. The living area include a sitting area with couch and tv, a dining table, and a bar. Plenty of space for all of us to spread out and relax.

There were two spacious bedrooms, each with their own private balconies. One bedroom had a king-sized bed and the other bedroom had two queen-sized beds.

Each bedroom had a private bathroom and there was an additional bathroom off the living area, so a total of three bathrooms!

The main terrace off the living area had a private jacuzzi and incredible views of the pool and the Pacific Ocean. We thoroughly enjoyed the jacuzzi and watching the sunset from our terrace each night.

Dining

Some people think that the quality or selection of food suffers at all-inclusive resorts, but we found the exact opposite to be true at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. There were so many different options to choose from and everything we had was absolutely delicious! The resort boasts a wide variety of dining options, from gourmet Mexican cuisine to international fare. Guests can choose from six different restaurants (four of which have received AAA Four Diamond awards), each with its own unique atmosphere and menu. Each offers distinguished cuisine and presentation, gourmet culinary experiences and impeccable service.

Sen Lin: The ancestral culinary art of the east arrives to Riviera Nayarit with a fusion of different Asian cuisines.

Frida: Named after one of Mexico’s most loved artists, Frida serves local artisan cuisine connected with the deep roots of Mexican heritage.

Lucca: Flavorful Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, including fresh seafood and pastas.

Piaf: Classic French cuisine crafted with an innovative spirit. Children must be 12+ to dine.

Selva Del Mar: Poolside snack bar with views of Banderas Bay offering fresh, light foods – from ceviche to burgers to salads. Open daily for lunch.

Azul: Casual oceanfront restaurant that defines waterfront dining in Puerto Vallarta. Buffet open for breakfast and lunch.

We ate at the resort’s buffet and ordered room service for breakfast, ate poolside for lunch and we dined at a different gourmet restaurant every night! There is a dress code for all of the resort’s gourmet restaurants (elegant casual attire is required) and it was so much fun for our family to get dressed up and go out to dinner. Truly a memorable dining experience we won’t forget!

Kids’ Club and Teens Club

Two places we spent a lot of time at during our stay at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit were the Kids’ and Teens’ Clubs! Both have been recently remodeled and part of the all-inclusive resort rate. This includes supervision by highly trained professionals whom are kids loved.

The Kids’ Club has comfy individual nooks set aside for video games, tons of tables and chairs for playing board games or doing arts and crafts, and a super comfy lounge area with a huge screen tv for watching movies or singing karaoke.

The Teens’ Club features an extensive game room complete with a dedicated food and beverage counter, video game books, TikTok creator lounge, pool table, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, karaoke set with vintage dance floor and more.

The Kids’ Club and the Teens’ Club are both open until 11:00 pm which meant we could go grab a drink on our own at the Koi Bar after dinner, while the kids enjoyed themselves. Such a bonus!

Spa

For those looking to relax and unwind, the resort’s spa is a must-visit. The award-winning SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has been named among the best spas in the world by Condé Nast. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, from traditional Mexican therapies to modern Western techniques. With 20 peaceful treatment rooms guests can indulge in over 30 holistic treatments, massages, exfoliations, body wraps, hydrotherapy, facials, hand and foot care and rituals, with all-natural products, plant extracts, oils and aromas.

I was fortunate enough to receive a 50 minute Serenity Massage, and arrived at the spa about an hour before my scheduled appointment to participate in the Grand Velas Water Ceremony, or hydrotherapy circuit. Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic process of treating the entire body with water at varying temperatures. The hydrotherapy circuit included a luxury hydrotherapy area with separate water features and sections for men and women to feel healed by the power and healing of water. The entire process was guided and included:

  • JACUZZI – The pressure of the jets and temperature of the water help to relax muscular tension and provide a moment of internal peace.
  • SAUNA – Enjoy the benefits of dry heat, which is ideal for detoxifying the body through the process of perspiration.
  • EUCALYPTUS INHALATION – Inhaling this natural plant extract helps decongest your respiratory passages.
  • STEAM WITH CHROMOTHERAPY – This steam balances the vital centers or chakras, relaxing you through your sense of sight.
  • HOT AND COLD LAGOON – The aquatic contrast of hot water helps to relax the muscle structure. The cold activates vasoconstriction, encourages vascular fitness and revitalizes the immune system.
  • SENSATION SHOWER – The action of cold water evens out the temperature of the body to avoid imbalance from the heat of the steam and sauna.
  • HYDRO-REFLEXOLOGY – Hydro-reflexology activates blood circulation in the legs and soles of the feet.
  • RELAXATION AREA – Before your treatment, a Spa Butler will pamper you with several minutes of rest on our lounge chairs, relaxing your shoulders with a warm, soft neck pillow of aromatic seeds. Your eyes will be relaxed and hydrated with fresh slices of cucumber and you will enjoy a cold towel scented with orange.
  • GOURMET DETAILS – Enjoy natural fruit-flavored waters to refresh your palate, along with whole grain cookies and fresh and dried fruit served by your Spa Butler during the water journey.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Water Ceremony as well as my massage and left the spa feeling so relaxed and refreshed!

