This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

The Vibe & Shared spaces

Though it does not look like much from the outside, Courtyard Sliema is beautifuly designed modern property. Guests are welcomed by a spacious lobby with tall ceilings, accentuated by gently lit white columns leading the eye to a cluster of lampshades. To the right of the registration is plenty of cafe-style seating, mixed-use benches and booths.

While the ground floor serves as a vacation gateway, the true leisure begins on the top floor. The Courtyard Sliema rooftop is where guests will find the hotel’s restaurant and outdoor pool. 

The hotel team are available for all and any assistance you might need, including booking local tours and excursions. G’Uniqo, where you will find every meal, looks out on the Mediterranean Sea. The dining room decor takes from the regional colours: sandy brown and sea blue, with splashes of white to balance things out. 

Out on the terrace, guests gather for lazy afternoons around the pool, tanning, reading, napping, or simply enjoying the endless vistas. G’Uniqo team services around the pool, offering guests hot and cold beverages and food from the restaurant menu.

On-site dinning 

Every meal at G’Uniqo restaurant has a handful of local dishes like Kisra Ħobż (sourdough with sundried tomatoes and goat cheese), Maltese sausages, Baked Gnocchi, and Rabbit Ravioli. Between pinsas, pastas, and burgers are larger maincourses like the Courtyard’s Signature Butcher’s Feast, chicken, steaks, fish of the day, and vegetarian options. 

The daily happy hour includes half-priced cocktails, which you can enjoy by the pool. Fresh milkshakes and shakes are also available and are perfect for a scorching rooftop afternoon. 

Inside the Suite 

The hotel has 151 rooms across nine floors. Each suite is thoughtfully decorated with plenty of space to store your things. The fridge is large enough to stock up on snacks (there is a grocery store nearby), while the coffee books on the shelf will speak to local history and food. 

Many of the rooms have narrow balconies, all rooms have at least a small sitting area and a desk. The suites are equipped with sofa beds, which will be opened and prepared as a bed on arrival. The Junior Suite has a large table which can be comfortably used for meals and family games. 

The room pictured is a Junior Suite with one king bed, an open sofa bed and a balcony

Pool & Fitness facilities 

In addition to the rooftop pool, guests also have access to a heated indoor pool, perfect for a rainy day. Robes and towels are provided, and in the corner is a small sauna. Near the pool is a spacious, fairly well-equipped fitness centre. This room has a weight rack, a couple of machines, and a row of cardio equipment. It does get rather hot down there, so the provided towels come in handy. Guests can also take advantage of spa services like massages and revitalising treatments. 

A few tours to prebook for your visit

Get 5% off if you use the GetYourGuide app to book with code KATERRYNA5

Courtyard by Marriott Sliema
Prices starting at €119 / $192 CAD for a standard king
WG74+JCW, L. Graham, Tas-Sliema SLM1712, Malta
Book directly with Marriott and don’t forget to collect the points. Compare rates to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com | Agoda

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Inside the rather humble-looking Palazzo Rinuccini (compared to its architectural neighbours) is the Rinuccini Relais Hotel. Set deep into the palace, behind a giant door, through a courtyard, up the wide open steps, and through yet another heavy door this boutique hotel has just a few rooms and a shared breakfast space. Each room has a scenic view and even the windows in the courtyard have a view on an art wall. 

Piazza Dante is the beating heart of Naples’ old town. It contains the essence of the city: every single corner of the square is full of stories, myths, and legends. It is a place teeming with life, without distinction between day and night, between holidays and working days.

Rinuccini Relais Hotel

Note on getting here: There are plenty of taxis in Naples, especially near the square. They are quite beat up and they prefer cash but if you’d like to be a bit more comfortable the hotel can arrange airport transportation ahead of time for the same cost. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Upon entry, you immediately see a royal blue reception area, art on the shelves, windows into the courtyard, and a friendly face ready to check you in. Down a decorative, bright hall are a few rooms and a row of windows on the right. These windows look into the courtyard below and another hallway across. This other hallway (across) showcases a few different pieces of art, making it, in a manner, a private art gallery for the hotel.

This property includes breakfast. You can order it the night before into the room or join other guests in the mezzanine dining room where a lovely lady will make you a fresh omelette on request (in addition to a buffet selection of foods). 

Note: The reception team does not work overnight so if you need to check in or out extra late or extra early you will need to arrange it with them ahead of time. 

While you’re here: Join the Secret Food Tours Naples walking tour. It offers a great insight into the city and its food scene.

