Bardessono Hotel Brings Eco-Luxury & Spa-Like Guestrooms to Yountville in Napa Valley

Michael
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Bardessono Hotel Brings Eco-Luxury & Spa-Like Guestrooms to Yountville in Napa Valley
Bardessono Hotel in-spa amenities, including outside shower – Photo Credit: Bardessono Hotel & Spa

Napa Valley is home to many of California’s best vineyards, making it the ideal location for one of the most luxurious resort and spas on the West Coast. Bardessono Hotel & Spa, nestled in the heart of downtown Yountville, provides a calm and renewing experience for its guests, while surrounded by top dining options, shopping and multiple wineries to choose from. For more inspiration across the region, browse our ultimate guide to luxury travel in 2026.

Bardessono Hotel & Spa takes an eco-friendly approach and is one of only 7 LEED Platinum Certified hotels in the United States. The spa is powered mostly by solar panels cleverly built into the rooftops, while much of the cuisine comes from their own organic gardens.

Relax Within Your Suite and at Resort Amenities

Each suite is outfitted like a luxury spa, inclusive of luxurious bathrooms, in-suite massage tables, sunny courtyards with an outdoor shower, and a gas fireplace. The hotel is also pet-friendly, with a special menu just for your canine, making it the perfect getaway for couples, retirees, honeymooners or anyone else looking to relax in luxury (with their pet).

The property offers a pool and hot tub located on the second story rooftop, complete with poolside food and drink service, cabanas and access to the locker room facilities. Due to the boutique nature of the hotel, guests can easily access a cabana. There’s no need to scramble to get to the pool early or pay to get access to these areas. The hotel has recently moved their fitness equipment adjacent to the pool, allowing for open air workouts that are overlooking rolling hills of the Napa Valley wine country. For Peloton fans, you’ll be happy to hear that Bardessono has two bikes available to use. Additionally, Bardessono offers daily guided yoga sessions.

Bardessono’s Restaurant, Lucy

The hotel’s onsite restaurant, Lucy, offers hotel guests and general visitors to the region’s cuisine that is sourced within a 110-mile radius. Lucy is positioned as “Fresh, Fine Dining,” which is a good description of their offerings. Additionally, Bardessono has their own garden where they source many herbs and garnishes. During a recent visit for dinner, we tried a starter salad with truffle slices, Cape Grim Beef Tenderloin, and Seared Striped Bass. However, our favorite dish at Lucy was the gnocchi with kale pesto.

Bardessono Spa

The spa experience is peaceful, eco-centric, luxurious and offers visitors a way to get away from the ordinary and step into the extraordinary. Each guest is treated with a hands-on approach that makes you feel like a true VIP. Every season features a new round of spa treatments that allows visitors to get the best in indulgence treatments tailored to the weather and the person.

Exploring Yountville and Napa Valley

Though the location was selected for its tranquil beauty and isolation from the hubbub of city life, there are several attractions within walking distance just under a mile away. Visitors can indulge their minds in the history at the Napa Valley Museum, catch a show at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center, dine at any of the upscale establishments or sip local vintages at Napa’s renowned winery. Travelers planning ahead can also keep an eye on the upcoming Four Seasons Napa Valley resort.

If you get the itch to further explore outside of Yountville, there are various transportation options. If you’re looking to explore the nearby countryside, the resort provides complimentary bikes for rent at their Bike Shop. If you prefer to drive, the hotel offers a free shuttle service in one of their SUVs, a Lexus LX570 or Lexus GX. Their partnership with Lexus cars extends to guests that would like to drive a Lexus during their stay. Guests are invited to test drive the 2019 Lexus lineup, including the following models: Lexus UX, Lexus RX, Lexus GS, Lexus RC. The vehicles can be checked to enjoy for 2 to 4 hours. During our visit, we drove the Lexus UX out for breakfast and a morning full of sight-seeing. The process to reserve a car was hassle-free, and the Lexus was a luxurious break from our traditional rental car.