Family Memories that Will Last a Lifetime

We loved every minute of our stay at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit all inclusive resort. If you are even thinking about planning an all-inclusive family vacation, this is the place to go. You will not regret it! We hope to return some day soon.

*A HUGE thank you to Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for hosting our family. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

Portland with Kids!

We spent the first couple of days of our summer PNW road trip in Portland, Oregon. It was the first time for all of us to Portland and though it was short but sweet, we enjoyed our stay. It’s a fun city with a very distinct vibe and great to visit, especially during the summer time when the weather is gorgeous!

Downtown Portland’s South Waterfront

Where to Stay: Hotel Rose

Finding the right hotel in a new city can always be a little daunting, but because we had already stayed at a Staypineapple hotel previously in Seattle and loved it (you can read all about that stay here), it made things much easier when deciding where to stay in Portland. The Hotel Rose (reflecting Portland’s nickname, “The City of Roses”) has a great location in downtown Portland, directly across from Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the Willamette River and offers easy access to nearby shopping, dining and outdoor recreation.

Portland is known as being an artistic, vibrant, and somewhat wacky city (ahem – “Keep Portland Weird”) and the Hotel Rose definitely keeps this perception alive. From the colorful and art-deco inspired lobby to the sleek and stylish rooms, this hotel is anything but ordinary!

The rooms at Hotel Rose are spacious and comfy, and have all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, like flat-screen TVs with streaming capabilities and Keurig coffeemakers. We stayed in a waterfront room with two double beds and it was great for our family of four. The room had a lovely view overlooking Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Willamette River.

There are so many unique perks that come with staying at a Staypineapple hotel, so make sure to take advantage of all their signature amenities like:

-The Naked Experience (cloud-like European-style individual duvets, cozy robes, and big thirsty towels, easily the most comfortable you will ever be in a hotel!)

-Afternoon Delights (coffee and their signature pineapple cookies available every day in the lobby at 3 pm)

-The CORE Welcome Drink (choose from a selection of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverages)

-Dog Friendly (extra fees apply but Staypineapple hotels are the most dog-friendly hotels we have ever seen!)

-Self Parking

-Smoke Free

-Pineapple Quick Bites and Bevvies (snacks and drinks available for purchase in the lobby)

Additionally, covered in the $20.00 daily amenity fee, you get free unlimited bottled water, high speed Wi-Fi and streaming, complimentary beach cruiser rentals, in-room coffee and tea, and a fantastic fitness center!

We highly recommend staying at the Hotel Rose for your next trip to Portland! The location is fantastic and the hotel has so much to offer to make your stay pleasant and comfortable. Special shoutout to Guest Services Manager Kennedy for being so friendly and helpful!

Where to Eat: Bottle + Kitchen

Portland has some great places to eat but we didn’t have to go very far to have an amazing meal. By far the best dinner we had was at Bottle + Kitchen, conveniently located off the lobby of Hotel Rose 🙂

Bottle + Kitchen is open for breakfast and dinner and serves up locally sourced, seasonal all-American fare and craft cocktails.

We tried a little bit of everything from their all day and seasonal menus including the pulled pork nachos, pretzel bites, chicken street tacos, the chef’s daily soup, bacon wrapped dates, a delicious beet salad, and of course the pineapple ice cream sandwich for dessert. Great food and even better service!

Whether you’re staying at the Hotel Rose or not, stop into Bottle + Kitchen’s located on a casual-chic corner of Downtown Portland. It has exactly what you need after an adventurous day in Portland – a fun, colorful atmosphere and ridiculously delicious food and drink!

Things to Do

Though many people might think of Portland as a paradise for hip young adults (known for its coffee connoisseurs, artisans and eco-loving hipsters), that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun things for families with kids to do in the City of Roses. 

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Located just 30 miles east of downtown Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway, Multnomah Falls, the two-drop cascade attracts visitors of all types and ages.

Of course Multnomah Falls is a must, but the Columbia River Gorge offers amazing views, hiking and mountain bike trails and more than 90 waterfalls. Our favorite trail was Horsetail Falls/Ponytail Falls. You can view Horsetail Falls from across the parking lot and then it’s a short but steep hike up to Ponytail Falls where you can actually go behind the waterfall through a basalt half-tunnel.

FYI, through September 5th, permits will be required from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm to access Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor. You can reserved timed use permits on the Recreation.gov website.

Hood River Lavender Farm

Not too much further up the Historic Columbia River Highway, you can head up towards Mount Hood, and we stopped at Hood River Lavender Farm. It’s open and free to the public and provides a welcoming and relaxing environment for people to stop and smell the lavender. You can shop lavender products in their store or enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds. Hood River Lavender Farm shares their location with Stave & Stone Wine Estates and the property has beautiful views of the surrounding areas.

Oaks Park Amusement Park

Located just a few miles south of downtown Portland, Oaks Park has been “where the fun never ends” since 1905 and is among the oldest continually operating amusement parks in America. The park offers the best vintage rides, kiddie rides and the latest in extreme thrill rides so there’s something for everyone!