Inside the Suite 

The decor in every suite is a stunning example of what Naples brings to the table: rich history, art, and culture.  Each room is unique, equipped with the necessary basics, comfortable beds, and a smart TV. Some of the rooms have small balconies, others have Juliettes. We stayed in Deluxe “Porta Nolana,” a corner suite with one of each and an impressive view of the neighbourhood. 

From these windows, you can see far into the distance, up into the hills, down the streets, across Dante Square and even into Port’Alba. From the early mornings, a line of book vendors begins at the footsteps of the Palace and all the way through the city gate. “We like to read here,” pointed out our food guide walking through this alley. 

Every morning I would open the balcony doors and watch the energetic life in the plaza. From the morning book traffic and visitor tours to the families dining in the restaurants while their children frolic in the square late into the evening. The streets do get loud but the windows are triple-glazed to minimize the noise. Coupled with the blackout blinds you are well prepared for a good night’s rest after a day out in the city.

Rinuccini Relais
Rooms starting at €108 for an economy room
P.za Dante, 22, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy
Book directly on rinuccinirelais.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces

The hotel is one of 3 houses across Frankfurt, guests can access all Libertine properties during their visit. The cool thing about Libertine houses is their approach: they refer to themselves as a collective. The rooms can be rented for any duration, and there is a shared fully equipped kitchen with a communal dining room. There is also a laundry room and a small gym on the premises. The concierge is only on-site during the day and access to everything is by a keypad.

The hotel serves a daily vegan breakfast ($) and occasionally has live music events in their recording studio. During my latest visit, I was able to sit in for one of the live performances. It was a cool experience being a part of this community even if for just an hour.

I also learned that Libertine has recently opened in a new location in Pekutatan Bali, called Lost, which looks simply stunning. Their recent expansion also includes a new location in Taunus Germany (Luchs) and soon there will be in Norway, “on a rock,” I overheard them describe it.

Inside the Suite: Libertine 19

Each room is unique and decorated by local designers and manufacturers, “almost all of the objects in the apartments are handmade one-off pieces”. For my first stay I slept in Libertine 19, this room has great amenities:

• A full-size clawfoot tub
• Flatscreen TV with Netflix
• A sound system and radio with a connection to the in-house recording studio (yes, an actual recording studio).

The full bathroom was a major bonus on this rainy travel day. The room is fully equipped for blissful relaxation. You will find salts, hair, and skincare products with slightly offensive but very entertaining names. For example, “Aromatic picnic [soap] for your dirty hands”. There is also a standard heat pack included which I am sad to say, I have had to use on one of the trips.

Inside the Suite: Libertine 25

During my latest visit this fall I decided to try a different room, Libertine 25. This room is slightly bigger (269 sq ft versus 204 sq ft in Libertine 19) and has a smaller bathroom with a cozy shower. There is a spacious sitting area and a good amount of space for luggage. The two large windows look out at the city streets which I’m a huge fan of. I find not being able to see the door from the bed a nice bonus which often comes with the larger room.

The hotel does not have built-in AC, simply because historically that’s not an important thing. But in the early fall of 2023 when I visited last the temperatures were unseasonably hot all across Europe (and even in Mexico) so fans were provided to cool the room. You can, of course, also open the windows, if the city ambiance is something that’s not much of a bother.

The only downside of this hotel really is the tiny bathroom sinks and lack of counter space for all your bath amenities.

Located centrally in the heart of Frankfurt the property is surrounded by cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and a plethora of beer pubs. A short walk away is the Ignatz Bubis Bridge which will take you by foot to all of the city’s cultural attractions.

Where to eat nearby, as recommended by the hotel staff:

Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal: Traditional German food, phenomenal flavours, very cozy spot with a large heated outdoor seating area. The house-made bratwurst here is what dreams are made of.

Kanonesteppel: Another great traditional spot, seemingly quite popular with the locals, I had the traditional schnitzel with the famous green source, a great recommendation by the wait staff, and I absolutely loved it. 

Mina: A lovely breakfast, lunch, and coffee/tea spot that blends Austrian and Egyptian cuisine. It might sound odd but trust me when I say, it is fantastic. The subtle spices are a great touch.

More recommendations for what to do in Frankfurt are to come but in the meantime read about why Frankfurt is considered one of the most Beautiful Cities in Germany on theabroadfiles.com.

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Libertine Lindenberg, Frankfurt
Frankensteiner Str. 20, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Rooms starting at $150 per Queen
Book directly on thelindenberg.com or with your favourite travel website: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

The post Staying at Libertine Lindenberg, Frankfurt appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The trip was sponsored by the Charming Taste of Europeˆ, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

The entry into the hotel feels like an upscale cafe. Straight through and to the right are a bar and a restaurant. The guests enter through a small lobby to the left where they are greeted by a friendly concierge. The interior design is modest consisting of primarily shades of grey and colours from nature. Various pieces of modern art with monastic elements and Byzantine patterns are seen in the dining spaces and the guest rooms. The dashes of bright contemporary colours are sprinkled through various decorative accents like plush pink pillows and green patio furnishings.  

