luxury – Travels with Lori

March 22, 2025March 29, 2025

Antarctica

February 2024

After a fun few days in Santiago, Chile, we’re off on a 3 week cruise on the worlds most luxurious cruise line, Regent Seven Seas, through South America and Antarctica.

Day 1 🛳️
Excited to board Regent Seven Seas Cruises for our itinerary, White Continent Exploration, heading south from Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱

First Day at Sea 🌊

🌧️ Woke up to a drizzly and gray day
🍳 Breakfast set up by the butler
💻 Worked all morning
🌋 Attended a great enrichment talk
🇫🇷 Dinner at the French restaurant

Puerto Montt is a city in the south of Chile and a starting point for adventures in Northern Patagonia. It was founded in the mid 1800’s during the German colonization of southern Chile.

🪻Our first town, Fruitillar, on the edge of Lake Llanquihue, is filled with flowers and timbered chalets.

🌹Puerto Varos is next, known as the “City of Roses”. It is quaint and charming along the shores of Lake Llanquihue with the reflection of the cone-shaped, snow-covered Osorno volcano always there. We stopped at a cafe for coffee and kuchen.

Day 4 on ship 🛳️
Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

We were excited for our day in Puerto Chacabuco, it was a beautiful morning and looking forward to exploring. But the clouds started rolling in with very strong winds so they decided we should stay on the ship as we might have a hard time getting back on in a storm. We cruised along slowly and were able to admire the beautiful scenery, rain, and then a rainbow.

Day 5 Laguna San Rafael
Day 6 & 7 At Sea
🚢
Our first glacier was in Laguna San Rafael National Park, named for the San Rafael Lagoon formed by the retreat of the San Rafael Glacier, a part of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.

The next two days at sea were relaxing, the weather was nice, and the water was calm cruising through the fjords. There was a cool wind but the sun was warm ☀️

Trivia every day at 4pm and the Steakhouse tonight and evening stroll on deck

Beautiful sunrise and Champagne & Caviar Brunch on Sundays

Day 8
Punta Arenas, Chile
🇨🇱
Punta Arenas is the gateway to Chilean Patagonia as it sits at the foot of the Andes. It considers itself the southernmost “city” on the planet and you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere! The city overlooks the Strait of Magellan and separates the beautiful fjords to the north, that we have been cruising through the past few days, and the frozen mass of Antarctica to the south. This was a major shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific before the Panama Canal was built in 1914. 🏔️

The city was a delight! The tree lined central square, Plaza Munoz Gamero, with the statue of Magellan and the ornate Braun Mansion was so lively and pretty. We also spent time exploring the cemetery, which was so worth the visit!! There were ornate mausoleums and crypts dripping in flowers and sculpted cypresses lining grid-like walkways. 🪻

A highlight was lunch at La Luna with a lot of king crab! 🦀

Back to the ship to rest 💤

Off to Ushuaia, Argentina tomorrow! 🇦🇷

Day 9
Tierra Del Fuego National Park
🔥
Today was so busy, we did so many things. First, we visited Tierra Del Fuego National Park at the end of the world. Tierra Del Fuego means land of fire and is at the southernmost tip of South America. Also called “Fin del Mundo” or End of the World, you would think it is barren and bleak, instead it is known as the land of rainbows and forests with a much more temperate climate than you would imagine. The weather today was in the low 60’s and comfortable, except when the wind blew, and it was chilling!

We also visited the Post Office located the farthest south in the world. It was an adorable tiny building where you can write a postcard, have it stamped and mailed out from the “end of the world”.

Day 9 Part Two
Ushuaia, Argentina
54’08”S 68’03”W
🚢

Ushuaia, Argentina is known as the southernmost “town” in the world, it is compact, colorful and fun. The town is bordered by the last peaks of the Andes mountains and the Beagle Channel, around the town are lakes and bays, forests and glaciers. It is one of the most rapidly growing tourist towns due to the ships going in and out of Antarctica. It was raining by the time we got back in town from Tierra del Fuego, but we still enjoyed exploring town.

