THE INSIDER: WHAT ARE MY FOUR SEASON HOTEL OPTIONS FOR DECEMBER?

It is no secret we LOVE Four Seasons Hotels and are so proud to be a Preferred Partner of the brand. Last week, we sat down for lunch with Merygrei Montilla and Iain Robertson, members of the incredible Four Seasons Hotel Global Sales Team to discuss the success they have had over the past year with their Lead With Care Program ( see link below ) and their upcoming holiday availability for December. While inventory is quite low, there are a sprinkle of rooms and suites still left at some of our favorite Four Seasons beachfront properties. Below we showcase the hotels that make the case for packing your bags and heading to the beach to ring in 2022 a no brainer. xx — E

https://www.fourseasons.com/leadwithcare/

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FOUR SEASONS ANGUILLA

GETTING HERE: Fly to SXM and board a 25 minute boat ride to the island of Anguilla or fly directly into Anguilla. Starting this fall, there will be direct options to Anguilla from Miami.

MAPPS X FS: VIP priority upgrade status, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

https://www.fourseasons.com/anguilla/landing-pages/property/festive/

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FOUR SEASONS HUALALAI

GETTING HERE: 10 minutes by car from Kona International Airport. ( KOA )

MAPPS X FS: VIP priority upgrade status, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

https://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/experiences/

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FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA

GETTING HERE: 35 minutes by car from Liberia International Airport. ( LIR )

MAPPS X FS: VIP priority upgrade status, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

https://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/landing-pages/property/activities/

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FOUR SEASONS MAUI

GETTING HERE: 30 minutes by car from Kapalua Airport. ( OGG )

MAPPS X FS: VIP priority upgrade status, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

https://www.fourseasons.com/maui/experiences/

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FOUR SEASONS PUNTA MITA

GETTING HERE: A one hour car ride from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. ( PVR )

MAPPS X FS: VIP priority upgrade status, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

https://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/services-and-amenities/activities/

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TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: ROMANTIC ESCAPES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND

Looking to re-ignite that spark, maintain the current status or perhaps, shall we say elevate your game? Below we round up hotels that we have personally stayed at —trust us when we say that these spots will get the job done.

The details below — Elisa

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AMANGANI

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

MAPPS X AMANGANI: As an Aman Preferred Partner, MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.  

GETTING HERE: The resort is located 25 minutes by car from Jackson Hole Airport. (JAC) 

VIBE: Like all Aman resorts, the eastern, minimalist feel is evident at every corner but with touches of the western lifestyle amongst epic Grand Teton views. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: 40 suites and 5 private homes. 

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1250 plus tax and service fees. 

ACTIVITIES: https://www.aman.com/sites/default/files/amangani_activities_guide_winter_2020.pdf

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AMANGIRI

CANYON POINT, UTAH

MAPPS X AMANGIRI: As an Aman Preferred Partner, MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.  

GETTING HERE: The resort is located 25 minutes by car from Page, AZ Airport ( PGA ) or 4 hours by car from Las Vegas , NV Airport ( LAS )  or Phoenix, AZ Airport. ( PHX ) 

VIBE: Serene minimalist chic interiors amongst a backdrop of what can only be described as planet Mars. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: 34 rooms and suites. 

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $2600 plus tax and service fees. 

ACTIVITIES: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri/adventures-experience

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HOTEL ESENCIA

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

MAPPS X HOTEL ESENCIA: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and spa credits.

GETTING HERE: 50 minutes south of Cancun Airport and 35 minutes north of Tulum by car.

VIBE: Originally the private home of an Italian duchess turned into a 50-acre estate of luxury suites and villas that has become the most sought after beach resort on the Mexican coast of Tulum for the fashion crowd ( Jason Wu got married here ) and well-travelled who want to fall off the radar.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 42 suites and 3 villas. We are huge fans of the beach suites.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: http://hotelesencia.com/activities/

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ROSEWOOD LAS VENTANAS

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO

MAPPS X LAS VENTANAS: MAPPS is a Rosewood Elite Agency so our clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast, resort credits and airport transfers.

GETTING HERE: 30 minutes by car from Los Cabos International Airport. ( SJD )

VIBE: No one quite nails romance like Las Ventanas. I mean what hotel have you ever been too that has a Romance Department? Their group of specialists dedicated to infusing your holiday with extra special touches such as couples massages, elaborate beach dinners etc. rolls out all the stops.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 83 suites and villas.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanas-los-cabos/experiences

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LE TOINY

ST. BARTH’S

MAPPS X LE TOINY : MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, priority upgrade subject to availability, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: Fly to St. Martin ( SXM ) and connect to St. Barth’s ( SBH ) via WinAir or ferry. Fly into San Juan ( SJU ) and connect to St. Barth’s via Tradewind Air. Fly private into Anguilla and take a ferry over to St. Barth’s. Le Toiny is located 20 minutes by car from SBH.

VIBE: A serene hideaway built for privacy seekers with a super chic beach club.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 22 independent, self-standing Villa Suites, each one offering a private pool and a large terrace that overlooks the beautiful Toiny Bay.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $2000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://letoiny.com/leisure

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LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

LITTLE TORCH KEY, FLORIDA

MAPPS X LITTLE PALM ISLAND: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: Set on a private island accessed only by seaplane or boat, this luxe resort is 40 minutes by car from Key West International Airport ( EYW ) or 3 hours by car from Miami International Airport. ( MIA )

VIBE: Florida Keys meets South Pacific isle feels, nary a distraction is allowed - no televisions, telephones nor children. Need we say more?

ACCOMMODATIONS: 30 suites, many with private oceanfront verandas.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $2000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.littlepalmisland.com/florida-keys-beach-resorts/

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COMO PARROT CAY

TURKS & CAICOS

MAPPS X COMO PARROT CAY: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.

GETTING HERE: Upon landing at Providenciales International Airport ( PLS ) in Turks and Caicos, guests take a ten minute car ride to Leeward Marina where they board a private, 25 minute boat ride to the car free island of Parrot Cay.

VIBE: Laid back, barefoot chic sentiments mixed with canopy airy four-poster teak beds with billowing white linen. Be prepared to run into Keith Richards or Donna Karen ( homeowners at the resort ) while you are riding your bike or golf cart around the property.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 74 rooms, suites and private homes.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1000 plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://www.comohotels.com/en/parrotcay/experiences

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THE POINT

SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK

MAPPS X THE POINT: MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates. Please note the property is all-inclusive.

GETTING HERE: Located in the pristine Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, the estate is 45 minutes from Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Saranac, 45 minutes from Lake Placid, NY by car or 5 hours from Boston or New York City by car.

VIBE: Formerly the Rockefeller Family Great Camp, now turned into a luxury hideaway for discerning adults who want to eat, drink and be merry.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 11 individually styled guest rooms, each with a stone place and clawfoot tub. The boat house room is a freestanding cabin where the other 10 are located within 3 separate buildings.

STARTING NIGHTLY RATE: $1750 to $3750 based on room, plus tax and service fees.

ACTIVITIES: https://thepointresort.com/home/activities/fall-winter/

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JUST CHECKED OUT: EB SHARES A SNEAK PEEK INTO HER RECENT STAY AT FOUR SEASONS PUNTA MITA

Feliz ano nuevo! I recently headed to Mexico to scout the Punta Mita and Nayarit area, a remote 192-mile-long coastline nestled between the majestic Sierra Madre mountains and the rugged Pacific Ocean. This jungle of love is tapped to be the newest hotspot once travel restrictions begin to loosen and the Covid -19 nightmare ends.

Four Seasons Punta Mita has long been a MAPPS favorite for families as the activities on property are endless such as pool, beach, surfing, tennis, golf, a lazy River, kids club, teen center, hiking and biking trails.

Off property there is golf, fishing, the beaches of Banderas Bay and the many sanctuaries of the San Juan State Biosphere Reserve that offer whale watching, bird watching, boat tours, island tours, and the boho chic town of Sayulita is only thirty minutes away by car.

The resort which is following strict Covid-19 guidelines in partnership with Johns Hopkins, recently underwent a renovation and I was chomping at the bit to check it out.

Below some snaps from my recent stay with the team at Four Seasons Punta Mita.

xx Elisa

I ❤️ Mexico.

Surf lessons for all ages.

Too pretty to drink.

Lazy Rivers are the best.

Tacos on repeat.

All roads lead to happy.

Mi Casa Su Casa.

I ate everything.

Boho chic vibes forever.

Cutest welcome ever...

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

MAPPS X FOUR SEASONS PUNTA MITA: As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, MAPPS clients receive special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and resort credits.

LOCATION: The resort is located one hour by car from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. (PVR )

ACCOMMODATIONS: 139 newly renovated modern Mexican casita rooms, 34 suites with living rooms and terraces with a plunge pool, or 32 villas and residences.

P.S. A day trip to the boho chic town of Sayulita is a must for lunch and shopping.

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WHERE MAPPS CLIENTS ARE FLYING OFF TO RING IN 2021

We think we speak for everyone when we say we cannot wait to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021. Over the past few months we have been working behind the scenes, setting up travel for client’s who feel comfortable flying for the holiday season. This year definitely presented some curveballs but we love a good challenge. We booked flights on carriers who have mask mandates, spaced out seating and HEPA filtration systems ( hello Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines ) as well as private planes and set up VIP fast track to avoid immigration lines. We chose preferred partner hotels, villas, private chefs, activity suppliers and restaurants who adhere to a strict Covid-19 guideline policy which includes mandatory testing and mask mandates for their employees as well as socially distanced tables and chairs. We also have set up any necessary Covid-19 testing requirements in advance and organized at home appointment testing for those who prefer a private Doctor rather then a center. Below, we share a sneak peek into some of their trips as well as their safety policies. Let’s face it, those who start the new year with a tan just always look better.

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BEACH ENCLAVE

GETTING HERE: 20 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport. (PLS)

ROOMS: The enclosed development on Grace Bay Beach is comprised of 4,5 and 6 bedroom villas.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, basketball court, fishing, kids club and golf.

MAPPS X THE BEACH ENCLAVE: $1000 private chef credit and a $500 credit to be a used towards water sport activities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.beachenclave.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Beach-Enclave-COVID-19-FAQ.pdf

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COMO PARROT CAY

GETTING HERE: After arriving at Providenciales International Airport (PLS), guests are driven 10 minutes to Leeward Marina where they depart on a 25 minute boat ride to the private island of Parrot Cay.

ROOMS: The enclosed development is comprised of 3, 4,5 and 6 bedroom private residences, 1 and 2 bedroom beachfront villas and 46 rooms/suites.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, fishing, kids club and spa/fitness.

MAPPS X THE COMO PARROT CAY: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.comohotels.com/en/booking-terms-in-relation-to-covid-19

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FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA

GETTING HERE: 35 minutes by car from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. ( LIR )

ROOMS: 120 rooms/suites and 49 private villas and residences.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, surfing, sailing, tennis, golf, fishing, kids club, hiking, biking, zip-lining, ATV and spa/fitness.

MAPPS X FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No testing is required to enter Costa Rica, nor is a quarantine mandatory upon arrival. Upon return back into the US, the testing and/or quarantine requirements vary state by state.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2020/lead-with-care-program/

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FOUR SEASONS MAUI

GETTING HERE: 25 minutes by car from Kahului Airport. (OGG)

ROOMS: 455 rooms/suites.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, surfing, sailing, tennis, golf, fishing, kids club, hiking, biking, zip-lining, ATV and spa/fitness.

MAPPS X FOUR SEASONS MAUI: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a state-approved trusted testing partner and complete a State Dept. of Agriculture paper form (which is distributed on all flights) prior to arrival within the state.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2020/lead-with-care-program/

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GRACE BAY CLUB

GETTING HERE: 15 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport. (PLS)

ROOMS: Grace Bay Club has 26 different categories ranging from rooms/suites to private villas, residences and estates.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, fishing, kids club, spa/fitness and golf.

