The Luxury of a Quick Road Trip

One of my favorite quick trips in driving distance (3-4 hours) or a short flight (45 min) from Dallas is San Antonio. When the opportunity presented itself to attend a Black Tie Gala this March honoring my grandfather - of course I would accept! An excellent reason to get away to the Texas wine country and visit with family.

The Gala was during the St Patrick’s Day holiday weekend, which is a big deal in San Antonio.  During the parade on the river they dye the Riverwalk water green.  The added benefit is to me is that the weather is was turning warm and you could not ask for better time of year to visit. This was no exception, with the weekend calling for sunshine and mid 80’s.

Having been to the area several times I am partial to The Mokara hotel located right on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk, just 2 blocks from the Alamo. It is not a Virtuoso property but should be based the high level of five star service they consistently provide. Though issues are rare, any that might arise are taken care of promptly and beyond a level of satisfaction you could hope for.  Every guest once they have booked is greeted by name even when calling from home or your mobile, which I just found a refreshing level of personalization.

The rooms are spaciously appointed and quiet roomy even by American standards. The bathrooms are equally large in size with a separate shower, deep and long Jacuzzi tub, a separate toilet room and of course the standard two sinks. The rooms I have stayed in have always faced the Riverwalk, which provides entertainment from the balcony.

My favorite part of this hotel after the stellar service has to be the spa. Each time I stay at The Mokara I have had some kind of spa treatment done. It ranks in the top tier of Resort Spas by Conde Nast and I know why. The services are executed seamlessly like a well-run team who love what they do and understand the essence of relaxation. Many people come to the hotel just for the spa services alone. If you are interested in enjoying the spa all day, they have a light spa lunch menu that serves guests up by the rooftop pool area.

Logistically parking at the hotel is valet only, but we were never waiting for more than 3-5 minutes to have the car brought around which in my book works well. Be sure to take note, it is a cost that is not always included in the room rate. Honestly I am not sure you would want to try to self park, as in most larger cities it is a maze of one way streets and parking decks that seem almost always full.

The Mokara hotel offers Ostra a fun seafood restaurant. If you enjoy oysters, they get them in fresh daily. Much of the menu has a slight Tex-Mex flair to it and using in season produce, giving everything on the menu wonderful flavor. If that does not strike your fancy, my all time favorite place to eat is Biga on the Banks. Located on the Riverwalk and an easy few blocks away walking distance, if you are any kind of foodie it is a must try. The menu changes daily, is very creative along with a top-notch bar and extensive wine cellar this is a solid choice for a special dinner or celebration.

In addition to the normal San Antonio sights, if you are up for a day trip, Fredericksberg is high on my list of to do’s (both as a day trip from San Antonio or a weekend get away of its own). Immigrants from Prussia (Germany and Austria) settled the town in 1846.  They brought with them the many customs and artisans as well as vines for the grapes that are now used to support he growing wine industry in Texas.   So many of the shops are family owned and handed down the generations.  You will find bakeries selling all things deliciously German and if seeking a slow afternoon there are shaded patios with a bratwurst and kraut calling your name. But I digress, you can pick up a flier in town that will give you all the locations of the wineries or you can always ask your travel advisor for recommendations. Within the Admiral Nimitz Museum grounds there is a peaceful Japanese Zen Garden and displays from the museum.  I still visit most times when I am in town, as I find it both interesting and relaxing. There is also boutique shopping that is a fun place to pick up house warming or houseguest gifts and some substantial Texas scenic paintings. On the way in or out of town, if you like plants, wildflowers and pottery the WildSeed Farms is a must with activities happening most every weekend.

With all that you can see how a person could make a full weekend or more of the area. Offering a wide variety of things to do.  Travel does not always have to be far away to be a good thing. Time with friends or family spending quality time is what counts.

What interests you most – wine tastings, spa treatments, shopping or museums?

Road Trip to the Artsy & Upscale Santa Fe

For Thanksgiving I wanted to go somewhere, anywhere but no so far that all the holiday is spent in transit. Dallas in November is not always even very cool yet, therefore any destinations where I had to wear a coat and winter type clothes was ideal.

Why not Santa Fe, New Mexico! The art-centric town with all the fun upscale boutiques, Georgia O’Keefe museum, and what seem like unlimited number of galleries would be fun.

