3 Amazing Hotels for Your First Post-vaccination Vacation
1. Maison de la Luz
https://maisondelaluz.com, New Orleans, Louisiana
Why I recommend this property for an end-of-pandemic-celebrating group get-together:
Maison de la Luz because it feels like a private retreat in the middle of the city. With only 67 rooms and suites you have the intimacy of staying at a friend's house but a concierge team that can point you to the best meals, music, and shopping in the city. I love that Maison de la Luz is a new type of luxury hotel. You're not inundated with the typical trappings of a high end property. You notice the details and nuances but everything is tastefully appointed and understated.
Who this property is right for:
Maison de la Luz is especially right for a friends trip. All of the spaces in the hotel are only for guests, so friends can linger over coffee in the breakfast room, or pour themselves a drink from the honor bar before going next door to Bar Marilou through a secret door. Maison de la Luz guests also have access to the Ace Hotel, just a few blocks away and can take advantage of the rooftop pool or live performances at Three Keys.
Pro tips to know before you stay:
Walk ten minutes to The Orpheum Theater and look for the entrance to Double Dealer, a speakeasy that's housed under the theater. Peek behind the bar for cozy booths or take a front row seat and be prepared for a show that could include live music, fan dancers, sword swallowers, or magicians.
2. TERRA Farm + Manor
https://www.terrafarmandmanor.com/#terra-section, Prescott, AZ
Why I recommend this property for an end-of-pandemic-celebrating group get-together:
I recommend TERRA Farm + Manor because it gives you what we've all wanted during the pandemic; space to roam, togetherness over meals, and the ability to have a culinary experience that doesn't involve take out or Uber Eats! I love that TERRA is a working farm and that you'll do everything from picking the produce for your meals to working with chefs and winemakers to bring it from garden to plate.
Who this property is right for:
TERRA is especially right for groups of couples who have been stuck in the city during the pandemic. The daily schedule is the perfect balance of structure with three hour culinary classes in the morning and plenty of free time in the afternoon to explore Prescott National Forest, practice yoga, or take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.
Pro tips to know before you stay:
All of the guest rooms have the same accommodations except for the Master Suite which features a fireplace, antique cast iron bathtub, and an attached private patio. Set on 100 private acres of Prescott National Forest take time to explore the entire manor including the game room, library, wine cellar, and verandas.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Saint Thomas
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/st-thomas, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Why I recommend this property for an end-of-pandemic-celebrating group get-together:
A little over a year ago the The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas reopened after two years and a $100-million renovation. Two Category 5 hurricanes battered the Caribbean and people wondered about when a return to islands like St. Thomas would be possible again. Then the global pandemic hit and it seemed like we would never get to experience the revamped infinity pool, new restaurant, and upgraded rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Now, the property and island are ready to welcome visitors with open arms, warm breezes, and breathtaking views of Great Bay Beach. I love that The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas has its own luxury sailing catamaran. One of the best way to explore the U.S. Virgin Islands is by water and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas gives you options for snorkeling, beachfront picnics, catch and cook barbecues, and even a visit to a floating taco bar.
Who this property is right for:
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is especially right for multi-generational travelers or families traveling together. The Ritz Kids Club offers environmentally-friendly, and educational activities for children 5 and up. There's an adults-only pool, a family pool with a slide, and the resort fee includes daily fitness classes, rum tastings, and guided garden tours so there is something for every interest.
Pro tips to know before you stay:
The resorts' location, just six minutes from Red Hook ferry terminal makes for easy trips to Saint John and the British Virgin Islands.
No trip to St. Thomas would be complete without trying a Bushwacker, which was invented on the island in 1975. Grab one from Rum Island Pub after you land and enjoy it (slowly) on your way to the hotel. Then sample the Frozen Bushwacker with a view at the hotel's relaxed restaurant, Coconut Grove.
VIP PERKS
And I almost forgot to mention… I’m a preferred partner with all of these hotels and can offer you complimentary VIP perks with every stay! Start planning your post-vaccination vacation here!