BROWN V.S. THE WILDERNESS: A JACKSON HOLE ADVENTURE

July 13, 2021

This past June, my 15 year old daughter Finlay and her Brentwood bestie headed out west to spend part of their summer with the team at Wilderness Adventures Camp. I decided to head out early with them for a few days to explore Jackson Hole, a picturesque valley and wilderness recreation area in western Wyoming that borders the jagged peaks of the iconic Grand Tetons. We arrived on American Airlines newest direct route from JFK to JAC in under five hours ( the Klein’s arrived in 2 hours via LAX on United ) to an unprecedented west coast heat wave... 97 degrees, but who is counting?

Jackson is an idyllic paradise year-round, drawing more then 2.6 million visitors annually who come for the epic ski conditions in the winter and to explore glorious Mother Nature’s offerings in the summertime. It is also a gateway to many National Parks.

Over the past few years, the landscape of this Wild West town has added some modern elements and we are not mad about it. While we are big fans of Amangani and Four Seasons, some new boutique hotels have popped up such as Hotel Jackson, Caldera House and the Cloud Veil, alongside creative restaurant concepts and shops.

In true MAPPS fashion, we left no stone unturned and only recommend what we truly loved.

The details below — E

P.S. I had to be dragged home when this trip was over… I seriously could live all summer in Jackson, it was that perfect as was the time with my daughter.

STAY

Amangani is a 40 suite luxury property in the foothills of the breathtaking Grand Tetons. This beauty is located only 7 minutes from downtown Jackson and 10 minutes from the nearby snow-sports paradise of Jackson Hole Mountain by car.

Amangani looks directly out across the Grand Teton Mountains and plains of the Snake River Valley. Each suite ( 7 categories ) has either a terrace or patio, all have a fireplace and are decorated with a blend of that Amanesque minimalism that they are known for while staying true to the pioneering spirit of the Old Wild Wild West.

It is no wonder this property time and time again is one of our client’s favorite stays in the US #Amanjunkies

Mapps X Amangani: VIP priority upgrade, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits. #MappsWasHere

EAT & DRINK

OUR HIT LIST

Downtown Jackson Area

Glorietta ( Italian )

Colette ( farm to table )

Hand Fire Pizza

Snake River Brewery

Teton Tiger ( Thai )

King ( Sushi )

Persephone Bakery ( brunch )

Bin 22 ( wine and tapas )

Local (meat )

Healthy Being Cafe & Juicery ( juice and smoothies )

Teton Village Area

Teton Thai

RPK 3( lunch or apres ski )

Old Yellowstone Garage

SEE & DO

MAY-SEPTEMBER: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole Rodeo, ATV and Clay Shooting.

DECEMBER-APRIL: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Dog Sledding, Tubing, Ice Skating, Heli and Cat Skiing and Fat Biking.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

GETTING HERE: The town of Jackson and Teton Village ( ski mountain area ) are both located roughly 20 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport ( JAC ) by car.

IDEAL GUEST: We love this for anyone who wants to get out and explore the great outdoors, especially families and multi-generational crews who want an active holiday to keep everyone busy.

MAPPS TIP: we highly recommend renting a car as there is so much ground to cover and you do not want to be at the mercy of Uber. We rented ours through Hertz at the airport and it was a seamless process.

*white water rafting photo compliments of Jackson Hole White Water and Wildlife photo compliments of Amangani.

SEND ME TO THE MOUNTAINS

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: ROMANTIC ESCAPES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND

January 10, 2021

Looking to re-ignite that spark, maintain the current status or perhaps, shall we say elevate your game? Below we round up hotels that we have personally stayed at —trust us when we say that these spots will get the job done.

The details below — Elisa

AMANGANI

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

MAPPS X AMANGANI: As an Aman Preferred Partner, MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: The resort is located 25 minutes by car from Jackson Hole Airport. (JAC)

VIBE: Like all Aman resorts, the eastern, minimalist feel is evident at every corner but with touches of the western lifestyle amongst epic Grand Teton views.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 40 suites and 5 private homes.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1250 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.aman.com/sites/default/files/amangani_activities_guide_winter_2020.pdf

AMANGIRI

CANYON POINT, UTAH

MAPPS X AMANGIRI: As an Aman Preferred Partner, MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: The resort is located 25 minutes by car from Page, AZ Airport ( PGA ) or 4 hours by car from Las Vegas , NV Airport ( LAS ) or Phoenix, AZ Airport. ( PHX )

VIBE: Serene minimalist chic interiors amongst a backdrop of what can only be described as planet Mars.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 34 rooms and suites.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $2600 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri/adventures-experience

HOTEL ESENCIA

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

MAPPS X HOTEL ESENCIA: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and spa credits.

GETTING HERE: 50 minutes south of Cancun Airport and 35 minutes north of Tulum by car.

