Why be SPG

SPG: Starwood Preferred Guest

Let me take a moment to talk about one of my favorite hotel brands...Starwood Hotels & Resorts are comprised of 9 hotel brands which include the Westin, The Luxury Collection & W which I had the opportunity to experience on my recent trip to Spain. 

As a Travel Consultant I took a few courses to become an SPGPro and along with that come some perks that you too can enjoy if you enroll in their program!

SIGN UP HERE

Take a look at all the benefits they have to offer: start with earning points with every stay that can be used for free stays in the future, VIP access to events and once you hit Gold receive welcome gifts and room upgrades- see below!

Pictures of my Favorite Pools

JW Marriott Panama

When I travel, whether its a tranquil oasis or 

a wild and crazy party I always find my way to the pool...

My Favorite Suites

See this post over at RoomSuggestion.com- Thank you again for the feature!

Private Chalet at Londolozi Founders Camp

Kruger National Park, South Africa

 A luxury suite without all the fluff but with all the comforts- homemade chocolate chip cookies, an extra large bathroom with a deck featuring a plunge pool & outdoor shower where lions can be heard roaring in the distance. Founders is one of 5 camps and if you want pure luxury also check out thier Granite Suites. 

Room 500 at Ashford Castle

Cong, Co. Mayo Ireland

Let me preface this by saying there is no 5th floor. I felt like a princess staying in the highest room of the tallest tower. A fun fact this is the same suite that John Wayne stayed in while filming The Quiet Man. If available this room gives you the best views of the castle and grounds.

Hilltop Dream Suite at Ladera

St.Lucia, West Indies

​Every suite at Ladera gives you the best views of the iconic Pitons that St. Lucia is known for. Having the plunge pool is great and with access to Sugar Beach it is the best of both worlds. I compared this room to sleeping in the clouds. Beware there is no A/C with no fourth wall but worth it in the cooler months. 

Terrace One Bedroom Fountain view Suite at The Cosmopolitan 

Las Vegas

Located inside one of my favorite casinos this suite offers an outdoor space only found at the Cosmo. Make sure you make it a Fountain View for a fantastic look at the strip along with a front row seat to the Bellagio Fountains. Another reason this room is a favorite- the Japanese Soaking Tub with a view. 

The Reflection Suite on-board a Celebrity Cruise ship

Anywhere in the World

Not only will this Suite take you to far away places the amenities it comes with can not be beat. Inside you will find a cantilevered shower over the sea, a customized bed menu & butler service. 

- See more at: http://www.roomsuggestion.com/Suite-Encounters-with-The-Jet-Set-Redhead#sthash.5mceB9BF.dpuf

San Diego

San Diego

San Diego has to be one of my favorite places to visit...so it's great that one of my best friends resides there. (So I don't really have hotel recommendations) The weather seems to always be a perfect sunny and 75 and when staying in Pacific Beach or PB you can bike everywhere!

There are a few spots that are worth hoppin in a car for...

Panama

Beach pool (on a weekday) 

About 2 hours outside Panama City, Panama there is the exclusive resort area of Buenaventura.  Formally the Bristol the resort I stayed at is now a JW Marriott Golf and Beach Resort.  

JW Marriott

Welcome to Miami

When to go:

I consider Miami to be a year round destination but I recommend...

MARCH

I try to avoid traveling during Spring Break but go for Winter Music Conference which also coincides with ULTRA Music Festival . There are tons of concerts and special appearances throughout the city so plan to rage with the best DJ's around.

AUGUST 

I decided to splurge last year and attend the final performance of JT & Jay Z's Legends of Summer Tour and was pleasantly surprised that Miami Spa Month was going on. I took advantage and booked a few treatments at Canyon Ranch which I highly recommend for anyone who loves to get pampered. Spa Month also overlaps with Miami Spice or their restaurant week which again I took full advantage of the great Prix Fixe Menus. *Weather wise you will run into a few storms but they quickly pass....maybe.

DECEMBER

Art Basel showcases some of the best Modern and Contemporary artists in the world and occurs in the beginning of the month. Hit Miami during this time for the best weather, some great celebrity sightings and to take in pop up galleries around the city. 

