All You Need to Know to Plan an Epic Vacation to Joshua Tree, California

December 3, 2017 Aimee Slade

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular travel destination for 2018. With its gorgeous landscapes and unlimited options for adventure sport addicts, Joshua Tree is causing people from all around the world to flock to this Southern California desert town. But for those who are looking for more than a tent to sleep in and have no interest in repelling down a boulder, I've got the inside track to help you plan an epic vacation. I recently spent a long Glamping weekend with my husband and came back with all you need to know about where to stay, where to eat and what to do in Joshua Tree, including a look at our hunt with a falconer and his hawk - if that's not epic I don't know what is!

Click here or on the photo below to check out my complete glamping guide to Joshua Tree, California!

Joshua Tree

California

Source: https://goo.gl/corACm

Montage Palmetto Bluff - South Carolina's Ultimate Luxury Escape & the Perfect Fall Travel Destination

July 4, 2017 Aimee Slade

Summer is in full swing, which means it's time to pick where to go for your fall travel destination so you have somewhere a bit cooler to look forward to. What I'm looking for in a fall getaway is different than the busy beach scene of summer; I'm in search of somewhere quiet, intimate, relaxing and beautiful with plenty of leisurely outdoor experiences that I can enjoy before winter comes and locks me indoors. To help you narrow down your search, I'm bringing you one of my favorite fall trips of all time that exceeded every one of my expectations - here's a look at our visit to South Carolina's Montage Palmetto Bluff, an ideal spot for your upcoming fall journey and the ultimate luxury escape.

As I've mentioned before, The South has quickly become one of my favorite US travel destinations and when we decided to go last year, I wanted something away from the major cities scenes to truly relax. Just thirty minutes from Savannah and two hours south of Charleston, The Montage Palmetto Bluff makes for the perfect romantic getaway and easy to reach by major airports. During our October visit, the weather was ideal (mid to low 70s with low humidity) and I was blown away with every aspect of our stay; from the gorgeous waterfront accommodations, to the expansive property amidst a nature preserve, in addition to the daily resort activities and available equipment so that you have everything you need for a little fun and adventure; it's a destination I'll be convincing my husband to take me to annually.

stunning accommodations

The accommodations are absolutely stunning, with all of the modern luxuries you would expect, plus the little details we all love, like all natural bug spray bottles, water and chocolates at turndown and alligators swimming around outside your back porch (ok, maybe not all of us love that part, but this California girl thought it was pretty exciting!). There are several accommodation options, including guest houses, inn suites and private homes. These are all found at various locations throughout the property, which is wonderful because it makes you feel like you are part of a private community rather than staying at a busy hotel. We often didn't see anyone other than staff for hours at a time and sitting out our back porch, all you could hear were the birds flying by and a light wind blowing through the trees.

Expansive Grounds & unending activities - what to do during your stay

A look through the lagoon at the Inn & Reception

The best part about staying at Montage Palmetto Bluff is their incredible private property that surrounds you and all of the possibilities it brings. With a lagoon running through one side of the property and the May River on the other, a bird sanctuary right in the middle, a small village with shops and restaurants and miles of trails throughout, it will be difficult to find yourself without anything to do while here.

Quick Tip: For just a few dollars a day, you can rent a bike during your entire stay and have it as your main mode of transportation - even at night with its little light placed right on the basket. When you're too tired or tipsy to peddle, just phone the front desk and a golf cart will be right around to take you wherever you want to go and they'll even bring your bike home for you.

Now, I'll take you through how we spent our perfect days here, from waking up early to take photos of the sunrise to finishing off our evenings roasting marshmallows over an open fire with an adult beverage in hand.

Wake Up Early to See the Sun Rise over the River

If you're a picture junkie like me, it's all about getting the right shot and there's no better time to capture the beauty of the Lowcountry than right at first light. It's painful when the alarm goes off, but I've never once regretted the forever photos I have when I look back. So just before 6am, I load up my bike with all my gear and head over to the river dock for the first hour of the day... if you are paying close attention I said "I" and not "we", Colin most definitely refuses to join me on these little sunrise excursions.