MAPPS X GRACE BAY CLUB: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://gracebayresorts.com/hotel-policies/

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NIZUC

GETTING HERE: 8 minutes by car from Cancun International Airport. ( CUN )

ROOMS: 274 rooms, suites and private villas.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, kids club, spa/fitness and golf.

MAPPS X NIZUC: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast, one way airport transfer and a $100 spa credit.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No testing is required to enter Mexico, nor is a quarantine mandatory upon arrival. Upon return back into the US, the testing and/or quarantine requirements vary state by state.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.nizuc.com/covid-19-update/

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ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA

GETTING HERE: 30 minutes by car from Cancun International Airport. ( CUN )

ROOMS: 274 rooms, suites and private villas.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized water sports, zip-lining, sailing, tennis, kids club, spa/fitness and golf.

MAPPS X ROSEWOOD: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No testing is required to enter Mexico, nor is a quarantine mandatory upon arrival. Upon return back into the US, the testing and/or quarantine requirements vary state by state.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/covid-19-update

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WYMARA RESORT

GETTING HERE: 10 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport. (PLS)

ROOMS: 91 rooms/suites and 5 private villas.

ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, fishing, tennis, golf and spa/fitness.

MAPPS X WYMARA: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://wymararesortandvillas.com/policies-and-procedures/

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COMMERCIAL AIRLINE SAFETY MEASURES

DELTA: https://www.delta.com/content/www/us/en/travel-update-center/overview.html

JET BLUE: https://www.jetblue.com/safety

UNITED: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/what-to-expect.html

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PRIVATE AVIATION SAFETY MEASURES

NET JETS: https://www.netjets.com/en-us/safety

WHEELS UP: https://wheelsup.com/safety

* MAPPS works with a handful of preferred private aviation companies. You do not need to be a member of Wheels Up or Net Jets to fly private with our agency.

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ON OUR RADAR: HOTEL ESENCIA

Originally the private home of an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia, a 50-acre estate of luxury suites and villas has become the most sought after beach resort on the Mexican coast of Tulum for the fashion crowd ( Jason Wu got married here ) and well-travelled who want to fall off the radar. In 2014, Hollywood producer and art collector Kevin Wendle set about renewing the interiors and created a jungle chic hideaway and experience so unique that it has become a destination in and of itself. Seamless service, a coveted art collection, miles of pristine beach, expertly mixed margaritas, 3 dining options, a spa and now an exclusive offer that has us looking forward to winter 2021. The details below-

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THE OFFER

Hotel Esencia has created a limited set of 200 advance-purchase certificates to be used as cash on your next visit. Redeemable towards room nights, food and beverage, and spa treatments, these certificates are priced at either USD 2,000 or USD 5,000, and will render USD 3,000 and USD 7,500 respectively when redeemed - an instant 50% return on your vacation investment.  These non-refundable certificates are available on a 'first come first served basis’, are valid for two years from date of purchase, and may be combined with any other promotions or discounts the hotel may offer in the two years ahead. Black-out dates Dec. 18-Jan 4, 2020 and 2021. Email info@mappstravel.com to start planning your next winter getaway.

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

MAPPS X ESENCIA: complimentary upgrade, subject to availability, daily breakfast and a spa credit.

GETTING HERE: 50 minutes south of Cancun Airport and 35 minutes north of Tulum by car.

ROOMS: 42 suites and 3 villas. We are huge fans of the beach suites.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: November-May

IDEAL GUEST: We love Hotel Esencia for a couples getaway, ladies weekend or a destination event. While the hotel welcomes children with open arms and provides babysitting services, there is no kids club so it is not the best fit for families whose children require lots of activities.

P.S. We highly recommend taking a car service to Tulum one evening… start with drinks at Gitano or Casa Jaguar and then head over to Hartwood for an epic meal. Reservations are a must.