The general feel of the hotel is young, hip, and elevated with all of its glory leading to the Ennea rooftop bar. This terrace provides a stunning view of the city, both the waterfront and the hills. On the rooftop is also a small pool and lounge area where hotel guests can relax in the sun in the early day hours (the pool is open 11 am – 6 pm). In the evenings this terrace turns into a happening spot with diners all across the city coming by to enjoy the view, the drinks, and the minimal menu.    

There is also a well-sized fitness centre, located on the 2nd floor next to the meeting rooms. The gym has floor-to-ceiling windows (looking out on the street) and a good selection of equipment essentials. 

Inside the Suite 

The property houses 100 guest rooms some of which have private balconies. I had the pleasure of staying in a King corner room with a city view terrace. With the doors open you could hear the music coming from the streets creating a relaxing atmosphere. 

The bed is set against a decorative wall with an arch window-shaped pattern. There is a full-size mirror and a spacious closet which personally I found incredibly helpful for a prolonged stay. The bathroom is large and minimally designed. Every corner of this space is intentional from the odd knobs to the shelving in the shower. Some of the rooms have a set of tween beds. Some of the larger suites have a private jacuzzi on the terrace and even a separate living room.

The room terrace had plenty of space to tan, enjoy a glass of wine with friends or spread out a mat for morning yoga. Fresh lavender, among other greenery, is planted on the ledge creating a nice barrier between the room and the city’s rough urban exterior. 

Dining & Entertainment 

MonAsty Thessaloniki has three dining properties: Botago Mediterranean Restaurant, Samite Gastro Bar, and the Ennea Rooftop Bar. Botago is open all day and offers a fresh, seasonal menu. Samite Gastro Bar serves as a cafe and breakfast bar for those guests who opt in for one.  The hotel’s all-day lounge and rooftop bar Ennea serves Mediterranean comfort cuisine, craft cocktails, and a nice selection of wines.

In full transparency, I didn’t get an opportunity to have dinner at the property but I did take advantage of the breakfast and cocktail bar. The poolside cocktails were refreshing and well-balanced while the breakfast bar was an overwhelmingly inspiring selection of local goodies. Each day I attempted to try something new. The guests can either order a la carte or enjoy the breakfast buffet.

Quick travel tip: Foreign phone plans can get pricey and SIM cards are not always easy to find so I now use an eSIM from AirAlo. You only need one app, no hardware, and you can get an eSIM for anywhere in the world.

MonAsty, Thessaloniki, member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection
Rooms starting at €200 EUR per King
45, Vasileos Irakleiou Street, Thessaloniki 546 23, Greece
Book directly on Marriot* or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com | Make sure to collect your Marriot Bonvoy points during this stay.

Footnote ˆ The Charming Taste of Europe is a three-year campaign promoted by the Vini d’ Abruzzo consortium and the Union of Sweet Bordeaux Wines, along with fruit producers in Greece’s Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (Kavala COOP) and Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria (“Agios Loukas”), co-financed by the European Union. This campaign focuses on raising awareness of these high-quality products in the American market.

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood occupies a rather small plot of land in a tightly populated residential neighbourhood. The decor is inspired by “the glamour and spirit of Old Hollywood” collectibles of which can be spotted all throughout the property and in the rooms. Many of the decor pieces are actual movie props, from old and new movies alike. The artwork reflects this theme with various old film frames and behind-the-scenes images curated into small gallery walls in the suites. 

The property is shaped around a courtyard with a pool, and rooms looking out at the water reflecting the bright California sun. The courtyard is densely populated with tropical plants, including some hard-to-spot blue birds of paradise. As you navigate from this space, from the jacuzzi and sitting area, past the pool and tanning beds, you will end your exploration in a comfortable shaded rest area. 

The interior common areas are a bar/restaurant, better known as FYC Bar + Kitchen. It is not your typical dining room but a rather casual hangout spot with a small enclosed terrace. In addition to the lovely on-site restaurant (which does offer room service), the guests can also easily make their way to the many restaurants and cocktail bars in Downtown Burbank.

In the inner belly of the hotel is a fitness center. Opened 24/7 the gym has a good selection of equipment and weights, water, towels, and fresh apples. 

Note: Valet parking is complimentary. 