This is a perfect place to take the kids in Portland during the summer and it was very family-friendly. We had so much fun on so many of the rides including the Tilt-A-Whirl, the bumper cars, the Big Pink Slide, Zoom Coaster, Tree Top Drop, Rock and Roll, the go karts and more!

If you get a ride bracelet, you can easily spend several hours to all day here! And if rides aren’t your thing, there’s also carnival games, mini golf and a roller rink. Plus, this season, the historic Carousel and Oaks Park Train are free to ride so everyone is welcome to enjoy these vintage pieces of Portland’s history at no charge!

Make sure to check out Oaks Park for a full day of family fun next time you’re in Portland!

That’s a wrap on our Portland trip! We definitely had a lot of fun exploring a new city and hope to be back someday soon!

*Many thanks to Staypineapple Hotel Rose, Bottle + Kitchen, and Oaks Park for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

Four Seasons Punta Mita with Kids

As many of you know, my husband and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary last year at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (you can read all about that trip here) and the second we arrived we knew we would need to bring the kids back with us because it is so family-friendly…so that’s just what we did! A couple days after school got out, we flew to Puerto Vallarta (lots of quick and easy direct flights from LAX) and started our summer vacation in Punta Mita.

There is something really special about this resort. Every single staff member is friendly and makes you feel at home. It was so much fun showing our girls around a place that my husband had already been. They absolutely loved being greeted with a welcome drink upon arrival and then being whisked off to our casita on a golf cart!

Accommodations: Two-Bedroom Family Casita

Ideally located near the heart of the resort’s family offerings, the two-bedroom family casitas sit on the Lazy River and are adjacent to the Kids For All Seasons and Teen Container facilities. Ideal for family vacations, the suite’s oversized indoor and outdoor spaces are perfect for spreading out.

The first bedroom had a king-sized bed and a well-appointed bathroom, a sitting area and outdoor patio.

The connecting room had a huge bunk bed, bean bag, table and chairs and an additional bathroom and patio. It was so nice to have two bedrooms for our family! The kids loved having their own room and it was nice for my husband and I to have our own room as well so that after they went to bed we didn’t have to sit in the dark 🙂

We were surprised with so many goodies for the girls and chips, salsa, guacamole and margaritas (for the adults) which we all enjoyed!

Again, the two-bedroom family casitas are circled by the Lazy River so you can literally walk outside your room and hop in! It is definitely the best place to stay for families.

Pools and Beaches

There are three pools at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, and though we loved the adult-only Tamai Pool during our last trip here, we stuck to the Lazy River and the Nuna Pool this time around. Both are fantastic for kids!

Lazy River

Quite honestly, we could have probably just spent our entire time at the resort’s Lazy River. It is so family-friendly and our kids absolutely loved it! Inner tubes are readily available so you can just grab one and float away 🙂 The pool offers food and beverage service, lounge chairs and towels.

Nuna Pool

The main pool called the Nuna Pool is absolutely breathtaking with an infinity edge that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. We had so much fun playing in this pool and enjoying the beautiful views.

Don’t miss the complimentary ice cream cart every day at 3 pm as well!

Beaches

The resort offers access to two private beaches – Cuevas and Manzanillas. At Cuevas Beach, it is safe to go swimming and the resort provides complimentary snorkel gear and kayaks. We had a great time on a guided kayak tour that departed from Cuevas Beach.

On the other side is Manzanillas Beach (so named because it is surrounded by manzanilla trees) which is a bit rockier but still beautiful. The beach feels very private and secluded and we loved all the hanging pods and hammocks. We also enjoyed a private cabana rental. Such a relaxing way to spend the day!

Kids For All Seasons

Kids For All Seasons (KFAS) is the resort’s kids club, and one of the nicest ones we have experienced! It offers daily activities (most are complimentary, some may require a small activity fee) and a fun way for kids to spend their days. KFAS is housed in a special building next to the Lazy River, and the program’s facilities include a playroom and outdoor playground with a jungle gym.

The professionally supervised program provides numerous activities designed to take advantage of Punta Mita’s natural environment and culture including opportunities for children to make Mexican-style arts and crafts using local materials, collect shells, building sand castles, nature hunt and beach games.

The program is designed for children ages 5 to 12 years old so it was perfect for our girls.  They loved doing arts and crafts, playing traditional Mexican games, and going on a treasure hunt. And the counselors were all so nice!

The program operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 pm and children may stay for all or part of the day. At this time, reservations for activities are required so we recommend you check the schedule prior to or upon arrival and make reservations for any activities you or your kids are interested in.

KidsWell

As an expansion of the KFAS program, KidsWell offers a new series of well-being–focused activities that foster connection with nature, promote focus and self-awareness, and encourage better sleep – all in the backdrop of Riviera Nayarit’s breathtaking natural setting.

KidsWell offers kids daily practices to relax the body and mind, as well as reduce stress, with activities such as bubble-blowing breathwork, gratitude journaling, guided meditation and rainbow relaxation watercolour classes. Activities are complimentary for kids ages 5 to 12 and are held daily from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm, with select experiences available for an additional cost.

