Curated Hotel: Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water’s edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on the Island of Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres is a jewel of an island just a leisurely yacht ride from Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. The waters of the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) shimmer in the sunlight with aqua to turquoise shades and appear luminescent at sunset with rose gold and blue tones.
Isla Mujeres is simply sublime.
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water's edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Charming Alexander, an Isla Mujeres 4th generation native and concierge of the yacht, served champagne.
We arrived at Zoetry Villa Rolandi just 30 minutes after leaving Cancun...
and following our private concierge check-in, we were in the pool 15 minutes later.
#islandparadise
Zoetry Villa Rolandi is an intimate island-style resort, composed of only 35 oceanfront suites. Our suite looked over the pool with the white sand beach just a few steps below.
The view from our balcony.
There are 2 infinity-edged pools, a world-class Thalasso spa, two gourmet restaurants, a free concierge yacht service, and a lovely stretch of beach at Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Isla Mujeres boasts some gorgeous sunsets, like this one over the infinity-edged pool to the sea.
It also has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
The sand was like sugar.
If you dare leave the lounge chair or hammock,
golf carts are available for rent and are great for a day-trip around the island.
We discovered a casual beachy spot for lunch with live music. Definitely feeling like a local here.
After a few hours of exploring the island, you will likely be longing to get back to that pool and lounge chair.
In your suite, a fruit plate and a daily bottle of champagne await you. The chocolate covered strawberries were a gift for us as members of Unlimited Vacation Club.
Evenings at Zoetry Villa Rolandi are filled with twinkling lights, decadent gourmet dining, and sublime sips. The service, even poolside at the intimate Le Metissage French-Mexican fusion cuisine, was impeccable.
This spot, Casa Rolandi, was perfect for breakfast, although we often ordered breakfast delivered en suite. Zoetry resorts are luxury all-inclusive vacations, and they always have 24 hour room service, as well as a free laundry service, a nice perk after a day of travel.
Just look at that view!
Cheers to a sunny escape to Isla Mujeres!
Contact us at Curated Travel to book your luxury all-inclusive getaway.
Getaway to Dry Creek Valley Wine Country, California
Scott and I tried something new for the updated version of our winter holiday. Though we were unable to fly to Riviera Maya due to his back issues, we decided a short road trip would be just the right idea. Wine country is our favorite Northern California getaway and we thought it would be fun to stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel this trip. With above average temps and sunny skies we knew we were in for a sunny escape to wine country. The vibrant yellow mustard, brilliant blue skies and puffy white clouds were dazzling.
Scott and I tried something new for the updated version of our winter holiday. Though we were unable to fly to Riviera Maya due to his back issues, we decided a short road trip would be just the right idea. Wine country is our favorite Northern California getaway and we thought it would be fun to stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel this trip. With above average temps and sunny skies we knew we were in for a sunny escape to wine country. The vibrant yellow mustard, brilliant blue skies and puffy white clouds were dazzling.
After a fair amount of research we settled on Pony Ranch Vineyard Estate in Dry Creek Valley. As it turns out, this was the perfect choice for a luxurious, comfortable and private "home away from home" for the long weekend. I love these views up the winding driveway to Pony Ranch Vineyard Estate. The location is excellent just 8 miles outside of Healdsburg.
We took the winding gravel path past the lemon tree, mounds of rosemary and lavender, and the beautiful pool area.
From the moment we arrived at Pony Ranch Vineyard Estate we felt instantly at home. Laurie and Robert, the homeowners, greeted us warmly, and we were directed past the lemon tree to the short, winding path beside the swimming pool, leading up to the private suite.
Laurie familiarized us with the simple details to make our stay comfortable. Luxury linens, fine furnishings, fragrant bath products and a cozy fireplace created a lovely ambiance. A Keurig coffee maker and small refrigerator made it easy to create a light breakfast or afternoon snacks, and to chill white wine. The bathroom area is comprised of two small rooms; with high end stone tiles and finishes, it is compact and efficient. The toilet and small sink are in one room and the shower is in another. There is no counter space but the glass wall shelves were sufficient for storage.