Inside the Suite 

The standard rooms referred to as “Superior,” are all King. The decor is luxuriously modern with dashes of vintage and a lovely selection of art. I particularly like the dark wall colour creating contrast with the bright bed frame. The terrace (or balcony) is comfortably furnished. Here you can bask in the sun with a drink or read a back as the sun sets over the pool.

In addition to the standard Superior rooms Hotel Amarano* also has a handful of suites. All suites have a kitchenette, sofa bed, and a walk-in closet. The Superior One Bedroom has a dining table while the Chairman Suite has a private rooftop terrace, you can see it from the front of the building. With multiple filming studios nearby many people reside at Amarano for a prolonged period of time. Rumour has it one of them lived here for a full year! 

Treat yourself to room service with sparkling wine and a charcuterie snack board.

Dining & Entertainment 

FYC in the FYC Bar + Kitchen is a shorthand spelling out “For Your Consideration”. It is meant to be a gathering place where you can enjoy the spotlight or find a shade of anonymity. The outdoor terrace has a small number of tables, cheerfully tiled, and a fire pit sitting area. On a cool night, the staff will create comfort by turning on the headlamps.

During this visit to LA, we had the pleasure of being joined for dinner by two local friends. Having additional people certainly allowed us to try a larger selection of the dishes and I will be first to say, they are all hearty, generous, and delicious. The menu features many of the local favourites like Tuna Tartare (Yum!) and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Sweet Potato Bravas (served with a side of avo) were the group’s favourite. The bravas were joined by the Crispy Jumbo Shrimp and a delicately fired NY Strip. On the beverage list are classic cocktails, local craft beers, and a tight selection of wines, many of which are also local.

In the morning the guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the lounge or preorder room service. I opted for the latter, indulging in a hearty Egg Frittata in the comfort of my own room.

Breakfast Frittata with mushrooms, cheese, and tomatoes.

Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood
Room starting at $299 USD per Superior King Room
322 N Pass Ave, Burbank, CA 91505, United States
Book directly on hotelamarano.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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A short taxi will take you Downtown but the truth is, you could spend your entire weekend here at The Leta. Between hotel amenities, hiking trails, and multiple beaches nearby there is plenty to occupy your time with. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by The Leta Hotel, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

During our visit, the weather has taken a turn to bleak and stormy but upon entering The Leta lobby we felt nothing but warmth. A cosy yet modern leather couch divides the room in two, leading your eyes to the decorative fireplace. A short, informative interaction with the hotel clerk informed us about the property essentials: restaurant, pool, record store, “and here [she gestured at the lobby] you can get a complimentary welcome drink”. We arrived during the social hour, walking into groups of guests scattered throughout the lobby filling the room with white-nose conversation.

One of the unique features of this property is the tiny record store. It is a small room where you can purchase new records to take home or borrow a stack to play in your room during your stay. Upon request, the attendant hands you a Crosley portable turntable and you’re free to set your own soundtrack to your SoCal stay.

The decor is a well-matched mix of ranch roughness with cottage cosiness, accented by an occasional modern piece. A print there. A neon sign here. Somehow it all comes together and makes sense. Lush greenery fills the outdoor common spaces, creating privacy curtains between rooms and comfortable shade around the pool. Flowers are in full bloom if you visit early in the season, their soft fragrant scents follow you along the walking paths. 

Inside the Suite 

Rooms on the ground floor face the pool courtyard. All of them have a sitting area by the entry. Some rooms have semi-private patios, and quite a few are fully accessible. We stayed in the Classic King with a pool view, shaded by the greenery from the walking path. The rooms are fairly minimal, complete with all the necessary hotel amenities including a range of storage options. Having a closet and a large cabinet is something I personally very much appreciate. 

All rooms are similarly decorated with dark wooden beams adding dimension to the space. The bathroom is separated by a sliding door which matches the natural wood and rope accents well. A dash of bright colour can be spotted in the lighting fixtures sitting next to the bed.

The property is fully non-smoking and dog-friendly.

A nice mix of greenery creates shaded privacy for the room with that added bonus of garden decor. 

Dining & Entertainment 

CAYA Restaurant and Bar is a hot spot for the locals and a must-visit during your stay. Restaurant guests are invited to sit inside or out. The kitchen offerings are focused on local and sustainable ingredients serving up a “fresh take on coastal California cuisine”. The exterior patio spills out into a casual sitting area with loungers set around fire pits.

As a neighborhood hub, The Leta and CAYA host a range of family-friendly activities from live music on the weekends, to corn hole tournaments, and sip-and-shop market popups. On the menu, the diners will find locally sourced shrimp, fresh crisp vegetables, and juicy sliders, among many other approachable selections. The breakfast menu naturally includes egg dishes like the traditional Benedict and smoked salmon sandwiches, to name a few. 

