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: Villas De Trancoso

Villas De Trancoso: Trancoso, Brasil

First Impression

We did not know much about Trancoso before visiting, other than that its beaches were supposedly gorgeous, which was enough to make my ocean-loving husband and I want to begin our honeymoon there.  Of course the idea of having a villa all to ourselves made it that much more appealing after spending the previous two weeks constantly surrounded by family and friends for our wedding.  Villas de Trancoso truly was like walking into another world — a world more beautiful than words and pictures could ever possibly capture.

Location

Villas de Trancoso is located several miles away from the historical village of Trancoso, built along the beaches of Bahia.  This luxury pousada is the perfect tropical escape whether you are on your honeymoon, traveling solo, or on a family holiday.  To get there one must first travel to Puerto Seguro and from there it is an hour’s car ride to Trancoso.

The Room

Our one-bedroom villa was situated near everything essential on the property’s grounds, however it was surrounded by foliage that provided us with a feeling of exclusivity and privacy.  The villa was incredibly spacious and no detail was spared.

The King sized bed was draped with mosquito netting creating a romantic ambiance, along with the exquisitely appointed lighting, traditional Brasilian decor, and the hand-carved wooden detailing found throughout.

The hammock on the terrace was my husband’s favorite part about the villa.

The Bathroom

The en suite bathroom was equally as charming as the bedroom.  It too was also spacious and contained a rainforest shower that felt like heaven after a long day at the beach.

 The Extras

I have never encountered a better hotel restaurant than the one at Villas de Trancoso.  In fact, in the five days we stayed at the property, we ate all all meals there every single day, minus one dinner when we finally ventured into town.  My suggestion is try each dish on the menu.  It is worth traveling all the way to Trancoso just to experience the food at this gem.

Despite the fact that we were the only guests on the property (it was low season), each morning we were greeted with this delicious feast that is included with every stay.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Villas de Trancoso exemplifies the very best of what Brasil has to offer all in one place.  Between the lush and verdant landscaped gardens that makes you feel as though they are deep within the Amazon Rainforest to the breathtakingly beautiful beaches that Brasil is so well known for, this tropical Paradise is a true oasis.  There is also a white marbled pool where one can relax with cocktails in a sunbed or in the sunken pool bar.

A short stroll will take you directly to the beach where more comfortable sunbeds and another bar awaits.

With a view like this, how could you not fall head over heels in love?

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Andi’s Pick: The Fearrington House Inn

The Fearrington House Inn: Pittsboro, North Carolina

First Impression

In all honesty, I had no idea that The Fearrington House Inn even existed, despite that fact that it is located in my home-state just hours away from my residence, until my Travel Adviser Andrea Novick suggested that we visit this Relais and Chateaux property.  She told me in detail about how it is an award-winning establishment and I was immediately sold on traveling there together with her and my husband.  The exquisite hotel is situated inside of a village, which is surrounded by gourmet restaurants, an exclusive spa, and boutique shops.  As we entered the village, it was abundantly clear why Conde Nast Traveler ranked it as the #2 small hotel in the United States.

Location

Fearrington is a luxury community that was built around a historical farm in Pittsboro, North Carolina, near the Tri-State area.  The hotel is inside of the elegantly designed village, which currently has around two thousand residents.

The Room

Each room in the hotel is uniquely decorated, however the theme throughout is “romantic country elegance.”  Our two-bedroom grand suite with a King sized bed was incredibly spacious, with a modern fireplace in the wall separating the bedroom from the sitting room.  All we had to do was switch a button on and no matter where we were in the suite we could see, feel, and hear the fire.

There were homemade welcome chocolates and a bottle of chilled champagne awaiting our arrival.  In all of my travels around the world, I have never stayed at a place where each night I was provided port wine and truffles as part of the turndown service.

 The Bathroom

The ensuite bathroom was easily my favorite part about accommodation, as it was almost as large as the sitting room.  Large bathrooms are the ultimate in luxury in my opinion.  It contained a jetted antique bathtub, a separate shower, two vanities, and heated towel racks with Frette bath towels.

Any hotel that provides Molton Brown bath products to their guests is an automatic five-star in my opinion.

The Extras

Regardless of which room one chooses in The Fearrington House Inn, daily English tea time between 4-5PM is offered, complete with delicious sandwiches and/or pastries and scones.  A gourmet breakfast is also included with one’s stay.

Dinner at The Fearrington House Restaurant, a Gold Medalist, is a must one night during your stay.  Each one of my courses left me saying, “Wow!”  And please do yourself a favor and order the hot chocolate soufflé for dessert.  It has been on the menu for twenty years for a reason.

The Spa at Fearrington should not be missed either, since it a tranquil haven just a short walk away from the hotel.  My husband and I enjoyed our first couples massage there and it was absolute bliss.  It has a boutique inside of it that one could get lost inside of for hours.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

I was completely enamored with the landscaped grounds of the village.  Not only are there several stunning gardens, but there is also a walking/biking trail.  The hotel provides free bike rentals to all of its guests.

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Andi’s Pick: Hyatt Regency Chicago

First Impression

My first New Year’s Eve with my husband was destined to be special no matter where we stayed, however the Hyatt Regency Chicago made certain that it would be a night that neither of us would forget.  Before you read any further, I have a spoiler alert: this was without a doubt the best hotel experience I have ever had.  Welcome into the world of the Monarch Suite — the suite whose name says it all.

Location

If you want your hotel to be located in the heart of Chicago, this is the hotel for you, as it is right in the middle of the epicenter.  It is conveniently close to all of the major tourist attractions and steps away from the Magnificent Mile.  This is something that I truly admire about Hyatt Regency’s in general; they know just how important location is for their guests.