For more details on our stay read my review on Homeaway of Pony Ranch Vineyard Estate.
This view offers peaceful vineyard vistas during the daytime and brilliant stars at night. I can only imagine how wonderful a dip in the pool would be on a toasty summer day in the valley.
After settling into our suite we made the short drive to quaint Geyserville for dinner at Diavola. We don't splurge on carb-loading pizza very often, but when we do, we always hope it is good as this one. Thanks for the great recommendations, Laurie and Robert!
Following a leisurely morning with coffee and a light en suite breakfast we had picked up at the small market in Geyserville the night before, we were off to lunch at Rustic "Francis's Favorites" at Coppola Winery. In this lovely hilltop spot, reminiscent of Tuscany, we enjoyed friendly service and fun conversation with fellow diners. (PS-my purse must have fallen off the chair because I'm a bit of a germaphobe who would much rather hold my bag then set it on the ground #winecountrynocares :)
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has created a unique concept around the swimming pool with cabines to rent for family days at the pool. This looks like a super fun concept for warm weather fun. It reminds me of throwback summers on the shore. For more details on pools and cabines here.
Our next stop was for a tasting at Matrix Winery. The interior is currently being remodeled into what will become a beautiful tasting room and deck, but the outdoor spaces are still beautiful. We enjoyed some luscious pinot noirs at Matrix on this sunny afternoon next to the water feature.
Scott was getting around pretty well on this day, thankfully. Maybe the sound of splashing water soothed his soul?
Or maybe it was the wine?
A video posted by Heather Lindstrom (@stylemindchic) on Feb 6, 2016 at 2:56pm PST
This photo is a simply a gratuitous reminder to stick with pilates...DAILY!!!
From Matrix it was a quick trip back to the guest suite for some relaxation before heading out to dinner. Laurie and Robert's very friendly kitty (pictured above) came inside for a visit. Did I mention Pony Ranch Vineyard Estate felt like our "home away from home"?
After freshening up we were off to dinner in Healdsburg, for our second visit to Dry Creek Kitchen, of Chef Charlie Palmer fame. We had the most impeccable service and delicious bites on this evening. The ingenious sommelier, Rolando, introduced us to some lovely wine and conversation that made for a memorable evening. I was also happy to see that Chef charlie Palmer 'liked' my photo of our evening at Dry Creek Kitchen on Instagram.
We found the vibe to be significantly more warm and friendly than our visit here several years ago. We highly recommend you make a reservation here and talk to Rolando about wines (and life).
Another fantastic perk of staying at Pony Ranch Vineyard Estate is that Laurie and Robert graciously offered us a private wine tasting at neighboring Mazzocco Winery.
We scheduled our tasting for noon on Sunday and were lucky enough to meet Mick. He shared a number of delicious pours of Mazzocco wines, some of which were created with grapes grown at Pony Ranch Vineyard. He also shared stories of the local vineyards and the history of the area. If you visit Mazzocco ask for Mick and he will spoil you, no doubt.
Shed Healdsburg-a wonderful place to buy a picnic or dine. We enjoyed a tasty gelato.
All getaways must come to an end. Our thanks to Laurie & Robert for an unforgettable getaway to Dry Creek wine country. Thank you for sharing your lovely estate with us for the weekend. We promise, we will visit again soon!
To Stay:
Our new favorite 'Home Away from Home' in wine country: Pony Ranch Vineyard Estate.
H2 Hotel (previous post here)
For more on Healdsburg: Getaway to Healdsburg and Getaway to Sonoma Valley Wine Country
To Dine:
Spoonbar from previous post here
To Taste:
Wine Country Weekend - Three Day Getaway!
Wine Country Weekend
Fall is a brilliant time of year to escape to Northern California wine country. The leaves are luminescent with hues of autumn; the sky transforms into a deeper shade of blue. Scott and I recently took advantage of some time off to make our annual fall trip to wine country. Our first stop was for lunch on the patio at Solbar on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga. The food is always delicious, service is incredibly friendly and the location is unbeatable.
