Places We’ve Stayed & Loved
Having stayed at approximately 250 of the world’s top hotels & resorts, I’m sharing only those I love and highly recommend — places I’d return in a heartbeat, that are worth the spend.
Knowing & understanding the facts and nuances of a place is crucial in the decision-making process, which unfortunately, despite the glut of information available, is hard to uncover and make sense of.
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Posted by Suzanne Aaronson
Shhhh…. this is one of my favorite places in the world. Worth your coveted time & hard-earned money.
“Once only a private beach club, this 27-room ‘feet in the sand’ simple little hotel retains the feel of an intimate summer club, just a mile from downtown Nantucket. Fab gym, lap and regular pool. Adorable sunny breakfast nook.”
Get there: A 5-minute cab ride from both ferries, 15 minutes from Nantucket Airport. No need for a car. Get everywhere on bike & foot.
*Take note: Service is personal and minimal, making this the ultimate in quiet relaxation. Expect high-quality, fresh & clean simplicity, not glitz nor glam.
Suzanne Aaronson: SFiles Founder
Posted by Suzanne Aaronson
Shhhh…. this is best kept lesser known: friends via via… Worth your coveted time & hard-earned money.
The itinerary
A 5-day “crash course” for wine enthusiasts of all levels that covers a grape’s journey “from vine to wine,” with immersive activities that include lectures, tastings, vineyard visits, hands-on winery activities and games. The course is structured according to the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) curriculum with methods that help you retain the information long after “wine boot camp” is over. Thinking of taking a foray into the beverage world? You will leave with a comprehensive and highly rewarding “big picture” understanding of wine regions, grape varieties and winemaking technique. Everyone is invited to take the WSET certification exam at the end of the course.
The setting
La Verrière, a 350-acre private estate in Provence’s Vaucluse region that’s also part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s an ideal location for doing pretty much anything (including doing nothing), but with its restored medieval priory, unique vineyard terroir and state-of-the-art winery, it’s particularly well suited to this course.
The digs
La Verrière has four suites and three double guest rooms (complete with Frette linens and Marius Fabre toiletries), housing a total of eighteen people. If you’re going solo, you can still benefit from the discounted shared room rate by opting to have a roommate assigned to you.
The catch
Really difficult to find a downside to this trip, but those with only a casual interest in wine may find the course a tad intense. Chêne Bleu mails you a course book that they recommend studying for a minimum of 14 hours in advance of your trip. Even if you don’t intend to take the exam, the course is designed for people who have “done their homework” beforehand. That being said, the calibre of the instruction has resulted in a 100% pass rate for all participants to date!
The crowd
A small and likely international group of fun-loving sophisticates who are short on time but big on wine – and cultural enrichment. If you want to bring a non wine-lover, they can do their own thing by day (shopping or sight-seeing in the nearby towns or relaxing on the gorgeous grounds) and join up with the group for dinner and other communal activities.
Getting there
Closest airports are Marseille (MRS – 1.5 hours by car) and Avignon (AVN – 45 minutes by car), or intercontinental travelers can also take the TGV from Paris (Charles de Gaulle CDG or Gare du Lyon) direct to Avignon (AVN – 45 minutes by car).
Pricing
Around $6,000-$7,000 and up, depending on time of booking and living arrangements.
Suzanne Aaronson: Founder SFiles
Posted by Suzanne Aaronson
Shhhh…. this is one of my favorite places in the world. Worth your coveted time & hard-earned money.
Who
A large family, friends or company group; especially oenophiles (rent the whole property). Or book just one room.
What
A private award-winning wine producing compound in the south of France, set on a priory dating back to the 9th century with a setting and activities that provide the perfect recipe for eating & drinking divinely … and working it off in the hills, tennis court & pool!
When
The warmer months surrounding summer allow for making the most of the lush landscape and pool, but this is a pretty idyllic setting even during the winter as it’s mild. Summer can be very hot but as its elevated there is a lovely breeze.
Where
On a secluded mountainside near the town of Vaison-la-Romaine; it’s ultra-luxury with a provincial twist.