Piñata Party

If you are celebrating a birthday or just looking for a fun activity, the resort offers private piñata parties. We were celebrating our daughter’s 11th birthday so it was as wonderful surprise for her. The staff sings the traditional “Dale, dale, dale” song and our kids loved collecting all the Mexican candies that came out from the piñata once it was cracked open. Such a wonderful and memorable experience!

Game Room

There is also an awesome game room for all ages located near the main restaurant and this may have been our kids’ favorite place to hang out. There is always someone supervising the game room so we felt comfortable leaving our girls there while we grabbed a drink or just enjoyed some alone time 🙂

The game room had multiple areas where kids could play Nintendo games, there was an air hockey table and other arcade game tables, a Mario Kart racer machine (we ALL enjoyed playing that one) and even a comfortable movie room. It is so great that they have this available for families! Additionally, there is a teen center called “The Container” on-site if you are traveling with teenagers. We didn’t go inside but we have heard great things!

Dining

When it comes to dining, there are three different on-site restaurants and each one offers unique and authentic cuisine choices. We found all of them to be family-friendly and each one offers kids menus.

Dos Catrinas

Dos Catrinas is the resort’s main restaurant and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves elevated Mexican cuisine and offers beautiful ocean views. We enjoyed breakfast daily at Dos Catrinas, and were happy that the breakfast buffet was back! You can also order off the menu. We also had a fantastic dinner – you can’t go wrong with Dos Catrinas.

Bahia

Bahia is the resort’s beach front restaurant and specializes in steak and seafood. You can literally eat on the sand and enjoy magical sunset views!

Aramara

Aramara is the resort’s Asian fusion restaurant and we loved everything we ordered. Even though the kids ordered off the kids menu, they ended up wanting to eat all the Asian fusion cuisine we ordered! Everything was delicious, but you have to try the cauliflower bites appetizer!

Besides the restaurant, there are a variety of casual eating options around the resort and by the pools and beaches. We loved having lunch from our cabana at Manzanillas Beach – the food was fresh and delicious and came out quickly. All around we were happy campers!

We cannot recommend a family trip to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita highly enough! It is truly a special place and as soon as your stay is over you will likely be finding ways to plan the next trip back. We were so grateful for the opportunity to bring our kids to experience the magic of Punta Mita.

*A HUGE thank you to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita for hosting our family. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

Review of the Langham New York, Fifth Avenue

It was great being back in New York City for the first time since the pandemic started. In fact, this was our first time back in almost seven years! With our kids being older now, we feel like they were really able to appreciate and enjoy everything that the city has to offer. For anyone who is wondering how things are post-pandemic or planning a trip soon, New York City is open, safe and as vibrant as ever.

Of course, finding the right place to stay in NYC can be challenging as there are so many options. For this trip, we stayed at the Langham New York, Fifth Avenue. We felt right at home and had a really wonderful experience at the Langham. This was the second Langham property we have stayed at and it did not disappoint. You can find the full review of our stay at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena here.

From the second you arrive at the Langham New York, you will experience luxury at its finest. The iconic and huge overhanging canopy fitted with rows of brightly lit exposed light bulbs and the signature pink Langham flag can be spotted from down the street and the Langham New York brings a touch of elegance to the rest of this bustling Fifth Avenue block.

As you go through the oversized revolving doors, you will find an elegant lobby which is clean and modern.

Off the front desk is a spacious seating are and a beautiful winding staircase that leads up to Ai Fiori, the hotel’s Michlelin-starred Italian restaurant which is open for dinner. 

Luxury Accommodations

The Langham New York offers 234 residentially-styled guest rooms and suites, furnished with indulgent amenities and featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The rooms are quite spacious by Manhattan standards, averaging about 750 square feet and the suites (one- to four-bedroom suites of different designs) average 1,100 square feet.

We stayed in a Family Room and it was perfect for our family of four. The room and bathroom were HUGE and it was so great for everyone to be able to spread out comfortably. Each family room is decorated in light neutral tones and has two Queen beds, a large desk area, and an oversized chair and ottoman by the windows. There is also an oversized walk-in closet leading into a large marble-clad bathroom with a double vanity and a rainfall shower plus soaking tub. Naturally lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows, each room is also highlighted by views of Fifth Avenue and Midtown Manhattan.

We loved lounging in the signature plush Langham bathrobes and slippers and enjoying room service through the Langham’s Private Kitchen menu. We cannot say enough good things about the food or the service!

Ultimate Location

The Langham New York is ideally and centrally located on Fifth Avenue between 36th and 37th Street, just a couple blocks from the Empire State Building.

It’s also a very easy (less than 15 minute walk) to many other New York City attractions like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and Grand Central Station. Plus, the hotel is just a short walk from the 34th Street/Herald Square subway station, so it’s easy to get anywhere in the city. Around the hotel, there are so many great shops and restaurants as well. We really enjoyed staying in this part of Manhattan.

The thing that stood out most to us about the Langham New York was the personalized level of service we received. Every single staff member was courteous, professional and friendly. Truly first-class customer service and the best we have ever experienced!

We highly recommend anyone who is planning a trip to NYC to stay at the Langham New York, Fifth Avenue. We definitely hope to return some day!

