Lanai City, Hawaii
The most exclusive property in Hawaii and one of my favorite places to send clients. The property was completely renovated in 2016 and it is impeccable.
Who: Honeymooners, Couples, Families
When: May-November when it is warm & dry
Vibe: The most exclusive property in Hawaii, Private
Focus: Relaxation, Beach, Outdoor Activities, Golf, Adventure, Romance
Highlights: Nobu on-site, adults-only pool, complimentary kid’s club for ages 5-12, Jack Nicklaus Signature Manele Golf Course, wide variety of outdoor/adventure activities, and great hiking opportunities on the island.
Alex Recommends: If you are active- book the ‘Lanai Explorer’ package that includes unlimited activities including horseback riding, off-road adventures, sporting clays, archery, mountain biking, tennis, water spots, and more!
Included Amenities: Fitness and yoga classes, snorkel gear, garden tours, movie-nights, pool,
How Many Rooms: 213 rooms which includes 45 private suites.
Room Prices Start at: $1,000 per night++
Closest Airport(s): Lanai Airport (LNY)
Getting There: Direct flight from Honolulu, 45 minute passenger ferry from Maui, Private
boat/yacht from Maui, Private flights available from surrounding islands.
Things to Consider: This is a remote location so there aren’t really options for shopping/dining off-property. Ferries & flights stop running around 5pm so you will need to make sure you arrive in time to catch your flight/ferry to Lanai.
Pair this hotel with: Andaz Hotel on Maui and/or Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island
Perks for booking Four Seasons Lanai with Alexandra Stockton Travel:
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in excluding signature suites, villas, and private residences (I am a Four Seasons preferred partner, so my clients are first priority for upgrades)
Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Food and beverage credit of USD100
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms; complimentary premium Internet in all suites
Photo via Four Seasons
Walland, Tennessee
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience true Southern hospitality at the farm (and delicious food & wine).
Who: Honeymooners, Couples, Families, Multigenerational Family, Foodies
When: Year-Round (visit in the fall to view beautiful fall foliage, holidays at the farm are spectacular)
Vibe: Picture-perfect rural retreat, laid-back luxe
Focus: Food & Wine, Relaxation, Outdoor Activities, Wellness, Spa, Romance
Highlights: Great activity and wellness options (fishing, horseback riding, wellness lectures, hiking, and more), an incredible spa facility, and delicious food and wine!
Included Amenities: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks in mini-bar, pool (seasonal),
Number of Rooms: 65 (they also have houses/villas that are available to rent)
Room Prices Start at: $750-$1,000 per night++ (rates include breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Closest Airport(s): Knoxville (TYS)
Getting There: Fly into the Knoxville airport- you can rent a car or the property will pick you up- it is around 30 minutes from the airport to the property. You can also fly into Nashville (BNA) and drive 4 hrs to the property.
Alex Recommends: Splurge on a Carriage House Suite- the views of the Smoky Mountains from your veranda are incredible! The property is located right outside of the Smoky Mountain National Park so be sure to schedule a guided hike or fly-fishing trip so you can experience it.
Things to Consider: They charge $250++ per night for each child but that covers meals, pantry snacks, sodas, and Camp Blackberry (which is their amazing kid’s club).
Perks for booking Blackberry Farm with Alexandra Stockton Travel:
Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
$100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Spa credit is not interchangeable with activity offerings or giftshop purchases).
Welcome Amenity
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Photo via Blackberry Farm
Canyon Point, Utah
Sleek and stylish desert retreat that blends seamlessly into it’s surroundings and is located by Lake Powell between Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. This property is truly picture perfect.
Who: Honeymooners, Couples, Friends, Amanjunkies, Families
When: Spring & Fall if you want to experience milder temperatures.
Vibe: Secluded luxury, Minimalist Perfection
Focus: Relaxation, Romance, Spa, Adventure, Outdoor Activities, Wellness
Highlights: The gorgeous u-shaped pool that hugs a towering rock, the beautiful desert views from your bed, the stunning spa facilities, and the magnificent natural surroundings (and the activities that go along with it). All of the rooms have fireplaces and outdoor lounge areas.
Included Amenities: breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included in the rate for most of the year. Always included: fitness center, heated pool, fitness classes, two guided hikes each day, use of the Water Pavilion at the spa, and private transfers to and from Page Municipal Airport.
Number of Rooms: 35 rooms at Amangiri and they are opening a luxury tented camp in April 2020 (Five minutes from Amangiri, surrounded by towers of desert rock, the tented Pavilions of Camp Sarika enable intimate encounters with the wonder of the wilderness, and no compromise on comfort).
Room Prices Start at: $1,800 per night++ (rates sometimes include breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Recommended Rooms: Stay in a Mesa View Suite if you like sunset views. Stay in one of the Terrace Pool Suites if you want a private pool. To experience the most luxurious options- Girijaala Suite has an extra- large sky lounge and swimming pool, and the Amangiri Suite has an even grander pool as well as a dining table
Closest Airport(s): Page, Arizona (30 minute drive).