Be sure to try popular Thomas Keller restaurants within walking distance, including the bistro and bakery Bouchon, Ad Hoc and the Michelin Star restaurant, The French Laundry.

It’s easy when traveling to Napa Valley to overbook yourself. Staying at Bardnessono is a retreat in itself, so be sure to leave ample time to enjoy the tranquility of the resort.

Pro Tip: Avoid long longs at Bouchon Bakery by taking advantage of the complimentary daily breakfast bites that include Bouchon pastries, as well as fruit, yogurt, and coffee.

Bardessono Hotel & Spa
6526 Yount Street
Yountville, California 94599
(707) 204-6000

Travel To The Four Corners Of The World In Four Seasons New Luxury Custom Jet

Michael
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Travel To The Four Corners Of The World In Four Seasons New Luxury Custom Jet
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Announce New Customized Private Jet – Image Credit: Four Seasons

In 2015 Four Seasons Hotels & Resort unveiled their luxury air travel fleet geared for the top of the line over the top group excursions. The program was well received by the public and their regular clientele. It allows luxury travelers the unique experience of embarking on exciting adventures all over the world. The flight plan is set by the hotel brand along with complementary activities at each stop along the way. For a set price per person, you and your guest will travel in style for three weeks. That’s right, three full weeks of a private jet shuttling you to exotic locations for new adventures.

So What’s New?

Seeing as how the initial program was enjoyed so much success, Four seasons has decided to upgrade their offerings. The 5-star service found in every location is now taking flight in the form of Four Seasons Customized Private Jet.

There will be more space on the new private jet, and service will be focused on the customer experience more than glamorous air travel. The current seating allows for up to 52 passengers but the upgraded jet will reduce that number to 48. While that may seem like a downgrade, Four Seasons has opted to reduce the number of seats to improve client comfort. The modern layout will feature a more interactive design that allows for more in-flight entertainment and comfort. There will be a stage for live entertainment and workshops as well as a lounge area where guest are encouraged to mingle.

In addition to the luxury furnishings that you have come to expect from Four Seasons, the bathrooms have received a notable upgrade as have the actual seating arrangements. Each seat, custom made by Optimares, offers a generously sized personal ottoman that converts to a regular seat to encourage face to face interaction among the guests.

The cuisine has always been of the most celebrated aspects of the Four Seasons’s experience. Taking your experience airborne not only enhances the dishes but also adds an element of surprise. An executive chef accompanies each flight to provide fresh unique dishes for every meal. Along with the traditional menu, there will be destination inspired meals as you near every location on your itinerary. If this is your first foray into private aviation, our guide on how to fly private for the first time is a useful primer.

When Can I Book A Flight?

Although there are many new and exciting changes planned for the Four Seasons custom jet, all of the amenities you have come to love will still be available. The new addition to the fleet will be available for booking in the summer of 2019 for flights that will start in 2021. Seats are expected to cost around $150,000 per person and have a tendency to sell out quickly. Flights are all inclusive so book yours today if you are interested in a true one of a kind luxury experience. Travelers who want a Four Seasons stay on the ground as well can also explore the Four Seasons Rome for a complementary hotel experience.

For more information about Four Season Private Jet Experience visit their website.

New York City’s Highest Rooftop Bar: The Fleur Room

Michael
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New York City’s Highest Rooftop Bar: The Fleur Room
The Fleur Room at The Moxy Hotel – Photo Credit: The Fleur Room

For those looking for a trendy hot spot in the heart of New York City, then look no further than The Fleur Room. This rooftop bar is located on the 35th floor of Chelsea’s The Moxy Hotel and draws crowds from the Hollywood elite and world-famous runway models to the top names in the political and financial world. Created by Bianchi and the TAO Group to meet the needs of those looking for exclusive entertainment and innovative night time adventures, The Fleur Room is just where you want to be.