Day 10
Crossing the Drake Passage
58’26”S 63’27”W

Last night was a little rough but not too bad, or as bad as it can be sometimes but we still have about 24 hours to go 🤞🏼

Today was very relaxing and lots of down time and time to explore the ship. Not too much to see yet except a few glaciers towards the end of the day. Tomorrow should be exciting when we get to Antarctica! 🇦🇶

Day 11
Antarctica Day 1
64’5”S 62’5W
🇦🇶
Wow is all I can say! It’s more spectacular than I ever imagined and we’ve only just started seeing land!

We have three days of scenic cruising in Antarctica, that means that the ship barely moves and we can take in everything around us. We spent a lot of time on our veranda, up on the top deck for 360° views or warm in front of picture windows watching whales, seals, penguins and icebergs.

Besides all of this, there are lectures from naturalists, historians, geologists, etc. that we attended. Spent some time warming up in the spa after enjoying the snow, reading, and daily trivia.

We were exhausted from all the excitement today so had dinner in our pajamas in our suite while still watching nature outside our doors.

Day 12
Antarctica Day 2
64’5”S 62’5W
🐧
Today was even better than yesterday!! we spent most of the day outside, sitting quietly watching breaching whales, penguins jumping out of the water, and listening to the glaciers cracking sounds 🐋

We saw a Chilean scientific station covered in penguins – you could smell it before you even arrived! 🇨🇱

In the afternoon we warmed up over tea and scones ☕️

Afternoon games kept us busy during the day and were a great way to meet people.

Day 13
Antarctica Day 3
Elephant Island
62’24”S 56’29”S
🐧
After two days of extraordinary beauty in Antarctica, I couldn’t imagine that we could see anything as beautiful today.

Elephants Island was striking and famous because of Shackleton and the Endurance. We saw beautiful mountains covered in snow with glaciers in between, massive icebergs and of course more penguins!
🇦🇶

Some fun facts on this last day in Antarctica:
❄️A continent holding 90% of the planet’s freshwater ice
❄️ Lake Vostok is buried under 2 miles deep of frozen water
❄️ Mount Erebus is the southern-most active volcano in the world ❄️ The sun does not rise in the winter or set in the summer

Day 14, 15, 16, 17
At Sea
🚢
We had an enjoyable day at sea after we left Antarctica. As the evening proceeded, the seas were getting rougher by the hour. The captain made a decision to change course and not go towards the deep low pressure system near our next port, Stanley, Falkland Islands or Las Malvinas…a touchy subject depending on who you are speaking to. So we diverted course and headed straight towards Uruguay. This added 4 days at sea to our itinerary and it wasn’t completely smooth but I did enjoy the motion, especially sleeping – as long as everything is secure in the suite!

The next few days were fun enjoying everything on the ship and loop on an exciting formal night with the captain and officers and a wonderful dinner.

See you in Montevideo, Uruguay 🇺🇾

Day 18
Montevideo, Uruguay
34’9”S, 56’1”W
🇺🇾
One of the chillest, laid back cities, also one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite destinations, Montevideo is enchanting and feels like it is frozen in time. With faded Belle Epoque grandeur and Art Deco charm to steakhouses and tango bars to rival its closest neighbor Buenos Aires…but without the tourists. The locals are modest and unpretentious and say that everything gets here 30 years later. It went through turbulence in the 70’s & 80’s but things have been going very well and it is a city not to be missed!!

March 11, 2022March 29, 2022

Garza Blanca Los Cabos Resort

March 2022

Garza Blanca is new in Cabo but has been in Puerto Vallarta for a long time. So I had to see it here in Cabo. It’s beautiful, modern and new!

There are 8 different pools located inside the horseshoe of the building. Each had a different character or purpose. Some had kids playing, another was for laps, one was adult only, so everyone can find a pool they like.

The lobby was very light and airy with very tall ceilings. It wasn’t open air and felt good to get out of the heat but there were huge sliders facing the water that could open up the wall if the weather was cool.

The rooftop pool was really nice, and adult only. The views were so gorgeous with the infinity pool.

The Spa was also expansive and they saved the best view for the relaxation area with the lounges. An open air wall high up in the hotel with unobstructed views.

There were a few restaurants but not as many as the other resorts that have an all inclusive option. Garza Blanca has the choice of AI or EP.

Rooms are really pretty, very light and large terraces all with a hammock.

They have so many options for large families like 2, 3 and 4 bedroom options.

