Postcard from Los Cabos (plus: what it's like to travel internationally again)
I doubt words can adequately describe the feeling of immersing ourselves in an international destination after one and a half years spent mostly at home. The colors are more vibrant, flavors more exotic, waves more sparkling, sunsets more brilliant, and connecting with locals and fellow travelers from around the world is extra special.
The pool at the Viceroy Los Cabos
I doubt words can adequately describe the feeling of immersing ourselves in an international destination after one and a half years spent mostly at home. The colors are more vibrant, flavors more exotic, waves more sparkling, sunsets more brilliant, and connecting with locals and fellow travelers from around the world is extra special. At dinner one evening at our resort, we ran into a darling friend/colleague of Scott’s, also a follower of this blog (such a nice surprise!). That’s the ‘small world’ of travel and seeing someone you already know along the way is always fun.
Los Cabos is especially lovely in May. The days are not too hot and the evenings slightly cool with a sea breeze. We stayed at the Viceroy Los Cabos, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, and visited several other hotels. I’ll look forward to sharing more about our travels in subsequent posts.
A few of our favorite moments:
Notes on International Travel June 2021
PS- We’ve now arrived safely back home so I’ll comment on the experience of international travel in this nearly post-pandemic era. We planned our first fight for after we were fully vaccinated and that made traveling much more secure. The airport was, thankfully, not crowded but just as we were ready to depart there was a mechanical issue and we were disembarked for two hours in Sacramento while we waited for a new plane. Better safe than sorry I always think in those situations. Customs in Los Cabos, Mexico, was very slow, with long lines and no social distancing. That was the only time on our nearly 2-week trip that I felt uncomfortable about the proximity to others. It was easy to stay socially distanced at the pools, beaches, restaurants, and even when touring in town. At the hotels, the staff was fully masked. At the end of our trip, our resort offered complimentary covid tests, a welcome service, and we passed with flying colors. Can you tell? It feels amazing to be traveling again. #vaccinatedvacation.
Things are getting busy again here at Curated Travel and many of my clients are requesting trips for this season and for others, we are booking out to 2022. We’ve heard it’s called ‘revenge travel’ for all the time at home in 2020 and we are here for it.
Are you ready to travel again? Contact us to get started on your next dream getaway.
Remember to check your passport expiration dates, pack your patience and enjoy every moment of traveling again!
Our Stay at Classic Timber Cove Resort on the Northern California Coast + Notes on Travel During Covid-19
There was a birthday on the horizon and I wanted to surprise my husband with a destination that would suit our quarantine-induced need for sea air, ocean views, beach walks, foodie cuisine, and most importantly, Covid hygiene protocols. On this trip, no fancy clothes or heels were required but hiking boots, a picnic basket, and his guitar were on the packing list. You get the ultra-relaxed vibe I was looking for with this getaway for my premiere travel client.
There was a birthday on the horizon and I wanted to surprise my husband with a destination that would suit our quarantine-induced cravings for sea air, ocean views, beach walks, foodie cuisine, along with, most importantly, Covid hygiene protocols. On this trip, no fancy clothes or heels were required but hiking boots, a picnic basket, and his guitar were on the packing list. You get the ultra-relaxed vibe I was looking for with this getaway for my premiere travel client.
Just as I hoped, Timber Cove Resort, a classic California Coast seafront lodge was just the place. Not only was Scott surprised by the laidback charm and beach feel, he appreciated the gourmet dining, firepits, wine tasting, and retro record players in each rustic room. Also noteworthy were the private entrances and windswept balconies with cove views equally stunning at sunrise and sunset. And who can resist those outdoor firepits??
“Timber Cove is proud of its rich lineage. Built in 1963 as a place of meditation and tranquility, Timber Cove was designed by famed architect and original owner Richard Clements Jr., who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architectural style. Envisioned as a dramatic A-Frame structure, the original Timber Cove generously incorporated redwood and stone materials to create a timeless space that complements the local surroundings. ”
Outdoor dining was allowed during our visit to Timber Cove Resort so we made the most of our cool fall evenings with lap blankets we brought from home. The Coast Kitchen restaurant was a welcome relief from months of home-cooking and we enjoyed the fresh fare with indulgent notes. Cheers to the birthday boy!