Not lacking luxury accommodations my favorite hotel choices are the Inn and Spa at Loretto, Four Seasons Santa Fe, and Inn of the FiveGraces. All the choices looked amazing and romantic, except I wanted to stay in town to be able to walk to everything on this trip. This left me with Inn and Spa at Loretto or Inn of the Five Graces. For this trip I chose Inn and Spa at Loretto.

Only 134 number of rooms, each decorated in a southwest motif with adobe walls, exposed wood beams and woven blankets. It has loads of character and is very comfortable and is pet friendly. Just past the lobby is a bar/gathering area, which feels very relaxed, a place you could linger with friends while enjoying a nice beverage and the fire.

In the past, I have heard some people comment they can hear others in the next room, however this was not the case for me and the hotel was fully booked. My junior suite was spacious and included a patio sitting area. Each day I enjoyed hearing the church bells chime on the hour. I cannot explain why but the area seems to lend itself to bringing out your creativity - no matter what the medium of choice is.

The restaurant, Luminaria, offers southwestern flair foods and has a perfect people watching patio.  If you like margaritas,  theirs will make you happy. But if Tequila is not your thing, they have an exceptional wine cellar as well. The tortilla soup – not sure I could do it justice with any description, it was the best ever! The scallops on quinoa were perfect. I never made it to dessert (and I am a dessert lover) but they had a few that just call your name.

 The spa I had to check out, also being on Conde Nast list for top Spas, did not disappoint. It was the very best ever reflexology massage I have ever experienced. The technician was seriously gifted in moving energy in the feet and I left feeling above cloud 9. I can only imaging the other services are just as phenomenal.

Decorated for Christmas, the hotel and town could not be more Norman Rockwall-esque. Local artists displaying their skills and pieces along all the side streets made for an interesting stroll around the very walk-able core area. Not immune to the talents I picked up a few holiday gifts. The main square in town even had a lighting ceremony the night after Thanksgiving with a live band for all to enjoy.

Santa Fe has art fairs, winter skiing, a world-class hot spring spa, and year round hiking and so much more to offer people, just pick your interest and go.  

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall which do you think would be the best time of year for a trip to Santa Fe?

Why Stay in a Private Villa?

Travelers often stay in hotels because that’s all they know, but a private villa is far more exclusive and fun than a hotel—for approximately the same price. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a great place to invite your new friends, a villa is the perfect setting.

Private villas are vacation homes that cater to the traveler. Your desires will dictate where you rent your villa, as amenities and locations vary. Do your research before renting a villa so that your choice will give you all the extras you expect.  

Here are just a few advantages of a private villa:

• All the comforts of home. Villas are nicely appointed, with gourmet kitchens, spacious dining rooms, inviting living rooms, and opulent bedrooms and baths. If desired, you can rent exercise or office equipment. You’ll feel right at home among the luxury.
• Romantic outdoor touches. Breezy gazebos, lush grounds, fragrant gardens, and refreshing swimming pools add to the elegant romance of a private villa.
• Space. Even the most luxurious suite can’t compare to the sheer indulgence of a villa.
• Privacy and freedom. Cook and eat anything at any time, or have your meals delivered. Do as you please when you please. Be quiet, or be loud—it’s up to you. You won’t have the intrusion of hotel staff or other guests. It’s just you and your party.
• Personal staff to look after every need. Chefs, butlers, drivers, and maids cater to every whim. If you’re looking for spa treatments or massages, professionals come to you, and trainers and exercise instructors are available upon request. Certified babysitters or nannies take care of the younger ones while you play or relax.
• Extra services. Villa managers and staff can arrange entertainment and activities for their guests. Be sure to ask about local tours and events as well as any unusual excursions or off-the-beaten-path areas you’d like to explore. Villa managers are happy to recommend restaurants, shopping, and charters.

Private villas are an excellent choice for those looking for a fuller, richer vacation experience, or those seeking a private, relaxing trip. A villa is the ideal combination of the comforts of home and the luxury of the finest five-star hotel. Renting a private villa is the first step to creating a customized vacation that truly nourishes your heart and soul.  

All images courtesy of Villas of Distinction