The Dunlin

I was recently able to spend a few nights at the newly opened The Dunlin located on the Kiawah River near Charleston, and it was such a lovely getaway!

Sumptuously designed by renowned designer Amanda Lindroth, The Dunlin features a lowcountry, cottage-inspired aesthetic with generous porches where guests can enjoy a morning cup of coffee or a nightcap while taking in expansive riverfront views.

Throughout my stay, I had the option of enjoying a variety of outdoor activities (some of which are dependent on the tides), dining at Linnette’s (featuring coastal cuisine with a modern edge), an expertly crafted cocktail at the Willett Room, lounging at the 1950s inspired beach club, the Cove, and relaxing treatments at Aster, the spa and wellness center within steps of the main resort.

Even though the weather was a little overcast, I was able to experience the property through dining, visiting the spa, and enjoying the pool when the skies cleared up.

What was my favorite part of The Dunlin? The overall feeling of relaxation, no matter where I was on property, and the beautifully designed spaces. I truly felt enveloped in the warmth of the lowcountry, and would love for you to experience it too!

Who is The Dunlin good for? I think The Dunlin is great for a couples’ getaway, a girls trip, or a family trip in combination with either staying at the beach (Kiawah Resort or Wild Dunes Resort are great combos) or in Downtown Charleston!

Interested in experiencing The Dunlin? When you book via Jessica Drew Travel you receive the following perks during your stay:

• Welcome amenity upon arrival 

• $100 hotel credit

• Complimentary daily breakfast for two per bedroom

Hotel Bardo Savannah

I was recently able to spend a night at the newly opened Hotel Bardo in Savannah, Georgia. Located along iconic Forsyth Park, Hotel Bardo epitomizes 1960s Italian glamour with a twist of southern hospitality.

The pool is an incredible addition to the Savannah hospitality scene and features pool-side service from Bar Bibi. Inside, Saint Bibiana is the on-site restaurant for guests to enjoy breakfast and dinner and features coastal Italian cuisine.

Bardo guest rooms and suites convey a sense of luxury that’s less about the quantity of things, and more about the quality of a feeling. The rooms feature Frette linens and robes, along with luxurious toiletries for guests to use.

There is also a spa on-site, as well as wellness focused activities and fitness classes. The boutique features unique items for guests to shop during their downtime.

Who is Hotel Bardo good for? I think Hotel Bardo is good for couples, families, and group getaways. The pool is incredible and a great escape from the southern heat!

Interested in staying at Hotel Bardo? When you book via Jessica Drew Travel you receive the following perks during your stay:

• $100 Food and Beverage Credit

• Complimentary Breakfast for 2 Daily

• Upgrade Based On Availability

• Early Check-In, Late Check-out Based On Availability

The Swag

I was recently able to stay a few nights in the North Carolina mountains at The Swag, a Relais and Chateaux property that has become quite well-known over the past few years. 

Perched almost a mile above sea level, The Swag combines authentic hospitality with natural beauty, as you experience the great outdoors in the Great Smokey Mountains. With only 18 rooms, The Swag is an intimate experience that creates a sense of family and a true feeling of staying at your “home away from home.”

Each room at The Swag is unique, and we were lucky enough to stay in Hideaway, which features a steam, sauna, fireplace, and soaking tub. These features were perfect for our time in the mountains since it snowed and the temperatures dropped quite a bit.

During our time we were able to pick from a variety of activities, including a cocktail making class, a guided hike with a local expert, storytelling, and more. I also decided to indulge in a massage at the spa, aka The Still, and I’m so glad I did. 

Meals are included with your stay at The Swag, and the food was truly incredible. Breakfast is served a-la-carte (get the grits!), lunch can be prepared in a number of ways depending on how you’re spending your afternoon (we opted for the picnic basket and enjoyed our lunch by the fire), and dinner is served at 7pm and varies nightly. Thursday night we enjoyed a Southern BBQ, complete with live music from a local band. 

My favorite part? The hospitality. From the moment we stepped on property we felt like we were welcomed into an old friend’s mountain retreat. 

Who is The Swag good for? Couples, groups of friends, and adults who are looking for a getaway in the mountains. 

Alila Ventana Big Sur

To cap off my time in California, we made a road trip to Napa Valley to Big Sur. The final part of the drive was beautiful as we were on Highway 1 and got to see the coastline. After a stop to see Bixby Bridge, we were on our way to check into Alila Ventana Big Sur.

Alila Ventana Big Sur is a rustically romantic, adults-only resort that is situated on 160 acres of redwood forests and meadows. Every accommodation has a private balcony or patio, and a Big Sur Spa Suite has a private hot tub to enjoy.

Activities available to guests include indulging in the Japanese baths, hatchet throwing, condor tracking, hikes among the redwoods, cold plunges, visits to the spa, and plenty more. Dine at The Sur House or book a private experience at the Glass House for unparalleled views of the coast.

On top of all this, world renowned Pebble Beach is nearby for the golf enthusiast! There’s no shortage of “wow” moments in Big Sur.

Who is Alila Ventana Big Sur good for? Couples, groups of friends, and adults who are generally looking to relax and reconnect with nature. 

Interested in staying at Alila Ventana Big Sur? When you book via Jessica Drew Travel you receive the following perks during your stay:

• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom (already included in hotel's rates)

• $100 USD Hotel or Resort credit to be used during stay (excludes retail, not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Alila Napa Valley

I’ve recently returned from a few nights in Napa Valley, where I was lucky enough to experience a stay at Alila Napa Valley. 

Located in St. Helena, Alila Napa Valley is ideally situated for easy access to great wineries and dining options. Alila Napa Valley is an adults-only retreat that was named among the top three resorts in Northern California by Conde Nast Traveler. 

While staying at Alila Napa Valley, guests will enjoy a mix of modern and traditional decor within luxurious accommodations. Suites overlook the vineyards and historic Beringer estate, which is easily accessible via a footbridge. 

I loved the private gas fire pit on my balcony, which is available in every guest room. Activities on-site include garden mixology courses, al fresco painting classes, perfume workshops, crystal bowl sound baths, falconry, and more. 

Who is Alila Napa Valley good for? I think couples, groups of friends, and groups of couples will enjoy Alila Napa Valley! 

Interested in visiting Alila Napa Valley? When you book via Jessica Drew Travel you receive the following perks during your stay:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in Hotel Restaurant or via In-Room Dining

• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi