Wanderlust of the Week: Queenstown, New Zealand

June 30, 2015Angel Elliott

Honestly, I've been wanderlusting after a trip to New Zealand, ever since I became a hiking obsessed, part-time granola, which has been, pretty much, forever. My lust reached a fever pitch just now, when I happened to be looking for hotels for a little island getaway, and Pounamu Apartments in Queenstown dipped across my screen. Imagine, apartments that you can rent, that are spacious, with floor to ceiling windows, overlooking New Zealand's bucolic majesty, with a fully stocked and loaded kitchen that you can cook in (the cooking part might not sound like a vacation to some, but for meeee? I love to cook.)

Featuring 5-star, luxury accommodations, views overlooking The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, an outside, acclaimed spa, complimentary concierge, and up to 2-bedroom apartments so you can take your little brats, I mean! Babies, kids, if you have any, this place is a no brainer. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

- Angel

categories Hotels, Travel, Wanderlust of the Week, New Zealand
tags New Zealand, Queenstown, Pounamu Apartments, The Angel Era

Wanderlust of the Week: Verana Hotel in Yelapa, Mexico

June 25, 2015Angel Elliott

Any place where you have to take a 3 hour plane ride, and then a drive, and then a 30 minute boat ride, and then a mule, yes mule ride up to location? You know it must be exotic. Enter the beautiful, bucolic Verana Hotel in the fishing village of Yelapa, Mexico.

With a rustic yet modern aesthetic the 8 individual guest rooms known as "V-houses" were designed by Heinz Legler. Each room at the Verana features plush bedding, and stunning views of the Caribbean sea from their high perch atop the Yelapa hillside. Though secluded, this luxurious hotel features and infinity pool, spa, restaurants and a yoga hut. Although you have to take a boat to get here, with the 5 star food and personalized amenities, you won't want to get back to the mainland anytime soon.

Imagine having Cinco de Mayo here? Enjoy the photos above!

- Angel

categories Wanderlust of the Week, Mexico, Travel
tags Verana Hotel, Yelapa, Mexico, The Angel Era

Wanderlust of the Week: The Amangiri Luxury Resort in Utah

February 18, 2014Angel Elliott

For all of The Amangiri Resort's grandiose beauty, it sits unassumingly nestled in the 600 acre desert landscape of Canyon Point, Utah, as if it grew out of the sand and lofty bluffs itself. It's modern luxurious design was built in the earth tones of it's surrounding, making the hotel all the more bucolic.

The resort is a 25-minute drive from Page, Arizona, the town that houses the amazing Antelope Canyon, and a 15-minute drive to the shores of Lake Powell. With an almost magnanimous stone escarpment in the middle of a sizable pool, a cellar, spa and library, this hotel has all the comforts of home, plus some sapiosexual additions.

Sixteen suites are located within the Desert Wing and another 18 suites together with the Aman Spa are located within the Mesa Wing. Every suite features unspoiled views of the valley.

Ready to tear yourself away from the property? Launch a helicopter, hot air balloon, or fixed-wing flight directly from Amangiri. The hotel also offers Lake Powell boat tours, yoga and pilates, or take guided hiking trails through the caves and up vistas.

Glorious.