Quail Lodge & Golf Club review, Carmel, California

It’s hard to believe that 26 years ago, my husband and I danced our first dance as husband and wife at Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel, California.

Like any marriage, we’ve had our ups and downs; our hair has a little more gray in it and our bodies could use a little nip and tuck here and there.  Such was the case with Quail Lodge. Thankfully, this gorgeous property, set among 850 acres in Carmel Valley, has recently undergone a $28 million renovation and been lovingly restored from inside out. I am delighted to report that Quail Lodge is looking better than ever.

Relax by Mallard Lake at Quail Lodge in Carmel, CA

Quail Lodge brings nature indoors

Carmel, California is surrounded in natural beauty. We originally selected Quail Lodge and Golf Club for our wedding reception because of the setting, with its lush fairways and gardens. I love how the designers have brought nature into the hotel rooms, public spaces and outdoor patios. The beautiful stone work at the entrance to the lodge is a departure from the heavy dark wood of Quail Lodge pre-remodel.

Carmel’s Quail Lodge brings nature indoors

ADA-accessible lodge

As guests enter the entirely ADA-accessible resort, you’ll notice the guest service desk is composed of a single piece of teak, as is the bar, located off the lobby at Quail Lodge.

From there, your eyes follow to the outdoor patio area, overlooking Mallard Lake.

A restaurant will soon be added to Quail Lodge and Golf Club, (circle back for details.) Until then, Quail Lodge guests enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast buffet served daily in the lobby from 6:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is also served daily at Edgar’s in the Clubhouse of Quail Lodge Golf Club. Edgar’s offers casual fireside dining with a backdrop of the golf course and Carmel’s Santa Lucia Mountains.

ADA accessible pool at Quail Lodge, Carmel, CA

Outdoor activities at Quail Lodge

Carmel Valley offers excellent nearby hiking trails and there is a 2 mile walking trail connecting Quail Lodge & Golf Club to the back of Rancho Canada golf course.

Of course, guests may also lounge by the heated pool (complete with wheelchair accessible ramp and ADA lift) but I’d recommend spending some time at nearby Refuge – America’s first co-ed relaxation spa.

There’s also tennis, bocce and Quail Lodge’s championship 18-hole golf course. The lodge also partners with Land Rover for a driving experience. We’ll have to come back for this and to report on the new restaurant!

Quail Lodge offers a Pampered Package that includes two passes to Refuge, (Quail Lodge doesn’t offer a hot tub on property.) Personally, I like the fact that Quail Lodge doesn’t nickel & dime guests with a daily resort fee. Instead, the lodge offers complimentary Wi-Fi, continental cold breakfast and free overnight parking. At around $200 per night, I’d say that Quail Lodge is the best value to be found on the Monterey Peninsula.

Quail Lodge Garden Suite hotel review

Quail Lodge garden suites & villas

Our room, #153, a King Garden Suite with a small attached patio rented for $195. on this Saturday night.

The spacious suite featured hardwood floors, earth tone decor, high ceilings, a huge bathroom with separate shower and bath tub, gas fireplace and large flat screen tv. There was also a soft bed that converts into a bed, but we didn’t bring the kids on this trip!

There are 14  suites, with six villas opening in June, 2013, to make a total of 91 guest rooms at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California.

Quail Lodge features an 18-hole golf course in Carmel, CA

Insider tip:

Quail Lodge & Golf Club is pet-friendly. There is a one-time fee of $35 to bring your dog along to Quail Lodge. For an additional $15 your pet will receive a nightly amenity of bed and dog bowl. Should we call this place a bed and breakfast for dogs?

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Quail Lodge  on Twitter.

If You Go:

Quail Lodge and Golf Club (831) 624-2888

8205 Valley Green Drive

Carmel, California 93923

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Quail Lodge and Golf Club.

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Aria Resort & Casino hotel review

You have decided to travel to Las Vegas and get a hotel room on the strip. Now what? Is this trip a girlfriend getaway? Maybe you are headed to Las Vegas for a bachelor or bachelorette party? Of course, this could be a romantic trip to Las Vegas to take in some shows, discover a couple of new restaurants or simply hang out at the pool, enjoying the Nevada desert heat.  Whatever your travel plans, you’ll need somewhere to recharge after a busy day and night in Las Vegas.  My new favorite Las Vegas hotel is Aria Resort & Casino on the strip.

ARIA Resort & Casino hotel review

Opened in 2010, with 4,004 hotel rooms and suites, Aria Resort & Casino is one of the largest hotels in the world! Aria, owned by MGM Resorts, features a combination of amenities, high-end service, cool architecture and sustainable design. I liked the abundance of natural lighting in the public areas and the fact that the casino didn’t smell like smoke – they have state-of-the-art ventilation systems in the flooring. And while the 150,000 square foot casino does have a substantial presence in the lobby, non of the slot machines make obnoxious noises with constant ringing.

Aria’s swimming pool and private cabanas

From culinary offerings created by chefs to nightlife, private cabanas poolside, spa treatments and Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil, Aria typifies the vitality of Las Vegas resorts.

ARIA’s restaurant scene

Las Vegas is known for its culinary chops. Any celebrity chef worth his salt has a presence in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featuring 16 restaurants under one roof, Aria is no exception to the more-is-better rule. Tequila fans, check out the Tequila tree at Javier’s Mexican-themed restaurant.