The bar is surrounded by glass windows that offer visitors an unobstructed view of the Flower District and other New York City sights, while the interior is tastefully decorated with vintage glass chandeliers, romantic floral arrangements, and even a giant disco ball from the original Club Vertigo in LA. Planning your stay? Browse our roundup of luxury hotels with Central Park views.

When patrons arrive at the start of the evening they can enjoy the casual area that features a full traditional style bar with a wide selection of seating arrangements for any size party. There is also a larger room that transitions to the dance area as the night wears on. Every evening offers a curated schedule of entertainment that is bound to be unique which is what draws the A-List elites night after night. If you are looking for something exciting and intimate at the same time, then The Fleur Room is just the place to be. For nearby luxury accommodations, see The Fifth Avenue Hotel or the Four Seasons New York Downtown.

For more information visit The Fleur Room website.

The Fleur Room
105 W 28th St,
New York, NY 10001

Camp In Style With Luxury Urban Glamping At The Gwen In Chicago

Michael
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Camp In Style With Luxury Urban Glamping At The Gwen In Chicago
The Gwen Hotel, The Gwen Lux Terrace – Photo Credit: The Gwen Hotel

Camping is a great way to get fresh air and enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of the city but not everyone is in love with the idea of roughing it out in the wild. While glamorous camping isn’t a new idea, Glamping in the city proper is a new spin on the wilderness luxury camping experience.

The Gwen Hotel located in the heart of Chicago is bringing the great outdoors to city dwellers with their luxurious Boho styled Glamping setup. The luxury camping site is located on the 16th-floor terrace of their Michigan Avenue location and offers an exclusive outdoor experience for those looking for adventure.  This urban style camping experience will allow visitors to enjoy a spacious 1,000 square feet of outdoor space that includes picturesque views of the surrounding architecture that is well known in Chicago.

The Gwen Lux terrace will be open during summer months and remain available for booking through the end of September. You will be able to relax under the stars in style in the domed shaped tent that features a fluffy queen-sized bed made of black pearl, custom linens and gilded lanterns that present an ethereal glow.

Outside of the tent, there is a large gas powered fire pit surrounded by a plush seating area where you and your entire party can roast smores’, hot dogs, or just stare at the stars over a cup of hot chocolate. For a truly elegant spin, the hotel offers a four-course meal that is handcrafted by the head chef, Matt Jergens. The fare varies according to the season, but every meal is made up of a selection of gourmet offerings such as grilled snapper, naan topped with caviar, and imported chocolate desserts.

The terrace campsite is connected to the Gwen Lux presidential suite which can host 6 people with ease and is a part of the unique package. The penthouse has two bedrooms,  a living room, a kitchen, and a well-appointed dining room. Costs of the experience can range from $4,000 to $6,000 nightly depending on the season and includes a personal butler, transportation to and from the airport, and a gold leaf garnished campfire spread.

The hotel is connected to the shopping areas located at North Bridge, and thanks to the recent renovations, it’s on par with most top branded hotels in the area. This makes the hotel a perfect getaway without having to travel outside of the city. The vibrant summers of Chicago can be enjoyed from the comfort of your tent while still enjoying the over the top luxury of a full-service hotel making The Gwen a truly unique urban experience.

For more information about Gwen Lux terrace visit The Gwen Hotel website.

The Gwen Hotel
521 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL, 60611

British Airways Adds New Business Suites

Michael
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British Airways Adds New Business Suites
British Airways New Business Class – Photo Credit: British Airways

Business class on British Airways has received a mind-blowing upgrade that will make your work-related trip seem like a miniature vacation. The new Club Suites are available on the Airbus A350-1000 fleet of British Airways and set to be available on all long haul flights within the next 5 years.

