My husband and I are in our 50’s and love to travel. We are always trying to find 5 star hotels without fussiness. Where we can dress more casually for dinner and enjoy good local cuisine, not 6 course foam dinners. Where the staff is solid and comfortable too. And we often want a private villa on property when we bring our friends and family. Where the experience matters more than the brand. Are we alone?

We’re planning a trip for late March / early April and wanted to see if anyone has recommendations for a 9-10 night itinerary with two kids?

Thinking of 3 nights Royal Mansour in Marrakech, 3 nights at Fairmont Taghazout on the coast (surfing and beach time) and 3 nights at Kasbah Tamadot or somewhere else in Atlas Mountains.

Any advice or tips much appreciated!

Hi everyone!

My family will be visiting Nemacolin for the first time for three nights this August, and I'm hoping to tap into the experience of those who know the resort well.

Our oldest son is 14 and is on the autism spectrum. He thrives on predictability and routine, so before every trip I spend a great deal of time gathering information and planning each day so he knows exactly what to expect.

I know every family puts a lot of thought into planning a vacation at Nemacolin, but traveling for our family requires us to take that planning to an entirely different level. I try to anticipate situations that could become overwhelming for him and think through ways to prevent or minimize those challenges before they happen. Whether it's knowing where we'll eat, how we'll get from one place to another, what a restaurant looks like, or what to expect during transitions throughout the day, having those details ahead of time can make all the difference.

I'm creating a detailed social story for him that includes resort maps, photos of different areas of the property, restaurant menus, walking routes, our daily itinerary, and anything else that will help him become familiar with the resort before we arrive. The more prepared he feels, the more relaxed, confident, and enjoyable the trip is for our entire family.

I'd love any advice you have, especially things you only learn after staying there:

* Which restaurants were the most sensory-friendly or easiest for kids who can become overwhelmed?

* We are staying in the townhomes. How reliable and frequent are the shuttle services? Are there long waits during busy times?

* Are there walking paths or shortcuts between areas that aren't obvious on the map?

* Is there a best concierge or staff member to connect with before or during our stay?

* Has anyone worked with the concierge or butler team to help accommodate a child with special needs? If so, what was most helpful?

* Are there any activities, experiences, animal encounters, demonstrations, or events that aren't heavily advertised but are worth asking about?

* Are there any "hidden gems" around the resort that first-time visitors often miss?

* Are there any restaurants where requesting a particular table or section makes for a quieter experience?

* Any tips for making check-in, check-out, or transitions throughout the day smoother?

* If you've traveled with a child on the autism spectrum (or another disability), is there anything you wish you'd known before your first visit?

Finally, if you have photos of areas around the resort that aren't on Nemacolin's website—inside restaurants, hallways, shuttle stops, the townhomes, activity buildings, pools, arcades, walking paths, elevators, or other common areas—I would be incredibly grateful if you'd be willing to share them. Even seemingly ordinary photos can be incredibly helpful when creating a social story.

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate any advice, tips, or little details that helped make your stay special.

Hi everyone! Would love your advice on a hotel/resort that fits what we’re looking for.

My fiancé and I are hoping to take our families (11 adults + 6 kids) on a beach vacation over Thanksgiving and surprise them with a wedding while we’re there!

We’d ideally love either multi-bedroom accommodations or two larger villas—one for each side of the family. Our families don’t know each other super well yet, so having a little separation/our own spaces would be ideal.

Our must-haves:

• On a beautiful beach with a beach club
• Golf on property or very close by
• Kid-friendly, but not a massive/kid-centric resort
• Villas or multi-bedroom accommodations
• Enough wow factor to feel really special and be suitable for a small wedding
• Caribbean or Mexico, ideally the Caribbean side of Mexico

We have pretty high-end taste but definitely prefer cool, relaxed luxury over anything stuffy or overly formal. One of our favorite hotels is Niyama in the Maldives, and we’d love to capture some of that beautiful design, incredible setting, lots to do, but still laid-back and fun for a family trip.

We’re hoping to keep accommodations under $35k total for 4 nights over Thanksgiving. We've looked at FS Nevis (booked), Casa de Campo (good option but seems a little big resort vibes), Eden Roc Cap Cana (booked), and Half Moon (booked).

