Before I get started on my review, don’t forget that I am a preferred partner with Four Seasons! What does this mean for you? Extra perks for no extra charge!

Preferred Partner Perks when you book with That Blonde Travels:

Daily Breakfast for 2
Resort Credit
Early check-in/late check-out *based on availability
Upgrade on arrival *based on availability

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From the moment you step foot on the pristine shores of Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, it’s clear this is no ordinary vacation destination—it's an oasis of tranquility, sophistication, and natural beauty. My stay at this stunning resort was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can’t wait to share my experience.

Location & Setting: Situated on a breathtaking stretch of Anguilla’s coastline, the resort boasts two immaculate beaches, each with soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters. The sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea are simply mesmerizing, and the resort's design does a wonderful job of blending into the natural landscape, creating an atmosphere of relaxed luxury.

Whether you’re lounging by the infinity pools, enjoying water sports, or exploring the nearby beaches, the resort’s setting immediately transports you to paradise.

Service & Hospitality: The hallmark of Four Seasons properties is their impeccable service, and Anguilla is no exception. Every staff member I encountered was friendly, attentive, and genuinely eager to make my stay unforgettable. From the personalized welcome to the farewell, I felt like a VIP throughout my time there. Special shout-out to the concierge team and Chavez, who helped arrange everything from private boat trips to dinner reservations at the island’s exceptional restaurants. Chavez also helped me create a route on google maps for the day that we rented a Moke! Above and beyond! Also, a special shout-out to the pool servers, Yella and Del, who helped make our days perfect!

Accommodations: My one bedroom ocean-view suite was spacious and elegantly appointed, with a private terrace, featuring a plunge pool, offering stunning views of the turquoise sea. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the luxurious linens to the state-of-the-art amenities. I particularly appreciated the large bathroom with a deep soaking tub—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Dining: Food at Four Seasons Anguilla is a true highlight. The resort offers a range of dining options, from casual beachside meals to refined, fine-dining experiences. I dined at Salt, where the steak and fresh seafood was outstanding.

For breakfast, the buffet also at Salt was perfect—offering everything from fresh tropical fruits to made-to-order omelets and pastries. I also loved the beach bar, where I could sip on a refreshing cocktail while watching the sun set. Don’t skip the Mojitos!

Activities & Amenities: Beyond lounging and relaxing, Four Seasons Anguilla offers a host of activities for those looking for adventure. We particularly enjoyed renting a Moke for the day and driving around to see the island! There’s also a world-class spa that offers indulgent treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind, and a fitness center that’s well-equipped for those who like to stay active.

Final Thoughts: Four Seasons Resort Anguilla is the epitome of modern resort luxury. It’s a perfect destination for anyone seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and top-notch service in one of the Caribbean’s most stunning locations. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, savor world-class dining, or explore the island, this resort delivers it all. My time at Four Seasons Anguilla was truly unforgettable, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for a slice of paradise.

Preferred Partner Perks when you book with That Blonde Travels:

Daily Breakfast for 2
Resort Credit
Early check-in/late check-out *based on availability
Upgrade on arrival *based on availability

You can send me an email for a quote at Lauren@ThatBlondeTravels.com or use my VIP Booking Link (Send me a quick email to get the password).

Back in May, my husband and I went to check out the brand new Impressions Isla Mujeres! This hotel was just voted “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World” and boy did it deliver!

It’s hard to look anywhere without having a picturesque setting or view. We loved the ambience of this property and it’s small boutique feel.

This resort is located in Isla Mujeres, about a 40 minute boat ride over from the Cancun dock. Take an easy flight into Cancun, grab your airport transfer, and then head to the resorts dock to get on the included ride over to Isla Mujeres.

An all-inclusive, adults only resort that makes you question wether it actually is all inclusive due to the quality of food and drinks.

We stayed in the Paramount Suite Ocean Front. This room was HUGE and beautiful. It had a separate living space with a full bar and a separate bathroom. We also loved that the room had a ceiling fan, a rare find at resorts in Mexico.

Another perk of this resort is the ability to make restaurant reservations prior to your stay. One of my biggest pet peeves is arriving to a resort and them only allowing reservations once on site, or not at all.