The business cabin on each flight will have 56 suites arranged in a 1-2-1 formation, which is a marked departure from the traditional layout, which is an effort to maximize the available space while also increasing passenger comfort. The airline is dedicated to improving not only its image but also the flight experience for its customers with an impressive investment of a little over $8.5 billion dollars. When it comes to corporate travel, most passengers will choose a non-stop flight to reduce their travel time and maximize their sleep, and this holds true for flights inside and outside of the country, making the new Club Suite Cabin the perfect upgrade for corporate flyers.

New British Airways Club Suites

If you are wondering what these upgrades will mean for you as a business traveler, you have come to the right place. The British Airways Club Suite will make even those sitting in first-class wish for a downgrade. Every passenger will have access to the aisle so you don’t have to disturb your seatmate if you want to stretch your legs or make a pit stop. Storage space for carry-on items has been expanded by 40%, with spaces at eye level to store your phone, books, laptop and anything else you decide to bring along. The entertainment package that comes with the upgraded business class Club Suite allows for gate-to-gate entertainment that includes, USB ports, power outlets, wireless internet and an 18 ½ inch HD video screen to watch the latest in-flight movies and videos.

Fly In Total Comfort

Business class seats always offer more space for passengers to stretch their legs, but with the new Club Suites, you will get a generous 6.6 feet of bed space when the chair is fully reclined. Aside from these spacious accommodations, the cabin altitude will be lower than most flight which will go a long way towards reducing the effects of jet lag. There is nothing worse than disembarking looking rumpled or unkempt, instead of having to wait in line for the bathroom, each suite is equipped with a vanity and a mirror to ensure that you look your best when you hit the tarmac.

Keeping Your Privacy In Mind

It’s easy to overhear conversations on an airplane, after all, it’s a small cabin with nowhere to hide. Along with a privacy door, the walls of the entire business class is coated with walls made of dark fabric that is made to dampen internal and external sound. Not only will this help keep your communications private, but it will also help light sleepers by reducing overall cabin noise.

All in all, the British Airways Club Suites look to be a game changer in the world of business travel and may even replace first class. To complete the experience, pair this onboard upgrade with a visit to the refreshed BA Seattle Lounge, part of BA’s global lounge refresh program. For more on premium-cabin transportation news, see our full archive. 

Boost Your Luxury Travel With The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Travel Credit Card

Michael
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Boost Your Luxury Travel With The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Travel Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Travel Credit Card by American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Travel Credit Card by American Express

Marriott and American Express have joined to create a new travel-based loyalty brand credit card aptly named Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (TM). The new card and upgraded program is a combination of Ritz Rewards, Marriott Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest Rewards. The travel card went live mid-February and is set not only cement the August merger between Starwood & Marriott but will be used to bring the accumulated points of all three brands under one robust travel card.

There is a yearly fee of $450, and every dollar you spend on Marriott Bonvoy brands will net you 6 loyalty points, 3 loyalty points for U.S. restaurants and on flights booked with airlines, and 2 loyalty points for all other purchases. For a limited time, all members who spend $5,000 within 3 months of their account opening will get a bonus 100,000 loyalty points credited to their account. The bonus is also available for existing accounts that were reopened after the transition.

The luxury travel features of the card include a $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit, one free night annually at Bonvoy hotels, complimentary gold elite status at Marriott Boyvoy hotels, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre ✓® and more.

With the card there are no transaction fees when you use your card overseas and you are also able to obtain priority pass membership during your travels. There are also upgrades to the design of the card that is intended to showcase the brand’s sophistication and inspire the desire to travel.

Now has never been a better time to travel and with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card from American Express, not only will you earn points for exploring the world, you can save money in the process.

To learn more about the card or to apply visit the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant website.

St. Regis Redefines Hotel Luxury With Launch in Toronto, Canada

Michael
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St. Regis Redefines Hotel Luxury With Launch in Toronto, Canada
The St. Regis Toronto, Canada – Photo Credit: Marriott

You can live the lifestyle of the rich and famous when you visit the exquisite new site of The St. Regis on Bay Street in Toronto, Canada. This luxe hotel chain has decided to make its début in Canada in grand style. Nestled between upscale shops such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Hudson’s Bay Company, the 65 storied tall building features 258 rooms that are sheathed in style, luxury, and decadence.