*Many thanks to the Langham New York, Fifth Avenue for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

See New York City with a Go City Explorer Pass!

We recently partnered with Go City for our New York City family trip and were provided with four Explorer passes, which allowed us to visit three different attractions with just one pass. The Explorer Pass can save you time and money and we found it to be well worth it to purchase in advance of our trip.

View from the Empire State Building

How it Works

Go City gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want, since you choose an Explorer Pass based on the number of attractions you see (not the number of days). Just pick a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10-choice pass and you will get admission to dozens of top New York City attractions, including:

  • The Empire State Building
  • Top of the Rock
  • Big Bus Hop on Hop off Tour
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Edge
  • One World Observatory
  • Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
  • and many more…

You will then have 60 days to use your Explorer Pass, which is plenty of time for most visitors and also a great option for locals as well!

Most attractions do not require advance reservation so all you will have to do is show up and show your Explorer Pass at the ticket window, but you can find out everything you need to know in advance about any particular attraction under the “Know Before You Go” section of the Go City website or mobile app. This way, you have the option of planning out your itinerary in advance or being spontaneous and choosing your attractions as you go!

You can download the Go City mobile app in advance and not have to worry about any paper tickets. You can access passes for your entire group on your mobile phone, and most can be scanned right at the entrance or gate just like a regular ticket. This means you save time by not having to purchase tickets in advance from multiple websites before your trip or physically wait in line to purchase tickets once you are at any given attraction.

Attractions

We had just a few days in New York City and we visited one attraction each day so we didn’t feel rushed at all. The attractions we chose which were all included with the Explorer Pass were: Empire State Building, To of the Rock, and the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island via the Statue Cruises Ferry.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is an absolute must for any visit to NYC! Due to its popularity, it is one of the few attractions where it is recommended that you make reservations for the particular time slot you would like to visit. You can do this in advance at no charge through a link provided on the Go City website. At the time of your reservation, skip the ticket line and simply go through security and scan your Explorer Pass directly at the turnstile before heading up to the 86th floor. Whether you’re visiting day or night, you will get spectacular 360-degree views of the city that never sleeps. We recommend going at sunset so you can get both day and night views!

Empire State Building

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is another wonderful observation deck that offers amazing views of NYC’s skyline. Of course, it offers one thing the Empire State Building can’t, and that’s views of the Empire State Building itself! There are three levels of indoor and outdoor decks 70 floors up that offer sweeping views of Central Park and Manhattan’s midtown and downtown skyscrapers.

It was incredibly easy to use our Explorer passes at Top of the Rock. Again, skip the ticket line and simply show your pass for admission, no reservations required.

Top of the Rock

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

If you would like to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, your only option is to take a ferry through Statue Cruises. While you don’t need a ticket to enter the Statue of Liberty Museum or Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, tickets are required to board ferries to Liberty and Ellis Islands. All ferry ticketing is run through Statue Cruises, which is the only vendor authorized to provide tickets and transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands. No other ferry company can give you access to the Islands. Make sure to check the ferry schedule when planning your trip.

There is no need to purchase advance tickets, but allow for extra time to go through airport-style security before boarding the ferry. Skip the ticket line and head straight to the security screening facility. Present your pass at the loading area where it will be scanned for entrance on the next available ferry.

The ferry departs from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty Park in New Jersey. The ferry’s first stop will be Liberty Island and then Ellis Island and then back to your departure location. We highly recommend that you allow several hours for your visit as you will want to spend a good amount of time exploring around the Statue of Liberty and the Statue of Liberty Museum. Access to the Pedestal and Crown of the Statue of Liberty is not included with your pass. If you wish to add access to those parts of the statue, you will need book Crown Reserve and/or Pedestal Reserve tickets separately and make reservations as soon as possible as space is limited and tours often sell out months in advance. There are so many interesting exhibits at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration as well, so plan ahead and make sure you will have enough time to take the last ferry back to your departure location.

Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island

Savings

We had the 3 Choice Explorer passes and the pass costs $94 per person (a child’s Explorer Pass costs $70 and most attractions have a reduced admission price for children, but we were provided with 4 adult passes so for the purposes of savings calculations, I am using adult prices across the board.)

Here are the cost of the attractions we visited:

Cost of Empire State Building ticket without the pass: $47.91 per person, but because we chose to visit during a peak sunset time, the cost without the pass would have been $58.79 per person (there is no additional charge with an Explorer Pass to visit at peak times)

Cost of Top of the Rock ticket without the pass: $43.55 per person

Cost of Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry without pass: $24.00 per person

Total cost of all three attractions: $126.34 per person

SAVINGS WITH 3-CHOICE PASS: $32.34 per person

Of course, you savings with the Explorer Pass will vary, depending on how many attractions your pass includes and the regular cost of the attractions you choose. Some included attractions like the Empire State Building, Big Bus Hop on Hop Off Tour, or Top of the Rock each cost $40-$60 per adult without the pass. Meanwhile, others like the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry or the American Museum of Natural History only cost $20-$25 without a pass so buying the least expensive 2 Choice Explorer pass for $73 would not be worth it. Then again, the RIDE, which is a theatrical experience and a twist on the traditional New York bus tour is included with the Explorer Pass and would cost $79 per adult otherwise! So you can see how buying the 2 Choice Explorer Pass for $73 would already provide savings on just that one attraction, plus you would still get to choose another attraction. The official Go City website provides a sample itinerary for the 5 Choice Explorer Pass that would save about $120 per person. The itinerary includes:

  • Empire State Building
  • Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Tour
  • Edge
  • Central Park Bike Tour
  • Circle Line Sightseeing

Was it Worth It?