Morning Kayak Session

Now that the sky is bright enough for you to see all around, quickly head to the Wilson Landing Dock and jump in a kayak on the May River. One incredible perk about staying at Palmetto Bluff is that you have so much sporting equipment available and surprisingly the price is included in the resort fee with your stay. With options like kayaks, paddle boards and even fishing gear, everything you need is right at your fingertips.

We headed out early and before anyone else, so we were usually on the water alone to romantically enjoy the remainder of the sunrise. Well, we actually weren't completely alone... did I mention that there are dolphins playfully swimming all around? Oh well, yeah, there's that too - what would paradise be without dolphins?

Quick Tip: Pack a dry bag in your suitcase so that you can be on the water with your phone or camera without fear of it getting wet. They also sell them at the Boathouse Boutique if you forget to bring one.

Photo Bomb Perfection - I was actually taking a quick pic of our paddles and look who pops up for an epic photo bomb

Breakfast in the Village at Buffalo's

After a busy morning, my tummy is rumbling and all I'm thinking about is food! On the way from the dock back towards the cottages, it's best to stop in for a bite to eat before heading to your room. We had breakfast both at Jessamine at the Inn and at Buffalo's and Buffalo's puts out a much better spread, hands down, with a beautiful assortment of both open bar pastries and dishes, as well as regular menu items. We also fell in love with the staff here; their southern hospitality is on point and definitely leaves you smiling for the rest of the day.

If you're simply looking for a quick caffeine fix in the morning, you can also head to the Inn where fresh coffee and tea is served each morning. This is often where I would read a book or chat with other guests before making my way to breakfast.

Late Morning Boat Tour of the Lagoon

After heading back to our room to freshen up for a bit, we booked a one hour leisurely boat tour of the lagoon. This needs to be booked at least a day in advance and seats about 8, but if you're lucky like we were, you end up on a gorgeous little boat alone with the captain for a private tour of the area. This truly is the best way to see the full extent of the property, gliding under bridges, admiring the stunning homes along the water's edge, watching birds fly by and alligators dip their eyes beneath the surface - it really doesn't get much better.

Lunch at Walnuts Cafe in Bluffton

If you're willing to drive out of the property for lunch, I highly highly suggest heading over to Walnuts Cafe in Bluffton. It's a simple, local sandwich shop in a bit of a random spot, but it is so cozy and the food is absolutely scrumptious. If you get a chance, chat with the amazing staff and owner who are both charming and entertaining. It's one of those places that makes you feel like you're home from the moment you walk in - even an obvious outsider like me had no problem fitting in. While I really never want to leave Palmetto Bluff, if I'm being honest, the food is the only let down, so you'll have to work for it if you want something more and Walnuts is worth the trip.

After Lunch Stroll or Bike Ride

There are an endless amount of trails to explore and you can walk or bike for miles and miles before seeing it all. We enjoyed packing a few snacks and a book in our baskets and sometimes our fishing gear, and heading out in the early afternoon while it was warm and sunny out.

The activities staff can provide you with maps and recommendations on where to go depending on your level of energy and adventure. One of the days we found our way to the far end of the property where a massive treehouse has been built (think 4ish stories high!). From the top you can look out over the preserve and see just how far you've gone.

Quick Tip: Bring bug spray! The hotel provides you with some, but mosquitos can be brutal depending on the time of day and where you are, so it's better to pack some with you - you will need it!

Or Soak in Some Much Needed Pool Time

If you'd prefer a more leisurely afternoon, head over to the spa or one of the many pools for lounging around. The service at the pool is really nice and the food and drink selection is surprisingly excellent (especially the quesadillas!).

