Author Archives: Andi's Pick

About Andi's Pick

This hotel has been carefully selected and is highly recommended by Andi Perullo de Ledesma, the Editor-in-Chief and Creator of My Beautiful Adventures. She travels the world in search of the best in luxury accommodation. If your hotel would like to be reviewed for consideration of being added into the elite collection of "picks," please contact Andi at: AndiPerullo@aol.com

Andi’s Pick: Cotton Tree

Cotton Tree: Cayman Islands

First Impression

If you are seeking a holiday apart from the all-inclusive resorts and large crowds of people who are also on spring break look no further than Cotton Tree.  This exclusive group of four pastel-hued, plantation-style beachfront villas is surrounded by pristine nature and is the only boutique hotel located on the islands.

 Location

Cotton Tree is located about thirty minutes from the airport —  just steps away from the Caribbean Sea.  It is highly recommended that if you are planning to stay there, that you also rent a car, as the property does not have a restaurant, nor does it have a swimmable beach.  Plus, if you are wanting to spend time on Seven Mile beach, it is not within walking distance and taxis are expensive.

The Rooms

Each 1600 square foot cottage has two bedrooms and includes all of the comforts and amenities of a fully equipped home, such as spacious living rooms with media libraries of books, music, and DVDs; contemporary furnishings and Egyptian cotton sheets; gourmet kitchens with complete cooking accessories; free Wi-Fi; and daily maid services.

The Bathrooms

Both of the bedrooms have their own en suite spa bathrooms with luxury bath products.  The master bathroom has a rainforest shower and an oversized Jacuzzi.

The Extras

Upon arrival, you will find that your kitchen has been stocked with basic necessities, however if you should require anything else the staff will be happy to go grocery shopping for you.  Cotton Tree makes certain that you have everything you could desire to insure an unforgettable stay with them in this exotic Eden.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Steps away from your residence, in the center of the property, are a freshwater pool and hot tub.  If you need a break from the sun, than you can indulge in a massage or facial inside the nearby spa pavilion where you can hear the gentle waves of the Caribbean Sea.  Take some time to stroll the stunning surroundings that are beautifully landscaped with native flora like lime, banana avocado, guava, and mango trees, as well as cotton trees, the hotel’s namesake.  The rocky and lush shores of Cotton Tree’s beach inspire moments of pause, especially at sunset.

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Andi’s Pick: Inn On Biltmore Estate

Inn On Biltmore Estate: Asheville, North Carolina

First Impression

While I had visited the Biltmore Estate several times, I had yet to stay in the prestigious Inn on Biltmore Estate — a hotel designed so that guests feel as though they are vacationing like a Vanderbilt.  The luxury hotel, which is located on the 8,000 acre property, is just a short drive away from the estate.  Welcome to a place where dreams come true and fairytales are a part of everyday life.

 Location

Surrounded by the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Inn on Biltmore Estate will sweep you into a fantasy land.  This is the kind of hotel that inspires awe and wonderment; where every exquisite detail has been carefully planned and perfectly executed.  It is close to the Asheville’s downtown, as well as other surrounding area attractions.

Inn on Biltmore Estate

The Room

This stunning hotel is a tribute to luxe country living — Vanderbilt style.  Each room is decorated with a relaxed elegance and contains all of the amenities your heart could desire.  For seven years straight the Inn on Biltmore Estate has made Condé Nast Traveler‘s Gold List.  Every inch is steeped in history; its walls practically bursting with secrets stored throughout centuries.

The Bathroom

The ensuite bathroom is spacious and perfectly compliments the elegance of the room.  It has both a bathtub and shower to fit your bathing needs.

The Extra

Since my husband and I had spent all day exploring the estate’s grounds, we did not have time to eat lunch or dinner.  We ordered champagne and lobster mac n’ cheese from room service.  It took less than 15 minutes to arrive and both the service we received from the attendant and the food was superb!

Inn on Biltmore Estate

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

We had arrived to our room late in the evening and had no idea what kind of view we would be awaking to.  When we opened the curtains in the morning we were completely taken aback with what we saw.

After a delicious buffet breakfast filled with Southern comfort food, we headed down to one of the lounge chairs in the hotel’s backyard for a quick rest before returning home.  We could have stayed there all day gazing at the picturesque view in front of us.

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Andi’s Pick: Hotel De Casco

Hotel De Casco: Buenos Aires, Argentina

First Impression

Located about thirty minutes from downtown Buenos Aires is the charming and exclusive suburb of San Isidro.  There you will find cobblestone streets lined with hundred year old homes and spacious public parks filled with Sunday markets.  It is the perfect place if you are looking to escape the chaos of the city.  My husband’s family lives in this barrio, thus staying at Hotel del Casco was a great home-base for us during our visit.  The property is a stunning 19th Century neoclassical mansion, once a former summer home of an aristocratic family, that has now been carefully renovated in respect to its original design and sophisticated elegance.

