I've been to over a dozen 5-star hotels. Here are the 6 mistakes I see first-timers make.
It's a drastic shift from my personal trips and vacations, which tend to involve budget hotels and cheap vacation rentals. When I'm at a lavish hotel, I'm soaking in every minute and every amenity.
From personal experience and conversations with other travelers, I've spotted mistakes that diminish the luxury experience.
Some five-star hotels are in the heart of a city, offering easy access to museums, shopping, and nightlife.Other luxury hotels are in the middle of nowhere. A stay here means that your vacation is limited to the resort itself.I've spoken to travelers who weren't aware of how remote the accommodations were, leaving them frustrated that activities were far away, dining outside the hotel was inaccessible, and entire days had to be spent at the property.Researching where you're heading is key to making the most of a luxe hotel stay. Whether that's speaking to a hotel representative, a travel agent, or Googling, research will give you a better sense of how you'll be spending your precious vacation days.
Some guests don't take advantage of the hotel's concierge. A concierge at a five-star hotel is a major perk of sleeping in luxury.They can secure hard-to-get dining reservations, share lesser-known property amenities, and make personal recommendations for the area you're visiting.I've watched travelers miss out on restaurant visits because they didn't know the concierge might be able to help. I've also seen people fail to use water kayaks and paddleboards in fear that they cost money — a simple question for the concierge.The concierge is also there in case an emergency arises. They can provide information on the nearest doctor, call transportation services, and help you find anything you may have forgotten to pack.They're a resource, so failing to use them is a big mistake.
Since every hotel works differently, knowing what's included and what's not when you arrive is important.I've visited hotels where the spa is accessible regardless of whether you book a service. Other hotels keep the spa off-limits unless you arrive for a massage or facial.In casual conversations with guests, I've raved about a visit to a private beach and watched as they were shocked to learn that access to a second beach was included in their stay. I've also highlighted the free minibar — another perk people have said they were unaware of.The high costs of visiting a five-star hotel tend to include much more than just your hotel room, so take advantage of those perks.
Finding an award-winning chef stationed at a luxury hotel shouldn't come as a surprise.On a recent visit to the Four Seasons Tamarindo, I dined on meals influenced and created by well-known chefs. At Coyul, a restaurant on the property, the menu was created in partnership with Elena Reygadas, who was named the best female chef in the world in 2023 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. The meal of risotto and soft shell crab was a highlight of a weeklong trip to Costalegre, Mexico.I'm always shocked when I chat with guests and learn they haven't had a single meal at the hotel. While I'm all for exploring a range of restaurants on a trip, guests might miss out by skipping the hotel's dining scene.
Finally, they overpack for the trip. I still laugh when I think about packing for my first five-star vacation to a tropical destination.I sat staring at my suitcase, debating how I could save space. Removing a beach towel was my solution, and thank goodness I did. When I arrived, beach towels were piled high at every corner of the pool.If you're heading to a luxury spot, there are a handful of things you can skip packing. There's no need for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or body wash. Robes and slippers are a guarantee. I've always found a hair dryer.While some of those are expected, I've also watched guests waste precious space packing extra tote bags and umbrellas, which will typically be available at a five-star hotel.Again, a quick conversation with the hotel can help save precious space in a carry-on.
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Business Insider
24-05-2025
- Business Insider
My week in Mexico's hidden paradise
I arrived at Mexico's Happy Coast stressed, anxious, and, frankly, unhappy. Within minutes of arriving in Puerto Vallarta, I was standing at the rental car company, utterly confused. Three hundred unplanned dollars later, I was driving three hours on a pothole-filled road to my first resort in Costalegre. As I crawled behind slow mopeds and put my rental car's suspension to the test on countless speed bumps, I couldn't help but wonder if the nausea from the winding roads and the scratch in my throat from nearby wildfires would be worth it. I also questioned how a place earned a name like the Happy Coast if it feels impossible to reach. Situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Costalegre is a roughly 200-mile stretch of coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. It's a region of extremes — small seaside towns sit near multimillion-dollar resorts. For years, it's been a quiet retreat enticing the elite, where everyone from Mick Jagger to Bill Gates has vacationed. The properties — and the thousands of acres surrounding them — are mostly privately owned and developed by families who have promised to keep the ecosystems largely untouched. I spent a week driving dirt roads, sipping margaritas with strangers, and resort hopping across Costalegre. Before landing in Mexico, luxury vacation destinations were synonymous with extravagance. Costalegre challenged those beliefs. By the time I said goodbye to the rocky coastline, I was captivated by a remote region that prioritized nature and weaved luxury into every aspect of the stay. If you know, you know When I told friends and family I was heading to Mexico, they assumed I was setting off for Cancún or Tulum; maybe Mexico City. Not a single person I spoke to had heard of Costalegre. "It's still unknown," said Alba Garcia, the director of rooms at the Four Seasons Tamarindo, a luxury hot spot in Costalegre. "It's an 'if you know, you know' kind of vibe." Maria Campos, the director of client services at Las Rosadas, a collection of private villas and residences along Costalegre, grew up in the small town of Chamela, where she said the coast was typically called Costa Sur. In 1990, the state of Jalisco officially deemed the region a priority tourism area and named it the Costalegre Ecological Tourism Corridor. Unlike Finland, which has data to support its designation as the happiest country in the world, Costalegre, which translates to "coast of joy," taunts its title casually and confidently. When asked how guests wind up in the region, I was rarely told it was because they wanted to visit Costalegre. Some people stumbled on a property while researching Puerto Vallarta; most received a rave review from a friend. Likely, if you've heard of Costalegre, it's because of the private community of Careyes. In 1968, Italian banker Gian Franco Brignone flew over Mexico's Pacific Coast. Impressed by what he saw from the small Cessna plane, he purchased 13,000 acres of the coastline to build a colorful retreat. (Careyes declined to share how much Brignone paid for the land.) "There was not anything when my father first started," Emanuela Brignone Cattaneo, Brignone's daughter, told me over dinner one evening. "My father would show friends, and then those friends would buy land." Careyes now sits on 35,000 acres with a 25,000-acre biosphere, 46 multimillion-dollar villas, 40 casitas, 55 suites, and three bungalows. It's a colorful neighborhood with villas in cobalt blues, highlighter yellows, and dusty pinks. A few dozen permanent residents call it home, but most properties cater to vacationers throughout the year. "It's Mediterranean meets Mexico," Kim Kessler, a Careyes resident and the founder of KIPR Global, the public relations agency that represents Careyes, explained. While Careyes' architecture and color palette leave an impression, its visitors are what put it on the map. It's where Heidi Klum and Seal married and Cindy Crawford posed for Playboy. It's known for its annual Lunar New Year party, and celebrities like Tom Ford, Naomi Campbell, and Uma Thurman have vacationed there. Careyes might've been the first luxury development, but it certainly wasn't the last. Two decades later, French-British financier and politician James Goldsmith started building an estate nearby. Today, it's the luxury resort Cuixmala. Following Cuixmala's construction, the 18-suite Las Alamandas opened in 1990. More recently, in 2002, the Four Seasons Tamarindo opened its doors, and the smaller operation Las Rosadas popped up along the coastline in 2005. For now, there are just a handful of luxury resorts on the rocky coastline. (Xala, a billion-dollar development, is set to open a Six Senses resort in 2026.) With limited properties, the vacation experience is far from a Cabo, Cancún, or Tulum. Once you arrive at a resort, you won't see other buildings stretching into the sky. There are no middle-tier resorts with crowded pools or clubs bumping the bass late into the night. Souvenir shops are limited to small resort boutiques with local art instead of shot glasses and T-shirts. Instead, Costalegre is quiet and private. Multiple times throughout my trip, it was just me and my travel partner on a beach in complete solitude, something that feels impossible to discover in today's world. This seclusion is exactly what appeals to the residents and vacationers enamored by the Happy Coast. "I don't think there are too many places in the world where you can walk three kilometers down the coast and there's no one there," Viviana Dean, who lives full-time in Careyes, told me while sipping a margarita overlooking the ocean. "Even after 30 years, I can't believe I'm alone in this beautiful place." While plenty love Costalegre, Kessler said that's not the case for everyone. "For people that want Chanel and Gucci and all of that, you won't find that here," Kessler said. "I think it has far more of a refined but understated clientele that appreciates luxury and nature." A rich realization By the end of the trip, I realized what makes Costalegre rare is an equation of simplicity, seclusion, and splendor. Yes, the remote seashell-filled beaches at Las Rosadas were impressive, but having that paired with a private infinity pool made the entire experience luxe. Sure, the pristine jungle at the Four Seasons Tamarindo was memorable, but fresh pastries and a concierge just a text message away created a five-star experience. When Kessler invited me to a morning yoga class at Careyes, the setup was simple. We lowered into Warrior 2 and listened as waves crashed nearby. After class, I overheard a group chatting. "There are three brands everyone, everyone around the world knows. Versace, Gucci, and Armani," one woman said. As the debate turned into a story about partying with Gianni Versace, I laughed to myself. This is the quintessential conversation I pictured having on a vacation in this wealthy hot spot. The group dispersed. Some headed to their private villas, where chefs had breakfast waiting for them. Visitors, on the other hand, might pop between the area's five pools or walk along the coastline to take in the rugged scenery. For vacationers, itineraries tend to be light. There aren't museums to check off or popular archaeological sites to explore. Unsurprisingly, the focus is on the outdoors. At Las Alamandas, for instance, afternoons can be spent on horseback navigating the property's 2,000 acres, and evenings picnicking during sunset. It's a slightly different scene when you reach towns like Barra de Navidad and Melaque, which cater to locals, snowbirds, and regional tourists. Here, you'll find streets lined with colorful beach supplies, buses shuttling in people for day trips, karaoke nights, and beach vendors slinging mangos, pineapples, and coconuts. There's much more action in these seaside towns, but the wealthy travelers I spoke to rarely had plans to head that far south. Leaving happy I ended my trip back at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, overwhelmed by crowds, noises, and intercom announcements. It was a harsh welcome back to reality, but I was calm, relaxed, and — you guessed it — happy. Sitting at my gate waiting for economy class to board, I thought about why Costalegre felt remarkable. Yes, it was the stunning resorts, but it was also pristine nature and the welcoming people I met. Families like the Brignones and resort owners like Isabel Goldsmith, who owns Las Alamandas, light up when discussing their properties and the ecosystems that surround them. They said they plan to keep Costalegre's habitats largely undeveloped. The hope is for it to remain a hidden gem, although each property I visited also shared plans to grow. Kessler said Careyes would max out at developing 7%. Meanwhile, the Four Seasons, which sits on 3,000 acres, has only developed 2% of the land with plans to cap the number at 3%. A small percentage of Las Alamandas is developed, but Goldsmith said she plans to add residences to the property in the coming years. Campos said she hopes the area where she grew up will largely remain untouched. "I pray it will never get overbuilt the way the other places have," Campos said. "I go to Cabo, and it's just exploded." These moments of solitude, bookended by down duvets, meals by award-winning chefs, and the most breathtaking pools, made me pray, too. And I'm not a religious person.
Business Insider
21-05-2025
- Business Insider
I stayed at a Four Seasons for the first time on a trip to Mexico. Here are 6 things that surprised me.
I assumed the location would be impressive, yet I was still blown away. With 129 properties worldwide, a Four Seasons stay can feature a private island in the Maldives or a luxury safari in the Serengeti. Impressive locations go hand and hand with the brand, so I figured the Tamarindo property would be beautiful — especially considering where the property is situated. The Four Seasons Tamarindo is a hidden gem on Mexico's Pacific Coast and is not easy to reach. The resort is about four hours south of Puerto Vallarta and one and a half hours northwest of Manzanillo. When guests arrive, it all starts with a dramatic entrance. I still had a 15-minute drive from the entrance gate to the resort. I navigated winding roads surrounded by thick jungle. There wasn't water in sight as I passed rows of agave and spotted birds singing from nearby trees. Then, the property came into view. An open-air lobby featured infinity pools that stretched out to a rocky coastline. For the next two days, I discovered striking ocean views at practically every part of the resort, from the golf course to the on-site restaurants. It was clear that the location was a highlight of the property. A calendar of complimentary activities was a welcome surprise. It was tempting to jam-pack my day with activities at the Four Seasons. I eyed a morning snorkeling excursion and debated if I could make it back in time for a farm tour. Later in the afternoon, I planned to join a workshop on fermented drinks. The next day, my schedule included a cooking class. The best part was that all these events were complimentary. While the luxury resort comes with luxury prices, it was refreshing to know that I could fill my day with experiences that wouldn't add to my travel budget. That seems to be a common theme across a handful of other Four Seasons properties. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers ukulele lessons, lei-making classes, and Hawaiian quilting. At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, guests can join vineyard yoga sessions and cocktail-making classes. Everything is on the property, so you never have to leave. Alba Garcia, the director of rooms at the Four Seasons Tamarindo, and Barbara Cervantes, the property's marketing manager, told me that the resort is designed to offer an authentic Mexican experience without needing to leave the resort. There are Mexican menus created by award-winning chefs, activities diving into traditional drinks like tepache, a fermented drink made from pineapples, and activities that explore the surrounding nature. While I'd still argue that an afternoon trip to the seaside town of Barra de Navidad — 40 minutes away— is worth the trek, the Four Seasons made it hard to leave, offering every experience I could have wanted right on the property. Award-winning chefs behind hotel menus proved to be some of the best bites I had during my trip. I would typically opt to leave a resort and head into town for local foods, but the Four Seasons' menus surprised me. Some of the best bites I had during my weeklong trip were at the property. Morning pastries came from the well-known Rosetta restaurant in Mexico City, and the tacos from the casual Nacho restaurant were incredible. I tried foods I'd never seen, like a tuna chorizo, and stuffed myself at the expansive breakfast buffet. While the property felt ideal for couples, it also had families in mind. A place with striking infinity pools, pastel sunsets, and private rooms screams romance. Both Garcia and Cervantes agreed that the ideal vacationer for Four Seasons Tamarindo is likely a couple, but I was surprised by how much thought had also gone into creating an experience for families. One of the three infinity pools is dedicated to families with giant pool floaties. There's also a daily arts and crafts session and an exclusive event for teens each evening. The welcoming staff was a highlight as well. Alan Reyes pulled over on his golf cart to show me a calabash tree, which grows fruit used for maraca instruments. Twenty minutes later, we were tasting honey from Melipona stingless bees. As someone who loves the outdoors, it was thrilling to have resort staff eager to answer my pesky questions about the plants and animals living and growing on the 3,000-acre property. Hours later, it was shocking to watch Garcia share so much joy behind her job as rooms director. When my rental car's tire was flat, a crowd of workers arrived with an air compressor to get me back on the road. While I expect hotel staff to be kind and welcoming at a luxury resort, I appreciated how the employees at the Four Seasons went beyond expectations.
Business Insider
09-05-2025
- Business Insider
I've been to over a dozen 5-star hotels. Here are the 6 mistakes I see first-timers make.
It's a drastic shift from my personal trips and vacations, which tend to involve budget hotels and cheap vacation rentals. When I'm at a lavish hotel, I'm soaking in every minute and every amenity. From personal experience and conversations with other travelers, I've spotted mistakes that diminish the luxury experience. Some five-star hotels are in the heart of a city, offering easy access to museums, shopping, and luxury hotels are in the middle of nowhere. A stay here means that your vacation is limited to the resort itself.I've spoken to travelers who weren't aware of how remote the accommodations were, leaving them frustrated that activities were far away, dining outside the hotel was inaccessible, and entire days had to be spent at the where you're heading is key to making the most of a luxe hotel stay. Whether that's speaking to a hotel representative, a travel agent, or Googling, research will give you a better sense of how you'll be spending your precious vacation days. Some guests don't take advantage of the hotel's concierge. A concierge at a five-star hotel is a major perk of sleeping in can secure hard-to-get dining reservations, share lesser-known property amenities, and make personal recommendations for the area you're visiting.I've watched travelers miss out on restaurant visits because they didn't know the concierge might be able to help. I've also seen people fail to use water kayaks and paddleboards in fear that they cost money — a simple question for the concierge is also there in case an emergency arises. They can provide information on the nearest doctor, call transportation services, and help you find anything you may have forgotten to a resource, so failing to use them is a big mistake. Since every hotel works differently, knowing what's included and what's not when you arrive is important.I've visited hotels where the spa is accessible regardless of whether you book a service. Other hotels keep the spa off-limits unless you arrive for a massage or casual conversations with guests, I've raved about a visit to a private beach and watched as they were shocked to learn that access to a second beach was included in their stay. I've also highlighted the free minibar — another perk people have said they were unaware high costs of visiting a five-star hotel tend to include much more than just your hotel room, so take advantage of those perks. Finding an award-winning chef stationed at a luxury hotel shouldn't come as a a recent visit to the Four Seasons Tamarindo, I dined on meals influenced and created by well-known chefs. At Coyul, a restaurant on the property, the menu was created in partnership with Elena Reygadas, who was named the best female chef in the world in 2023 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. The meal of risotto and soft shell crab was a highlight of a weeklong trip to Costalegre, Mexico.I'm always shocked when I chat with guests and learn they haven't had a single meal at the hotel. While I'm all for exploring a range of restaurants on a trip, guests might miss out by skipping the hotel's dining scene. Finally, they overpack for the trip. I still laugh when I think about packing for my first five-star vacation to a tropical destination.I sat staring at my suitcase, debating how I could save space. Removing a beach towel was my solution, and thank goodness I did. When I arrived, beach towels were piled high at every corner of the you're heading to a luxury spot, there are a handful of things you can skip packing. There's no need for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or body wash. Robes and slippers are a guarantee. I've always found a hair some of those are expected, I've also watched guests waste precious space packing extra tote bags and umbrellas, which will typically be available at a five-star a quick conversation with the hotel can help save precious space in a carry-on.