March 11, 2022April 2, 2022

Las Ventanas Al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort

March 2022

What a beautiful resort!!! It was even more than I thought it was going to be. Much admired for its architecture and artistry, also the resort’s approach to landscaping is key to its look and feel. Designed to be in harmony and oneness with the local ambiance, the external color scheme reflects the white of the sands and ocean surf.

The lobby is absolutely gorgeous, the openness, the views and the design. There is no check in desk as they are all done privately in your suite.

Look at the blue water!

I love the white buildings against the blue water.

The beachfront accommodations are practically on the beach. There is the adult only pool right in front of them too. The terraces are so beautiful and the rooftops as well.

The open air restaurants and pools never seem crowded. The resort was at full capacity and you’d never be able to tell.

Strolling around the resort, a zero entry pool is popular with kids. A great spot for tequila tasting and a yoga pavilion.

The Spa is relaxing and fits so well into the environment. It’s lush and beautiful, the perfect spot to spend a few hours. The fitness center is very nice too.

The mini golf is adorable and on the way to a family favorite area.

Kids love the lazy river and the cave! It’s a great area with a restaurant there too. I love the Rosé All Day area with the pink bean bag chairs.

Las Ventana’s is such a pretty resort that is great for families or adult only. The resort, accommodations, food and service are some of the best in Cabo.

March 11, 2022March 24, 2022

The Cape, A Thompson Hotel

March 2022

The Cape has commanding views of El Arco. A grown up resort with a relaxed 1960’s Southern California-meets-Baja aesthetic and killer sunsets.

Sunset is spectacular here, the views of the Arches are the best. Plus you’re not in the crazy loudness of Medano Beach but close enough if you want to go.

February 14, 2022April 13, 2022

Le Blanc Resort & Spa Los Cabos

March 2022

I LOVE Le Blanc! My last visit was only for one day and I fell in love. So excited that I will be able to spend some time here again.

Meeting our group for cocktails at Blanc Fire and watching the sunset 🌅

Good morning Cabo! A Lebanese breakfast was a great way to start the day. After a morning in the conference room, a pool day was just what I wanted.

There are so many options for lunch and snacks while at the pool, you don’t have to leave your lounge!

We had an AMAZING dinner at Lumiere, the French restaurant here at Le Blanc. We had an amazing dinner in the private dining room with exceptional service. I also love how beautiful the resorts looks at night!

I love the Butler service, there are so many things that they do, that you think you don’t need but really appreciate! I love ordering a bath before I come back and the room is turned down with everything you need – bubble bath ready with salts and soaps that you choose, water on the night table, slippers by the bed, relaxing lighting. Everything you need for a great night sleep.

Sunrise was beautiful and decided to have breakfast in my room this morning.

Le Blanc us known for its spa, they have a hydrotherapy circuit that is complimentary to resort guests. You can go every day and don’t need to have a service. But you will want a service, the massage is wonderful.

Blanc Ocean is the perfect spot for Al fresco dining and seafood with a Mexican twist.

Afternoon at pool with Margaritas on another gorgeous Cabo day.

My final morning started with a walk on the beach and the hopes to come back soon!

February 14, 2022February 20, 2022

The Montage Los Cabos

November 2021

February 14, 2022

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

November 2021

February 19, 2021March 18, 2021

Melia Cozumel

February 2021

We spent the day at Melia Cozumel and it was such a beautiful and relaxing day.

We drove from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, about a 45 minute drive. The ferry terminal is right in the center of town. It takes about 40 minutes on a huge ferry, I definitely recommend Ultramar over Wingate, they have a first class section that is much more comfortable.

Melia Cozumel is a small property but wonderful staff, friendly and accommodating.

Look at how beautiful it is, I love Cozumel. It is an island and has a different feel than the mainland. Things are more old fashioned and smaller. It is a big port for cruise lines so the downtown has lots of shopping and restaurants.

We were offered a delicious coconut cocktail with gin! Sounded strange but it was delicious. Lunch was amazing! There were a few courses but the octopus was outstanding, and beautiful. Plus the open air terrace with view of the water and the ocean breezes.

We were treated to a really cool Mayan Cultural performance after lunch.

Found this big guy wandering around.

