Category Archives: New Hotels

Gorgeous over the water bungalows in Mexico!

We have all seen the pictures of the luxury bungalows over crystal clear water in Tahiti and the Maldives but few of us have made the journey to actually stay there. Now those of us in North America have a much closer option that is just as luxurious! El Dorado Maroma along the Maya Riviera coast of Mexico has their own bungalows called palafitos opening September 1, 2016.

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Rendering of the final product

Maroma beach in Mexico is consistently voted one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. El Dorado Maroma is an adult only resort set upon that lovely white beach. The resort  is part of the Karisma brand know for their “gourmet inclusive” properties. The all inclusive concept prides itself on gourmet fresh food as well as 5 star luxury service.

Shows the progress of the construction

Progress of the construction

The new bungalows are still under construction and due to open September 1, 2016.  They will feature glass bottom floors, private infinity pools, direct ladder access to the ocean, outdoor showers, indoor jacuzzi for 2, oversized decks with lounge chairs, and gorgeous ocean views.

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Bedroom with glass bottom floor

We are taking reservations now for the fall. You may not book these bungalows directly, but only through a certified Gourmet Inclusive Karisma agent like Kiel Travel. Contact us today to book your over the water experience!

 

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Filed under Beaches, Luxury Hotels, Mexico, New Hotels

Beaufort’s Best at Anchorage 1770

I recently had the privilege of staying at Anchorage 1770, a restored waterfront mansion in Beaufort, SC. The original house from 1770 was opened as a boutique hotel in July 2015 after almost 2 years of renovations. The result is absolutely stunning and is getting rave reviews from everyone. They made the NY Times Top 52 Places to visit in 2016!

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Anchorage 1770

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Anchorage 1770 Parlor

Anchorage 1770 has 14 unique rooms, including two that are in the new addition at the back of the house known as the cottage. These two rooms are not “historic” but are quite lovely and very private. I actually stayed in one of these rooms myself and enjoyed the quiet and my in-room fireplace.

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Downstairs Cottage Room

Rooms in the main house have gorgeous king beds with sumptuous linens.One room at garden level has two queen beds and one large room on the main floor has an enormous soaking tub with a view of the water. Each room has kept many of the original features of the house, including fantastic plaster and woodwork. Most rooms have original fireplaces and they are currently fitting them with gas so they will be usable in the near future.

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Soaking Tub in One Room

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Original Fireplace in one Room

A highlight of the house is the third floor terrace overlooking the water. They host happy hour here nightly with complimentary cheese plates and drinks for purchase. They also have yoga here in the mornings. It is a perfect place to enjoy the magical sunrise and sunsets over the water.

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Sunset from the Terrace

The hotel includes a wealth of amenities: complimentary parking, a welcome glass of prosecco, fruit and cookies during the day in the parlor, full breakfast, turndown service with lemon water and fresh cookies,  and bikes, beach chairs and towels for guest use. The hotel is pet friendly and provides the pets with beds and treats. They are within walking distance to everything in town. They can arrange tours, pack a picnic lunch or make dinner reservations. And one of my favorite amenities is the locally made, goat milk soaps in the rooms. Just heavenly!

Beaufort is an excellent location about halfway between Charleston and Savannah. It is the perfect addition to any trip along this lowcountry coast. And the owners Amy and Frank are excellent hosts who welcome you into their home like family. I can not recommend this hotel enough.

Want to visit Beaufort yourself and see this amazing property? Contact Kiel Travel!

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Filed under Luxury Hotels, New Hotels

Virtuoso Preview Properties: Exclusive Access and Extra Amenities at New Properties in Miami and Florence, Italy

Two exciting properties are opening soon and we have the details.

The Metropolitan by COMO, Miami is soon to open January 27, 2014.

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Metropolitan by COMO Miami Lobby

 

The 1930’s historic property underwent an extensive remodel to create the Metropolitan by COMO hotel. It is located in the Art Deco district and is walking distance to cultural venues such as theaters, ballet, and museums.

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Guest Room at Metropolitan COMO Miami

 

There are 74 Guest rooms decorated in cool green and white. The property faces the intercoastal waterway on the front and the beach on it’s backside, with direct beach access. It has a pool, two restaurants, a spa with yoga terrace and juice bar, and a private boat dock. The hotel is also pet friendly.


Virtuoso Exclusive Opening Offer– Book a stay by April 30, 2014:

   Usage of rooftop cabana daybed for one day
   A COMO Shambhala spa gift bag
   One COMO Shambhala specialty juice at the rooftop juice bar

That’s in addition to these Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities:
   Breakfast buffet for two daily
   A room upgrade upon check-in, if available
   Early check-in and late checkout, if available
   $100 resort credit (longer stays may qualify for additional credit)

Introducing Portrait Firenze opening in Florence, Italy April 16,  2014.

The hotel will feature 6 rooms and 30 suites that draw inspiration from the city’s art, history, and fashion.

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Ponte Vecchio 2 Bedroom Suite

The hotels prime location overlooks the Arno River,  the Ponte Vecchio and the Florentine countryside. The hotel is perfect for couples or families.

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Signature Suite with view of the Arno River

Virtuoso Exclusive Amenities Available through us:

Room upgrade upon arrival, if available
A bottle of Italian sparkling wine upon arrival
Breakfast daily for two
EUR50 food & beverage credit
One-way transfer to airport or rail station
Entrance to Salvatore Ferragamo Museum
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Early check-in and late checkout, if available

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New Ritz-Carlton Aruba to open November 22, 2013

The highly anticipated new Ritz-Carlton Aruba is set to open this week.  The new resort is the only 5 Star property on Aruba. It is situated on popular Palm Beach on the northwestern tip of the island.

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Divi trees on the beach

The resort offers 320 oceanfront rooms and suites all with private balconies and stunning bathrooms.

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Guest room at Ritz-Carlton Aruba

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Bathroom at Ritz-Carlton Aruba

The resort will feature 4 restaurants, a 15,000 sq. foot spa with 13 treatment rooms, 2 pools, a 24 hour casino, full beauty and nail salon, a fitness center with yoga, spinning, and pilates, and meeting facilities. The resort is near famed golf courses, water sports, shopping and nightlife. The resort also offers the family friendly Ritz Kids Club program.

The Ritz-Carlton trademark elegance and service are sure to be evident here. I am a Ritz-Carlton Stars agent and can offer special amenities :

4pm late checkout upon request

continental breakfast for 2 daily per room

welcome amenity in your room

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Filed under Aruba, Beaches, New Hotels, Ritz-Carlton