Absolutely! New York City is an amazing place to visit with so much to do and see, but it can be expensive and things add up, especially for a family of four. Purchasing an Explorer Pass from Go City will save you time and money, especially if you plan on visiting many of the more expensive attractions. You will also have the flexibility to make your own itinerary and not feel pressured to do everything all in one day. It was also great to be able to have access to all our tickets right on my phone through the Go City mobile app. If you are planning a trip to New York City, do yourself a favor and head over to the Go City website and purchase an Explorer Pass!

*Thank you Go City for providing our family with passes. This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

Posted on

Weekend in Seattle: The Maxwell Hotel – A Staypineapple Hotel

We recently spent a long weekend in Seattle and had the best time exploring the city. This was our first time to Seattle with the kids and our first time staying at a Staypineapple hotel! In a world of cookie-cutter hotels, Staypineapple offers fun, funky and fabulous accommodations! There are four Staypineapple locations in Seattle but for this trip we chose to stay at The Maxwell Hotel and it was the perfect choice for our family.

The Maxwell Hotel was created as a “celebration of the living arts” and features colorful and bright interiors, original artwork, commissioned mural paintings, and a large mosaic pineapple in the lobby. Such a fun vibe as soon as you step inside!

Location

The Maxwell Hotel is perfectly situated in Uptown Seattle at the base of Queen Anne Hill adjacent to Seattle Center and the iconic Space Needle. 

In addition to the Space Needle, being walking distance to the Seattle Center means you can easily check out other fun attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, to name a few. There was also a very fun playground called “Artists at Play” that our kids loved, right in the Seattle Center. If you want to go further, you can take the Seattle Center Monorail over to Westlake Station and you will be just a few minutes from the famous Pike Place Market. We definitely recommend riding the monorail at least once!

Room

When you stay in one of The Maxwell Hotel’s one-of-a-kind rooms or suites, you’ll experience the perfect balance of Staypineapple comfort and style. Each of the artfully-designed rooms features plush pillow top beds and upscale amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, high-definition TVs, microwave and a mini fridge to store your favorite beverages and snacks.

We stayed in a Duet Queen room, which was perfect for our family of four. The beds featured cloud-like European-style double duvets (so no one had to fight for the covers) and super cozy Staypineapple robes.

Each room comes with their signature blend coffee and tea for use with the in-room Keurig machine. The bathroom was nice and spacious and came with big plush towels and designer bath products.

Amenities

Why stay ordinary when you can Staypineapple? When you stay at a Staypineapple hotel, you will love taking advantage of all their signature amenities.

Need a pick me up? Coffee and Staypineapple’s yummy signature pineapple sugar cookies were available in the lobby every afternoon! Definitely the best part of my day!

In addition, you can enjoy unlimited bottled water replenished daily in your room or just ask the front desk. Plus you’ll get a $10 daily Eat + Drink credit from the Pineapple Quick Bites & Bevvies cooler which is stocked with snacks, drinks, beer, wine and other goodies to grab and go.

We flew to Seattle so we didn’t have a car and it’s not cheap to take a taxi everywhere. But you can rent out one of the hotel’s stylish beach cruisers (comes with a helmet and bike lock) for free, available in the lobby. Many of Seattle’s most popular sights and activities are just a few pedals away! I highly recommend heading over to nearby Kerry Park for the BEST views of the city.

Pet Friendly

Though we said goodbye to our dog last year, we used to love to bring him with us to hotels and know how hard it is to find good pet-friendly hotels. All Staypineapple hotels are pet-friendly (pet fee applies) and offer special dog amenities as well. At The Maxwell Hotel, there was a bowl of doggy treats and a cute sign with the names of all the pets staying there at the front desk in the lobby.

Other amenities include special Doggy Do Not Disturb signs (they are one of the only hotels that allow dogs to relax in the rooms while their owners are out and about!), Pineapple dog beds, and Doggy bowls and bags. And of course there will be a Dash (the friendly mascot of Staypineapple) waiting for you in your room, whether you’re traveling with or without a dog. Dash is a 10″ plush husky pup that loves to travel and will bark for hugs! You can take Dash home with you (available for purchase) and help animals in need because a portion of Dash’s adoption fee is donated to animal rescue non-profit organizations. You can also enjoy his adventures around the country by following him at @dashthepineapplepup!

Indoor Pool

What kid doesn’t love a hotel with a pool? It’s no secret that Seattle can be cold and rainy, especially during the winter months. So we were thrilled to find out The Maxwell Hotel had an indoor heated pool! FYI the pool is not huge and you probably can’t swim laps, but it’s just big enough to splash around and have a good time. Our girls definitely had a blast – such a fun way to spend a rainy Seattle afternoon without having to leave your hotel.