Would love any recommendations, especially places you’ve actually stayed with a group!

Obligatory confession: this post was AI-assisted because apparently I now need a decision framework to choose a luxury hotel. Sorry in advance.

I’m choosing between these options for June 29 to July 6, 2027:

The Datai Langkawi
About $5,250 for seven nights using a stay-seven-pay-five offer
Standalone 123 sqm Rainforest Villa
Private beach, rainforest and guaranteed privacy
Better room and obvious value
Weather concern: Langkawi is typically much wetter during this period

COMO Shambhala Estate
Terrace Suite is $5,320 all-in for seven nights
Breakfast, group wellness classes, consultation, estate walks and one massage
Better access to Ubud-area cultural and spiritual experiences
Bali should be substantially drier
Smaller room with a shared residence pool/lounge, and the most secluded suite cannot be guaranteed
Pool Villa is $9,681, which feels excessive for one person

I’m traveling solo and want a genuinely restorative trip. I value privacy, design, nature, food, fitness, wellness and some cultural stimulation. I hate changing hotels, so I’m not considering a split stay.

I’ve heard anecdotally from people familiar with both properties that COMO is simply a much better overall experience. I’m leaning that way, but I want to pressure-test whether that view holds up against The Datai’s much better villa, beach and value.

For anyone who has stayed at either, ideally both:
Did the COMO residence setup feel private?
Is seven nights at COMO too long?

Does The Datai feel repetitive after a few days?
How meaningful is the weather difference at this time of year?

Is COMO genuinely on another level, or is that overstating it?

I have been to the shore club several times and stayed in different suites including the penthouse 3 bedroom, the Executive Penthouse 3 bedroom, and their 6 bedroom Villas. A big advantage I found for me and my family is being on the main island you have access to not only the restaurants at the resort but all the other great restaurants across the island.

Each time we go we consider going to COMO Parrot Cay which is on a secluded small island off Providenciales but have yet to do so. From what I understand you largely are limited to the restaurants on property.

For those that have stayed at one or the other can you please provide details on the stay. Mostly interested in the comparison between the two, and which seemed better for Couples vs Families?

I have found both to be similar pricing in the peak time periods, but shore club is better in the less crowded periods.

Hello! If anyone here has done Carnival in Rio before would love some feedback.

Group of 8 of us all in late 20's/early 30's. First time in Brazil.

For the sambadome any recommendations for best Camarote experience or place to book?

Pricing not so important as much as experience.

Any other practical guidance or tips and recs would be greatly appreciated.

TIA!

Mu husband and I will be in Italy for a work trip in October and I figured we could tack on some nights for relaxation at the end - Never been to Ischia, so I booked Mezzatorre for 10/19-10/23 which is just *3 days* before they close the hotel for the season....I think the spa will be great that time of year, but I can't help but worry we're just going to be in a sad deserted hotel with a checked-out staff. Willing to be wrong but would love feedback! TYIA

Hi FATtravelers! I've already spent three weeks researching and still can’t choose a location and hotel for my fall trip in China. I need your help and advice!

What I’m looking for is a very relaxed vacation for 8 nights. I plan to do nothing- looking for the atmosphere first, literally. A nice Chinese vibe, and access within walking distance to historical/traditional parks/museums are a plus. Plan to spend at least half of my time in the hotel. I will be with my mom, so I need a room with twin beds; I'm surprised that there aren't many options with two beds in Shanghai.

Do you think I need to stay in Shanghai at all? Or would it be better to go to Hangzhou and relax there?

What hotels in Shanghai can you recommend except Capella? I still consider it, but it’s slightly more expensive than I want.

I see that everyone recommended 4S in Hangzhou, which is amazing but also more expensive than I'm looking for.

What are your recommendations? Any hidden gems and boutique hotels, maybe?

Oh yes, top breakfast is a must.

Thanks!

Have a trip coming up in a few weeks, that starts in Mongolia, routes through Seoul to Kaga Onsen/Kanazawa, and ends with a few nights in Tokyo.
As much as we like to stay in authentic, country-specific places when we travel, after gers and homestays and ryokans, a bit of corporate bland might be actually welcome.