The Leta Bar was unfortunately closed this weekend. Will have to visit it another time.

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Rooms start at $199 USD per Queen
5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Book directly on hilton.com* or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

The post The Leta Hotel is a more relaxing take on a Santa Barbara vacation appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The trip was hosted by Virginia Tourism Corporation, which did not review or approve the story.

A bit of situational history 

The hotel is an award-winning member of Historic Hotels of America. Two of its current buildings were built over 200 years ago: The Washington and Marshall buildings. The owner, Ann Parker Gottwald, began this venture with a single building and over time acquired other neighbouring properties. Today The Georges spreads across four buildings but in due time it will be five; Anne purchased the nearby Sheridan Livery Building last year (Tonic Restaurant and Inn) which will house additional guest rooms and event space. 

Room 30 in the Marshall Building, Georges Inn

Inside the Suite 

There is a persistent look and feel across all properties, modern and elegant with bright touches and playful accents but Each room is unique. According to the hotel staff, Ann Parker picks out all decor herself and personally finishes each suite, they charmingly call it her “playtime”. 

Some units have private balconies and spacious lounge areas, all rooms have soaker tubs and airy bathrooms with heated floors and towel racks. The tall windows open to a city view, letting light shine through the shutters, but blackout curtains are always an option. A stay at the Georges is comfortable and restful. The spa-like bathroom is certainly a big bonus for those who have time to relax.

There is no fridge or a coffee maker in the room but the shared area in each building has daily coffee/tea service with homemade cookies. The TV in each room is equipped with Alexa, which I discovered accidentally and took full advantage of setting my own soundtrack. 

Room 30 in the Marshall Building, Georges Inn. The hotel team leaves plenty of water bottles around the suite, one can be seen on each side of the bed here.
Below: Bathroom in Room 30 in the Marshall Building, Georges Inn

A nautical-themed bathroom in the Junior Suite in the Washington Building, Georges Inn

Dining & Entertainment 

Both Georges’ dining properties rate high on Lexington’s restaurant list and appeared at the top of my search for local cocktail bars. Haywood’s Piano Bar & Grill serves up bistro-style cuisine carefully curated by Chef Xavier Deshayes, a French chef with a focus on sustainable dining. The menu at Haywoods changes seasonally, showcasing local ingredients and hand-cut Seven Hills steaks. Heading into the summer the current menu includes buttery risottos, local cheeses, tender steaks, crisp fresh greens, and even lobster. 

Hand-cut steak and in-house-made lobster pasta at Haywood’s Piano Bar & Grill, Georges Inn.

Weekly special menu at Haywood’s and a local cheese plate followed by a steak dish.

Tap’s Terrace, Georges Inn, Lexington, Virginia.

Located across the street from Haywood’s next to the check-in desk Taps serves upscale pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails. The restaurant stretches across two rooms and an upstairs terrace. The ground floor windows open to the street creating a casual and somewhat romantic setting. The upstairs terrace is a sunny yet intimate space accented with greenery and light-coloured umbrellas. This menu is all about hearty meals like burgers, fish and chips, and fried chicken and waffles. 

Many of the Georges’ spaces can be used for private events but the most eye-catching is the Patton Room. Its dark blue exterior is immediately noticeable from Main Street, factory-style windows offering a peak into the open loft space. The room is a blank canvas with modular elements, harvest tables, lounge seating, and outdoor access. The space is thoughtfully decorated with gold and natural elements driving attention to the cluster of acorn chandeliers.

Above and below are images from the Patton Room, the event venue at the Georges Inn, Lexington, Virginia.

The Georges
Rooms starting at $289 for a classic Queen; prices change seasonally 
11 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450, United States
Book directly on thegeorges.com or your favourite booking website: Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com 

The post The Georges Historic Inn is a destination in Lexington appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The stay was sponsored by the hotel, which did not review or approve the story.

Historic background 

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park first opened its doors in 1931 as Saint Edward Seminary for boys. Designed by John Graham Sr. the structure had to be approved by the Vatican. The original plan was quite Gothic in nature and was redrafted into what it is today by the request of the Vatican.

The school closed in 1976 but the grounds were preserved as a state park. The building stood empty for many years and was eventually purchased by Daniels Real Estate in 2017. Just about 2 years ago The Lodge opened its doors as a hotel, now owned by Kevin and Mary Daniels. The hotel design and engineering teams did a phenomenal job preserving as many original elements as possible, from light fixtures to moulding details, windows, and so on. The former dorm rooms were combined into 84 guest rooms of mixed size. The modest base Queen suite, for example, takes up 2 dorm rooms. Needless to say, it was A LOT of work and it shows. In its brief few years of existence, The Lodge at St. Edward State Park has become one of the best Washington State hotels, if not one of the best in America. 

