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

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: FALL WEEKEND ESCAPES

October 5, 2020

October is the perfect time for a road trip. The hot summer weather has been replaced with mild and brisk temps, leaves begin to show off in certain parts of the country, woodsmoke fills the air and pumpkin displays line up on every doorstep. It is also one of the last months of the year we have left to take advantage of the great outdoors, something that has become an absolute necessity during this time of Covid-19.

We rounded up a mix of mini escapes—all reasonable drives or short flights from major cities that have stunning scenery, fewer crowds, farm to table gastronomy, over-the-top spas and blazing fires. The details below —

TWIN FARMS

Barnard, Vermont

Getting Here: A 5 hour drive from NYC, 3 hour drive from Boston and a 45 minute drive from Lebanon, NH Airport.

Starting Rates: $2100 a night plus tax. ( The rates include accommodations, all food, beverage and activities excluding spa )

Activities: Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, Tennis, Kayaking, Golf, Wine Tastings and Spa.

Mapps X Twin Farms:

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
House made honey with locally made pottery (value of $150 USD)

P.S. To elevate your romance game, book a private dinner in their wine cellar.

THE POINT

Saranac Lake, NY

Getting Here: A 3 hour drive from NYC and Boston and a 45 minute drive from Adirondack Regional Airport.

Starting Rates: $2400 a night plus tax. ( The rates include accommodations, all food, beverage and activities excluding spa )

Activities: Hiking, Biking, Boating, Kayaking, Wine Tastings, Classic Movies and Spa.

Mapps X The Point :

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Spa Credit

P.S. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat ride over to their private island where the team from The Point will have a 3 course lunch set up and full bar waiting just for you.

MAYFLOWER INN & SPA

Washington, CT

Getting Here: A 1 hour and 45 minute drive from NYC.

Starting Rates: $600 a night plus tax.

Activities: Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Tennis, Archery, Yoga, Cocktail Classes, Wine Tastings and Spa.

Mapps X The Mayflower :

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Daily Breakfast
$100 food and beverage credit

P.S. Just down the road is Arethusa Farm & Dairy, where Manolo Blahnik’s President and VP George Malkemus and Tony Yurgaitis have been at the helm since 1999. They produce the most delicious ice cream, cheeses and their restaurant is a must when in town. We also love Averill Farm Stand, a great stop before you head home to pick up their famous apple cider donuts, homemade jams, honey, cheeses and pies.

EDGEWOOD TAHOE

Stateline, Nevada

Getting Here: A 3.5 hour drive from San Francisco or a 1 hour drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Starting Rates: $400 a night plus tax.

Activities: Hiking, Biking, Boating, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Golf and Spa.

Mapps X Edgewood :

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Daily Breakfast
$100 food and beverage credit

P.S. While the food and wine game is strong at Edgewood, we are also big fans of nearby Cafe Fiore and Scusa.

HOTEL JEROME

Aspen, Colorado

Getting Here: A 3.5 hour drive from Denver, Colorado, a 10 minute drive from Aspen-Pitkin Airport or a one hour drive from Eagle Country Regional Airport.

Starting Rates: $675.00 a night plus tax.

Activities: Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Golf, Tennis, Shopping, Fishing, Art Museums and Spa.

Mapps X Hotel Jerome :

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Daily Breakfast
$100 food and beverage credit

P.S. British painter Rose Wylie’s work is on display this fall at the Aspen Art Museum.

THE INN AT PERRY CABIN

St. Michael’s, Maryland

Getting Here: A 90 minute drive from Baltimore, a 2 hour drive from Washington, D.C and a 3.5 hour drive from NYC. All 3 cities have international airports and train stations.

Starting Rates: $675.00 a night plus tax.

Activities: Sailing, Kayaking, Golf, Tennis, Biking, Wine Tastings and Spa.

Mapps X Inn at Perry Cabin :

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Daily Breakfast
$100 resort credit
$200 food and beverage credit

P.S. Be sure to hit up the charming town of St. Michaels, only 5 minutes by foot from the Inn. We loved the martinis at Awful Arthur’s, our meals at 208 Talbot and Limencello and the home decor edit at Come by Chance.

BLACKBERRY FARM

Walland, Tennessee

Getting Here: A 30 minute drive from Knoxville, TN Airport, a 3 hour drive from Atlanta, GA and a 6 hour drive from Charleston, SC.