We lazed around the beach, had a beach cabana for napping or reading, there were beach games set up, a bar and we had massages in the open air massage hut! It was the perfect day 💙

February 18, 2021October 19, 2021

Paradisus Playa del Carmen

February 2021

I was married at the Paradisus Punta Cana in 2001, and since it was before I became a travel advisor, I did not know they were part of the massive Meliá family of brands with almost 400 hotels worldwide, or even much about their properties. In fact, I didn’t know too much about them until I spent some time at Paradisus Playa del Carmen this March.

This is my favorite Paradisus property because it is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. It is so close to the famous 5th Avenue with all the shopping and dining, but you feel like you are a world away when staying at the resort. The resort is a nice size—large enough to keep you occupied with so many things to do, but not too big that it takes forever to walk from one side to the other. Playa del Carmen is known for beautiful beaches, and the Paradisus Playa del Carmen has a gorgeous stretch of soft white sand and blue water. What is also unique about the resort is that there are mangroves throughout, and it makes you feel like you are deep in the jungle—but, really, you are only steps away from the beautiful beach.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen is a wonderful option for both families and adults with no kids as the property has an adult-only side and a family side. I had the pleasure of staying on both sides of the property during my recent vacation, experiencing the adult-only side for a few days and then the family side with my children for another few days. The layout is great because those staying in the adult-only section would never know that there was a family side to the property. Adults are able to dine at all of the restaurants on-site and visit both sides of the property, regardless of where they are staying, while children are only permitted to stay on the family side.

What impressed me most about the Paradisus Playa del Carmen was The Reserve, the brand’s upgraded, concierge-level experience. There is a Reserve on both sides of the property, and each has a separate VIP check-in, which is a wonderful and relaxing way to start a vacation. All of the rooms in The Reserve are located in central areas of the resort, close to everything. The Reserve guests also have their own restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch, each in a serene atmosphere with exceptional service. Right outside of the restaurant is The Reserve pool; it is the only heated pool and has a swim-up bar. From the moment you arrive, pool valets are there to set up your Bali bed with towels, adjust the umbrella and offer you a cocktail. When it is time for lunch, you are just steps away from your private restaurant where the waitstaff knows your name. On the gorgeous beach, the same service is available in a separate area for Reserve guests only (on both the family and adult-only side). Again, valets are attentive, set up your Bali bed or lounges and umbrella, and they always bring an ice bucket of bottled water and cocktails.

The accommodations are another reason to stay at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen. On the adult-only side I stayed in a one-bedroom swim-up suite that I fell in love with. It had all the comforts of home and was very spacious. There is a dining area that seats up to six people at the table, and it has a Nespresso coffee maker, refrigerator and sink. The living area has two couches, a coffee table and television. A spacious terrace has sliding glass doors to the living room and bedroom with king-size bed. I love the terrace with a small couch and coffee table, a round table and four comfortable chairs and a round jetted tub. Pretty nice: There are stairs from the terrace that lead directly to the pool with two tiled lounges submerged in about a foot of water. As a Reserve guest, you also have attentive butler service to tend to your every need. They can make your restaurant reservations, set up spa appointments, let you know about daily activities and now, with COVID protocols, set up your testing appointment before you leave and fill out all of the paperwork for you to bring to the airport. There is no reason to ever leave your room!

The food is amazing here at Paradisus, look at how beautifully it is presented!

Look who is here now!

We missed Paradisus Playa del Carmen and the staff so much we came back! It’s perfect for us, look at the accommodations. It’s the same one bedroom suite I had last week that has a connecting door to a smaller kids one bedroom suite. So there are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms and two terraces with whirlpools – great for families. Plus the swim up from the terrace is a favorite and the Reserve, their concierge/club level service is the best, especially the Butler.

When I moved to the family side with my own family, we stayed in a two-bedroom suite. It was similar to the same room as I had before, but it had a connecting door to a smaller, but still spacious, one-bedroom suite with two queen beds, a living and dining area, plus a terrace with a jetted tub and access to the pool. This is the perfect setup for a family: You have privacy and space but are still together. Finding accommodations like this for families isn’t always easy or available at all resorts.

Enjoying being back at the Paradisus, Tulum was beautiful but renting a house means cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. I prefer a resort stay where we can just relax and there is so much to do.

Not ready to go home. So, whether you’re traveling with or without kids, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers plenty of space, great service and a beautiful resort for all. We will miss Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Mexico.

February 18, 2021October 19, 2021