For my clients, my VIP amenities are as follows:

Upgrade on arrival (based on availability)
Early check-in/late check-out (based on availability)

I would love to book this fabulous property for you today! Send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com or fill out my contact form to get started!

This resort is definitely on par with some of the other amazing 5* all inclusive resorts in the Mexican Riviera Maya!

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C/O O&O Mandarina

I just returned from our annual exchange with my host agency, Departure Lounge, where we spent 4 nights at the Conrad Punta Mita and then ended our trip with an AMAZING stay at the fairly new One&Only Mandarina right outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

What is a host agency you might ask? Think of me like a realtor. Realtors work with a broker for their clients that help with relations and licensing. This is what Departure Lounge is to me. They are one of the best know host agencies in the business and are amazing for supplier relations. What does this mean to you? It means that because we have such great relationships with our suppliers they want to make sure our guests are the happiest. I love working with Departure Lounge as well as all of our VIP partners to make sure that my guests and clients have amazing vacations that they deserve!

Anyways, back to One&Only Mandarina!

This resort opened in 2021 in a new complex called Mandarina, right outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is a quick 45 minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport so that you are in paradise before you know it! This property felt more like Costa Rica to me than Mexico and I loved it. A beautiful mix of jungle that meets the sea!

We stayed in the Ocean View Cliff Villa during our stay. The great thing about this property are that all rooms are villa/suite type accommodations so even the entry level rooms are a great size and still perfect for a family. Kids under 12 years of age are not allowed to stay in the treehouse suites due to safety reasons. That being said, I think this is a fabulous resort for kids! The kids club is so cool with a treehouse and a butterfly garden as well as an indoor area for arts and crafts and fun play. They also have several pools around the property with the Jetty Beach Club being the best for children in my opinion. If you are wanting a more adult only vibe, there is an adult only pool that is much quieter with no kiddos in site!

There is a Rosewood that is planned to open in 2025 that will also be apart of the Mandarina complex similar to the Mayakoba complex in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area. It will connect to the Mandarina beach club and you will be able to “dine around”. I can’t wait to go back and check out this property when it opens.

For my clients, my VIP amenities are as follows:

Daily breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit
Upgrade on arrival (based on availability)
Early check-in/late check-out (based on availability)

I would love to book this fabulous property for you and your family today! Send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com or fill out my contact form to get started!

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TOP LUXURY HOTELS IN GREECE

Disclaimer: This Luxury Greece Hotels List contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!

ATHENS

ATHENS CAPITAL CENTER HOTEL

HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE

FOUR SEASONS ASIR PALACE

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CRETE

BLUE PALACE ELOUNDA RESORT AND SPA

SANTORINI

CANAVES OIA EPITOME

MYSTIQUE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

PAROS

PARILIO

MYKONOS

MYKONOS GRAND HOTEL AND RESORT

MYKONIAN UTOPIA RESORT

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Contact me to plan your Greece getaway today!

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PIN FOR LATER!

Traveling with an infant requires a ton of preparation and planning. We have taken two trips with our infant now to Mexico. Here are the things that we used most while at the beach and I would say are essential to enjoying your vacation!

Disclaimer: This Beach Baby Packing List contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!

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ESSENTIALS TO BUY IF YOU DON’T ALREADY OWN THEM

• Guava Lotus Travel Crib

• Doona

• Mambobaby Float

• Uppababy Minu Travel Stroller

• Beach pop-up tent

ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST

• Formula/ Breast Pump + Storage Bags

• Baby food - oatmeal, purees, etc

• Bottles

• Bottle Travel Rack

• Disposable bibs and burp clothes

• Umbrella Stroller

• Car Seat - this one is only 7 lbs!

• Sound machine and charger

• Portable bottle warmer

• Sleep sack or swaddle

• Frida baby nose sucker or nose picker

• PJs

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Butt Paste

• Swim Diapers

• Sunscreen

• Swimsuits - I love these because of the snaps!

• Portable Fans

• Portable Tent

• Toys

• Baby bath stuff

• