JUST CHECKED OUT: MAPPS'S TRAVEL ADVISOR TAHVA WYLIE SHARES SNAPS AND NOTES FROM THE ROAD

CANYON POINT, UTAH

STAY: Amangiri

“ When my husband announced he wanted to drive cross country with our three kids this summer in an RV, I was not exactly thrilled… until he said that we could stop for 4 nights at Amangiri to break up the trip. Amangiri has been on my bucket list for years and was definitely what I needed after sleeping ten nights in our mini-bus. Our family had the most epic time exploring the area which included a visit to Horseshoe Bend, Zion National Park and a boat day on beautiful Lake Powell where the kids went tubing for hours. The hotel is simply magical, and the landscape makes you feel as if you are on planet Mars. The staff was so friendly and welcoming to our kids and the food at both of their restaurants was delicious. The nightly s’more platters they would leave by our suite’s fire pit was such a treat for the kids. Bucket list check!”

MAPPS X AMANGIRI: Special nightly rates and spa credits.

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THE CLIENT POSTCARD: A LONG WEEKEND IN MONTREAL

Hotel: Four Seasons Montreal

The hotel was beautiful and service was stellar. We ate several meals at the hotel restaurant (Marcus) and also had happy hours/tea times at the hotel bar. The aesthetic was so clean and location was pretty central.  It is hard not to love everything about this hotel, but its definitely a different vibe from the old town Montreal hotels that are more traditional and quaint. The Four Seasons is much more contemporary and you can tell it is brand new. The older French-influenced charm won't be found at this hotel. 

Trip Highlights: We went the first week of December, so we were able to enjoy the Holiday Markets and plenty of mulled wine. Our favorite restaurants on the trip were Liverpool House (Sam) and Provisions Restaurant (Cassie). Liverpool House is one of the can't miss quintessential Montreal spots and I'm SO glad we booked a reservation weeks in advance. The food and wine list were equally impressive. Provisions House is more of an experience. There's a small black chalkboard that lists all of the ingredients used in the menu that night (in French) (changes daily). You decide between 5 courses and 7 courses without seeing what the plates are and the chef surprises you with 5 or 7 courses based on the ingredients of the night. Each plate was delicious and it super fun staying on our toes about what was coming next!

Cassie & Sam’s Tips: DO NOT skip Atwater Cocktail Club - if you can find it :) This speakeasy-style bar serves specialty cocktails and is packed with locals going out for late night drinks with their friends. We sat in the corner of the bar and spent a few hours people watching and expanding our French vocabulary. 

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: FAMILY ADVENTURE IN JACKSON HOLE

Hotel: Caldera House, an intimate boutique hotel offering unparalleled access to adventure in a setting to die for. Each of the eight suites is more like a self-contained home than a hotel suite, with a lavish kitchen and living and dining areas in addition to the bedrooms. Half of them are 5,000 square feet with four bedrooms each, plus a copper hot tub on the terrace, and the rest are 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms. 

“ We loved absolutely everything about Caldera House! The spectacular setting, service, style and our accommodations were next level, matched only by the extraordinary attention to every detail of our stay. Always relaxed, never stuffy, our needs were anticipated and met at our every turn. As if whatever we needed, or wanted, was there before we even asked. Being at Caldera was like being at home…only with a full-time staff, dreamy surroundings and luxurious accommodations. It was really hard to leave."

Trip Highlights: 

“The Via Ferrata guided climbing experience was one of the best family activities we’ve ever done and it was right outside the door of Caldera. Rafting along the Snake River was pretty epic (family member going overboard optional) and while the boys golfed, we girls had a private yoga class in our room which was really lovely.”

Dianne’s Tips: 

The fresh waffles at Corbett’s Cabin at the top of the tram on Jackson Mountain. Hard to know what’s better…the view or the waffles. 

Finally, do yourself a favor and don’t leave Jackson without a trip (or two or three) to Persephone. We rented bikes at Caldera and pedaled our way there. SO worth it! Plus you can work off some of the calories you’ll clearly be piling on. Coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch specials, salads, sparkling rose, cocktails, take & bake treats, gifts for the home…I could go on. Dare you to go just once. 

Editor’s Note: Not only does Dianne have great taste in hotels, she is also an organizational and design genius. Check out her website www.savvy-spaces.com and follow her on insta @savvyspaces99

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: TEEPEES & TEENS IN COLORADO

Editors Note: While we always ask our clients for feedback, we realize that we rarely ask their kids to give us their take as well. Well today that changes. We were thrilled when Grace agreed to take notes and dish on her family’s recent trip to Colorado. Grace has been all over the world so when she recommends something, we listen. Take it away Grace!

