Another Look at Greece 15 Oct 2019, 5:48 pm

Written by Tiffany Bowne – Lounge Couture an affiliate of All Star Travel Group

If you haven’t been to Greece or are thinking of going back there, there are some fresh new hotels on the scene as well as some refreshed favorites.  The long-anticipated opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace is all-the-buzz!  I was lucky enough to be one of the first agents to stay there and it’s spectacular.  It’s about 25 minutes outside of Athens in the elite area known as the “Athens Riviera”.  It boasts large swimming pools as well as beach.  Perched on a hill cascading down to the water, the hotel offers magnificent water views.  It’s sure to be a hopping scene during high season!  The rooms are contemporary, design oriented with deep soaking tubs and amenities.  If you are ok not being in the heart of Athens or if it’s not your first trip to the city, this option offers a fresh, current luxury experience.  A visit to the Acropolis and new Acropolis Museum is a must do for any trip through Athens.

Island Life

I did a little island hopping starting with Naxos.  Naxos, being one of the largest inhabited islands in the Cyclades, is a contrast to the touristy and sometimes glamorous Santorini and Mykonos.  It takes you back to old world Greek island life.  There is no true 5-star property here but there are some lovely boutique options as well as gorgeous villa rentals available.  Naxios Collection offers a high-end boutique hotel feel with excellent service, hand crafted cocktails, cooking classes and a warm friendly environment where guests love to chill after a day of sites.  Naxos is known for agriculture like cheese, wine and fresh fruit and vegetables.  A drive to Apeiranthos Village is so enchanting and strolling through the marble walking street a delightful afternoon!

Santorini and Mykonos are the Greek islands most people want to see and explore.  Santorini is stunning with its white buildings set in steep volcanic cliffs.  Be warned if you are scared of heights, you will be challenged here!  The sweeping ocean views and spectacular sunsets are to be enjoyed by all.  It can be difficult to get around in peak season between the number of cruise ship passengers and traffic congestion.  Wandering the streets of Oia, shopping for handmade local crafts, and stopping at a café are moments not to be missed.  Canaves Suites is a superb 5-star option right in Oia and its sister property Epitome is outside of Oia by 20 minutes and can accommodate families and guests who are looking to be out of the hustle and bustle.   Other favorites are Katikies right in Oia or Kirini Spa Suites that is walking distance to Oia but set a little outside of the crowds.  I love both properties!  Most of their rooms have incredible views with private pools – which is the dream and worth the splurge!  Make sure you have lunch at Ammoudi Bay at Sunset Restaurant for a magical lunch on the bay.

A trip to Greece is not complete without Mykonos – one of Europe’s summer hot spots!  This island in contrast to Santorini has a more chic, beachy scene.  It has trendy restaurants and beach clubs and Mykonos Town is fun to explore day or night!  Santa Marina Hotel is the true luxury option with a private beach, Buddha Bar restaurant beachside, luxury rooms and villas and an excellent spa.  This is the grand dame of the island.  In the last year, Katikies opened a gorgeous hotel overlooking a quiet bay.  The rooms are spacious and most have private pools.  I loved this hotel with two swimming pools, a daily DJ and excellent cuisine.   If you need a night close to the port or cruise ship terminal Cavo Tagoo and the new Riviera Mykonos are the perfect choices depending on your preference.  A beach club visit to Scorpios or Nammos is worth an afternoon to experience the Mykonos “scene”.

Greece is on everyone’s list and is a wonderful country with an island to peak anyone’s interests.  Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy your next trip without too much moving around.  Settling into Greek life is part of the charm!

Road Trip Getaway! Sorrel River Ranch 10 Oct 2019, 7:00 pm

Written by Tiffany Bowne – Lounge Couture an affiliate of All Star Travel Group

There is a little surprise tucked along the Colorado River in Moab Utah – Sorrel River Ranch.  It makes the perfect stopping point to access Canyonland and Arches National Parks and the surrounding areas.  Even if you are not an off-road enthusiast, this is a special place to view the amazing rock formations and terrain of Utah.  If you are doing a road trip, Moab is the perfect place to add on to a Grand Canyon, Sedona, and/or Monument Valley journey.  You can fly into Salt Lake City (4 hour drive) or a closer option is Grand Junction, Colorado (1 hour 45 minute drive).

Adventure awaits!

There are so many activities to enjoy like mountain biking, rafting, horseback riding, wine tasting while always enjoying the many amazing views in any direction.  This is a perfect outdoor location to take in all the dramatic scenery.  While looking at majestic desert landscapes you can be up in snowcapped mountain tops in less than an hour, or even galloping over green pastures!

Many people come here to tent camp or RV as there are myriad of campsites but Sorrel River Ranch is where you go to enjoy the luxuries of a hotel!  Why not stay in charming cabin-like rooms located on the banks of the Colorado River with delightful and dramatic canyon views?  It’s a place to recharge!  You can’t get over the view! Rooms have a southwest feel with deep soaking tubs, luxuriously comfortable beds, and a kitchenette. Truly stunning red rock, canyon facing views just across the river envelope you in the destination.  Sitting on your private patio on a rocking chair, bench swing or even on the river bank in an Adirondack chair enjoying the breeze is so relaxing! The hotel boasts gourmet farm dining at River Grill, its restaurant, but you are only 20 minutes from town with many other casual dining options in the quaint town of Moab.