An Afternoon Visit with the Ambassadors

If you're not convinced that The Montage Palmetto Bluff has thought of everything to ensure a perfect stay, then this might just do the trick. Two times a day, the resort's "ambassadors" come out to visit the guests at the Inn. Who are these ambassadors, you ask? None other than the most adorable puppies you ever did meet, there for the sole purpose of licking and snuggling all who come in contact. I am actually completely allergic to dogs, but couldn't help myself from heading over to play every afternoon. Now, these gorgeous pups are probably much bigger by now, so don't expect to see them at this size when you visit.

Porching and Canapés with the Chef

Being from California, I had never heard of porching, but once I figured out what it was, I couldn't go a day without it. Porching is simply a term used in The South to describe a time in the afternoon where you drink and chat with your neighbors. The Montage creates this environment everyday around 3pm at the River House Lounge by putting out some of the best lemonade, sweet tea and freshly baked cookies I've ever had and hoping you mingle with other guests out on the porch. It became one of my favorite parts of the day, where Colin and I could chat about the fun we've had and hear the stories of other travelers.

After you get your porching on, you can wander over to the fire pits in front of the Inn where the head chef serves pre-dinner canapés for a nice savory bite to balance out the sugar overload you just finished. Before heading back to our room, of course I like to take my camera out for some sunset shots; the pink and purple clouds are stunning this time of year. Then you probably only have time for a quick nap before freshening up for dinner.

Where To Go For Dinner

This is a tricky one. If you'd prefer not to have to drive, there are several restaurants within the Palmetto Bluff property that are nice, including the high end Canoe Club. In general, as I mentioned before, we were not overly impressed by any of the food, but they were fine options so that we didn't have to drive. Since we were there, at least one new restaurant has opened and possibly more, but no matter what I would highly recommend taking a taxi or driving to downtown Bluffton (about 20 minutes) as I hear there are some very nice restaurants that are worth checking out.

Finishing Off the Night with S'mores

The Montage has truly thought of every detail when it came to providing a perfect stay. Each evening the River House lights the fire pits and puts out a gourmet spread of homemade, flavored marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for your enjoyment. This part of the evening isn't just for the kids at heart, an outdoor bar is also set up so that you can roast your marshmallows over an open flame with your favorite drink in hand. It's luxury adult camp at its finest!

That completes my quintessential fall, luxury escape to Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. This is truly one of The South's greatest hidden gems and shouldn't be missed for a weekend getaway the next time you find yourself in Savannah or Charleston. I'm counting down the days before I return again. Cheers!

Want even more South Carolina travel tips? Check out my Type A Travel Guide to Charleston, just click below!

Charleston

South Carolina

Source: https://www.montagehotels.com/palmettobluf...

CastaDiva Resort & Spa - The Perfect Hotel for A Weekend Stay on Lake Como

May 16, 2016 Aimee Slade

It has always been my dream to visit Lake Como, arguably one of the most romantic vacation spots in Italy; however, every single time I started to make travel plans, it seemed like such a hassle. The most popular towns of Lake Como are Bellagio and Varenna, but with only a few days available in our itinerary last fall, taking a train then a boat then a taxi just to get to one spot felt like an impossible task. That was until I found the perfect place, CastaDiva Resort & Spa in Blevio. Located less than 15 minutes from the town of Como on the south end of the lake, it was much easier to get to, secluded from the crowds, but with the same unbelievable views of the lake - a pure Italian paradise. So if you are like me and are looking for a simpler option for visiting this quintessential Italian destination without compromising quality over the summer, here is all you need to know to plan a wonderful weekend getaway on Lake Como.

Planning a Visit to Lake Como

How to Get to Como

Lake Como is located roughly 50 miles north of Milan and lies along the Swiss border. The lake is shaped like an upside down V, with Bellagio at the middle tip of the V and the main town of Como at the southwest point. There are many options for getting to Lake Como from all over Italy, but the farther north you go, the harder it is to get to, often requiring a combination of several modes of transportation to get to your final destination. This is why I loved being so close to the town of Como, it was less than an hour's drive from Milan and that was it. You can also take a single train directly to Como from Milan as well as various other cities in Italy. Here's a quick reference guide from USA Today that breaks down your options for traveling to Lake Como: How to Travel to Lake Como, Italy.