Those looking for an over-the-top breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet, with reasonable prices, might like to visit The Buffet. For great seafood, try Michael Mina’s American Fish. After sampling the truffled mac and cheese at Mina’s Arcadia in San Jose, I was pleased to see the truffled mac and cheese on the Las Vegas menu, as well.

While the quality of the food and chocolate is good at Jean Philippe Patisserie, they need to get the ordering process under control. I saw several frustrated folks on the morning of my Las Vegas departure standing on the sidelines waiting for, what appeared to be, simple orders to be processed.

Aria’s deluxe king room with Las Vegas city view

High tech, high touch hotel rooms

From the moment I walked into my Aria hotel room, I felt like a VIP.  Upon entrance to my hotel room, the tv turned on (showing a state-of-the-art menu offering every way imaginable to customize my room) the curtains opened and the bell man explained all the bells and whistles. He also pointed out my city view “city center view” that was an additional $30 upgrade.

My deluxe king room, #20018, rented for $175 per night, not including the $25 resort fee that covered access to the fitness center, pool and wifi. Please check the website for current hotel room pricing.

ARIA Spa

The Spa at Aria Resort & Casino

With 62 treatment rooms and 80,000 square feet of spa space, The Aria Spa will make anyone’s list of top spas.

I sampled the 50-minute reflexology massage – this was a first time for me to experience a massage focusing solely on my head, neck, shoulders, feet and hands. Did I mention that she used hot stones during this treatment? Make sure to arrive early or stay late to take advantage of the indoor hot tubs and sauna, as well as the outdoor therapy pool.

Sky Suites at Aria Resort & Casino

Five star luxury at ARIA Sky Suites

If you are looking for an ultra-luxury experience, Aria is also home to Sky Suites, Forbes Five-Star hotel-within-a-hotel. If you require a paparazzi-free zone, the Sky Suites are for you, as they offer a gated entrance to the resort.  Whether you visit CityCenter’s The Shops at Crystals or browse the public Fine Art Collection, Aria is a resort experience unlike others in Las Vegas.

Insider tip

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Aria on Twitter. Aria is an AAA Five Diamond resort.

If You Go:

Aria Resort & Casino (866) 359-7757

3730 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean at Travaasa Hana, Maui, Hawaii

Located at the end of the Road to Hāna, on Maui’s secluded eastern shore, Travaaasa Hāna was formerly the Hotel Hāna-Maui, originally opened in 1946 and a favorite of multiple generations. Blending nature with modern amenities, the four diamond, luxury property is divided into two sections, Garden Suites and Sea Ranch Cottages. Only the Sea Ranch side of the resort, including the infinity pool, is adults-only, requiring a key card entrance. The Garden side of the property is family friendly, with the activities center, pool, spa, and dining at this main part of the sprawling 66 acre Hawaiian resort.

Kōkua Travaasa Hāna

The Hawaiian word kōkua means giving to others for their benefit. During my visit to Travaasa Hāna I was surrounded by Hawaiian culture, from the local art displayed at the resort, to the hula dancers, ukulele players, paniola cowgirl and throw net fishermen.  Even the Hana residents driving me around in the golf cart introduced me to Hawaiian words and talked story during my stay. All of my employee encounters exemplified my understanding of kōkua – of giving to others.

Travaasa Hana Infinity pool in Maui, Hawaii

While the town of Hāna is small and relaxed, there is plenty of adventure to be experienced at Travaasa Hāna. From culinary, culture, fitness and spa/wellness options, all inclusive guests are offered yoga, Pilates, bicycles, lei making, hula lessons and horseback riding along Hāna’s coastal bluffs, as well as shuttle service to nearby Hāmoa Beach for ocean kayaking and snorkeling.

Travaasa Hana Sea Ranch Cottage, Maui, Hawaii

Honua Travaasa Hāna

If you are looking to re-connect with nature during your stay in Maui, Travaasa Hāna is the ideal place between heaven and earth – don’t except to find radios, clocks or televisions in resort rooms. However, there is a big screen tv in the library, along with a computer, printer and strong wifi for those hoping to stay plugged in on vacation.

Sea Ranch Cottages feature high wood-beamed ceilings, but spotty internet access. At Travaasa Hāna, it’s all about the ocean views. All cottages include private lanais, many with private hot tubs.  Fyi, the minimum age requirement for Sea Ranch Cottage guests is 16-years-old.

My Sea Ranch Cottage, 409, had a fantastic ocean view and view of Alau Island. While the Sea Ranch Cottages are adult-only, two weeks out of the year in winter, spring and summer, Travaasa Hāna Sea Ranch Cottages turn family-friendly. While I was solo this trip, I would certainly return here with my family!

Travaasa Hana Maui Macadamia Nut Pancakes w bananas & bacon

Travaasa Hāna dining

Travassa Hana Maui lava rock Jacuzzi overlooking Kapueokahi Bay

Spa at Travaasa Hāna

Check in: 4:00 p.m. (Greeting includes a hot towel, fresh fruit juice and Kukui Nut lei) The Hawaiian Kukui tree has a spiritual meaning of hope, light and renewal; all qualities that I experienced during my Travaasa Hāna stay.

Check out: 12:00 p.m.

Mokulele Airlines Kahului Airport to Hāna, Maui, Hawaii

Insider tip

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Travaasa Hāna on Twitter. Travaasa Hāna is a Preferred Boutique member hotel and AAA Four Diamond-awarded hotel.

If You Go:

Travaasa Hana (855)868-7282

5031 Hāna Highway
Hāna, Maui, HI 96713

Article written by, video and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Travaasa Hāna and Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau.

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