Our next stop was almost next door at Clos Pegase winery in Calistoga. I've always appreciated the attention to detail with stonework and art collections at Clos Pegase. The winery is especially picturesque in the fall season.
A room with a view at Clos Pegase.
By this time we were ready to head to the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa in Santa Rosa to check in for our getaway. Scott had booked us a couple of nights on Hyatt points he discovered he had.
It's always nice to receive a special welcome ...
and an upgrade to an executive suite.
Our suite was extremely spacious, well-appointed and comfortable with luxurious touches.
An hour or so to relax and we were off to dinner at Willi's Wine Bar, which has rave reviews from the SF Chronicle, as well as other reviewers. We used the Uber app, which is an amazing way to get a quick ride--to and from--your destination safely. Download it and use it during your next night out if you haven't already discovered it.
The next morning we discovered the quintessential cafe breakfast at Dierk's Parkside Cafe'. Not to brag but I have never seen a mimosa this big! The staff was friendly and fun at this neighborhood gem in Santa Rosa. #yummy
Next we were up for some natural beauty.
A stop at the beautiful J Vineyards and Winery is always a treat.
Desmond shared some fantastic history and took great care of us at J Vineyards & Winery.
We were hungry by the time we reached Healdsburg, one of our wine country favorite spots, and couldn't resist Bravas Bar de Tapas. The small plates with Spanish flair and terrace dining are so enjoyable. The dish pictured is of caramelized onions over goat cheese bruschetta with drizzles of balsamic--simple and delicious!
Our friends recommended Wilson Winery on Dry Creek Road so we meandered to this beautiful spot. We were blown away by the vineyard views from the terrace, as well as the bold, red zinfandels we tasted. Scott couldn't resist joining the wine club at Wilson Winery so we will definitely be returning.
Sips....
Rose' sunset over wine country.
Back at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek, a cozy fire-pit was waiting for us.
#nightnight
The next morning, we discovered the shops and restaurants at Railroad Square, within walking distance to the Hyatt Vineyard Creek. The Omelette Express serves up a decadent and filling breakfast.
This trip was more of a meandering through a larger area of wine country than some of our previous trips. Our final stop was in Sebastopol where we discovered the delightful K & L Bistro for lunch. The service, decor and ambiance created the perfect foodie gem. Each town in wine country possesses a unique charm.
We lucked out with the weather in November. It was cool enough for booties and a cashmere poncho but warm enough for walking through vineyards and dining on the patio in comfort.
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Date Night: A Double Date and Meeting in the Middle
When Scott and I started seeing each other, I lived in the San Francisco bay area and he lived in Chico, about 2 hours away. One Tuesday he called me and said, "I can't wait until the weekend to see you. Let's meet in the middle for dinner tonight". To be honest, there is a whole lot of nothing in between, but we did some research and luckily we discovered Louis Cairo's Steakhouse in Williams, just off Interstate 5. With cheery red checked tablecloths, delicious pastas and steaks, and the GLOW of a new love, it was a memorable evening to say the least. As we walked away from our table that night, the gentleman sitting across from us said, "If you don't want her, I'll take her". To that I say, "Thank you sir!" We not only had a full blown love affair going on but also a new spot for dinner right in the middle. Flash forward 17 years and now we make the drive to Louis Cairo's a few times a year to meet up with friends who live in the bay area.
The hour long drive is definitely worth it and you never know what you might see along the way. There must a a story behind this Porsche emblazoned with "Polizei" --German for police.
Welcome to Williams, California.
It's conveniently located just off Interstate 5.
I believe it's mandatory for a country town to have a water tower.
Williams has a water tower.
The main drag....
Tonight it's a double date...
and no, I don't own cowboy boots.
Neither does Scott...
but we are always warmly welcomed at Louis Cairos.
It is always so good to see our friends,
Dean and Kathryn
Suspenders are always a good option in town.
After a few minutes to catch up, we are seated in the dining room at Louis Cairo's. I don't see the red and white checked table cloths anymore and they've definitely zhushed the place up a bit over the last decade or so.