My personal preference for getting around is by having my own car - that allows me to go anywhere I want without having to rely on train schedules. A trusted luxury car rental company throughout Italy is GP Luxury Car Hire - perfect for riding around in a carefree convertible or powerful sports car. Now, keep in mind that driving can be stressful as roads are narrow and windy, especially as you travel north from Como toward Bellagio, but the views are worth it. In addition, there are numerous water taxis and boat services that depart several times a day and travel to the various lake towns, which is another reason Como is such a convenient location for exploring the area.

Exploring the Town of Como

It's funny, when I was planning my trip I read several articles that said to skip the town of Como completely, but I personally really enjoyed my time there and more recently it has grown in appeal and popularity. The town of Como has its own charm that is much different than that of the smaller, more visited villages and an authenticity that's difficult to find in this part of Italy. Now Como definitely has more of a city feel than Bellagio or Varenna, but there are plenty of cobblestone streets to explore with little boutiques, cafes and restaurants around every corner. One of the best parts of Como is that you are actually surrounded by more locals than tourists, many who look as if they are enjoying lakeside retired life. Take a long stroll along the waterfront from the center of town and you'll find people riding their bikes, old men chatting on benches, restaurant owners smoking on sidewalks and couples lazily gazing out toward the Alps. This isn't a place to be overly planned, it's better to just get lost... but honestly it would be hard to get really lost because it's not that big. The New York Times has a fantastic article on how to spend a few short days in this beautiful town: 36 Hours: Lake Como, Italy and I highly suggest taking some notes if you want to be more planned out on your journey.

For more on the surrounding towns, here's an article from one of my favorite travel guide writers, Rick Steves: The Italian Allure of Lake Como as well as The Lake Como Area Travel Guide from Travel + Leisure.

Where to Stay When Visiting Lake Como: CastaDiva Resort & Spa

The Property

Lake Como is known for its lavish lifestyle, attracting travelers from around the world to its grand villas, romantic sunsets and luxurious accommodations. If you are looking to have the best of it all without the large crowds and only 15 minutes from the Como, you'll want to check out CastaDiva Resort & Spa in Blevio, part of the exclusive collection of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This exquisite five star accommodation was once owned by the famous Italian opera singer, Giuditta Pasta, and has been visited by some of the greatest artists and writers of the 19th century. Without losing any of its historical importance or original facade, the resort has been completely renovated with the finest of details. It encompasses a handful of buildings, including the main villa, two private villas and several other new buildings, with 73 guest rooms in total. In addition, there property has its own restaurant, Orangerie, with 2 Michelin Star head chef Gennaro Esposito, cocktail bar, private floating pool on the lake, state of the art spa and several acres of serene walking paths (here is a link to the resort map). CastaDiva is unique in that it is open later into fall than nearly any other accommodations on the lake - remaining open into mid to late November depending on the year, making it a sought after spot during the colorful fall months. Once you arrive, everything you need is at your fingertips and it is truly hard to leave.

Main Villa

Floating Pool

Restaurant & Breakfast Room

Main Villa Balcony

Upper Villa

Outdoor Theater

Walking Paths

Private Villa Norma

The interior of the main villa is a true reflection of the times and embraces its rich musical history. You'll find plenty of space to enjoy a glass of wine at the bar, sit on the deck watching boats float by, play a game of chess in the library or read a book as classical music plays in the background. There is something so enchanting about this property that you can't help but fall in love - secret passageways, cobblestone paths and private gardens all just add to the allure of the lake's majesty.

Some practical aspects of the property include on site valet parking, chauffeured golf carts to take you anywhere you need to go around the resort and shuttle rides to and from Como throughout the day. Because there aren't many options within immediate walking distance from the resort, especially because of its location along a narrow road, the shuttle provides easy access for exploring the city or for taking a boat to one of the nearby lake towns. You can also charter private boat rides directly from the resort where you'll be picked up and dropped off right there at CastaDiva's boat dock.