Over the years the region has suffered a few earthquakes and one of those has caused some irreversible damage to the aquatic building which now serves as a storage facility for the hotel staff. But one day, sometime in the future, it might become something else. 

This view of the building is from the park side of the property. I would love to have a set of these velvet chairs at home!

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

The main guest entrance into the building is from the parking lot, but its most impressive entrance is on the opposite side. As you exit through this ‘back’ door, you find yourself out in the field, greeted by trees and sounds of nature. The decorative entrances are detailed and eye-catching. 

The main shared space is a long hall that stretches to the left and right of the entrance. This main hall is exquisitely lit by the sun, making it a perfect space for an art gallery. Between friends of the Daniels’ and a mix of artists in residence, the hotel contains an impressive collection of pieces, many of which were done specifically for the space. The walls around the hotel are dotted with information plaques. Each of these contains a small paragraph and a QR code that enables the guests for a self-guided tour of the property. 

To the other side of the hall are Cedar + Elm restaurant (former dining hall) and Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar. A wide spiral staircase will take you up to the guest room floors. A different set of stairs will take you to The Tonsorium Bar. This dimly lit space used to be the school’s barbershop but now operates as a cocktail bar. 

The surrounding area is a Washington State Park. There is a wide range of hikes in the neighbourhood, some of which will take you down to the lake. 

On the left is the doorway into the Cedar + Elm restaurant. On the right is the Art Gallery hall.

Inside the Suite 

We had the pleasure of staying in the corner Lodge King room. It’s a spacious room with clean design lines and nice decorative touches. 

All suites have the original rendering blueprint as wallpaper – it’s really something! The rest of the decor does a gentle nod to its religious origin. The mirror frames, for example, are curved, and the nightstands have a confession window-style pattern. The colour palette is beige and black with a bright touch of orange which works well with retro-style elements like the rotary phone.

These suites offer great sleep quality with blackout blinds and comfortable beds. The bathroom is spacious with a minimal shower, and there is a closet for all your things. There are no in-room fridges but the hotel staff can help you with your storage needs. 

The most impressive suite is the Daniels Suite (owner’s room). Formerly a chapel, this room has great arched windows, plenty of space, and a soaker tub. There are even eucalyptus shower steamers in this suite. 

Dining & Entertainment 

Cedar + Elm is the main restaurant. The original windows allow for an impressive amount of light to enter the dining room. At the top of the room is the exit to a sunny patio, which I can only imagine is a great place to spend a summer afternoon on. 

The kitchen at the Lodge focuses on seasonal sustainable ingredients with a holistic approach. There is a mini-farm and a small beehive on the premises. The rest of the ingredients are sourced locally from neighbouring farming communities. 

Every Thursday and Friday Cedar + Elm invites guests and Seattle locals for an Afternoon Tea service. Seated in the dining room the patrons get to indulge in a plethora of high-tea snacks while listening to live music. The tea selection is complimented with a non-alcoholic cocktail and sparkling wine service for those interested. It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. 

Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar is where you would find guests enjoying a 2 pm – 5 pm happy hour and charcuterie while The Tonsorium Bar turns up in the evening for live music and intimate conversations. There is a dinner menu in all three spots. The former school library is still there, slightly opened up to accommodate game tables. The bars and restaurants are not open very late so the two of us grabbed a bottle of local Whiskey and had a nightcap playing games in the Library. 

During the warmer season, the grounds host a wide range of family-friendly events open to the community. The calendar of upcoming events can be found on the hotel’s events page. 

Cocktails at the Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar. The deer in the background is lovingly named ‘Bruce’.
The image on the right is of the entrance to the bar, you can see some of the original art on the opposite wall.

Wellness & Fitness 

No escape from the city is complete without a spa so naturally, there is one at St. Edward. Vita Nova Spa’s menu has a range of seasonal and classic spa services. There is also a lovely outdoor relaxation space with a fire pit that the spa guests can enjoy. 

On the property is also a 24/7 fitness centre and a Pickleball court that both guests and locals can rent by the hour. On Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, the lodge hosts weekly yoga classes. These are complimentary for the guests and $20-$25 for visitors. 

Getting here

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is in a prime location for day and weekend trips from Seattle (under a 40-minute drive). If you are driving from Vancouver it will be a fairly smooth 3 hours or less. 