I suggest you get outdoors and take a bike ride, hike or a canyon UTV tour to see all the sites!  Take in a sunrise over the canyon or a sunset snapping pictures of Arches at Canyonland and red rock mesas- even find dinosaur tracks!  But you get to return dusty and happy to the Sorrel River Ranch to a handcrafted cocktail at Epic Bar and sit by a firepit and roast marshmallows with complimentary smores.  It’s a true Southwest experience. Sorrel River Ranch is ideal for families, couples looking for a romantic adventure, or a perfect stop for a camping/RV road trip when you just need a comfy bed, some privacy and a slice of luxury. It has a spa, petting zoo and even has stables with on property horseback rides.

Don’t worry, it’s not a problem if you arrive with a trailer, toy hauler or RV – plenty of parking space to accommodate. There are world class outdoor experiences in Moab, Utah for the true adventurer.  It’s a place that people come from all over the world to rock climb their UTV, ride world class mountain bike trails, take leisurely motorcycle rides, or a place for dirt bike enthusiasts. Why not add a bit of comfort and luxury to any level of adventure!

The staff of the property are accommodating and memorable. Rory, our on-property adventure guide, was a treat to our 4-hour UTV canyon tour offering history to all the visual sites – even sneaking us to a cow wrestler’s hideout from the old west.

It’s convenient to use the hotel as a base to immerse and explore the national parks in the area.  There is an activity for everyone at any level. Sorrel River Ranch is the perfect combination of luxury and adventure!

Casa Koko – Villa Dreaming in Punta Mita 9 Oct 2019, 9:54 am

Written by Tiffany Bowne – Lounge Couture an affiliate of All Star Travel Group

Luxury Villa rentals can be a little questionable with so many options available online that it can be a little daunting in terms of what you are getting for the price.  Recently, I flew to Puerto Vallarta to try out a villa located in the Punta Mita development about 40 minutes from the airport.  Located in this luxury private community were resorts like The Four Seasons and the St Regis.  Casa Koko is a nine bedroom masterpiece that is available to rent.  This home was designed by renowned architects Juan Collignon and Manolo Mestre and interior designer Karen Collignon.  Casa Koko is a spectacular private oceanfront villa and can accommodate up to 22 guests (18 adults and 4 children).

Why choose Casa Koko?

Casa Koko is the perfect house to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary, holiday or getting a group of your favorite people together.  It boasts two oceanfront master suites, two ocean view guest suites, and five garden bedrooms.  All bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms.  It’s the perfect setting for the ultimate family or group getaway!  Casa Koko comes fully staffed with maid service, onsite concierge, house manager and chef prepared meals.  It even has its own spa, bicycles and fitness center.

I recently put together a group of clients in the fields of fashion, music and wellness.  Our goal was to use Casa Koko’s amazing décor and design elements as the perfect backdrop to shoot some amazing pictures.  We were overwhelmed and in awe of the charm and design elements of this house!  Everyone was blown away with the quality of the staff, the service, even down to the tiniest detail.  Rock stone bathtubs, contemporary chandeliers from South Africa, palm thatched roof, and art from around the world.  Each room is a mix of contemporary and classic, bohemian chic.  They spared no expense!  There is no shortage of lounging options and hammocks to surprise you all over the property.  There might even be one in one of the master suites!

Since Casa Koko is located in the Punta Mita development all guests have access to three of the beach clubs that are nearby for residents during their stay.  With water sports, additional food and beverage options and swimming pools it just adds to the amenities of the house.  Its hard to pull yourself away from the villa but if you have to there are activities available nearby… stroll through the charming town of Sayulita, take a jungle UTV tour, enjoy a round of golf, afternoon sailing excursion or try your hand at fishing!

We were treated to magnificent meals at Casa Koko.  Dining together at many different locations at the house added to feeling so pampered and special.  We were spoiled by our butler unpacking us into each of our suites.  Ramon the waiter serves up exquisite margaritas and light snacks are abundant whenever you might feel the slightest hunger pain.  We were in love with their quesadillas which were the perfect snack while lounging by the oceanfront infinity swimming pool!  Each meal was delightful from grilled steak with risotto, grilled lobster, fresh fish and local delights of light rice with a selection of fajitas.  We enjoyed wine paired meals and they even provide smores by  the fire at the sand terrace.  Our last dinner was a “white party” where each guest wore white (which added a great photo opp!)  It doesn’t hurt to have an up and coming musician in our group who serenaded us by the candlelight on our last night.  It was the end to a magical stay.

Depending on how many people and if your stay is high or low season rates can start as low as $5,000 per night and go up to around $20,000 during Christmas and New Year’s.  Your travel agent can discuss with you exact pricing based on your group and customize your stay.  This home is the perfect backdrop to any family trip or celebration.  Our group is having withdrawals and missing every second we spent at Casa Koko and miss each and every one of the staff.  It is a trip to remember and I hope you will consider Casa Koko for your next destination.