Heather Lindstrom 5/15/19 Heather Lindstrom 5/15/19

Curated Hotel: 3 Days at the Chic Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos

I’ve had my eye on the chic, contemporary Le Blanc Spa Resort brand since it first opened in Cancun years ago. I’m attracted to the spa themed luxury and all-incluisive adults only property for a truly relaxing vibe. When I was offered a chance to the visit the newest Le Blanc resort in Los Cabos I jumped at the chance.

I was greeted at the airport by a private driver and enjoyed the scenic 20 minute drive along the golden corridor to Le Blanc Spa Resort. First steps, a private check-in, proffered welcome drink, a cool, scented mini towel, and a tour of my suite by my kindly personal butler, Omar. He took special care to acquaint me with the conveniences and smart technology of my spacious suite, including an app to communicate wishes and requests directly to my personal butler. Talk about feeling spoiled!

A tour of the luxurious spa suite at Le Blanc

Le Blanc offers a range of amenties including your choice of aromatherapy, scented pillow, hand-crafted soaps of your choice and butler drawn baths at your selected time (complete with your favorite aromatherapy and rose petals). Definitely an after dinner treat to savour!

For dinner I met the small group of luxury travel advisors exploring Le Blanc with me. We enjoyed a refreshing drink, a sunset dinner by the sea and live music in the lounge as well as lively conversation. By the end of our 3 days together we felt like we had known each other forever. #girlstrip

The next morning our small group of luxury travel advisors enjoyed a personalized tour of the resort from Le Blanc brand rep, Maria.

I’m always up for some pool time and we had two full afternoons built in for enjoying the pools and beach. The service at Le Blanc, including poolside staff offering cucumber slices for the eyes and a mini-massage, is fantastic. I also noticed there were many cabanas, lounge areas and 4 pools so it was easy to find as much quiet time or socializing time as you like.

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Luckily for us, a spa day with massage was built in to our schedule. As our host, Kalan, reinforeced that we needed to experience all the amenities of Le Blanc. Honestly, my 50 minute massage was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. The water treatment program from sauna, to cold room, to therapeutic pools (hot/cold/whirlpools) makes you feel completely relaxed and yet renewed. I highly recommend the spa and wellness programs at Le Blanc.

There are a number of culinary options at Le Blanc. We enjoyed several of the food restaurants as well as ensuite dining during our stay. Learn more about dining at Le Blanc.

The view from my suite at Le Blanc

Following my visit to Le Blanc Spa Resort I was given several fantastic packages to share with my travel clients including $1500 resort credit, packages that include $500 off air, unlimited golf packages, and much more. Contact me for more info and to book your dream vacation to Le Blanc! Special offers through December 31st, 2019.

As you can see, Le Blanc is perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway, a girlfriends’ spa trip, an adults only desination wedding or a super romantic honeymoon or celebration trip.

My thanks to Kalan, Maria and Le Blanc for the invitation to experience Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos. I’m a big fan!

Heather Lindstrom 2/2/19 Heather Lindstrom 2/2/19

A Sumptuous Stay and Spa Experience at Bagni Di Pisa & Grotta Giusti in Tuscany

Our next stop on our spa getaway to Tuscany was the classic Italian spa retreat at Bagni Di Pisa. Here we enjoyed gourmet dining, fine wines with our impressive sommelier and luxurious spa treatments. One of the most interesting elements to this retreat is the history. Our two room suite, loaded with classic Italian charm, was a sumptuous blend of luxury and historic style. Was it the Dalai Lama or Richard Gere that stayed in our suite?

Our next stop on our spa getaway to Tuscany was the classic Italian spa retreat at Bagni Di Pisa. Here we enjoyed gourmet dining, fine wines with our impressive sommelier and luxurious spa treatments. One of the most interesting elements to this retreat is the history. Our two-room suite, loaded with classic Italian charm, was a sumptuous blend of luxury and historic style. Was it the Dalai Lama or Richard Gere that stayed in our suite?

“The majestic spa residence was originally built in 1743 for Francesco Stefano of Lorena, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Over the centuries, it has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities as the destination of choice for a relaxing retreat with unrivalled wellness offerings. Today, Bagni di Pisa is world renowned for as a hotel and spa that honours the 18th century charm with frescoed ceilings, extravagant furnishings, floral gardens and captivating nature. With a collection of pools and thermal treatment rooms, ancient treasures of art and history, innovative wellness facilities and delectable culinary masterpieces, Bagni di Pisa is where one can truly disconnect from the world and immerse into to a world of beauty and healing.”