Towels are provided and there’s plenty of lounge chairs to relax around the pool. The Maxwell Hotel also has a fitness center located next to the gym.

Pineapple Bistro and Bar

We were treated to the best meal at the Pineapple Bistro & Bar during our stay at The Maxwell Hotel. We loved that the hotel had a great restaurant located right in the lobby level, so we didn’t have to go far for dinner. Everything on the menu was delicious – we highly recommend the pizza and the nachos, but there is something for everyone including salads, sandwiches and burgers as well. For the adults, there is an amazing cocktail menu and our favorite was definitely “The Naked Experience,” which comes in the coolest pineapple cup. The service is outstanding and it is definitely worth it to stop here for a meal or a drink even if you are not staying at the hotel!

Pineapple Bistro & Bar is located in Lower Queen Anne at 300 Roy Street, Seattle, WA 98109, walking distance to the Seattle Center, the Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena and it is open daily from 4-10 pm. 

We had a fantastic time in Seattle and absolutely loved staying at The Maxwell Hotel. Staypineapple has three other hotels in Seattle and many other locations nationwide (New York City, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Portland, and San Diego) and each hotel has a unique style and fun vibe of its own. Make sure to check out Staypineapple if your travels take you to any of their locations. We know we certainly will!

*Many thanks to Staypineapple The Maxwell Hotel for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

Luxury Staycation at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena California

We enjoyed a lovely family staycation last weekend at the iconic landmark Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles’ original getaway. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is a 379-room hotel situated on 23 acres of gardens and lawns in the foothills of the of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, conveniently located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. From the second you pull up to the hotel, it is easy to see why it has been recognized with numerous accolades and awards from some of the top luxury hotel, meetings, dining and leisure travel publications in the world. For over 100 years, this five-star hotel has provided memories for millions of guests in a tradition of luxury and elegance!

Rooms

When staying at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena, you can choose from elegantly decorated and classically furnished guest rooms, suites, and cottages. Each is designed to reflect the grace and beauty of Southern California. Our family was lucky enough to stay in a beautiful one-Bedroom Huntington Suite in the Main Building.

The Huntington Suite has a King bed and separate Parlor rooms with full-size Sofa Bed, two French private doors separating the living area from the bedroom, large bathroom with separate tub and shower. The suite was extremely spacious and perfect for our family of four!

We booked the Peppa’s US Adventures at The Langham package which included Peppa Pig decor, use of an in-room Peppa Pig tent, a playmat and a cute armchair by Delta Children, Muddy Puddles Dip Cup treats as an in-room welcome amenity, and tons of Peppa Pig theme gifts to take home.

This package can be booked through November 30, but if you are thinking about staying at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the holidays with kids, there are several other available packages you can book including Gingerbread Glamping, the Langham Kids Glamping Package, and the spectacular Santa Suite, with accommodations in the two-story Tournament of Roses Presidential Suite.

Grounds

The grounds at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena are just exquisite, blending modern luxury with romantic elegance.

We especially loved strolling through the beautiful Japanese Garden. The Japanese Garden is a hidden gem on the property, complete with beautifully manicured plants and flowers, mini waterfalls, a pond and a gorgeous red footbridge. The perfect place for photos!

Of course, we also enjoyed walking over the famous Picture Bridge. The bridge was newly restored and rehabilitated in 2020 and features 41 paintings of California scenes that have adorned the landmark structure since 1933. The centerpiece of the restoration project was the installation of replicas of the Bridge’s original oil paintings by Frank M. Moore. The Picture Bridge overlooks the hotel’s swimming pool to the north and the Japanese Garden to the south.

Pool

When you live in Southern California and it’s still 90 degrees in the middle of November, you take advantage of the weather and head to the pool! The Langham Huntington, Pasadena has a heated outdoor pool so you can enjoy it year round. The elongated pool is great for doing laps, or simply lounging around during the day. There’s also a great jacuzzi!

The pool is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and the adjacent Hideaway pool bar and grill offers grab-and-go light fare and beverages throughout the day. 

Tea Time

We ended our wonderful stay at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena with a very special Peppa Pig Tea! This sold out event included a Peppa Pig-inspired menu with a selection of savory sandwiches and delicious treats, a Peppa Pig activity sheet, story time, and take-home gifts including ears and plush.

During the tea, we also got the opportunity to take photos with Peppa Pig herself. It was truly a memorable experience for our entire family and I’m so glad we could spend moments like this with our girls because they are growing up too fast! 

We had the most relaxing weekend at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena. The hotel is elegance at its finest and nothing but world-class service. We loved every minute of our stay and hope to return again soon!

*A HUGE thank you to the Langham Huntington, Pasadena for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.