Why
Everything from a celebration to a professional retreat – just pick your excuse! My favorite is the wine intensive for its uniqueness. Nearby epicurean, historical, natural and cultural attractions abound, from the Palais du Pape in Avignon to the vineyards of Chateauneuf, as well as the hiking and biking around the Mt Ventoux.
What’s great
Extreme Wine – or “wine bootcamp” – is a luxurious 5-day summer crash course for wine enthusiasts of all levels of expertise (or lack thereof), taught by world-class wine experts who give you professional-grade lessons in a grape’s journey “from vine to wine” in a 5-star setting with spectacular cuisine and hands-on experience in the winery. (See the file)
Novel
Pointedly not a hotel, as you’ll feel like you’re staying at a friends home. The all-around enriching experience is what you make of it as you may simply choose to flop poolside.
Getting there
Closest airports are Marseille (MRS – 1.5 hours by car) and Avignon (AVN – 45 minutes by car), or intercontinental travelers can also take the TGV from Paris (Charles de Gaulle CDG or Gare du Lyon) direct to Avignon (AVN – 45 minutes by car). Heliport on property.
Pricing
From $28,200-$32,000 per week for the while estate, depending on season and size of group; from $400 nightly bed & breakfast per room, season & availability depending.
Contacts
Hosts: Xavier and Nicole Rolet
Phone: +33 (0) 6 22 03 31 15 (France)
+44 (0) 7775 682 090 (England)
Email: info@laverriere.com
Booking requests: laverriere.com/lv_callback_request.php
Suzanne Aaronson: Founder SFiles
“I’ll stay here my whole life. Both the modern re-dos and the classic rooms are impeccable. Breakfast in the tea lounge is one of my most favorite spots in London.”
Get there: Traffic depending, a 50 minute drive from Heathrow and 1.5 hours from London Gatwick airport. Public transit is also available via the tube (Green Park/Bond St. are the closest stations)
*Take note: Don’t miss the first Aman Spa in Europe! Subterranean gorgeous.
“I lived a few minutes walk away for years and always enjoyed the quiet lovely neighborhood ambience – especially the living rooms and outdoor garden with glassed in conservatory. A perfect boutique cozy “at-home” hotel.”
Get there: Traffic depending, between 45 – 120 minutes from LHR
*Take note: An ideal day here starts with breakfast in the glass conservatory, followed by a day of South Kensington / Chelsea street meandering, cultural tidbits & shopping.
“Cosy, simple, adorable, local feel. Happens to be square on one of the lesser-known loveliest neighborhood pods of Pimlico with cafes, shops and restaurants you’ll love each one.”
Get there: Traffic depending, 30 minutes from Heathrow by car and about an hour on public transit (take the N9 and transfer to the N11). A walk to Victoria Station.
*Take note: The gastropub downstairs is where a laidback atmosphere meets stylish guests and farm fresh cuisine. Family friendly.
“Book the one bedroom deluxe suite with terrace. Cool neighborhood option.”
Get there: Traffic depending, 30 minutes from Heathrow and about an hour from Gatwick by car
*Take note: A great bet for travelers who prefer very boutique luxury with a modern feel, as opposed to historical stateliness. No elevator!
“Hands down one of the most charming, well-designed, cool places to stay or even just have a drink or spa service in the whole of NYC. Don’t miss the subterranean pool and stunning courtyard lounge.”
Get there: Closest airport is Newark (EWR)
*Take note: Rooms are not spiffed up modern chic. They are old-school with a twist.
“Each time I walked in the lobby I felt ‘home’. Boutique in feel, but services and amenities parallel it with the city’s greats. A perfect UES stay.”
Get there: Traffic depending, about a 30 minute cab ride from LGA and JFK
*Take note: You’ll be tempted to explore restaurants in the area, but the food here is by Jean-Georges so it’s worth staying in for at least one breakfast and dinner.
“Fun, a little funky, great service. Don’t miss the sun-filled restaurant or terrace garden in Summer.”
Get there: Traffic depending, about a 30 minute cab ride from LGA and JFK
*Take note: Regulars make a point to stay in different rooms each time, as each is uniquely outfitted by Kit Kemp.