 In 2018, Hurricane Irma left a destructive path that devastated islands from the Caribbean to the Florida Keys. Now, nearly two-and-a-half years later, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa will reopen to guests on March 1, 2020. The luxury property stretches out over four acres on a tiny island off Little Torch Key. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, the remote adults-only paradise features 30 British Colonial-style thatched roof bungalow suites that are simply gorgeous, even more so after the extensive renovations. It's the closest thing to waking up on Gilligan's Island--except here everyone gets Thurston and Lovey Howell-level treatment.  Each bungalow features loads of amenities, including spectacular ocean views, air-conditioning, a boudoir tub, indoor/outdoor shower, and a private deck, as well as other perks like nightly turndown service and complimentary non-alcoholic minibar beverages. WiFi is included, but the room itself is free of TVs and phones, so it's encouraged to unplug completely. Password? We don't need no stinkin' password!  The resort fee includes several niceties, including a welcome cocktail upon arrival by private motor yacht transfer, access to the sparkling beachside pool and bar, plus a well-appointed fitness center to keep that swimsuit body in tip-top shape. Even staff gratuities are included. A dining room and full-service spa round out the greatest hits (of many).
Suites start at $1500 per night, making this romantic escape among the most luxurious in the entire United States. Book now at littlepalmisland.com Photo credit: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
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 Even if you're not a gambler, consider 11 your lucky number next time you visit Palm Springs. That's the number of rooms at Dive Palm Springs, a petite boutique hotel with a purposeful 1960s French beach resort vibe. This glorious property was lovingly restored to its mid-century-modern glory and opened for business in November 2019.  Guest rooms feature bright airy design with original murals, premium linens, luxurious mattresses, rainfall showers in the well-appointed bathrooms, and most feature their own outdoor patio.  Even though the hotel is small, that doesn't mean guests will feel piled atop one another (unless that's something everyone consents to behind closed doors!). The restored, original Libott-designed pool makes for an ideal place to cool off year-round, or sneak away to the garden to read a book, meditate a bit by the tranquil koi pond, or jump in the two-person swing and rock the day away in the orchard under an old citrus tree.
DIve Palm Springs might be the closest thing to the French Riviera this side of, well, the French Riviera. Rooms from $166 per night at divepalmsprings.com  Cue the fireworks and sound the party horns! Another adults-only property has opened on the mainland and it's a trend that will continue in 2020. The Greystone Hotel Miami Beach began hosting guests on January 30 and now's a great time to venture to this swanky art-deco boutique hotel with several special offers that will reward early adopters for checking in (and checking things out). From 25% off suites with hot tubs to packages that include a $75 food and beverage credit, you'll find a bargain that'll make it worth the extra click.  All guests of the 91-room property will enjoy a bounty of luxurious amenities, including access to the sleek rooftop pool, sophisticated beach-retreat interior design, interactive Mirror fitness technology for high-intensity workouts, smartphone access to unlock your door, get room service and more, plus access to four on-site restaurants and bars (two coming soon), including a "secret" speakeasy in the basement called Golden Gator. Another innovation that might otherwise go unnoticed is the limit of three guests per room, even the ones with two double beds. This is bad news for those looking to cram a bunch of people into a room to cut down on cost, but great news for those who don't want to be shacked up next door to 7 bachelorettes sharing a single bathroom.
Rooms and suites start at just $249 per night, so check your calendar and get yourself to Florida! greystonemiamibeach.com  If you haven't read the review of Camp John Waters 2019 yet, here it is.
The fourth edition (September 11 to 14, 2020) returns to Club Getaway in Kent, Connecticut and will feature celebrity camp counselors Mink Stole, Kathleen Turner and Patricia "Patty" Hearst. If you love John Waters (or even like him just a bit), you'll have a blast at this camp. Pinky swear! Booking details at campjohnwaters.com  The adults-only vibe doesn't have to be dampened just because the pool's closed for the winter. That's the situation at Scottsdale's Clubhouse at Maya
Clubhouse at Maya 7333 E. Indian Plaza Scottsdale AZ 85251 mayaclubaz.com  All I know right now is that I want to be in one of those hammocks with the waves splashing beneath. But there's even more to love about the recently opened Atelier Playa Mujeres in Cancun. Serving adults only (or 16 and over to be specific) and aiming for a luxury experience, the property features 431 suites, as well as eight restaurants and seven bars to service the all-inclusive lifestyle guests experience. Because the hotel group has other properties, guests can actually access more than 24 restaurants across nearby locations, so even on a really long vacation you could potentially never eat at the same place twice.  Recreation options include an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course and a large infinity pool, both with views of the crystalline Caribbean Sea. Non-motorized Sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding are also options. And for those traveling with extended family, there's a family-friendly property adjoining Atelier Playa Mujeres for anyone with children in the mix. Splitting between the two properties is a great way to keep the family peace!
atelierdehoteles.com  Photo credit: The Standard Miami Beach You won't find many adults-only hotel options in Miami Beach, let alone a really great bargain. But The Standard Miami Beach likes to treat its guests right. So if you're a plan-in-advancer (like me, King of the Vacation Spreadsheet), then you'll get the added bonus of up to 25% off your room rate just for booking at least five days in advance.
This hotel boasts a really fantastic spa and a variety of innovative and relaxing treatments, but even if you're not looking for a massage, facial or wrap, your daily resort fee of $29.99 per room includes access to the co-ed Hamam, sauna and steam room inside the spa. It also gets you unlimited WIFI throughout the property, local calls, pool chair, towels, and access to the Peloton bike-equipped fitness center. Some resort fees get you very little in the way of perks, so this is one I have no problem paying. Especially with the added benefit of zero screaming children. Use code NOWORNEVER when booking or click on this handy-dandy link. standardhotels.com  A different landscape than you'd expect in Hawaii (or Lanai to be more specific) | Photo courtesy of Four Seasons One of my fondest memories of a visit to Hawaii a few summers ago was spending a few pampered days on Lanai, the small island off the Maui coast. Many people know the island because Oracle's co-founder Larry Ellison purchased all but two percent of it back in 2012. What could've been a selfish move for the billionaire turned out to be anything but because he's spearheading a fantastic revitalization of the island while keeping its small-island charm. During our stay at one of two Four Seasons on the island (we were at the one right on the ocean), my partner and I had the chance to dine and hang out at the other Four Seasons up in the mountains. To be sure, the landscape isn't what we expected from Hawaii—lush pine trees, cooler temperatures and no ocean for miles (only 8.8, but still). However, there's a new twist that makes me want to book a room. Stat!  Transfers to Lanai via Lanai Air are included with every room booking | Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Officially launching on November 1, Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat re-opens after several years of renovations to become the first-ever adults-only wellness retreat under the Four Seasons umbrella. And, perhaps best of all, it's all-inclusive (in a Four Seasons kind of way). Like the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, this property is owned by Ellison and is exactly what you'd expect from someone of his financial status: Luxury on top of luxury with a side of luxury if you request it.  Who's ready for a white party? The new rooms are gorgeous. | Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Among the MANY services and amenities at the new property, which requires a three-night minimum stay, are an on-site Sensei by Nobu restaurant, a gorgeous spa, an outdoor pool, a massive variety of fitness classes, zip lines, an 18-hole golf course and a personal sensei guide who will help create the perfect getaway from the moment your feet touch the sacred Lanai soil.
Who's ready for a couple weeks here? Check out the web site for full details on this spectacular new adults-only resort and start planning your next kid-free adventure. fourseasons.com/koele |
AuthorSJust like our travel reviews, every product or service you'll find here has been personally tested and included only because of its excellence. Archives
February 2020
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