The spa

The CastaDiva Spa is quite simply one of the best I've seen in service, facilities and offerings. Whether you go for a treatment or just to enjoy relaxing day by the pool, this expansive 3,900 sq. foot spa has all that you want and more. Reflecting the concept of the elements throughout the spa, each room and water treatment entices the senses - with aroma therapy infused showers, ice cascades, saunas, Turkish and Mediterranean bath rooms and an indoor heated pool and jacuzzi equipped with state of the art hydro-therapy equipment to ease sore muscles and melt away the stress of traveling. In addition, there is a glass bottom lounge, outdoor floating pool and Himalayan pink salt room for detoxification. Nothing was spared when designing this outstanding sanctuary and provides guests with the ultimate in luxury when staying at the resort.

Indoor Pool & Jacuzzi

Aroma Rain Showers

Steam Room

Sauna

Vertical Kneipp

Ice Therapy

Pink Salt Room

Glass Bottom Lounge

The Lucia, Private Boat

Spa Entrance

Treatment Waiting Room

Gym

guestrooms & The villa dorabella penthouse suite

All guest rooms are uniquely decorated and provide a complete array of amenities for an undisturbed and satisfying stay. All of the buildings at CastaDiva are beautifully appointed and I wouldn't say that I have a personal preference, based on my experience. Of course, the private villas provide the ultimate in luxurious stays; with private pools and personal boat entrances, the private villas receive elite travelers and celebrities like Robert De Niro, who visits annually.

All rooms throughout CastaDiva include the following:

Airconditioning
Fully stocked minibar, inclusive of everything but alcoholic beverages
Large LCD cable quipped televisions
Bathrobes and slippers
Complimentary high-speed wifi - we can attest that it was extremely fast and highly reliable
Soundproof rooms for complete privacy
The majority of guest rooms are lake facing
Delicious buffet breakfast with a large variety of options overlooking the lake (may not be included in all reservations)

I personally stayed in one of the upper villas, Villa Dorabella, in the Penthouse Suite with lake view. Just a short stroll up the hill or a quick ride on a golf cart, this 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom penthouse is over 1,200 square feet, has a full kitchen and living room and is perfect for a romantic weekend away or a longer summer vacation. The penthouse overlooks the lake from an expansive private balcony, looking down over the main villa. With floor to ceiling windows and french doors, you get an unbeatable front seat view of Lake Como. The kitchen does not come fully equipped with cooking utensils, but those can be requested from the front desk for making your own meals.

Path up to Villa Dorabella

The Villa Hallway

Penthouse Entrance

Hallway Storage & Guest Bathroom

Guest Bathroom

Spacious Livingroom

Room Decor

Overview of Living Area

Full Kitchen and Stocked Fridge

View from the Kitchen

Extra Large Walk in Master Closet

King Bedroom

View from the Bed

View of Room from the Balcony

View from the Bedroom Windows

View from the Balcony

Turn Down Chocolate

Master Bathroom

Separate Shower & Tub

Designer Bathroom Amenities

The best reason to visit - the view of lake como

One of the absolute best part of CastaDiva Resort and one of the reasons it continues to be one of the leading hotels of Italy is the extraordinary view it has of Lake Como. I spent many hours sitting on a bench overlooking the lake, enjoying the spell of complete tranquility and leisure. The scenery was so gorgeous, I even forced my husband to get dressed up and do a mini photo session with me, which I planned on using for Christmas cards that I never sent out (oops). Below you get a sneak peak of a few photos from my "private" collection, since I rarely include personal photos on the blog - mainly because I figure that's not what you're here for anyway, but these are too cool not to share. On my final evening there, I witnessed one of the most magical sunsets I had ever seen and with hardly anyone around, I felt as if it was just for me - a final farewell gift from Lake Como that I'll cherish forever.

Although this was my first visit to Lake Como, it will definitely not be my last. I look forward to the day that I get to return and I hope you too get a chance to experience this magnificent destination. Happy travels!

Source: http://www.castadivaresort.com/homepage-en

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