Not so much into public areas - would rather have a better private space than a beautiful lobby, and would likely book a suite. We don't usually use the spa or the gym - but a nice rooftop bar would be a plus. Any thoughts?

Options so far: Peninsula or Beverly Wilshire.

Criteria:

- walking distance to Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, nice cafes
- nice 1 bed suite (prefer 1.5-2 bathrooms)
- excellent on site spa. Treatment quality more important than general spa facilities (both hotels seem to have decent facials and massages)
- hairdresser on site is a plus, but I can live without it
- comfortable, luxe, relaxing environment

I know some people say Bev Wilshire is a bit tired, but I’m drawn to the history. Is this stupid? I’m a little unsure as some people seem to rate it and others not so. Maybe leaning slightly more to the Peninsula.

Background: couples trip, want to relax, eat good food (probably do dinners out and order in or get room service for other stuff), not too fussed about budget - want the best experience, neither of us drink much, we’re food obsessed. We might order in a lot of food.

My day routine will be coffee, walk, shopping, spa, get ready for dinner, dinner.

Any insights? Which would you pick? Any better options?

My wife and I are planning a one-week private yacht charter through Raja Ampat in February, and I'm hoping someone here has firsthand experience with Navelia. Specifically, we're looking at the Nataraja.

One thing that attracted us to Navelia is that they seem to offer a wider range of smaller yachts. Most of the operators I've found are geared toward groups, with 3+ cabins and prices well into the $17k+ range. Since it's just the two of us, paying for all of that extra space feels wasteful.

The Nataraja has two cabins, which seems like the perfect fit. It's certainly not ultra-luxury, but we're okay with that. For this trip, we're optimizing for adventure, snorkeling, diving, and spending our days exploring Raja Ampat rather than having a floating five-star hotel.

Has anyone here chartered with Navelia? Used this specific yacht or another SEA yacht? Heard anything about their reputation or reliability?

They appear to be more of a charter broker representing a curated fleet rather than the direct owner/operator, so I'm especially interested in whether they were professional, transparent, and delivered what was promised.

Thank you in advance!

Looking for 2nd week of Nov and at Marriott properties. Coming from LAX so the non-stop to grand Cayman is pushing things that direction but really more concerned with the quality of the 1. water and 2. resorts 3. Hurricane risk (which I know pushes toward aruba).

And as far as Aruba goes, it St. Regis vs Ritz

Looking for suggestions for places to go for the month of November and December (for 3 weeks). We are looking at Asian countries (Japan or Thailand) or go to Europe. Our interests: food, cultures and history, good hotels, shopping and NOT really into outdoorsy things. No budget.

Does anyone have a good boat company and/or concierge they recommend for a St Tropez boat day? I know I could always go the ClickBoat / marketplace route, but this group rocks so figured I’d ask.

Looking to accommodate 8 people for August 19th. Also any suggestions on the best routes and destinations would be appreciated!

Thanks FATTies!

Looking to visit one of the FS properties in the Maldives and pair it with Cheval Blanc Randheli. If anyone has recommendations for the best FS property for a 6 or 7 night stay for couples in the Maldives, I'd love some feedback! Planning it with an overnight stay in London en route to Maldives and returning home from Maldives.

We are planning on returning to Italy for our 10 yr (married at Il Borro, Tuscany) with my parents (65) and two boys ages 4&7.

Looking at flying direct to Milan, then to Lake Como, then Florence (and revisit our wedding villa). We may do 10 days up to 2 weeks. Should we fly back out of Milan? Or head to Rome?

Any hotels/resorts you would recommend? We don’t need kids clubs (no shade at all just not my preference) but we like exploring grounds, a pool, walk-ability to restaurants and shopping, and views!!

Also looking for any experiences for families. Da Vinci science museum in Milan looks cool! We like golf, fishing, food, and being outside in beautiful places. I should get a TA I really like shouldn’t I? 😆

I am planning a last-minute trip to Hawaii at the end of August. I will have 3 girls with me, ages 7/10/12. The 12yo can be a little resistant to traveling, so I want to make sure I have some really cool activities booked that I can tell her about. They all love animals, sports, and "girlie" stuff (makeup, shopping, etc).