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The Lodge at St. Edward State Park
Room starting at $215 USD per night for Classic Queen; prices change seasonally  
14477 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028, United States
Book directly on thelodgeatstedward.com | Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com

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This part of the Pacific Northwest is serene. A short walk from the lodge will give you plenty of views of the falls. A longer walk, passing through a Railway Museum, will take you into Snoqualmie. Here you will find a few casual restaurants, small shops, and a local brewery. The guests of the lodge can also easily access multiple trails and hikes and during the colder days, winter sports at the Summit at Snoqualmie.

Getting here: the drive from Seattle is a bit under an hour. The drive from Vancouver is roughly 3.5 hours. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The stay was sponsored by the hotel, which did not review or approve the story.

The photos were taken from the lower observation deck. I like this perspective a lot because you can see the grandness of the fall and the lodge humbly perched up next to it.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Named one of the best resorts in the Western United States by Travel + Leisure Salish Lodge is a destination for many more reasons than its appearance in one of America’s favourite TV shows. The biggest reason is that Salish is an excellent spot to recharge.

The property is a unique boutique hotel with plenty of spaces to sit back and find peace. In a classic lodge-style manner the fire pits are prominent on the grounds. You will find them outside, in the lobby, and even in your room. The restaurant and Attic bar both have scenic picture windows overlooking the river and the falls while the Spa is strategically positioned to soak in the energy of the morning sun. The common areas are spacious but well separated from the guest rooms creating a great division of privacy.

Travel tip: Avoid mobile charges by pre-paying for an Airalo eSIM. The SIM gets downloaded directly to your phone and can be toggled on and off with ease in settings. This service provides internet access, no phone service.

Inside the Room 

Salish Lodge & Spa has a nice range of sweets from the Classic King room to those with balconies and a selection of accessible suites. For this visit, we’ve had the pleasure of staying in the Riverside King room. This particular room has a spacious spa-like shower (with two shower heads!), a private balcony, a sitting area, a work desk, and plenty of storage space. All rooms have a gas fireplace which honestly is a fantastic thing to have in the room. Some of the rooms even have a soaker tub to amplify your wellness experience. 

The mini bar is stocked with Lodge-branded coffee options, a pour-over coffee station, tea, and a mixed selection of for-purchase drinks in the fridge. Our visit was rather short so we did not try in-room dining but let’s get into the menu options next. 

On-site Dining 

The Dining Room at the Lodge features a local, sustainable menu, that focuses on seasonal ingredients. For breakfast, you can enjoy their four-course Country Breakfast, where local honey is the star. For dinner, you will have a selection of items from Pacific Northwest cuisine accented by the Chef’s own innovations like edible candles. On the dinner menu, you will find options like local oysters, fresh burrata, seasonal soups and salads, and a wealth of local proteins. But if you are in the Pacific Northwest salmon is a must at least for one of the meals. The restaurant also has multiple vegan menus so no one is excluded.

Salish Lodge is well known for their honey. Harvested on the property Salish beehives are managed by a local bee-keeper, Daniel Sullivan. This “Honey from Heaven” is present and clearly marked on the restaurant menu and is one of its many draws. 

The Attic lounge is nestled just above the restaurant. This is the highest-angle view of the river and the forested valley behind it. Here you will find a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers, including some private-label options. The menu in the Attic is more casual built around pizzas and shareables.

In addition, the halls leading to guest rooms across all floors have energy stations where you can find healthy snacks, coffee, and tea when you need it. 

Afternoon sparkling at the Attic lounge.

On the left is Chef’s own innovation, an edible candle. It is made with olive and coconut oils and melts into the bread dip at the table. Next is a fresh pacific salmon dish followed by steak and potatoes.

The lodge has its own private-label brut wine which you can get at the restaurant or as room service.

Wellness & Fitness 

The lodge is located on a hill with most of the property looking over the river. Somehow even in the 4th-floor Spa, you are close to the ground.  A shower of sun rays enters the room through the a-frame window. This space is divided into the upper and lower pools. The lower pool (only by a couple of steps) is by reservation only while the upper pool is shared with other guests. To the side of these mini-pools is a small sauna and steam room. 

Many people come to Salish for its plethora of treatments (by appointment only). Over the years the Salish spa has won multiple awards and has been named Condé Nast Traveler‘s “Top 50 Hotel Spas in the United States”. The spa services include popular and speciality massage treatments, body exfoliation and polishes, facials, fillers, and even some cannabis-based treatments. 