The Room

When we checked into the hotel and gave the clerk my name, his eyes widened and a gigantic smile formed on his face.  I should have known right then that I was about to be taken somewhere incredibly special.  Honestly, words fail to describe how amazing it is to walk into the Monarch Suite!  Thus, let me begin with the bedroom and then I will describe the other three thousand square feet of the place.  The bedroom combines all of the comforts of your home with all of the hotel amenities you deserve.  The King sized Grand Bed™ is the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of exploring the city and from the bed is a stunning view of the magnificent buildings of downtown Chicago

The Bathroom

The enormous ensuite bathroom attached to the bedroom exudes an intimate warmth.  There is an array of luxurious bath products to enjoy in either the jacuzzi, which has a view of the TV, or the shower, which had six shower heads.  As if that was not enough, the toilet is automated, with one of the functions being a toilet seat heater.  There is also a second guest bathroom.

 

The Extras

I doubt there is something one could think of that was not inside of the Monarch Suite already.  From the spacious living room to the modern bar/kitchen to the office with an Apple computer and printer to the pool table next to the freestanding fireplace to the grand piano in the entryway; the Hyatt Regency Chicago most certainly thought of it all!  Luxury is without a doubt their forte.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Simply because it allowed me to cross off  “spend the night in a Presidential suite anywhere in the world” from my Bucket List.  I truly felt like royalty in the Monarch Suite and, in my book, everyone deserves to be spoiled rotten every once in a while.  I even heard a rumor that President Obama might have graced his presence there.  Also, the hotel recently underwent a $90 million renovation making the Hyatt Regency Chicago that much more inviting.

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Andi’s Pick: Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago: Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

First Impression

My husband and I were smitten from the moment I walked through the Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s front doors, as I was now in the land of ultimate luxury.  I could not wait to explore the entire hotel, however I was most eager to see my accomodation.  I was completely taken aback as I entered the room.  For a hotel in a major city, when space is extremely limited, it was almost impossible to believe just how large the room was!

 Location

Having never been to Chicago before, I had no idea what part of the city to stay in.  Thus, I took a chance with the Gold Coast neighborhood, which is where the hotel is located.  This historical area is filled with designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and high-rise penthouses all within walking distance.  The Waldorf Astoria Chicago fits in perfectly with its glamorous surroundings.

 The Room

The bedroom in the Deluxe Suite is designed with a strong aura of simple elegance.  The bed was so comfortable that I never wanted to leave it — in fact, we hardly left our room for the three days I was there.  My excuse as to why we hardly saw any of Chicago: the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

The flat-screen TV and iPod docking station were the perfect amenities in the already perfect room.

The Bathroom

You know that you are in a luxury hotel when there is a TV in the bathroom mirror.  It might be ridiculously indulgent, however I loved being entertained while relaxing in the bathtub or getting ready to go out.  I also very much enjoyed the designer bath products and terry-cloth robes.

The Extras

The Deluxe Suite had another room attached to the bedroom that functioned as a kitchen/living room/office.  In an appointed nook there was a sink, an ice maker, a refrigerator, and a microwave.

My absolute favorite part was the fireplace, which immediately turned on and filled the room with warmth with a press of a button, and that was a necessity since we were visiting in December.

 Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Every luxury hotel should care about the details like the Waldorf Astoria Chicago does.  No matter where you look, there is a special touch that adds sophistication and class to make certain that you will want to return over and over again for years to come.

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Andi’s Pick: Villa Il Poggiale

Villa Il Poggiale: Tuscany, Italy

First Impression

Is there anything more luxurious than staying in a villa in Tuscany?  Despite the fact that I am half-Italian and have been to the region previously, I have never had the good fortune to actually stay in one before.  And I could not think of a better place to celebrate my first Tuscan villa experience than Villa Il Poggiale.  This historical mansion is tucked away in the countryside and is one of those places where you immediately know upon first sight that you have stumbled across a real treasure.

Location

Villa Il Poggiale is located in the Chianti region of Tuscany, less than an hour’s car drive away from Florence.  It is surrounded by verdant rolling hills and family-owned vineyards.  If you are looking to escape city life this is the place to do it, as your only concern will be when you have your first glass of wine for the day.

The Room

The villa is spread over acres of land and features twenty-two unique rooms.  Each room has its own special design and atmosphere.  I could tell that careful thought had gone into every detail of my spacious room from the Italian silk curtains and linens to the handpicked antiques and handmade tiles to the four-poster bed.

I did not get much time in my room, as I was occupied with exploring Tuscany, however if I had had the time, I would have taken advantage of the couch next to the window, as it looked out upon the villa’s charming courtyard.

The Bathroom

My ensuite bathroom was everything I could have hoped for and more.  I had a large bathtub (with a heated towel rack next to it) that was perfect for soaking in after a long day of eating, drinking, and walking Italian style.

 The Extras

What sets Villa Il Poggiale apart from the rest is that not only does it offer stunning and comfortable accommodations, it also offers a world-class spa, an outdoor pool, a gourmet restaurant, and guided tours of the area and other nearby cities.  However, the amenity that is my favorite is the reception room, which has two things that will take your breath away: a grand chandelier and a fully stocked bar that is available twenty-four hours a day.  I will forever remember drinking champagne underneath the dazzling masterpiece.

 Why It Is Andi’s Pick

The villa’s grounds are some of the most beautiful I have seen in all of my travels and being surrounded by them is la docle vita at its very best.

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A special thank you is in order to Trafalgar Tours for arranging this stay.  This is an example of why they are the current leading travel company.