Lucky us, our warm and lovely server, Rita, took wonderful care of us all evening. Rita introduced us to Shed Horn Cellars wine.The cabernet sauvignon was lush and complex. We were saddened to hear that the winemaker/owners, Michael and Adawn Wood, had just lost their home and winery in the Middletown fire. Michael reported to the SF Chronicle that he was helping save other homes without realizing his own home was burning. He said fortunately they have good insurance and will be able to rebuild. They had completed most of the harvest for the season so the wine-making will continue.
As for the fare at Louis Cairo's--fresh salads, Italian pastas and extraordinary steaks are on the extensive menu. The Louis Bread is powerful--loaded with garlic. Let's just say it's best for all (or none) to partake. We always dive in! Care for a mint?
A hidden gem right in the middle.
See you again in a couple of months Louis Cairos!!
Have you discovered any hidden gems lately?
Cooking Class: Ceviche from Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita and a Surprise Meet Up!
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
All the ingredients were carefully chopped and prepared by Chef Nicolas. The friendly staff, including Fermin, started the class by serving chilled white wine. Pour yourself a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc, sit back and join me for a few moments at the cooking class as we make ceviche for the first time.
Here's Scott diving in!
It's fun to serve just about anything in a martini glass!
friends-cooking-class-zoetry
These are more of the fun folks we met at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. Rosemary and Rolando, in straw hats, were great. We also ended up in a sweat lodge with them at the spa -- but that's a whole different story. With Facebook these days it is so easy to stay friends with people we meet while traveling. That is a huge plus for social media in my book.
In the background of this shot, I'm introducing myself to the famed Mexican architect Carlos Gosselin, who designed Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. He lives part time at Zoetry, and a number of guests, including my husband, had seen him during our stay. I woke up on this morning and announced to Scott, "I'm going to meet the architect today". I wanted to tell him how impressed I am with this magnificent resort. As I shot the video of the cooking class, I turned my video around to get a glimpse of the resort (about 6 minutes in) and he was the shadowy figure walking just a couple of feet behind me. It was a fun moment and such a surprise! As soon as the class was over I raced over to meet him and he was just as elegant and charming as I expected.
Zoetry grouper ceviche
Ingredients
1 kg diced fresh grouper or mild white fish
8 lemons (the juice)
1 red onion in julianne
1 chopped mango
½ chopped papaya
1 chopped cucumber
Basil
Coriander
Mint
Salt
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Tortilla chips
Procedure
Place grouper, lemon juice, oregano, salt and olive oil in a bowl and let it rest for at least 15·20 min
Add the rest of ingredients
Serve with tortilla chips
Scott recreated this dish at home with fresh ingredients from the farmer's market in Chico. We devoured it so quickly that I didn't get any shots of his finished product. Ceviche is also delicious served with guacamole.
For more on our trip to Riviera Maya:
A Sunny Escape to Tulum and Akumal
Have you ever made ceviche?
Date Night: A Sunset Sail in a Tropical Paradise
For the final evening of our vacation in Riviera Maya, we chose a sunset sail at our resort, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. The turquoise waters, gentle tropical breezes, friendly service, bubbly champagne and new friends made it the best way to usher in the evening.
For the final evening of our vacation in Riviera Maya, we chose a sunset sail at our resort, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. The turquoise waters, gentle tropical breezes, friendly service, bubbly champagne and new friends made it the best way to usher in the evening.
I always love being on--or near--the water and this sailing adventure reminded me just how much I enjoy sailing. It had been years since I'd been out on a sailboat. I'm holding Scott's glass here so that he could take the photo. I promise--I wasn't drinking two glasses of champagne at once! ;)
My sailor, also enjoying his bubbly.
There were a few other couples on this sunset sail, like Jenny and Tyler--a fun couple from Virginia--celebrating their honeymoon.
I had to laugh when I realized how my Rachel Roy top caught wind in this sailing adventure. It definitely had a mind of its own. I've enjoyed wearing this halter top all season but perhaps it's a bit more stylish on dry land.
Cheers to our last night at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita--we can't wait to return!!