Getting There: Take a commercial flight from Phoenix, Los Angeles or Denver to Page Municipal Airport in Arizona. It's approximately a 25-minute drive from the resort and a free transfer is included in the room rates. Flights from other airports will connect through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to get to Page, Arizona. There is an airport nearby that can accommodate private jets (we can arrange your private flights). Car transfers can be arranged to St George, Utah, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The drive from Las Vegas is approximately 4 hours. It is a scenic ride and can be combined with the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks. A private jet can also be arranged from Las Vegas.
Alex Recommends: Try the watsu massage at the spa! Book a guided via ferrata excursion- an Italian term for “iron road,” via ferrata refers to a system of permanent climbing holds, short ladders, and bridges bolted into rock faces, linked by a series of steel cables for safety (imagine a swinging bridge)- there are five of these fixed climbing routes that connect the giant rocks around the property. You typically tackle one via ferrata a day. Take a day trip to Zion National Park, a peaceful preserve of ancient sandstone only an hour and a half by car through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Borrow one of the resort’s BMWs, and head to Horseshoe Bend- which is a 30-minute drive into Arizona. There is an amazing photo spot where the Colorado River makes a 300-degree turn 1,000 feet below (go between noon and 2pm when the sun is at its highest).
Things to Consider: The property is very secluded so if you want to independently explore- renting a car is the way to go (excellent guided tours are also available if). There is a kids’ menu is available in the Pavilion, as are children’s books and games. The swimming pool has steps, shallow waters and toys on request. There are babysitters available for hire.
Perks for booking Amangiri with Alexandra Stockton Travel:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Full breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests per bedroom
Spa credit of $125++ per person, once, for up to 2 guests per room, applicable to spa treatments scheduled between 9am-3pm
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Photo via Amangiri
Dorado, Puerto Rico
Yes, I know that Puerto Rico isn’t a state but it’s a U.S. territory meaning that U.S. citizens won’t need a passport. This is a really special resort. It is located on the ocean and has three golf courses, a spa, waterpark, and five restaurants/bars on-site. There is a large variety of activities available- kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, tennis, and more.
Who: Honeymooners, Couples, Friends, Families, Multi-Generational Family
When: Winter to Early Summer
Vibe: Lush beachside retreat, Sophisticated Resort
Focus: Relaxation, Romance, Family Fun, Beach, Golf, Outdoor Activities
Highlights: Beautiful private beach that is lined with plenty of hammocks and umbrella-shaded sunbeds. Two spectacular pool areas: Positivo pool, which is located between the lobby pavilion and the beach. Chair service comes with free ice buckets of bottled water, little bottles of sunscreen, and regular cooling towels to take the sunny edge off. The Encanto Beach Club pool caters more to families, with a large central pool and smaller splash pools for the kids. The Watermill waterpark on-site, which has waterslides, a lazy river, and wave machine (only open on weekends).
Included Amenities: You have access to their state-of-the-art fitness center and some group classes are included. You have access to five clay tennis courts, available for day and night play free of charge. A great kids' program is available for fun daily activities. There’s also an 11-mile nature trail that snakes its way through the Beach area- perfect for riding bikes or going on a run.
Number of Rooms: 115 oceanfront guestrooms spread across 50 acres and one mile of beach
Room Location: The East Beach is on a smaller alcove that has a smaller beach and a little more privacy. The beach on the East side is a bit rockier. You still have access to the main pool and the main beach from the East side. The West Beach is the main beach so the ground floor rooms walk directly out to the sandy beach.
Room Prices Start at: $1,499-$1,900 per night++
Closest Airport(s): Luis Munoz Marin Intl (SJU)
Getting There: This Ritz-Carlton is located in Dorado, a beachside township on Puerto Rico’s central north coast. Dorado is around 40 minutes to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and 35 to 40 minutes to Old San Juan.
Alex Recommends: Splurge for a room with a private pool! For larger groups- Request Su Casa, a magnificent, historic five-bedroom villa with full staff, a private lagoon and pool, chef and butlers. Su Casa is 8,000 sq. ft. and is located on East Beach. If you are wanting to get off-site: Schedule a private tour of the Bacardi Factory for a few hours of fun or a tour of Old San Juan for an enriching cultural experience- imagine colorful houses lining the cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and galleries featuring local artists. Guests can schedule a complimentary 45 minute session with a local photographer so it’s a great opportunity to get family photos.
Things to Consider: There is charge of $100 per night for a fourth guest aged 12 or older. Getting around Dorado Beach is done by foot, on a free-to-borrow bike, or by golf cart.