Hotel: Dunton Hot Springs, a resort located in an 1800's ghost town amongst an extraordinary alpine valley setting.

“My family and I had a great time at Dunton Hot Springs. Our Vertical log cabin was beautiful and the beds were so comfortable. Coming off a long quarantine, it was so nice to get outdoors and spend all day hiking and fishing, ending each day with some relaxation in their famous hot springs. It was fun getting to know the staff members and other guests each day in the saloon as the property has a very inclusive feel. The food was incredible as well, and we had a great time playing games at night as a family. “

Grace’s tips: Definitely book a private dinner in the tee-pee and the Colorado honey yogurt with granola is not to be missed at breakfast! It was my favorite!

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: ALOHA FROM MAUI

Hotel: Four Seasons Maui

“The hotel has a great location in Wailea as it put us close to great shopping, restaurants, golf courses and beautiful beaches.  There were so many things for families to do on property. Everyday there were various arranged activities, lawn games, live music and hula dancers. The breakfast buffet at Duo has a wonderful variety and even has a made to order juice bar. Starting our day there made it so easy with kids. Ferraro’s Italian is steps from the beach, and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago is great for a romantic evening. The adult pool was a stunning infinity edge pool with a swim up bar and beautiful view of Wailea beach. It was a great place to unwind and relax while the kids were at the kids club. The service was also excellent. The staff was so friendly and our needs were met almost before we had to ask.”

Tahva’s Tips:

Don’t Miss Ululani’s shave ice in Kihei (not far from the resort)- an institution. Order the Sunset beach with “snow cap”. Our kids wanted to go every day!

Morimoto at the Andaz in Wailea- Melt in your mouth fresh sushi and beautiful sunset views. Ask for a table on the terrace by the pool.  

Ka’ana kitchen also at the Andaz. A family style Hawaiian inspired restaurant that was perfect for sharing and delicious!

The Mill House- Stunning view of the mountains from the restaurant at Maui’s Tropical Plantation. Walking around the plantation is beautiful. Fun and inventive cocktails with an amazing seasonal menu. One of our favorite spots!

Mama’s Fish House is a landmark. Order the macadamia encrusted fish and ask for a table closest to the water.

Four Seasons Cocktail Lounge for dim sum on the weekends. Flown in fresh from Honolulu. We couldn’t wait for the following weekend just to have it again!

Monkeypod kitchen- a must in Wailea!

Catamaran snorkel cruise with lunch and cocktails- Our catamaran left from Lahaina and went to Honolua Bay, a sheltered cove with calm water which makes it great for kids. The highlight was swimming with huge sea turtles and the kids jumping off the side of the catamaran. 

Road to Hana- an all day adventure filled with beautiful views of the mountains, valleys, and plenty of waterfalls and pools to swim in. Stop at Aunty Sandy’s off mile marker 17 for Maui’s best banana bread

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: KON'NICHIWA FROM KYOTO

Hotel: Four Seasons Kyoto

“Japan has been on our bucket list for quite sometime and was everything we hoped it would be and more. Kyoto was really an interesting city, one steeped in ancient history and traditions with elements of modernism popping up in the latest architectural developments and gastronomy. Four Seasons was absolutely beautiful, the perfect choice for us. The spa was heavenly and a must while staying there.”

Trip Highlights: Taking a historical walk with our local expert guide through the Gion District followed by lunch and tea with a Geisha, The Bamboo Forest and our private cooking lesson.

Alena and Alex’s Tips: The food scene in Kyoto is to die for. Don’t miss Omen for Udon, Another C for Omakase and Itoh Dining for Kobe Steak.

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: PICTURE PERFECT PUGLIA

Hotel: Borgo Egnazia

“After so many summers spent in Positano, we wanted to try something different. We missed the charming towns and food offerings we found years ago in Tuscany but did not want to give up the coastal vibe of the Amalfi Coast. Puglia gave us the best of both worlds. The grounds at Borgo were breathtaking, truly an amazing property with a great bar, impeccable service, gorgeous rooms and a lovely spa. Every week they set up a festival on their grounds with amazing food stations, pasta making areas, pizza ovens, all kinds of crazy food, wine, music and dancing! Def must!”

Masha & Ilya’s Tips: Do not miss a stroll through the town of Alberobello. It is really beautiful and unique and sunset time was really special. Lunch at The White Beach Club in Torre Canne is a definite must and we also loved going to Ricarrdo’s Bar for drinks (awesome music) and then walking over to Osteria Del Tempo Perso for dinner, was delicious.