— Bagni di Pisa

Our suite, where celebrities and inspirational leaders alike have stayed, was luxurious and cozy at the same time. Italian Hospitality Collection was delightfully generous to welcome us with fruits, wine and sweets.

A tour of our suite featuring Mr. C.T.

The next day we took a trip to Grotta Giusti to experience the thermal spas and underground grotto. Celebratory cocktails and dinner followed our revitalizing day at the spa with our final night on the spa tour. What we had with this group of new friends exploring spas in Tuscany.

“A PLACE OF DISCOVERY AND REVELATION.
OUR REFURBISHED HOTEL WITH SPA, SET IN THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE.
A nineteenth-century villa, restored to its original splendour with meticulous care and attention to every detail. Today it welcomes guests with inlaid wood floors, refurbished rooms, parquet flooring, new lighting, new colours that enhance the rooms and the mood, and all the comforts of a beautiful hotel. It is elegantly furnished, decorated with frescoes, surrounded by an age-old park, and has a unique thermal spa.
Inside unexpected treasures await: a unique and wonderful grotto, a thermal spring, a deep, warm underground lake and spectacular chambers, where the temperature is set as if it were a living and breathing organism.
The villa above the grotto is now a place where you can experience a kind of new harmony, with the Equilibrium method. Water, stone, heat, art and history all make it a place that heals and comforts. Discover the splendid new Grotta Giusti where you can reconnect with nature, like a new discovery and a new revelation.”

— Grotta Giusti

Learn more on Bagni di Pisa and Grotta Giusti. If you are interested in booking a spa getaway I highly recommend these resorts as well as Fonteverde from my previous post. Contact me to book VIP perks and upgrades on an unforgettable spa getaway in Italy. Contact Curated Travel.

Our thanks to Cristina Morellini and the Italian Hospitality Collection for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

Heather Lindstrom 9/25/18 Heather Lindstrom 9/25/18

Curated Hotel: An Idyllic Stay at Montage Los Cabos

An idyllic stay at Montage Los Cabos. I was pleased to see that the itinerary included a stay at the luxurious Montage Los Cabos, and for 24 hours or so, everything slowed down to a relaxing vibe Montage style.

My recent trip to Los Cabos was filled to the brim with visits to luxury resorts, a gourmet dinner on the beach, foodie experiences and spa treatments thanks to Journese, Los Cabos Tourism and my travel agency, CADENCE. I was also pleased to see that the itinerary included a stay at the luxurious Montage Los Cabos, and for 24 hours or so, everything slowed down to a relaxing vibe Montage style.

From the moment we arrived at Montage Los Cabos we were treated with an elevated level of service. From scented cool towelettes to a signature cocktail, to personalized lounge style check-ins, our every need seemed to be anticipated by the welcoming staff. As you can see, there is an air of relaxed luxury to this desert oasis on Santa Maria Bay. The stunning architecture sets the backdrop for a truly memorable stay.

Within a few minutes of our arrival I was introduced to my lovely guide, Karina, and was whisked away to my suite.

Pinch me, I’m dreaming!!

My second floor suite was a brilliant combination of natural wood elements, luxurious fabrics, authentic Mexican decor with a beachy vibe and all the comforts of home. The spacious balcony with serene views of the desert and sea beyond was a true sanctuary. The oversized spa bathroom had me at ‘hello outdoor shower’. I always appreciate a luxurious bath and this one is my favorite. The outdoor shower is just plain sexy!

Enjoy this video tour of my suite!

A tour of my suite at Montage Los Cabos for Curated Travel.

“Perched upon the premier beachfront in all of Cabo and set within the renowned master planned community of Twin Dolphin, Montage Los Cabos features 122 expansive guestrooms, suites and casas along with 52 Montage Residences. Montage Los Cabos’ location, including 39 acres on the pristine and gentle waters of Santa Maria Bay, has spectacular views and unique in the Los Cabos region, features remarkable walk-in access to the finest swimming, snorkeling and diving in the region. ”

— Montage Los Cabos

The spa area at Montage is sublime. I enjoyed a 50 minute baja massage in one of the zen garden suites. I felt like a new woman after the treatment, I promise you. Afterwards, we were welcomed with prosecco and delicious bites at the relaxing spa pool area.