Starting Rates: $1000 a night plus tax. ( The rates include accommodations and all meals, excluding alcohol )

Activities: Hiking, Biking, Fly Fishing, Horseback Riding, Archery, Clay Shooting, Wine Tastings, Kayaking and Spa.

Mapps X Blackberry Farm:

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
10 percent off rates
$100 spa credit

P.S. The natural farm fresh face lift is a game changer.

Ready to book?

SPECIAL EDITION: WHERE TO STAY, EAT & PLAY IN LAKE PLACID

July 14, 2020

Lake Placid, New York is known for hosting the Winter Olympic Games – not once but twice. However, while we absolutely love this alpine town for ski season, the warmer months are also a perfect time to explore its natural beauty and outdoor sporting activities. Our take on how to discover Lake Placid throughout the year below —

STAY

LAKE PLACID LODGE: A bit off the beaten path from town, this Relais & Chateaux property sits directly on Lake Placid Lake. Each wintry-luxe cabin shows off a stone fireplace, handcrafted furnishings, and a sweeping porch that celebrates the authentic spirit of the north woods. The lakefront cabins are highly recommended to ensure the utmost privacy and the best views. We love this both for couples looking for a romantic and or active getaway or for families looking for adventure travel.

* During holiday weeks, the lodge offers kids cooking classes, arts and crafts lessons and movie nights.

MAPPS X LAKE PLACID LODGE : Special nightly rates, complimentary room upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.

EAT & DRINK

BIG SLIDE BREWERY & PUBLIC HOUSE: Sunday Brunch or dinner are our favorite times to dine here… farm-to-table brunch plates, bottomless mimosas, house Bloody Mary’s, a beer-mosa of the day and breakfast burritos to die for. At night we love their brick oven pizza menu complimented with a local brew. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

CAFFE RUSTICA: Casual Italian eatery serving authentic pasta dishes and brick oven pizzas. The roasted eggplant with goat cheese pizza, aka The Bianca Rustica is divine.

ELEANOR’S PASTA KITCHEN: Family owned and run Italian restaurant with creative pasta dishes, soups, salads and flatbreads.

MAGGIE'S PUB: Adirondack-chic decor, old-school cocktails, elegant pub fare and a billiard table by a roaring fire… perfect place to end the day.

PURPLE SAIGE BISTRO: Small bistro that calls for a cozy lunch or an intimate dinner with friends. Their menu is sublime, especially the farmhouse rotisserie chicken… a total town favorite.

THE GOOD BITE KITCHEN: Six-seater vegetarian lunch restaurant with an innovative menu and a serious commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. The warm black bean chili and homemade focaccia bread are crowd staples.

THE COTTAGE: Casual, lakefront pub delivering local brews, hot toddies and decadent overloaded nachos making it an ideal apres-ski spot for the whole family. Directly outside Mirror Lake is packed with ice skaters and bonfires with s'more kits for the kids.

EMERALD SPRINGS RANCH: Horseback riding trails open throughout the year.

MIRROR LAKE: Mirror Lake is what makes Lake Placid a standout from other Northeast ski towns. In the summer it is a haven for water sports and fishermen as well as for walkers and joggers who loop around the scenic three mile path. In the winter, the lake is filled with recreational ice skaters, snowshoers, ice fishing, cross-country skiers, kids playing pick-up hockey games and both dog sled and toboggan rides.

THE OLYMPIC SPORTS COMPLEX: Steep sledding hills, snow tubing trails and a half-mile Olympic bobsled ride that will make your heart stop.

THE WHITEFACE CLUB: Adjacent to Lake Placid Lodge, the club offers an excellent tennis program including eight hard surface and clay tennis courts as well as a challenging 18-hole championship course.

WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN: The top summer activities at Whiteface are downhill mountain biking and hiking. In the winter, Whiteface has 80 open ski trails including the longest single intermediate run in the Northeast, the 2.1-mile long Wilmington Trail.

WHITE WATER RAFTING: Class 3-5 rapids available March till June.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

GETTING HERE: Adirondack Regional Airport is a 20 minute drive to Lake Placid. Additionally, Lake Placid is approximately a 2 hour drive from the international airports in Albany, NY, Burlington, VT, and Montreal and a 4.5 hour drive from New York City.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: June-October or December-early April ( ski )

IDEAL TRAVELER: Families, couples or groups of friends.

READY FOR ADVENTURE? Email info@mapps.com to start planning.