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Salish Lodge and Spa
Rooms start at $279 USD for Classic; prices change seasonally 
6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, United States
Book directly on salishlodge.com or with your favourite booking site: Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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Located on the Pacific Coast of Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, a distance away from the bustling tourism-heavy towns, Punta Islita is a natural heaven deeply rooted in the traditional ‘Tico’ lifestyle. Designated as one of the world’s five Blue Zones – regions where people live longer – the Pura Vida mindset is woven into the hotel experience, inviting guests to taste, smell, and live the pure life firsthand.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The trip was hosted by the property, which did not review or approve the story.

The hotel property stretches down the hill towards the ocean where guests can relax in the shade of palm trees. But Punta Islita is not just a resort. There is a noticeable synergy between the hotel and the nearby town of the same name. It is a loving, co-dependant relationship fostered by the community that Islita has become. The majority of the hotel staff live nearby and have been a part of the Punta Islita development for generations. This calm character of the location is also beginning to bring in a new generation who flock from the big city in search of something more pure.

Pura Vida: quite literally the two words mean “pure life” but it stands for a lot more. “It’s our way of saying hello, making you feel welcome or saying goodbye in a happy way”

govisitcostarica.com

Playa La Islita, you can walk down to it or take the complimentary shuttle that goes to the beach restaurant.

On the left is the Punta Islita Catholic Church constructed in the socalo style. The tree symbols on the right are seen frequently throughout the village. The moon means smile, the stars mean hotel guests, and the spiral loop means to return, so you keep coming back.

One early morning I met a hotel tour guide, Jorge, for an off-road exploration of the region. We drove weaving through hills and dusty jungle roads stopping to soak in the ocean view or let a family of pissotes pass by. A scheduled stop at Rosalita Beach allowed me to see one of nature’s most intimate moments: arribada. On this day hundreds of Kemp Ridley turtles emerge from the sea to lay eggs. Completely unaware of their surroundings the females fall into a trance. I stood there, watching them from a distance, feeling like I was invading their private moments. But as time has shown human presence is important during this ritual to help these vulnerable mothers keep vultures at bay. 

The neighbouring communities are built in a pattern: a school, a church, a football build, a bar. The town of Islita is very much the same but rejuvenated by the hotel over the years. In some ways, Islita is an extension of the property itself. There are a handful of local restaurants, a museum, and an open-air art gallery sharing the space with the school. These community properties were rebuilt by the hotel which now sustains them.

Giant turtle nesting on the beach. On the right you see local volunteers keeping an eye out for turtles’ safety, various vultures and land creatures circle the area and destroy turtle’s nests when unattended.

A day of Islita exploration will also bring you closer to the traditional Tico culture through a range of interactive experiences hosted by the locals. The pictures above illustrate the traditional liquid “mazamorra”. It is made with purple corn over an open fire.

In no time this place began to feel like home, filled with new friends and kind acquaintances. I found myself waking up at an ungodly hour with the sun. Unlike at home my days would now start with scenic yoga on the deck followed by blissful breakfasts by the pool. Macaws rifling in the trees above. A neatly arranged fruit plate followed by a “healthy coconut ice cream” – cold, crunchy, delectable, exploding with flavour one spoon at a time. Each ingredient is carefully sourced from the community or grown right here on the property.

The gastronomic concept at the hotel is described as agro-marine, following a simple kilometro-zero ingredient rule. During my visit, I got to spend time with the hotel Chef, Federico Lizano, who prides himself on their 100% sustainable menu built only on what the region has to offer. “You have to know where the ingredients come from,” he stressed pointing at a fresh bowl of tuna ceviche. “That’s why we don’t serve salmon, it’s not local to us”.

Chef, Federico Lizano and the Healthy Ice Cream bowl.

Everything is made in-house, including all breads, bakes, and dumplings.

Chef Federico moved to Islita not too long ago, leaving the hustle of a big city behind and moving closer to the “sources of good produce and a place that can provide a platform for his creativity”. His cuisine is a reflection of local tradition elevated by modern twists and techniques, expertly executed one plate at a time. 

The culinary experience is just one of the many things that bring the Blue Zone concept to life. Paired with slow living, ancestral healing, and community embrace the Pacific Coast of Nicoya Peninsula is one of its kind. It is calm and serene, rich with lush wilderness and a wealth of wildlife lurking in the shady distance. And here at the tip of it in Punta Islita, time can slow to a whisper, if you allow it.

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Book directly at hotelpuntaislita.com via marriot.com or through your favourite booking site for extra perks: booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor

Boats at the nearby fishing village. Most fishermen go out on the water at night so during the day it is rather quiet and empty.

As a guest, you can book a cooking class at the hotel, which is a lovely way to learn more about the region. I got to learn how to make a ceviche directly from the chef.

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