Travels with Tricia

10/01/2022

Paradise, found! Large, thoughtfully designed rooms, lovely swimmable beach, fantastic coral reef, world class spa, delicious Thai food served street truck style, churros and chocolate scooter, tennis, private golf course, fantastic location halfway between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and the most attentive staff around! I could go on and on and on as to why I adore the Montage Los Cabos…. pro Tip- you will want to be at the pool around 4:00 for the complimentary popsicle cart!

01/04/2021

Today's the day for the new TOURISM TAX in parts of Mexico! Effective April 1, 2021, the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun & Cozumel) will be requiring all international travellers over the age of 15 to pay a tourism usage fee (tax) of 244 Mexican Pesos (approx. USD $11 depending on the current exchange rate).

The payment can be made prior to travel, upon arrival or during the stay, as the tax will be imposed upon departure.
Travellers have the option to access http://visitax.gob.mx/, where they can complete a brief questionnaire and make the payment in advance of or during their visit. A receipt will be provided which must be shown at the airport prior to boarding their flight home.
The new tax payment should be made on-line. There also will be an option to pay cash at the airport terminal. Assistance will be available at the airport if needed.

The VISITAX form will request the following information:
• Number of people traveling
• Name, age, and passport number of each individual
• Departure date

This is sure to bring some confusion at the airport-just in time for Spring and Easter break!

Visitax es la aplicación para efectuar el pago de contribuciones al Gobierno del Estado referente al turista extranjero, para ello, proporcione la información que se solicita y realiza el pago correspondiente.

30/03/2021

Hotel Bennett is the quintessential Southern charmer. The hotel is a new build that opened in 2019, and no detail was overlooked. A champagne bar shaped like a Faberge egg, high tea, a beautiful spa, a rooftop pool, charming bakery, ample seating areas, and a perfect location. And oohhh, the sheets make it hard to get out of bed in the morning! Every room has a bookcase that pays homage to the library that once stood in this location. It is elegant, but not pretentious. Ask me about King's Club (an excellent value) and all of the special perks!

28/03/2021

Hotel Emeline opened in July 2020, making it the new kid on the Charleston block! And, it is creating quite the buzz. If you have been to Hotel Noelle in Nashville, you will recognize some similarities- the water stations for still and sparkling water in the hallways, the luxe, local gift shop, and it is pet friendly! Emeline promotes the local artisans, serves coffee to your room in the morning, and has an incredible fitness area. The outdoor courtyard with fireplace is stunning. Emeline is a beauty! Happy to tell you more about her charm!

27/03/2021

Another Charleston Beauty: The Spectator Hotel. This hotel has won so many awards that I could fill a page with its honors! What makes it special? A beautiful building that is only five years old, butler service for every room, a 1920's Great Gatsby inspired cocktail bar, complimentary in-room breakfasts, complimentary bicycles to explore the city, and a stellar location. What more do you need?

27/03/2021

Ahhh, spring in Charleston.. Think shopping, gardens, delicious food, rooftop bars, history, architecture, and DREAMY NEW HOTELS! Here are some of my favorites:
THE RESTORATION HOTEL- consists of The Residences and The Hotel. The Residences were originally built as condos in 2008, but were turned into a hotel when sales were slow from the slumping economy. Beautiful 1-3 bedroom condos with exposed brick walls, full kitchens,... In 2016, the hotel was added- studio units designed to mimic the residences. And, in the middle.. a beautiful living room for wine and cheese, cultural events, and sipping coffee from the adorable coffee shop! The idea was to create a cool space where guests would feel local. Insider tip: The Watch rooftop restaurant is very popular and has one of the best sunset views in Charleston. Another insider tip: Check out the awesome gift shop. Ask me about some of the creative packages, including building your own motorcycle! And a Surprise....be on the lookout for The Restoration Asheville..coming soon!!!

20/03/2021

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina is a hidden treasure! BG has been named one of the top 10 Botanical Gardens in America and is one of the finest outdoor sculpture museums in the world. It also has a Lowcountry Zoo! A perfect way to spend an afternoon! And, a perfect addition to any South Carolina coast itinerary!

03/03/2021

This Santa Fe hotel is breathtaking! THE INN OF THE FIVE GRACES is a complex of adobe buildings, full of colorful textiles and the most unique bathroom mosaics that I have ever seen. The hotel owner also owns an exquisite East Indian/Tiben antique store a few blocks down the road, and uses the hotel as a "decorator showhouse" for his goods. The store (Seret & Sons) and the hotel are must sees. (I wanted it all) Think: Silk Road meets Southwest. The hotel has a gorgeous spa that opened last year, AND it is a Relais & Chateaux Property. So, the food is delicious. Oh, and the best part? I can get perks and upgrades for you!

03/03/2021

Santa Fe- So many reasons to love it!
ART- the city has only 83,000 residents, and yet is third in the world in art sales, behind Paris and New York. Galleries and museums are plentiful! This is Georgia O'Keefe country!
HISTORY- The oldest Capitol city in the United States. The Museum of New Mexico is certainly worth a visit. The city has more than its fair share of buildings and artifacts dating back to the early 1600's (and before.)
RESTAURANTS/SHOPPING- Santa Fe is a foodie destination with a thriving twice weekly farmer's market and many James Beard award winning chefs/restaurants. Peppers are a thing here! (Ask for Christmas-both red and green peppers) And, shoppers won't be disappointed-both high end and trinkets.
FESTIVALS- Santa Fe is known for its festivals, markets, and its outdoor opera!

DID YOU KNOW? Santa Fe is a high desert and is at an altitude of 7000 feet. It also is very compact, and highly walkable! So charming!

COVID: Santa Fe had a mandatory self-quarantine for visitors that was lifted on February 11, 2021. Restaurants are allowed to have indoor dining at 25% capacity, and museums have reopened! The city is awakening just in time for spring!