VIBE: Originally the private home of an Italian duchess turned into a 50-acre estate of luxury suites and villas that has become the most sought after beach resort on the Mexican coast of Tulum for the fashion crowd ( Jason Wu got married here ) and well-travelled who want to fall off the radar.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 42 suites and 3 villas. We are huge fans of the beach suites.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: http://hotelesencia.com/activities/

ROSEWOOD LAS VENTANAS

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO

MAPPS X LAS VENTANAS: MAPPS is a Rosewood Elite Agency so our clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast, resort credits and airport transfers.

GETTING HERE: 30 minutes by car from Los Cabos International Airport. ( SJD )

VIBE: No one quite nails romance like Las Ventanas. I mean what hotel have you ever been too that has a Romance Department? Their group of specialists dedicated to infusing your holiday with extra special touches such as couples massages, elaborate beach dinners etc. rolls out all the stops.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 83 suites and villas.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanas-los-cabos/experiences

LE TOINY

ST. BARTH’S

MAPPS X LE TOINY : MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, priority upgrade subject to availability, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: Fly to St. Martin ( SXM ) and connect to St. Barth’s ( SBH ) via WinAir or ferry. Fly into San Juan ( SJU ) and connect to St. Barth’s via Tradewind Air. Fly private into Anguilla and take a ferry over to St. Barth’s. Le Toiny is located 20 minutes by car from SBH.

VIBE: A serene hideaway built for privacy seekers with a super chic beach club.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 22 independent, self-standing Villa Suites, each one offering a private pool and a large terrace that overlooks the beautiful Toiny Bay.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $2000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://letoiny.com/leisure

LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

LITTLE TORCH KEY, FLORIDA

MAPPS X LITTLE PALM ISLAND: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: Set on a private island accessed only by seaplane or boat, this luxe resort is 40 minutes by car from Key West International Airport ( EYW ) or 3 hours by car from Miami International Airport. ( MIA )

VIBE: Florida Keys meets South Pacific isle feels, nary a distraction is allowed - no televisions, telephones nor children. Need we say more?

ACCOMMODATIONS: 30 suites, many with private oceanfront verandas.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $2000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.littlepalmisland.com/florida-keys-beach-resorts/

COMO PARROT CAY

TURKS & CAICOS

MAPPS X COMO PARROT CAY: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: Upon landing at Providenciales International Airport ( PLS ) in Turks and Caicos, guests take a ten minute car ride to Leeward Marina where they board a private, 25 minute boat ride to the car free island of Parrot Cay.

VIBE: Laid back, barefoot chic sentiments mixed with canopy airy four-poster teak beds with billowing white linen. Be prepared to run into Keith Richards or Donna Karen ( homeowners at the resort ) while you are riding your bike or golf cart around the property.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 74 rooms, suites and private homes.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.comohotels.com/en/parrotcay/experiences

THE POINT

SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK

MAPPS X THE POINT: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates. Please note the property is all-inclusive.

GETTING HERE: Located in the pristine Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, the estate is 45 minutes from Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Saranac, 45 minutes from Lake Placid, NY by car or 5 hours from Boston or New York City by car.

VIBE: Formerly the Rockefeller Family Great Camp, now turned into a luxury hideaway for discerning adults who want to eat, drink and be merry.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 11 individually styled guest rooms, each with a stone place and clawfoot tub. The boat house room is a freestanding cabin where the other 10 are located within 3 separate buildings.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1750 to $3750 based on room, plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://thepointresort.com/home/activities/fall-winter/

READY FOR ROMANCE? CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: FAMILY ADVENTURE IN JACKSON HOLE

July 1, 2020

Hotel: Caldera House, an intimate boutique hotel offering unparalleled access to adventure in a setting to die for. Each of the eight suites is more like a self-contained home than a hotel suite, with a lavish kitchen and living and dining areas in addition to the bedrooms. Half of them are 5,000 square feet with four bedrooms each, plus a copper hot tub on the terrace, and the rest are 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms.

“ We loved absolutely everything about Caldera House! The spectacular setting, service, style and our accommodations were next level, matched only by the extraordinary attention to every detail of our stay. Always relaxed, never stuffy, our needs were anticipated and met at our every turn. As if whatever we needed, or wanted, was there before we even asked. Being at Caldera was like being at home…only with a full-time staff, dreamy surroundings and luxurious accommodations. It was really hard to leave."

Trip Highlights:

“The Via Ferrata guided climbing experience was one of the best family activities we’ve ever done and it was right outside the door of Caldera. Rafting along the Snake River was pretty epic (family member going overboard optional) and while the boys golfed, we girls had a private yoga class in our room which was really lovely.”

Dianne’s Tips:

The fresh waffles at Corbett’s Cabin at the top of the tram on Jackson Mountain. Hard to know what’s better…the view or the waffles.

Finally, do yourself a favor and don’t leave Jackson without a trip (or two or three) to Persephone. We rented bikes at Caldera and pedaled our way there. SO worth it! Plus you can work off some of the calories you’ll clearly be piling on. Coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch specials, salads, sparkling rose, cocktails, take & bake treats, gifts for the home…I could go on. Dare you to go just once.

Editor’s Note: Not only does Dianne have great taste in hotels, she is also an organizational and design genius. Check out her website www.savvy-spaces.com and follow her on insta @savvyspaces99