Perks for booking Dorado Beach with Alexandra Stockton Travel:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (I am a Ritz Carlton preferred partner, so my clients are first priority for upgrades)
Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom at COA
$150.00 Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Phillipsburg, Montana
Surrounded by 6,600 acres of ranchland, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers an all-inclusive “true west” experience complete with breathtaking scenery and activities as limitless as the Montana sky. If you’re looking to bond as a family and make special memories- this is your place. Take advantage of long summer days to fly-fish, ride horseback or hike. Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Accommodations comprise nine Western-themed guestrooms in The Granite Lodge, multi-bedroom log homes and luxurious canvas cabins on Rock Creek. Prime organic beef, elk, bison and fresh fish grace the table in the evening, along with vegetables and herbs grown in gardens on-site.
Who: Friends, Families, Multigenerational Family, Honeymooners, Couples
When: Year Round. Visit July, August, or September for the warmest weather.
Vibe: Luxury camp for adults (and kids), Americana
Focus: Outdoor Activities, Adventure, Wellness, Family Fun, Relaxation
Highlights: This is a Relais & Chateaux property so the food and wine is really impressive, there is a wide selection of guided activities (2 activities a day are included).
Closest Airport(s): Missoula International (MSO), 54 Miles
Getting There: The Ranch is located 20 miles outside of historic town of Philipsburg, Montana in Granite County. You will fly into the Missoula airport and will be transferred from there. The property is off-the-beaten-path in the western region of the state and approximately half-way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The Ranch is near the cities of Missoula, Butte and Helena and is at an elevation of 5,200 feet.
Rooms: There are rooms in the main building (the Granite Lodge) and the rest of the accommodations are free-standing cabins/glamping tents.
Rate Information (rates are all-inclusive): Rates based on double occupancy. There is a minimum occupancy of 2 (there is an $850++ nightly charge for guests over minimum occupancy). Kids ages 4 and up are $850 per night++. Rates vary by season and accommodation type- see below for the starting rates for each season.
Peak Season (4 night minimum stay)
Rates start at $1,500 per person, per night++
May 20-September 7
November 25-29
December 21-January 1
Spring & Fall (3 night minimum stay)
Rates start at $1,100 per person, per night++
May 1-19
September 8-October 20
Winter (3 night minimum stay)
Rates start at $900 per person, per night++
October 21-December 20
January 2-April 30
Rates at Ranch at Rock Creek Include:
Accommodations with twice-daily housekeeping and in-room luxury amenities (see below)
Dining options are available from 7:30 am to 10 pm daily. Farm-to-table Ranch cuisine includes coffee and tea bar, breakfast, lunch, hors d’oeuvres and dinner
Unlimited premium beer, wine and spirits, as well as assorted beverages and snacks
Daily guided activities on property available from 9 am to 5 pm, with recommended booking of two per day. No schedule change fees or cancellation fees.
All state-of-the-art gear and equipment required for the on-property activities program
Access to the fitness center, pool and hot tub
Evening entertainment in the Silver Dollar Saloon, including billiards, poker table, shuffleboard, karaoke, table tennis, private movie theatre, board games, four lanes of bowling and outdoor s’mores roasting over a bonfire
Additional activities and special events during seasonal celebrations
Complimentary laundry facilities
A Ranch driver and private vehicle are available to provide round-trip transportation to and from Missoula, Butte and Anaconda airports. Water and snacks are available for the drive. Maximum capacity is seven passengers per vehicle. A luggage trailer is available at no extra cost. (Additional charges apply for Bozeman and Helena airport transfers).
On-Ranch transportation: all able guests are encouraged to walk or use their personal Ranch cruiser or mountain bike that is provided during their stay. Should a guest be in need of alternate transportation, our Front Desk team is happy to coordinate a shuttle service.
Alex Recommends: You can pack light because all of the gear is included so you don’t have to travel with boots, fly-fishing waders, etc. Don’t miss the horseback riding, fly-fishing, and the skeet shooting course! Schedule a yoga class at the top of the mountain (you can hike to get there).
Things to Consider: Since the rates include two guided activities every day- this property is best for people who are active. Kids ages 4 and up are charged $850 per night++. Kids ages 4-12 can go to the Little Grizzlies Kid’s Club. Daily programs feature activities such as wildlife viewing, arts and crafts projects, early settlers and cowboy history, sapphire mining, discovering aquatic life, geocaching, sledding and snowman building, lawn games, guided hikes and bike rides, pony rides, chaperoned pool use, and story time. Children are supervised by experienced counselors during morning and afternoon sessions and hosted for Monday and Friday dinners in the Silver Dollar Saloon. There is a spa on-site but it has minimal offerings as far as facilities go.
Perks for booking Ranch at Rock Creek with Alexandra Stockton Travel:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast (already included in the all-inclusive price)
One premium bottle of wine upon arrival
$100 Ranch Credit (may be used at The Granite Spa or The Mercantile)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
To book one of these hotels or to get started planning your next getaway- contact me HERE or send an email to AStockton@smartflyer.com