Though I’m always game for a kitschy motel, I am not immune to the charms of luxury. Not at all, especially if someone else is paying, which is usually the case when I’m ensconced in 1,200-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets.
Virtuoso, a network of “if you have to ask you can’t afford it” travel agents, just released its Best of the Best: 2010 Guide to the World’s Best Hotel Experiences and I paged through to reminisce about the hotels I’ve visited. Look for Jenna’s luxury memories on Wednesday.
The Boulders Resort, Carefree, Arizona: The first time we met (after being online buddies for ages) Jenna and I shared a very luxurious luxury villa here for a writer’s conference. The setting was spectacular and so was the villa, but otherwise I mostly saw conference rooms. Liked it.
One of the Biltmore's "Sprites". Photo by Sophia Dembling.
The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix–The Frank Lloyd Wright connection is the big selling point here. It was more family friendly and bustling than I expected, but my friend and I enjoyed finding spots overlooking gardens or pool where we just sat and felt fancy. Liked it.
Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona –The sun setting over the red rocks as seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the resort’s Yavapai Restaurant. That’s what I remember best. Liked it.
L’Auberge de Sedona, Arizona –Also set among those glorious red rocks, but with the added attraction of Oak Creek, tumbling through the property. I spent some time lazing by that creek and listening to its music. Liked it.
Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica, California – This grand old dame, built in the 1920s, overlooks Santa Monica beach. We had cocktails with friends in the grand lobby bar, surrounded by shiny, well-toned women in little black dresses. Liked it a lot.
Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, California—Mmm, right on the Santa Monica boardwalk and all fresh, beachy whites and blues. Lots of trendies and movers and shakers who seemed too tightly wound for such a spot. Loved it a lot.
The views at Keyah Grande are as luxurious as the rooms. Photo by Sophia Dembling
Keyah Grande, Pagosa Springs, Colorado –Killer mountaintop views, pampering service, internationally themed rooms (kinda quirky–mine was the Japan room) and the best hot tub view in the States. Loved it a lot.
Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, Florida—If I must be stranded on a tropical island, I choose this one. A private island resort, thatched-roof bungalow suites in upscale rattan chic with outdoor showers, dining on the beach…call me Ginger. Loved it a lot.
The Tamaya's great-looking lobby. Photo by Sophia Dembling.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico—Native-American owned and very family-friendly. I loved the great-looking lobby, excellent art collection, round Kiva pool, and desert setting. Liked it.
El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa, Taos, New Mexico—My favorite things: gorgeous indoor pool adjacent to the “Biolarium” indoor garden, the big leather couch and gas fireplace in my room, and the swingles scene at the Rattlesnake Bar. Liked it a lot.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas, Texas—Mostly I’ve interviewed celebrities here (Martha Stewart, Carl Bernstein) but Tom and I stayed here on the (relatively) cheap once. Our low-end room had a sort of grandma’s house charm (well, not my grandma) but after-dinner drinks under the lanterns on the patio were memorable. Liked it.
Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas in Las Colinas, Texas—I spent one night here and felt like I’d been away a week. A room with a view (such as this area can offer), a long wine-soaked dinner, a morning yoga class, and I was fully refreshed. Loved it.
Sundance Resort, Park City, Utah—Yes, I saw Robert Redford. He looked very small and large-headed. I particularly enjoyed a water color lesson in the resort’s Art Shack. Loved it.
Lake Austin Spa is summer home a la perfect taste. Photo by Sophia Dembling.
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin Texas – Once funky, now redone in exquisite taste to look like a gorgeous summer home. A little too precious, but an all around great experience. Loved it a lot.
Of course, all these places have the requisite spas, fine dining, swimming pool and blah blah blah. But it’s funny the things you remember best … not always what you’d think, eh?
I have a new goal in life – figure out how to get somebody else to pay for me to stay in a hotel like these.
Easy: Give up earning a living wage and become a travel writer.
Already gave up a living wage when I started my own business, so I’ll just have to write more.
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