When visitors enter the luxurious lobby, they are greeted with the signature welcome scent that is found in each St. Regis lobby worldwide. The hotel features several upscale dining establishments, including Louix Louis located on the 31st floor, which offers a range of delicacies from various cultures. The St. Regis Canada location is set to usher in a new era of glamour and charm to the city that had been lost in recent years.


The location of The St. Regis Toronto is ideally located in the middle of the financial district making it a perfect choice for business travelers and with Roy Thomson Hall and the Eaton Centre nearby, divine entertainment will always be on hand. Toronto has been listed as one of the top travel destinations for 2019 by National Geographic, so it’s no wonder this iconic brand has found a lucrative market for their posh services. Travelers weighing competing top-tier stays in the city should also consider the 1 Hotel Toronto, while those exploring further afield will find old-world charm at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.


The hotel is certainly posh, but the experience is what will keep visitors coming back time and again. The secret garden that offers romantic views of Lake Ontario, 24-hour concierge service, weekend tea and evening champagne sabering are just a few of the amenities that draw celebrities such as Elton John to enjoy the delights.

You can even plan your special event to be hosted in one of the 12,000 sq ft of gathering space they have available. Be it a dynamic board room meeting on the 30th floor, or a high sociality ball in the 10th floor Astor Ballroom, whatever your pleasure, The St. Regis of Toronto is sure to fulfill your needs. For broader brand context, see our Aman vs Four Seasons comparison.

Rates start just under $500 per night. For more information about the St. Regis Toronto visit their website.

Have You Ever Wanted A Vending Machine for Champagne? The Ritz Carlton Has One!

Michael
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Have You Ever Wanted A Vending Machine for Champagne? The Ritz Carlton Has One!
The Ritz Carlton Vending Machine – Photo Credit: The Ritz Carlton

When you think of hotel vending machines, you probably think of hot coffee, chips or even the rare cold sandwich. These machines are usually next to the ice makers in most hotel hallways and even then, you tend to only find these in mid to lower end hotels that don’t offer room service.

The Ritz Carlton in Naples Florida has made a point to change the game of vending machines forever. The new luxury splurge for those with disposable incomes comes in the form of a 1,000-pounds vending machine rimmed in gold and set to dispense none other than Moët & Chandon champagne.

This Ritz location was closed shortly after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and after massive renovations, management decided to reopen and welcome guest back the luxury hotel in a unique style. As long as you have an ID showing that you are of legal drinking age, you can purchase the special $25 tokens that allow you to purchase 200 ML Imperial Brut and Imperial Rosé vintages chilled to a perfect 30 degrees anytime you like during your stay.

The opulent machine is located from and center in the main lobby which adds to the feeling of luxury excess that comes with an over the top stay at The Ritz. Though these Champagne dispensers have been around since 2013, they were mostly only seen un UK in higher-end department stores during the holidays.

The vending machine was such a novel hit, there are rumors that the famous Kardashian Momager received one as a house warming gift from Chrissy Teigen! It makes sense for this high-end amenity to be found in the playgrounds of the wealthy, and judging by the warm reception it has received, it is most likely you will find them popping up more often. 

For more information about The Ritz Carlton Naples visit their website.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar Maintains Top Tier Status With Impeccable Resort and Service Levels

Michael
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar Maintains Top Tier Status With Impeccable Resort and Service Levels

Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego – Photo Credit: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of the top luxury 5-star hotel and resorts in the United States, located in San Diego, California. The resort has won countless awards and continues to do so year after year, including the AAA Five Diamond Award, 2009-2018 and Forbes Five-Star Awards, 2012-2018. The once independent hotel joined the Fairmont brand in 2015.

