Posts tagged Spotlight
Hotel Spotlight: Etéreo, Riviera Maya
Hotel Spotlight: Etéreo, Riviera Maya

The intersection where great design meets an authentic sense of place tends to be the sweet spot for me when it comes to travel. So when the opportunity presented itself for my husband and I to enjoy a kid-free escape for a few days, my criteria for choosing where to go was quite simple: an as mentioned beautifully rooted property that's quick and easy to get to from Nashville where we live. Etéreo, located along the Riviera Maya, was an easy decision as this Auberge Resorts Collection hotel has been on my radar since its doors opened in 2022 to rave reviews…

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HOTELSCourtney BrownEtereo Hotel review, Auberge Resorts, luxury hotel, Mexico, Tropical Destination, Spotlight, wellness, ResortsComment
Glacier Guide: Best Hikes For Families
Glacier Guide: Best Hikes For Families

It doesn’t get much more beautiful than Glacier National Park. Being a Montana native, you could argue I’m biased, but anyone who has ever had the privilege of driving up the park’s iconic Going-To-The-Sun Road would more than likely agree with me. After all, it’s not called “The Crown of the Continent” for no reason. But don’t let your trip be limited to Logan Pass - this scenic drive is simply the gateway to all Glacier has to offer, including over 700 miles of trails that provide opportunities for everyone ranging from short hikes to extended treks. If you plan to visit Glacier with kids, there are plenty of hikes the whole family can enjoy…

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TRAVELCourtney BrownGlacier National Park, Glacier, Montana, Hiking, Family Travel, Travel Guide, SpotlightComment
Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2024
Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2024

Each January I compile a list of standout hotels and resorts around the globe that I have my eyes set on for that year’s upcoming travel aspirations. The best hotels capture your attention, transport you to a new world, and are worth planning an entire trip around, and I believe that the 14 hotels and resorts I'm highlighting for 2024 do just that. While some have been on my radar for awhile, most are new discoveries - in fact, with the exception of a few, all these properties just opened their doors at the end of 2023 or are set to debut in 2024…

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HOTELSCourtney BrownNew hotel openings, 2024 Hotel openings, SpotlightComment
Nantucket Travel Guide
Nantucket Travel Guide

Twenty-five miles out to sea, Nantucket is a fabled island rich in history and character whose 18th century roots, lovingly preserved through generations, are on display down each cobblestone lane and the Greek Revival buildings that line them. And while classic New England charm and traditions are everywhere you look, there’s also a fresh, dynamic side to the island thanks to a new breed of stylish boutique hotels and contemporary restaurants… a combination I found more than alluring.

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TRAVELCourtney BrownNantucket, New England, Travel Guide, Family Travel, City Guide, SpotlightComment
Exploring Portugal: Guide to The Alentejo Region
Exploring Portugal: Guide to The Alentejo Region

With a strong cultural identity and diverse terrain, Portugal’s heartland is home to sprawling groves of cork trees, rolling vineyards, ancient villages and empty beaches, and recently, a handful of design hotels and restaurants that allow guests to be immersed in simplistic luxury while disconnecting from the outside world. If you’re looking to discover an untouched side of Portugal, whether it be your first trip to the country or a return visit, here are my recommendations from our recent journey throughout the Alentejo.

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TRAVELCourtney BrownPortugal, Alentejo, Comporta, Europe, Travel Guide, Spotlight, City GuideComment
A Local's Guide To Whitefish, Montana
A Local's Guide To Whitefish, Montana

When I started this blog in 2016, the very first article I published was a guide to exploring the resort town of Whitefish, Montana. It felt like a fitting way to jumpstart my journey of sharing travel tips and city guides, as Whitefish is a destination this Montana girl knows like the back of her hand. Fast forward 6 years and the popular-yet-quiet ski town…

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TRAVELCourtney BrownMontana, Whitefish, City Guide, Glacier National Park, SpotlightComment
Edinburgh City Guide
Edinburgh City Guide

A city with many sides (though defined by two), Edinburgh seems conflicted with itself while simultaneously in harmony. Historical yet vibrant, it's split into Old Town and New Town, each offering their distinct perspective. Tucked-away cafes, picturesque curved streets, free museums, lively pubs, hip coffee shops, eclectic stores (plenty selling cashmere and tartan too, of course) and a rugged natural landscape are yours for the taking in this city best discovered by…

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TRAVELCourtney BrownScotland, Edinburgh, City Guide, Europe, Accommodations, SpotlightComment
My Miami Recs
My Miami Recs