Posted on

Celebrating our Anniversary at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico

We spent our 12th anniversary in Punta Mita! If you have never heard of Punta Mita, it is a hidden gem on Mexico’s West Coast – a luxurious 1500-acre resort and residential community that lies on a spear-shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches, Pacific Ocean waters and lush tropical flora. It is located on the north end of Banderas Bay in the Mexican state of Nayarit, about 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. We flew into Puerto Vallarta (quick and easy 3 hour flight from Los Angeles) and the drive from the airport to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita took about 45 minutes. From the moment we set foot on the property, there was not a single reason for us to leave until the sad moment when it was time to go home.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Punta Mita is one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, and the weather is fantastic! With over 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, Punta Mita is the perfect destination for those seeking a tropical vacation. The winter months are peak season, but even during the “rainy” summer season when thunderstorms are predicted in the weather forecast, you generally still have sunny days and rain for brief periods of time at night. We absolutely loved staying at the Four Seasons Punta Mita during the off season as we practically had the resort to ourselves!

Accommodations

With 177 casita-style guest rooms, 31 suites, and 32 residences and villas, each accommodation features either a private terrace or balcony giving guests the chance to enjoy the breathtaking views in privacy.

Our ocean casita had a plush King bed as well as a sofa and sitting area with two chairs. The bathroom was huge and had a great soaking tub and shower, plus a separate toilet room. But of course the best part was the view from our balcony which was just incredible. Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the resort! A wonderful place to sip coffee in the morning or watch the sunset in the evening. The balcony itself had a table and chairs and and an L-shaped sofa.

We were surprised with chocolates, chips and salsa/guacamole and a margarita making kit to celebrate our anniversary, which we thoroughly enjoyed!

Pools and Beaches

Beach vs. pool? At the Four Seasons Punta Mita, you don’t have to choose because it has the best of both worlds!

There are THREE pools at the resort and we used them all. The main pool is the Insta-worthy infinity-edge Nuna Pool, which has breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Since this was a kid-free vacation, we took full advantage of the Tamai Pool, which is the resort’s adult-only pool. We had a private cabana and it was so peaceful and relaxing.

Last but not least, we took a ride around the resort’s Lazy River many times. This pool is fun for both kids and adults! Inner tubes and floats are provided.

There are two private beaches on the resort – Cuevas and Manzanilla – and both are absolutely stunning and great for swimming. The water is clear and warm and you can also relax on the many lounge chairs on the beaches. Snorkel gear and kayaks are also available complimentary, as are towels and sunscreen at all the pools and beaches.

Activities

Whether it’s by land or sea, the Four Seasons Punta Mita has a variety of activities and offers something for everyone.

We were lucky enough to participate in the sea turtle release program, which is offered seasonally. The Four Seasons Punta Mita partners with Red Tortuguera, a local not-for-profit organization for the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Nayarit and Jalisco. The turtle eggs are protected in designated nesting areas where they can remain safe from poachers and natural predators during their incubation period. Then volunteers through the program are allowed the opportunity to release the baby Olive Ridley hatchlings into the sea on the very first day of their lives! It is truly an incredible experience.

You can also sign up for a variety of group or individual fitness classes in addition to personal training. We didn’t get up early enough for yoga on the beach, but we did try Aqua Forza at the Nuna Pool. Think yoga on a stand up paddle-board! Held on a floating board, this class uses individual body weight in balance and exercise movements to strengthen muscles, improve core stability, and increase blood circulation. Warning: you will fall off the board at some point, you will get an extreme workout and you will have fun!

Spa and Wellness

After our Aqua Forza workout, we were in need of a massage! We were treated with an 80-minute couples massage at the resort’s Apuane Spa. A must try while in Punta Mita is the Punta Mita Tequila Stone treatment. This signature treatment is a long-time guest favorite. The ancestral recipe combines tequila and sage oil to release muscle tension, stimulate circulation and improve joint mobility. Light to deep tissue pressure is applied using a combination of hands, forearms and hot stones. We both felt so relaxed after the massages!

After your massage, you can relax in the separate men and women’s jacuzzi areas which include an award-winning hydrotherapy circuit. The circuit includes whirlpools, steam and sauna rooms, and plunge pools. 

Dining

There are so many amazing options for dining at the Four Seasons Punta Mita.

Named for the Spanish word for “bay,” Bahía by Richard Sandoval enjoys a prime spot amongst giant manzanilla trees on the resort’s Las Cuevas beach. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at this steak and seafood restaurant, and the views were just beautiful.

Dos Catrinas is the resort’s main restaurant and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The two-story venue serves elevated Mexican cuisine. We dined there each morning for breakfast and enjoyed spectacular ocean views with our coffee.

You can also enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Tamai Pool Bar, which offers a wide variety of Mexican and Asian casual dishes, including fresh sushi and sashimi. We had the best lunch in our cabana poolside!

We had our anniversary dinner at Aramara. We didn’t expect to find such delicious Asian fusion cuisine in Mexico, but everything was delicious! The cauliflower bites appetizer is a MUST as is the vanilla souffle for dessert! And – not on the menu, but if you want a delicious after dinner libation, ask for the Tribute to the Gods!

Our trip was short but sweet and we packed so much into our 3 day/2 night stay at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. It was the most special place to celebrate our anniversary and we can’t wait to come back soon with our kids!

*A HUGE thank you to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.