The Elegant designs that encompass the entire resort were inspired by Addison Mizner, an architectural legend of the 1920s. As you gaze upon the resort and walk around the grounds, guests are exposed to incredible characteristics of Spanish, Portuguese, Moroccan and Venetian designs.

The beautiful grounds have gained the hotel its popularity over the years, yet it is the extraordinary service keeps customers coming back to stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The staff is attentive and proactive when it comes to the needs of guests. Even children are treated like royalty, from the toy chest at check-in, to a personalized plate of gummies and cookies waiting in the hotel room. For a Northern California counterpart in the same group, see our review of the Fairmont San Jose.

The resort is ideally located just minutes away from some of the best beaches Southern California has to offer, including La Jolla Cove and Del Mar. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a unique service for beach day. A driver will take guests to the beach of their choice, bring along and set up beach chairs, towels, water bottles, toys for the children and umbrellas, and will then clean all of it up and take it back to the hotel with the guests afterwards.

The resort hosts six dining venues, including Addison, an award winning fine dining French restaurant. Our favorite place to eat at the property was Amaya, offering all-day service and outdoor seating. We highly recommend frequenting Cen’Anni, which offers coffee, tea, pastries, ice cream and other snacks.

There are four heated swimming pools, including an adult-only spa pool, and a children’s pool. The staff accompanies guests in setting up their beach towel, offering bottles of water and sunscreen. They regularly stop by to offer beverages and food.

The hotel features a luxurious spa that is 21,000 square feet and offers many services, from cleansing facial treatments using natural therapies, to herbal reflexology and therapeutic massages. Steam and sauna rooms are also accessible for all guests.

There are many outdoor activities at the resort that guests can participate in. There are pro-style tennis courts and a championship golf course. The Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve stretches 37 miles and is great for bike riding, hiking and horseback riding, with trails starting right next to the hotel grounds.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has 249 guest rooms. There are 31 luxury suites that include one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom presidential suites that can be expanded to three-bedrooms. These suites range from 1,010 to 2,840 square feet, some of which include private balconies. The sophisticated and classic spaces include detailed crown moldings, hand-stenciled ceilings, and gilded gold and wrought iron accents. Each room includes feather down pillows and a luxurious bathroom with dual sinks and a European-style bathtub. One of our favorite features is that every room includes a Nespresso coffee machine.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has an inviting atmosphere offering many different activities that guests can enjoy during their San Diego vacation without ever having to leave the grounds. The hotel caters to each of its guests and truly makes them feel as though they are living a life of luxury. Travelers weighing high-end brands may also enjoy our Aman vs Four Seasons comparison.

The night rates at Fairmont Grand Del Mar start under $500 per night.

LUX Tip: Keep your calendar outside the resort light. Once you arrive at Fairmont Grand Del Mar you won’t want to leave, as there are endless activities to keep you entertained or relaxed depending on your preference.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court
San Diego, CA 92130

Tequila Company, Patrón Offers Secret Invitation-Only Hotel

Michael
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Tequila Company, Patrón Offers Secret Invitation-Only Hotel

Tequila Company, Patrón Secret Invitation Only Hotel – Photo Credit: Patrón

The tequila company, Patrón offers a secret 20-room hotel at the company’s headquarters in Jalisco, Mexico. We’ve heard of exclusive resorts, and private suites, but Patrón brings it to a whole new level with their property.

The hotel, La Casona does not have a website. The general public cannot visit the resort. Patrón invites its own guests to the resort.

As you would expect the bar at La Casona is impressive. It has three glass-blown chandeliers and high ceilings. All 18 of the brand’s tequilas are available.

Some of the rooms at La Cosona have custom-made beds that are five inches longer than standard king-size beds. Additionally four master suites have hot tubs and terraces looking over a garden.

Because the property is invite only there aren’t available rates or availability for the resort. So who gets an invite to the property? It’s rumored that Instagram and YouTube stars, as well as other VIPs are the lucky ones to get an invite to the property.

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