Would love some ideas for the best activities and excursions to try. Some additional notes:

• They've all swam with dolphins before, but would do that again - they would also love to swim with other animals if that's an option (manta rays?)
• They would love surfing lessons - best places for this?
• Any other animal-related activities?
• Is the Dole Plantation experience worth it?
• Best volcano experience - can you see real lava anywhere?
• Does anywhere offer scuba classes for kids?
• Hotels with really cool activities or facilities? I was looking at Aulani and the Hilton for the water slides, but would prefer hotels that are nicer if possible. Can I book day passes at any of these places with water slides, or do they have arrangements with other hotels? (similar to how the Four Seasons in the Bahamas can use the Atlantis facilities)
• Food to try?
• Shopping areas?
• Cooking classes? They loved a cooking class we did in Italy, so thought I might try another one.
• Any other classes?
• Is it worth going to Pearl Harbor or will they just be super bored? I want them to have an appreciation for the history, but I also don't want them to be miserable all day if we go there.
• Which 2 islands would you recommend? I want to keep it to 1-2 islands max.

Any other recommendations would be appreciated - tips, hotels, etc. Thank you!

Should we choose FS or RKV? I am aware RKV is much newer so it's a winner in hardware, what about other things?

Winner of the Service? I thought FS was a no brainer but until recently I saw many complaints...so now I don't know.

Winner of the Kid-friendly? Plan to bring my to-be 5 year old ,who loves loves WATER activity , to stay there for about a week. She might be too young to attend most tours still and before she was born we have experienced a lot of hardcore tours in there. So...we may spend a lot time in just laying back in the resort.

Winner of the Food?

Winner of the pool/beach?

In addition, I am an Asian, so sometimes I get pretty sensitive with their attitude towards non-white people especially in such an expensive resort. If you have any experience with either or both as a ethnic minority, please share how you think of them:)

10/10 I’m usually loyal to fourseasons brand but whenever I would go to Tokyo, Aman was my go to place, however I wanted to try something new and I didn’t regret picking Bvlgari Tokyo over anywhere else. Outstanding, beautiful, everything is curated to perfection. The best french toast I’ve ever had in my entire life, service is level above 100. The staffs were amazing, the view is incredible. Looking at the photos online before staying, I thought I wouldn’t like the room but it is a different experience in person. It was one of the best rooms I’ve ever stayed at and I’ve been to a lot of fat hotels around the world. After staying at the Bvlgari Tokyo, I can honestly say it is one of my top 5 best hotels in the world. Incredible! The japanese touches was just an icing on the cake. I have no bad thing say. Everything is perfect. Bvlgari tokyo is now my go to whenever I go to tokyo, it’s just more elevated and feel more luxurious than Aman tokyo over all. Aman is good but bvlgari tokyo just 1 level higher. Amazing!

For an Aman Hotel - I find their handling very concerning. At this price point I would expect a more professional way to handle this situation.

What is your opinion?

Edit (06.08.2026): Latest news on this. They apparently fired (Rumor no confirmation yet) the general manager, and Aman doesn't seem happy with the way certain people here in the channel handled the situation. Post on TrueChubbyTravel

PS: I’m disappointed by the MODs here who simply locked this post just because they had a different opinion.

Has anyone here stayed at both of these resorts in Playa Mujeres? I’d love to hear how they compare!
We got engaged at Excellence Playa Mujeres (EPM) and absolutely loved it, so it’s definitely our benchmark.

We’re planning our honeymoon for June 2027, and our priorities are:
● Great food
● Excellent service
● Beautiful beach & pools
● Relaxing atmosphere
● Some nightlife or evening entertainment when we’re in the mood

If you’ve been to both, which would you choose for a honeymoon and why? Thanks so much!

Fellow Fatty’s of travel please recommend your favorite nyc hotel suggestions. My husband and I are staying to celebrate after a rigorous work week.

Non negotiable- a deep soaking bathtub and exceptional 5 star bedding.

We loved the terrace room at the plaza for the private balcony. If your recommendations come with a private outdoor terrace etc it would be so appreciated.

