Have a beach getaway coming up? If not, you need to get on it, stat! Play your credit cards right, and it really isn’t that expensive. A mileage earning credit card is essential for a Travel Snob. I put everything from groceries to household bills on ours, and the miles add up shockingly quickly. This year alone we’ve flown to Paris, Puerto Rico, and Punta Mita all with our points. It also helps to check out JetSetter.com’s daily deals. That’s where I got a double pool two-bedroom villa at the Banyan Tree Resort in Phuket Thailand for 70% off! Island hopping is a year-round thing for me – anywhere I can get a great deal on a luxe location, I’m prepared to go, and I don’t wait for summer to do it. I can work wherever there’s WiFi – even on a remote Bahamian island that only has one street light!
My most recent trip was to the Four Seasons in Punta Mita last month. It was my first time there, and in spite of all I heard from friends (and one very concerned NYC taxi driver) about the dangers of Mexico, I came away having had the time of my life. Beachside massages in private bungalows (the best I’ve ever had – essential oils mixed with organic agave tequila rubbed all over you will make a girl slightly tipsy!), dining on the sand, personalized cocktails delivered poolside (they knew I was there within hours from my tweets and sent over customized @BagSnob drinks, desserts, and a chocolate cake decorated with all of our Snob social media channels) – if that doesn’t warm your heart and belly, I’m not sure anything will! Here’s what I had with me while I was lounging poolside:
1. Sensei Studio Woven Toquilla Straw Tote: The beach is no place for your finest bag. I prefer to take a nice straw tote. At the end of the day, you won’t be left with a little pile of sand at the bottom of your bag. On NET-A-PORTER for $225.
2. Eugenia Kim Bunny Embellished Toyo and Cotton-Blend Sunhat: This hat is 90% toyo paper, and when it comes to total sun protection, there’s nothing quite like paper! On NET-A-PORTER for $340.
3. The Liar, the Bitch, and the Wardrobe: Vacation is a time for levity. Allie Kingsley (this is loosely based on her experiences) may take us inside the dark side of young Hollywood, but she does it with hilarious wit and wisdom. On Amazon for $5.52.
4. Neutrogena Wet Skin SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray: This is the best sunscreen spray (and there’s one for kids, too) – it dries quickly and won’t come off in water. On Drugstore.com for $7.99.
5. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment: With SPF and vitamins to boot, these rich balms give my lips moisture and touch of color. Since they’re always coming out with new hues (this year was petal pink!), there are tons to choose from. On Sephora for $22.50.
Favorite Beach Destinations
Turks and Caicos: Amanyara is the ultimate Snob destination. When you long for privacy, there’s nowhere better – imagine secluded pavilions and villas right on the shore. It’s a personal paradise.
Bali: The Ayana Resort is where you go for a true body and soul retreat. Daily yoga and detox massages are a must!
Hawaii: While it’s hard to go wrong when you’re vacationing in Hawaii, the Kahala Resort is certainly one of the most beautiful properties. The water is shallow and calm (surfers might want to go elsewhere) – perfect if you have little explorers! My son swam with dolphins and turtles.
Bahamas: With its quiet setting, the Ritz-Carlton on Abacos is great for families with small children (not to mention gorgeous – pristine white sand and turquoise waters). I loved sitting on the beach watching my son play with the Ritz Kids Club. Just look out for pesky “No See’ums” – tiny sand fleas that tried to eat me alive. I itch at the thought!
Punta Mita: I talked about the Four Seasons above, but believe it or not, there’s even more to tell (private pool in your villa sound good?)! They have the best Mexican food I’ve ever had with fresh catch that was prepared daily. My girlfriend even waited on the beach for the boat to come in each morning, so she could choose her fish. True story.
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