For our second day, we ordered a picnic from the kitchen and took it to the beach on the bluff. Despite a chilly day, it was warm in the sun and the perfect perch to enjoy tapas and a chilled sauvignon blanc above the sea.
notes on traveling during the Covid-19 chapter:
Scott tells me I am by far the “most cautious person” he knows regarding Covid-19. We have taken 2 short road trip overnighters since the pandemic and only traveled and dined outdoors in our ‘safety bubble’ of two a handful of times. Here are the guidelines I use to prepare to travel safely.
Check case numbers and recommendations in your destination before booking a hotel and check cancellation/postponement policies.
Check hotel/lodging for outdoor living spaces rather than enclosed lounges & lobbies.
Read reviews and ratings on how well the resort implements the hygiene plans and protocols.
Pack all the gear: an assortment of masks, hand-sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes (for wiping down touchpoints in your room), disinfecting air spray, and blankets/picnic ware for outdoor dining.
Most restaurants use a QR code rather than a paper menu for touchless ordering, but if they don’t you can ask for a new single-use paper menu.
Before you travel plan out comfortable rest stops where you can use the facilities. While I’ve NEVER been a fan of gas station restrooms now is not the time to start. We plan our travel time frame around a stop for lunch at a trusted restaurant or coffee shop.
Take a moment to appreciate your staff and servers who are working harder than ever to make your experience safe and enjoyable. In our experience, they are doing an amazing job!
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Timber Cove Resort who went above and beyond to make sure the birthday boy was celebrated and that we felt comfortable the entire stay. Truly, a road trip in your local region can be the safest way to travel when the time is right for you.
Contact us to learn more and to book your next getaway.
All photos were taken on my iPhone.
Read more on our travels to wine country:
A ‘Suite’ Stay at Auberge du Soleil In Napa Valley for our 20th Anniversary
Though our trip to Bora Bora was postponed due to COVID, Scott and I were excited about our reimagined plans to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in the Napa Valley. This was our first trip in seven months, and from the moment we arrived at Auberge du Soleil we knew we had found the perfect place to celebrate.
Though our trip to Bora Bora was postponed due to COVID, Scott and I were excited about our reimagined plans to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in the Napa Valley. This was our first trip in seven months, and from the moment we arrived at Auberge du Soleil we knew we had found the perfect place to celebrate. We were treated to exceptional service, a tour of the beautiful property, a review of the included amenities, an update on rigorous hygiene protocols, and a glass of sparkling wine. We were graciously upgraded to the Saint Remy deluxe suite (1254 sq. ft.) with a private terrace, living space with a fireplace, soaking tub, and a separate powder room which made our stay even more luxurious and comfortable.
“
Inspired by the south of France. Infused with California soul.”
We enjoyed the beautiful french style grounds at Auberge including the classic swimming pool with yellow striped loungers. It felt like a getaway to Provence with only a three hour drive.
Our suite included a fresh made to order breakfast each day. The menu contained a QR code which, when photographed, displayed a menu on our phones to keep our ordering experience hands-free.
My tour of the Saint Remy suite with a toast by Scott
The first night we enjoyed a delicious fireside dinner on the patio at one of our favorites, Solbar, at Solage Resort (also an Auberge Resort).
On September 10th, our 20th anniversary, the concierge at Auberge set us up with a private tasting at Crocker & Starr Winery in St. Helena. Lauren, our knowledgable wine guide, hosted a fantastic tasting of bold reds, views of the vines, and stories of the history of the winery.
Dressing for dinner, exchanging gifts, a little bubbly by the fire, and dinner on the balcony at Auberge du Soleil.
It turned out to be très romantique, just as we had hoped.
I created a hardcover book of our 20 years together for my husband’s gift. In the second photo below we were goofing around trying to recreate the image from our 5th anniversary on the cover. It was harder than we thought but this one turned out fairly close. US….15 years later.
I use BLURB for my personalized books and I love to use Greeting Card Universe for my personalized greeting cards (owned by my cousins!) like the one I made for Scott above.
Thank you to the team at Auberge du Soleil, especially Carol, Sharon, and Keith, for making our stay so memorable. As it turns out, Auberge du Soleil was the perfect place to celebrate our 20th anniversary in comfort and style. We were reminded how romantic a few days away from all this ‘home time’ can be and can hardly wait to return!
Cheers to my love, Scott, and another 20 years! x
Contact us for more info and to book your stay at Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley.
To view and/or book other preferred resorts in Napa Valley with Virtuoso amenities.
Coming Soon on the Blog: Our visit to RH in Yountville
Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Previous Posts on the Wine Country:
A Sunny Visit to the Coast of Puglia + Beachfront Chic at Canne Bianche Lifestyle
Puglia, on the eastern coast of Italy, has recently risen to the top of my destinations to explore in Italy. When I learned that our Mediterranean cruise would be ending in Rome, I jumped at the chance to finish up our trip to this beachy, sunswept region.
Well hello there! It’s been a while since I’ve had the time to post on the blog. Our Curated Travel group cruise on the Med was a smashing success and we are already planning our next one (yes, it was that much fun!). Let me know if you want information. Today, I’m excited to share our latest discovery and thank you for being here.
Puglia, on the eastern coast of Italy, has recently risen to the top of my destinations to explore in Italy. When I learned that our Mediterranean cruise would be ending in Rome, I jumped at the chance to finish our trip in this beachy, sunswept region.
Yes, there is a lounge chair with your name on it!
We arrived at Canne Bianche Lifestyle following a leisurely drive through the Italian countryside from Rome. The seaside location is windswept and fresh with beautiful sea views. It’s the perfect place to relax. We found the resort to be charming. It’s beach chic style with a remarkably friendly staff.
Our spacious suite was appointed with a canopy bed, two full bathrooms, a separate living area and an extra large balcony. After being on a cruise ship for a week the two bathrooms and closets were a true luxury, believe me. The views from our roomy balcony were simply lovely with morning coffee fresh from the Nespresso machine ensuite.
One goal of our trip was to explore and the other was to relax. We made good use of the hydro spa and a delightful couple’s massage one day at Canne Bianche. We enjoyed several foodie meals at T_IMO the onsite restaurant.
Ever since I first saw images of the coneshaped ‘trulli’ architectural style of Puglia I was intrigued. Our day dawned sunny with brilliant blue skies and puffy clouds. A beautiful background for our visit.
“A trullo (plural, trulli) is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Their style of construction is specific to the Itria Valley, in the Murge area of the Italian region of Apulia. Trulli generally were constructed as temporary field shelters and storehouses or, as permanent dwellings by small proprietors or agricultural labourers. In the town of Alberobello, in the province of Bari, whole districts contain dense concentrations of trulli. The golden age of trulli was the nineteenth century, especially its final decades, which were marked by the development of wine growing.”
Lunch at Pavi in Locorotondo
Our 3 day stay allowed for visits to Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorotondo (stunning views at lunch), Ostuni and Fasano. There is a wealth of beauty in this region to explore.
Thank you to my travel brand partner, Nicola, for arranging this lovely stay and the upgraded suite at Canne Bianche Lifestyle in Torre Canne.
Contact me to book your stay and to learn more about travels in Italy here.
Recent Posts from Curated Travel Blog
Tuscany: A Walk Down Memory Lane at Villa il Poggiale
Our visit to Villa il Poggiale was everything we dreamed it would be—graced with these views, gardens of lemons, rosemary, lavendar and roses, the gleaming sun soaked swimming pool and Tuscan charm. Our visit made an indelible imression on my mind.
There are those places you visit that leave an indelible mark when you look back with your mind’s eye. It may be the views, the scent in the air, texture of soft grass or crunchy gravel or the way the sun hits the horizon. Somehow, you are transported back to that moment in time.
Close your eyes, can you see your place?
Mr. C.T. and I discovered just such a place on our first trip to Italy back in 2003. I’m not even sure how I discovered charming Villa il Poggiale in Tuscany, but the photos I saw online embodied Tusan beauty and I knew it was our place. We were practically newlyweds and this couldn’t help but be a romantic getaway.
Our visit was everything we dreamed it would be—graced with these views, gardens of lemons, rosemary, lavendar and roses, the gleaming sun soaked swimming pool and Tuscan charm. Our visit made an indelible imression on my mind.
Flash to 2018 and we were more than excited to retrace our steps down memory lane at Villa il Poggiale. I think you will see why we are so enamoured.
A peek at our suite.
The romantic sunset views with a capture of a wonderful honeymoon couple from UK that we enjoyed getting to know.
My happy place!
We truly can’t thank the staff at Villa il Poggiale for making our return visit incredibly memorable. Special thanks to Irene and Monica. Villa il Poggiale is a place I send a number of clients with rave reviews. If you are interested in learning more or booking contact me at Curated Travel.
For more on our trip to Tuscany:
Our Tuscan Spa Getaway to Fonteverde