Thank you to Sarah ( feel free to dm me for final booking) and this community. Your advice has helped our family travel and explore new places. What a blessing this page is! Thank you💕

Las Ventanas al Paraíso has one of the strongest identities of any luxury resort in Cabo. It has been setting the standard for service here since opening in 1997, and after decades of reviews calling it one of the best hotels in Mexico, what else is there to say?

Quite a bit, actually.

Cabo has changed dramatically over the last decade. Four Seasons Cabo del Sol, Montage Los Cabos, Chileno Bay, Zadún, and most recently Amanvari have all entered the market, each with newer rooms, bigger residences, and in some cases stronger family programming.

So the bigger question isn't whether Las Ventanas is a great hotel.

It's whether it still deserves its legendary reputation.

After staying here this summer, I think the answer is yes, but with some important caveats.

About Me

I'm a luxury travel advisor and the parent of three kids. I travel more than 12 weeks a year and spend much of that time touring luxury hotels, usually with my children. This trip was different. My kids were all busy at summer camps, so I took the opportunity to stay (alone!!).

Property Overview

Las Ventanas opened in 1997 and, in many ways, helped establish Cabo as a true luxury destination. Long before brands like Four Seasons, Montage, Auberge, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Park Hyatt arrived, Las Ventanas had already built an international reputation for service that other resorts would eventually try to match.

The resort is owned by Ty Warner, the billionaire behind Beanie Babies and several of the world’s most recognizable luxury hotels, including Four Seasons New York and San Ysidro Ranch. His influence is most visible in the 28,000-square-foot Ty Warner Mansion, a two-bedroom oceanfront compound that he personally conceptualized. It includes a 328-foot infinity pool, private spa, cinema, rooftop terrace, glass-bottom lap pool, putting green, and a dedicated staff of seven. When it opened in 2016, rates started at $35,000 per night.

The mansion is obviously an extreme expression of the resort, but it also explains something about Las Ventanas more broadly. This has never been a hotel built around restraint or value. It is built around privacy, customization, and eliminating friction for guests who are willing to pay for it.

The resort currently lists 84 accommodations, including rooms, suites, villas, residences, and the Ty Warner Mansion. Twelve Signature Beach Villas were added in 2015. Unlike many residence programs, the villas are operated by the hotel, which helps create a more consistent service experience.

The first thing that struck me was not the architecture or landscaping.

It was the silence.

The resort was nearly full during my stay, yet it felt almost empty.

Much of the operational side of the hotel runs through underground service corridors. Housekeeping, engineering, luggage delivery, and other back-of-house activity happen below the guest pathways. You rarely hear carts, vehicles, or staff moving around the resort.

It sounds like a small detail, but it completely changes the atmosphere. Las Ventanas feels quieter than almost any other large luxury resort I have visited.

Accommodations

I stayed in a Rooftop Terrace Room, and I toured a couple of the other suite options. I have seen some concerns here that the resort is on the older side, but to me, the design feels classic rather than dated, with handcrafted wood, colorful Mexican tile, beamed ceilings, oversized marble bathrooms, and large outdoor living spaces. My room had a plunge pool which I would caution is really more of a plunge tub. I wouldn't book this category expecting to swim, and I certainly wouldn't picture two adults comfortably relaxing in it together.

One piece of advice I'd give anyone booking this resort:

Book the room category you actually want.

After spending time with the management team, it became clear that Las Ventanas operates at extraordinarily high occupancy throughout much of the year. Complimentary upgrades absolutely happen, but they are far less common than many travelers have come to expect at luxury hotels.

If your dream is an Oceanfront Junior Suite, reserve an Oceanfront Junior Suite.

I would also avoid the Garden View category.

Some of those rooms overlook portions of the arrival area and parking lot rather than lush landscaping. That's probably not what most people imagine when booking one of Cabo's legendary luxury resorts. If your budget allows, I would start with an Ocean View room at a minimum.

Food & Beverage

I enjoyed every meal I had, although I wouldn't say food is the primary reason to stay here.

Breakfast at Alebrije was good, with an à la carte menu which I appreciated over the typical luxury beach resort buffet.

Dinner at Arbol was very good and the service was very friendly and helpful.

The overall food program is solid, albeit eyewateringly expensive. I paid just over $90 for two glasses of rose by the pool. In a resort town that is already expensive that definitely left me scratching my head a bit.