This is also peak time for cruise ships headed to the Caribbean. I got the chance to experience Celebrity Reflection for a quick two night sailing and it immediately became my favorite line. They redefine modern luxury with great suites, a real grass lawn and fun specialty restaurants: order off an iPad at Qsine or (with the supervision of a chef) grill your own dinner at the Lawn Club Grill.  

Where to stay:

Endless hotel possibilities....endless but here are some of my favorites.

Fontainebleau

Located in Mid-Beach is one of the most historically and architecturally significant hotels on Miami Beach (according to them) but you kinda have to agree. From the bow-tie marble floor, the ultra exclusive nightclub LIV and many amazing restaurants to choose from this is the place to see and be seen. 

The Betsy South Beach
This boutique hotel sits at the end of Ocean Drive and gives you access to the excitement that is South Beach but a with a more relaxed atmosphere. With only 61 rooms the staff learns your names the first day which would make anyone feel special.

The James Royal Palm 
Newly Renovated and only a block from Ocean Drive you are within walking distance to the Art Deco area along with Lincoln Road. Their standard rooms are fantastic but also offer Apartment style accommodations. I love this property as it gives back and goes green- triple distilled water refreshed daily in the rooms along with large shampoo/conditioner dispensers. Don't forget to check out their gift shop as all products give back in some way.

W South Beach
I am a HUGE W Hotels fan and this property is one of the best. The Suites are wonderfully designed and have some of the best views of the ocean. Chill out and let the "Beach Ambassadors" take great care of you or post up at WET (the pool) for some fun in the sun. You really can not go wrong with the W.

Where to grub:
Cecconis
Inside the Soho Beach House is one of my favorite Brunch spots. The buffet is to die and if you happen to be staying there or know a member (I am lucky that way) you can have one of their amazing pizzas delivered ocean side. 

Lido Restaurant and Bayside Grill at the Standard
A great place to watch sunset on Biscayne Bay and choose from an organic and fresh Mediterranean menu.

SushiSamba

Take a break from all your shopping on Lincoln Road for some sushi with a Brazilian kick. I could eat a dozen of their Crispy Taquitos with Yellowtail!

Where to drink:
Miami cocktails are more expensive than Vegas and those 2 for 1 specials on Ocean Drive are kinda a joke but if you plan on getting a bit tipsy there are my go to spots...

FDR at the Delano Hotel
Know the doorman or be prepared to purchase bottle service for this underground spot. A smaller space but tons of fun once you get in! 

The Broken Shaker
A cool vibe with a great garden and some of the most inventive cocktails by the beach. 

THE BEACH...duh
Hit the corner store then hit the sand!

Seattle

Seattle is said to have two seasons: the rainy season & August,

but when I traveled up to the Pacific Northwest in May I experience some glorious weather. 

View from The Pan Pacific

I got very lucky during my long weekend as the weather permitted me to explore all that downtown had to offer.  

The Pan Pacific Hotel is in a great location as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle along with a few parks are located within a 5-10 min walk. If walking isn't your thing a fun way to see the city is with Ride the Duck-you will see them everywhere.

Here are a few of my must see spots for Seattle:

SPACE NEEDLE

The iconic tower was built for the 1962 World's Fair and from the observation deck you have great views of the city.

View from the observation deck

PIKE PLACE MARKET

Rachel

With multiple floors of boutiques, an arcade of craft vendors, flying fish & "Rachel" the pig the market is a must! Also make your way down to Post Alley and contribute to the Gum Wall (I did) & don't forget to hit up the Farmers Market on the weekends.  

Post Alley

Farmers Market

THE ORIGINAL STARBUCKS

There will always be a line out the door but it's hard to leave Seattle and say you didn't go.

OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK

Located along the waterfront the park is the perfect place to stroll through on a sunny but breezy day.

"Perre's Ventaglio III" by Beverly Pepper

CHIHULY GARDEN and GLASS

This unique exhibit is right below the Space Needle & a must.

Other musts- 
DISCOVERY PARK: a great hike and if you forgot supplies stop into REI which was founded in Seattle.
NORDSTROM FLAGSHIP STORE: As a former Nordy girl I also call this Mecca. 
METROPOLITAN GRILL: had one of the best steak dinners there.

What are your musts for Seattle??? Comment below.