There are a variety of pool options at Montage including the cabana pool with private butler service which is exceptional. The beach is one of the few swimable beaches in Los Cabos which allows for a variety of water sports, from snorkeling, diving, fishing, paddleboarding and more for the active traveler.

Following our spa treatments and poolside cabana time we were given a private tour of the entire resort and the extraordinary private villas. Later we dined at Mezcal and enjoyed a true foodie experience.

I found these decadent little succulents - made of chocolate and creamy ganache - in my suite just before bedtime.

Talk about sweet dreams!

I highly recommend a stay at Montage Los Cabos for a romantic retreat (you may never leave that luscious spa suite with an outdoor shower!), a girlfriends’ spa getaway, a couples’ trip or a destination wedding, celebration, or family reunion in one of the spacious villas on property. This destination works equally well for a variety of travel experiences and it’s one of my favorite destinations in Los Cabos.

Contact me to book this memorable getaway and to upgrade you VIP style here.

Learn more about farm-to-table dining in Los Cabos.

Many thanks to my team at CADENCE Travel, Montage Los Cabos, and Los Cabo On-Time Transfers for the luxury stay in Los Cabos.

Heather Lindstrom 5/3/17 Heather Lindstrom 5/3/17

Curated Hotel: Living 'Pura Vida' at Secrets Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of ‘Pura Vida’, more eloquent than mere words can express, it’s an attitude of living the essence of pure life.

Getaway to Secrets Papagayo in Costa Rica

Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of 'Pura Vida', more eloquent than mere words can express, it's an attitude of living the essence of pure life.

Secrets Papagayo is a luxury, all-inclusive beachfront resort on the peninsula of Papagayo. The intimate collection of low, mostly one-story bungalows, are sprinkled throughout the expansive property, infused with tropical beauty. Chauffeured golf carts are available, at the touch of a button, to whisk you to your destination on the property. Ipads in each suite allow for ordering up spa services, room service and more. An in room 'secret cupboard' allows for your meals and drinks to be delivered to your suite, without being disturbed, with 24-hour room service. Once delivered, a light goes on and you know that your meal has arrived.

Stunning natural beauty abounds in Costa Rica.

Evening at Secrets

From morning yoga on the beach, to kayaking, to wildlife hikes, bike tours, wine tasting dinners with live music, private beachside dinners and dance lessons, Secrets has plenty of options to keep you happy. Spotting the monkeys in the trees was one of the highlights for us. Secrets resorts are known for luxurious spa treatments and a couple's massage has become a must do for our getaways. We also made some fun new friends, always a plus of traveling. Dana and Chandler, see you in Aruba!! ;)

As preferred club members we can reserve a private beach cabana, with full service, for the day. We found this to be a wonderful way to spend a relaxing day (or 6) at the beach.

Food and drink options are limitless at Secrets. From healthy options to decadent dishes you can live it up however you like. With all-inclusive gourmet dining, you don't worry about a thing!

That moment, of taking care of a bit of travel business on my laptop, from this "home office". The stuff of my dreams!

A breakfast serenade at Secrets....

Uploaded by Heather Orr Lindstrom on 2017-05-02.

We enjoyed every minute of our getaway to Secrets Papagayo. Each time we visit a resort from the AMResorts group - Secrets, Zoetry, Dreams - we are so impressed with the impecable, friendly service. Staff is trained to make our staff seamless and enjoyable. We feel at home, at each resort, from the moment we are greeted with a friendly smile, served a cool towel, a frosty welcome drink and a "Welcome Home".

Costa Rica, infused with the attitude of 'Pura Vida' -- more eloquent than mere words can express -- it's an attitude of living the essence of pure life.

Costa Rica-you are such a natural beauty! We are taking your 'pura vida' attitude home with us!

To book a getaway to Costa Rica contact me:

Curated Travel

Secrets Papagayo

For more on Unlimited Luxury at Secrets

Thank you to Unlimited Vacations and Secrets for making our stay so unforgettable!