DON'T MISS A THING

After getting married in 2013, my husband, Matt, and I knew we wanted to travel before babies. We both grew up in the same small town but had big dreams to see what existed beyond the borders of Hickory, North Carolina. Many of the destinations we traveled to were inspired by the uniquely swank resort found in that location. The following awe-inspiring resorts are located in some of the most sought after travel destinations in the world. For travel lovers, these aesthetically pleasing must-see hotels are so worth the stay if you are looking to relax in style!

4 Must-See Hotels for Travel Lovers

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Rome, Italy

With panoramic views of Rome’s center and the Vatican City, and a museum-worthy art collection, the Rome Cavalieri is one of the must-see hotels you must have on your list! This stunning hotel truly kept my jaw-dropping at every corner.

The Design

This luxury property is home to one of the world’s most prestigious art collections in a hotel. Matt and I spent hours viewing masterpieces and tapestries, including three Tiepolo pieces, hanging throughout the hotel’s public areas.

In the main lobby, cushioned, deep purple, velvet chairs accompanied glass cocktail tables. A perfect spot to enjoy some chianti and a snack after a long day touring Rome. A moon shaped bar overlooked the back terrace which overlooked the 15-acre property. A storybook-like atmosphere of immaculately manicured gardens with crisp white pool decks and garden statues perfectly placed throughout the lawn. The hustle and bustle of Rome can be seen on the horizon, making this property feel like a tranquil yet trendy escape from the city.

The Amenities

There were also high-end boutique shops with designer bags and fur coats on the hotel’s main lobby floor. As for dining, the Rome Cavalieri has the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Rome, La Pergola. 

Because we traveled over New Year’s eve, holiday decorations adorned the hotel, providing added elegance and splendor. We also enjoyed a firework display that lit up the entire skyline of Rome while sipping champagne atop the hotel’s rooftop balcony.

Personal Concierge Service

Our experience was especially unique because we took advantage of the hotel’s personal concierge which offered private driver services. Our guide drove us through Rome in a Mercedes. Zipping us down side streets and showing us the city from the vantage point of a local. He took us to Piazza Novona, the Coliseum, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. All while providing a personal history lesson.

Matt and I were so delighted with the driver, we asked him to take us to our next destination of Florence, Italy. He agreed and even stopped along the way in Sienna. Undoubtedly, our experience in Rome was particularly memorable because of the exclusive opportunities provided at the Rome Cavalieri.

Learn more about Rome Cavalieri

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Banff, Canada

A castle in the Rockies. There’s simply no better way to describe the Fairmont Banff Springs. The grandness of this hotel is breathtaking. Yet, despite its massive size, the property emanates a cozy warmth.

The Accommodations

Our spacious and contemporary styled room was in a quiet corner of the castle. It featured a comfortable king bed with luxurious fabrics. A bathroom with granite vanity and slate flooring. And a European-style body spray shower.

The Amenities

Because Matt and I stayed in a Fairmont Gold accommodation, we received access to exclusive services and amenities such as a private lounge, continental breakfast, an afternoon honor bar, and private check-in.

We didn’t mind the long walks to our room, because each time we journeyed there we discovered another treasure of the castle. From fabulous boutiques filled with fashionable apparel and accessories to outdoor bar tables with sweeping Alberta mountain views, there was no shortage of spaces to explore at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

The castle provides a world-class spa, numerous restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, a captivating course nestled in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. 

Exploring the Canadian Rockies

Given the hotel’s location inside a national park, there are many opportunities for exploring the beauty of Banff’s Canadian Rockies. One of the first things Matt and I did when arriving at the Fairmont was to follow a trail down from the North side of the castle to Bow River and Bow River Falls, two incredible natural landscapes located in close proximity to the property. This was an amazing early morning or after dinner walk that we enjoyed daily.

From the Fairmont, we were also able to walk to Banff Avenue, the area’s main thoroughfare lined with boutiques, restaurants, chateau-style hotels, and souvenir shops. Cascade Mountain dominates the skyline on Banff Avenue. In addition, you can see Mount Rundle from various areas around the town of Banff.

One of our favorite destinations to explore was Johnston Canyon. We hiked through trails, tunnels, and catwalks built onto canyon walls, all while soaking in the many viewpoints that overlooked the canyon. We also traveled to Lake Louise from the Fairmont, which was about a 45-minute car ride. The water of this stunning glacier-fed lake is turquoise and at first, glance almost looks fake. From Lake Louise, we hiked to Lake Agnes Tea house where we had bird’s-eye views of this incredible landmark.

Other must-see destinations located close to the Fairmont Banff Springs include the Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka. The Banff Gondola is a scenic cableway ride to viewing decks and hiking trails at the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Lake Minnewanka is the second longest lake in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies. It is located only three miles from the town of Banff and offers numerous boating activities.

Learn more about Fairmont Banff Springs

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The Four Seasons Anguilla

Anguilla

This swanky and sexy hotel sprawls along the Northwest shore of Anguilla, a small island in the Eastern Caribbean. Every inch of the Four Seasons Anguilla exudes class and style. One of the Caribbean’s must-see hotels!

Accommodations

Over 80 percent of this hotel’s accommodations offer views of the aqua blue ocean waters and powder-white beaches that engulf the property.

Matt and I were lucky enough to join friends and stay in an oceanfront villa which provided a personal residence assistant who handled every need of our vacation. The villa accommodations also offer private beach access to Barnes Bay beach, a private pool, outdoor showers, a grill, and outdoor dining and lounging areas.

Amenities

One of the resort’s three pools is a soothing infinity pool located at the Sunset Lounge, the heart of the resort which overlooks the convergence of Barnes and Meads Bay.

The Four Seasons Anguilla also offers numerous pampering spa treatments. With a private outdoor pool and hanging lounge beds, I found that simply being at the spa was a treat in itself.

After experiencing the food at this luxury resort, we quickly discovered why Anguilla is commonly referred to as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Half Shell Beach Bar was mine and Matt’s favorite escape for a refreshing frozen drink or a light lunch. It was here that I ate the best oysters I’ve ever had while staring out at the picturesque Barnes Bay Beach. Pure bliss.

Exploring Anguilla

One of the ways we experienced Anguilla was by renting a Jeep and checking out the island’s numerous beaches. Rendezvous Bay beach overlooks neighboring Saint Martin, and we spent an entire day here eating grilled lobster at the Sunshine Shack, playing beach games, and floating on stationary rafts in the pristine ocean waters.

The beaches of Anguilla range from long sandy stretches to secluded coves such as Little Bay, which can be reached by boat. Our group of friends enjoyed a lobster lunch and a half-day snorkeling tour through Tradition Sailing Charters. This exclusive sailing charter took us to Little Bay where we enjoyed the stunning and secluded bay and its small sandy beach. We swam, snorkeled, and even did a little cliff diving. Meads Bay is one of the beaches surrounding the Four Seasons Anguilla and it is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Silky-smooth sand, aquamarine waters, and gorgeous views make Meads Bay a must-visit beach while visiting Anguilla.

Learn more about the Four Seasons Anguilla

Diamante Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 

This luxury resort provided a peaceful oasis where we were able to dine, swim in a 10-acre lagoon, relax at the spa, or golf on one of the property’s two world-class championship golf courses designed by Davis Love III and Tiger Woods. Pristinely manicured landscaping surrounds the entire 80-acre property which boasts 1.5 miles of stunning coastline and rolling sand dunes. An absolute for your list of must-see hotels!

Accommodations

The Diamante accommodations range from Luxury Studio one-bedrooms to six-bedroom Golf Villas. We stayed in a golf villa that had outdoor showers, a fire pit, a private pool, and an outdoor bar and grilling area. With six miles of walking and hiking trails, Matt and I enjoyed leisurely walks across the property each morning before the summer sun heated things up. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. Everyone was ready to assist with our needs in any way possible.

Location

Cabo provided the perfect mix of Mexican culture and scenic beauty. Quiet isolated beaches and a bustling marina life at the Bay of Cabo San Lucas created an environment that was the perfect combination of party and relaxation. Massive waves crash ashore to rocky coastlines, and many beaches were off-limits for swimming which keeps them free from crowds and perfect for peaceful walks.

There’s more than enough beauty to soak in at the Bay of Cabo San Lucas which provides spectacular views of the famous Arch at Land’s End or as the locals call it, El Archo. Cacti, palm trees, and various beautiful flowering plants inhabit the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula where Cabo is located. In the distant horizon, you will see the Sierra de la Laguna Mountain Range emerge from the surrounding desert-like scenery. We ended each day in Cabo by soaking in a jaw-dropping sunset with a glass of wine.

Shopping

One of my favorite things to do in Cabo was shop the local handmade merchandise. I found beautiful woven totes and round purses that are super trendy this summer. There is also tons of authentic Mexican pottery, tapestries, and clothing for sale. Vendors selling these goods are scattered amongst a plethora of retail stores – everything from Billabong to Rolex.

Learn more about Diamante Cabos San Lucas

I hope you enjoyed reading about these four fabulous must-see hotels and that you get a chance to experience each and every one of them. You will not be disappointed!

About the Author:

Allie Bentley is a freelance writer with a love for travel, marketing, fashion, and family. With an extensive background in journalism and copywriting, Allie works with clients to create copy for blogs, websites, social media, direct mail pieces, online ads, newsletters, email blasts, and other marketing materials. To learn more about Allie and her work visit AllieBentley.com. Contact: WriterBentley@gmail.com