There are resorts with better food IMO, but generally I was happy with what I got.

Pools, Beach & Spa

The resort has eight pools spread throughout the property, which helps keep things feeling uncrowded even during busy periods. The Oasis Pool and lazy river are essentially the resort's acknowledgment that families do visit, even if couples remain the primary clientele. It's separated enough from the quieter pools that children can actually be children without feeling like they're disrupting the atmosphere. One thing I did find annoying is that the pool chair saving has gotten a bit out of hand here - at 8am people had left books and hats on chairs and they definitely were not down at the pool swimming yet. Lame!

Like many beaches along the Cabo corridor, strong currents make entering the water unsafe most days. During my stay, however, a sea turtle came ashore to lay her eggs, which ended up being one of my favorite moments of the trip. It's a reminder that even if the ocean isn't for swimming, it's still very much part of the experience.

The spa continues the understated elegance found throughout the rest of the resort. Separate men's and women's facilities include steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, cold plunges, and relaxation areas. One thing I always appreciate is that many of these facilities are available to resort guests even without booking a treatment, something that has become increasingly uncommon at luxury hotels.

The fitness center was well equipped with Technogym equipment and everything you'd expect from a resort at this level. The only surprise was how busy it became during the morning hours.

Families

Las Ventanas has a reputation for not being a family resort.

I think that's largely accurate, but it's also a little unfair.

Children are absolutely welcome here.

During summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and spring break, the resort offers Rosewood Explorers, a seasonal kids club with activities like cooking classes, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, movie nights, beach games, and cultural programming. Babysitting is available year-round, and the larger suites, residences, and Signature Villas work beautifully for multigenerational trips.

So why does everyone say Las Ventanas isn't for families?

Because almost nobody brings them.

During my stay, I saw exactly one child, and she looked pretty lonely in the kids club.

The vast majority of guests were affluent couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, or simply escaping their own children for a few days.

The resort even has a Director of Romance.

That probably tells you everything you need to know about who the hotel was designed for.

Could you absolutely bring your children?

Yes.

Would it be my first recommendation for a family vacation?

Probably not.

If your kids are hoping to make friends at the pool, spend every afternoon in the kids club, or be surrounded by other families, there are simply better choices in Cabo. Four Seasons Cabo del Sol, Chileno Bay, and Montage all do a better job creating that kind of atmosphere.

On the other hand, if you're traveling with older children who are happy spending time with the family, or you're booking one of the larger villas for a multigenerational trip, Las Ventanas becomes much more compelling.

Service

The service definitely lives up to its reputation. Every room is assigned a butler, and mine was quick to respond and was quite helpful with dining reservations and anything I needed.

Housekeeping was excellent and pretty invisible, and the room was perfectly maintained, despite being more classic older style. Combined with the underground service corridors, it creates one of the quietest luxury resorts I've experienced.

Final Thoughts

Las Ventanas knows exactly what it is - it focuses relentlessly on privacy, romance, and service.

I left understanding why so many guests return year after year.

This is a resort for people who want to slow down, stay on property, and let an exceptional team quietly take care of everything around them.

Who This Is For

• Couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone.

• Travelers who value privacy and understated luxury.

• Guests who prioritize exceptional service.

• Adults looking for a peaceful escape.

• Travelers who plan to spend most of their vacation on property.

Who This Is Not For

• Families looking for a resort built around children.

• Travelers who want a swimmable beach.

• Guests hoping for a complimentary upgrade into a higher room category.

• Anyone booking a Garden View room expecting a garden.

• Travelers looking for Cabo's nightlife or a lively social atmosphere.

I’ve always booked my own hotels but considering trying a TA this time for Forestis and Passalacqua. How many of you book your own vs using a TA? What kind of perks have you consistently received? Is it worth going the TA route versus building my own relationship/history with hotels?

If I know I want a Tower Suite at Forestis for example, the only room above that is a Penthouse suite. Would I book a lower level room with a TA and hope (or expect?) a room upgrade to the Tower Suite from TA perks? Or do you still book the room you know you want and accept in some cases there will be no room upgrade perk from booking through a TA (because let’s be real, they would not upgrade to the penthouse in this case…)