If you’ve written Miami off as the flashy, nightlife destination it gets the bad rap for being, take another look. Miami has evolved, shifting its focus to the arts, and embracing the cultures that make it unique. As a result, art galleries, museums, food halls and boutique shops await visitors, as do glitzy hotels and white sand beaches. If Miami is on your travel list, here’s my list of where to stay and where to…

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TRAVELCourtney BrownMiami, Florida, City Guide, restaurants, hotels, Spotlight, AccommodationsComment
Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2022
Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2022

Each January I compile a list of standout hotels and resorts around the globe that I have my eyes set on for that year’s upcoming travel aspirations. When I began crafting the initial version of this year’s list in my mind, almost every property was going to be overseas - possibly subconsciously balancing 2021’s domestic-only list or simply because larger than life experiences in far-flung destinations are calling to me. Whatever the reason, once I put pen to paper, reality sank in…

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HOTELSCourtney BrownHotels, USA Hotels, SpotlightComment
We Got Away With Getaway House
We Got Away With Getaway House

The past few years you may have seen pictures on social media of sleek black cabins in the woods, their oversized windows reflecting the nature surrounding them and interiors designed to be a hygge dream for minimalist millennials. Well, those pictures are most likely of a Getaway House cabin, which to be honest, I hadn't paid much attention to until the company opened their latest outpost this month outside Nashville…

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TRAVELCourtney BrownCamping, Getaway House, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, Road trip, Family Travel, Glamping, Spotlight, AccommodationsComment
Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2021
Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2021

Each January I compile a list of standout hotels and resorts around the globe that I have my eyes set on for that year’s upcoming travel aspirations. I wanted to start this year off the same, but, as with every aspect of life, the way we travel changed in 2020, so this year’s list is slightly different. How so? It focuses solely on properties in the United States.

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HOTELSCourtney BrownCOVID-19, USA Hotels, USA, America, Spotlight Comment
Hotel Spotlight: Blackberry Farm
Hotel Spotlight: Blackberry Farm

I had just scooted into the velvet banquette, my hand reaching for the amber glass of ice water and eyes taking a quick scan of the menu when Greg leaned over the well-dressed table and matter-of-factly whispered, "We're coming back". Before arriving I was aware of the strong possibility that a taste of Blackberry Farm may not be enough and that a return visit would be inevitable. This Relais & Chateaux property had…

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HOTELSCourtney BrownBlackberry Farm, Hotel, Hotel review, United States, Tennessee, Relais & Chateaux, Hotels, SpotlightComment
Top Tips For Traveling With A Baby Under 1 Year Old
Top Tips For Traveling With A Baby Under 1 Year Old

26,505. That's how many miles Sophie flew in her first 12 months! Having a baby changes your life in just about every way possible. We have loved traveling as a couple, and didn’t want to give that up, but knew it was going to look very different once we became parents. So, we confronted our hesitations and embraced the challenge of traveling with a baby head on. We knew we would need to test the waters, so at 3 months old, Sophie boarded her first flight on a trip to…

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TRAVELCourtney BrownResources, Baby Travel, Family Travel, Flying, Europe, Travel Gear, FTT, SpotlightComment
Hotel Spotlight: Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro
Hotel Spotlight: Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

Have you ever booked a trip off of a single photo? Literally one picture? I have. I’m continuously searching for intriguing properties or inspiring places to put on my must-visit bucket list, and the hunt of finding where we might go next is almost as exciting as the travel itself! Knowing we would have a few days free after our trip to Italy this past summer, I began searching for a new place to explore. I wanted to discover somewhere different, somewhere unique… And then I saw a picture of Aman Sveti Stefan, and knew that our next adventure would be in Montenegro…

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HOTELSCourtney BrownHotels, Luxury Hotels, Montenegro, Europe, Aman, Destination Hotel, Adriatic Sea, SpotlightComment
Why Lake Como Should Be On Your Italy Itinerary
Why Lake Como Should Be On Your Italy Itinerary

Rome. Florence. Venice. These cities are on every tourist's must-see list while in Italy. But wander past these famed locales and you'll find pleasure in the country's less-frequented spots, some of the best being in the unsung north where rugged peaks, grand villas and glittering lakes take center stage. In the foothills of the Alps on the border of Switzerland lies Lake Como, a picture-perfect paradise known as a home-away-from-home for the rich and famous. But don't let that steer you away…

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TRAVELCourtney BrownLake Como, Italy, Travel Guide, Bellagio, Luxury Hotels, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Europe, Spotlight, City Guide Comment