Hotels

WHERE I’D CHECK IN

Cabo San Lucas: Resort luxury along the corridor with swimmable beaches.

Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts

Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts
A romantic boutique retreat along the Tourist Corridor, Mar del Cabo delivers whitewashed architecture, bursts of bougainvillea, and front-row views of the Sea of Cortez. With fewer than 50 suites, the mood is intimate and unhurried — mornings drift into afternoons by the pool, and evenings belong to the glow of Encanto’s farm-and-sea cuisine. An elegant alternative to Cabo’s mega-resorts.
🔗 https://www.mardelcabo.com/

Puerto Vallarta: Boutique stays in the Romantic Zone.

Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta – Ultimate adult-only luxury
Often cited as the most luxurious property in the area, this adults-only resort features chic design, sweeping ocean views, elevated dining, a rooftop infinity pool, and suites with premium amenities — making it a go-to for honeymooners and style-seekers

Seattle: Design-forward downtown hotels near the market.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Polished, urbane, and perfectly placed steps from Pike Place Market, this is Seattle at its most cinematic. Rooms frame Elliott Bay, the infinity pool seems to spill into the waterfront, and the address makes it effortless to move between coffee culture, ferries, and downtown design. Reliable, refined, and always camera-ready.
🔗 https://www.fourseasons.com/seattle/

New Orleans: Historic properties within walking distance of the Quarter.

Hotel Monteleone
Grand, storied, and steps from the French Quarter’s pulse, this literary landmark delivers old-world glamour with modern ease. Ride the famous rotating Carousel Bar, wander wrought-iron balconies, and step outside into streets where music never really ends. A classic base for surrendering to the city’s rhythm.
🔗 https://hotelmonteleone.com/

Santa Barbara: Coastal icons or intimate inns near State Street.

Hotel Californian
Moroccan-inspired glamour right at the gateway to State Street and the Funk Zone. From here you can walk to wine rooms, the waterfront, and downtown shopping in minutes, then retreat to tiled courtyards, a rooftop pool, and one of the city’s best sunset perches. Urban energy with resort polish.
🔗 https://www.hotelcalifornian.com/

San Luis Obispo: Wine country retreats just beyond town.

Hotel San Luis Obispo
Modern California comfort just steps from Mission Plaza. Expect polished rooms, an easy walk to downtown restaurants and tasting rooms, and a rooftop bar that captures the laid-back rhythm of the Central Coast. A stylish launch point for wine country, beaches, and slow mornings.
🔗 https://www.hotelslo.com/

Joshua Tree: Architectural desert homes made for sunrise.

AutoCamp Joshua Tree
Design-forward desert living with Airstream glamour and wide-open skies. Minutes from the national park entrance, it’s equal parts adventure base and Instagram dream — mornings start with coffee on your private deck, nights end beneath a riot of stars around the fire. Effortless, modern, unforgettable.
🔗 https://autocamp.com/joshua-tree/

Las Vegas: The newest tower, the highest view you can book.

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
Discreet, elevated, and blissfully removed from casino chaos, this non-gaming sanctuary offers Strip access with true retreat energy. Expect polished rooms, attentive service, and a pool scene that feels composed rather than chaotic. Vegas excitement when you want it, serenity when you don’t.
🔗 https://www.fourseasons.com/lasvegas/

 BEST TIME TO GO

Cabo San Lucas: Now through spring for sun and marine life.

Puerto Vallarta: Late winter into early summer before peak heat.

Seattle: Spring bloom through early fall.

New Orleans: Festival season and cooler evenings.

Santa Barbara: Year-round, but spring light is unbeatable.

San Luis Obispo: Spring and harvest season.

Joshua Tree: Fall through spring.

Las Vegas: Spring pool season and major entertainment calendars.

ANDAZ PENINSULA PAPAGAYO / COSTA RICA

Summer approaches, and the idea of vacationing begins to take hold. Americans, in general, take 7–10 days off each year for international travel, and Mexico tops the list of favored destinations. Many Americans enjoy the concept of “bleisure” (where business and leisure are mixed), and it is growing in popularity. Another trend gaining ground is experiential travel, where immersive experiences (e.g., food tours, adventure travel) are favored over traditional sightseeing. From Los Angeles, Costa Rica is a five- to six-hour flight that passes over Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Costa Rica is a small country with no winter but many volcanoes. It is unique in that it has two coastlines—the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Remarkably, the country runs on more than 99% renewable energy, mainly from hydropower, wind, and solar sources. It is a happy country. Its slogan is Pura Vida!, which means “pure life” and is used as a greeting, farewell, or expression of gratitude and positivity. Nestled in the lush northwestern region is Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, a stunning 1,400-acre luxury eco-destination in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It is known for its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-class resorts. To get there, it’s best to fly into Liberia and drive along Highway 21 to the peninsula. To be clear, this is a luxury destination with sweeping tropical forests, stunning views of Culebra Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and the occasional sighting of howler monkeys. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is one of the resorts on the peninsula. It is a resort with heart—sustainability is a major focus. Experiential activities abound, such as Papagayo Explorers, who provide epic eco-adventures with an expert team of naturalist guides. For more information: https://www.socalmag.com/travel-costa-rica/and here