Location

The historic center of San Isidro is Plaza Mitre and Hotel del Casco is just a few steps away.  It is tucked away on a quiet, residential street with a grand Cathedral at its end.

The Room

This luxurious 20-room manor offers modern accommodation amidst colonialesque surroundings.  Each room is furnished with a mix of selected period pieces and contemporary accents.  You cannot help but fall instantly in love when you step inside.  We stayed in one of the suites, which was situated outside of the main house with its own private entrance, allowing for even more seclusion.  The high ceiling is decorated with an antique crystal chandelier and the walls with paintings and tapestries that illustrate Hotel del Casco’s history.  Expansive windows are adorned with flowing muslin and crisp, white Egyptian cotton linens cover the king sized bed.

Hotel De Casco
Hotel De Casco

The Bathroom

The spacious ensuite bathroom features both an antique bathtub, as well as a walk-in shower.  The beautifully restored traditional sinks are laden with the hotel’s toiletries and the tiled floor is heated for extra comfort.

The Extras

No matter what your reason is to visit Hotel del Casco, you will greatly appreciate the extras that elevate the property, such as the heated courtyard pool, the rejuvenating gym and spa, a delicious room service menu, and a free breakfast spread inside of a garden atrium.

Hotel de Casco

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Every guest upon arrival is greeted with fresh-cut flowers and the nightly turndown service includes decadent gourmet chocolates.

Hotel de Casco

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Andi’s Pick: Charleston Place Hotel

Charleston Place Hotel: Charleston, South Carolina

First Impression

Having lived in Charleston for three years, I was afforded the opportunity to stay at the Charleston Place Hotel on several occasions; one occasion, in fact, was to celebrate my graduation from the College of Charleston.  Thus, the hotel holds a special place in my heart.  It is a landmark in the Low Country for a reason, as it is a welcoming haven of old-world charm and glamour.

Location

Charleston Place Hotel is situated in the historical epicenter of downtown Charleston.  If you want to be walking distance to all of the major attractions in this beloved city, this is the property for you.

The Room

Charleston has a reputation for having hotels with small rooms, however the deluxe rooms with King sized beds in this hotel are spacious and the Southern-inspired design, soft color palate, and classic furniture found within make them incredibly inviting.

Charleston Place Hotel

Charleston Place Hotel

Charleston Place Hotel

The Bathroom

The ensuite bathroom features Italian marble and brass fixtures with matching his and her vanity sinks.  Also included are luxurious Gilchrist & Soames bath products.

The Extras

On the rooftop is the property’s spa, which contains a horizon-edged saltwater mineral swimming pool that is heated year-round and when weather allows its glass roof retracts bringing in fresh sunlight, plus there is plenty of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating available.  The state-of-the-art spa also includes a fitness center and locker rooms that are so nice you may never want to leave.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Dining at the Charleston Place Hotel is taken very seriously and it is almost impossible to not have an incredible meal there, which of course comes with a side of Southern hospitality.  One of my favorite meal’s during my stay was the delicious gourmet breakfast that I ordered from room service.  Meals can be enjoyed in room, at one of the restaurants, in the spa, or if you need a meal-to-go they can make that happen as well.

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Andi’s Pick: The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort

The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort: St. Simons Island, Georgia

First Impression

During the year leading up to my 30th Birthday I purposely thought as little as possible about the looming monumental occasion, thus I found myself in a state of panic one month before the day, as I had no plans.  At first, I desired to go somewhere exotic with my husband, but then I realized I wanted my entire family around me.  When The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort generously reached out to me and invited all of us to their charming property, which was only a five hour car ride away and was a destination that I had not visited, I knew that I was going to have a Birthday that I would never forget.

Location

Built alongside the Atlantic Ocean, The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort is located on St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia, which is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the United States of America.  For decades, travelers have fallen in love with the fabled Golden Isles due to its historical significance and relaxed atmosphere.

The Room

My husband, my parents, my brother, and I stayed in a gorgeous two bedroom villa named the Tabby House, while my grandparents stayed in a nearby oceanfront room in the resort.  One of the room’s has two Queen sized beds and all of the other expected amenities of a luxury property.

The second room, the master suite, is more spacious and has a King sized bed.  This is the room that my husband and I stayed in and this Birthday girl loved it!

The Bathroom

Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom with a shower and a jetted bathtub, plus fabulous bath products and towels to indulge in.

The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort
The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort

The Extras

Besides the two bedrooms and bathrooms there is a dining room, living room, a kitchen, and a laundry room included within the villa.  Even though five of us were staying there, we never once felt like we did not have enough space and were comfortable the entire time.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Everything about the Tabby House was perfect, however my favorite thing was that it was just steps away from the glorious beach, which is where I spent most of my time celebrating my Birthday.

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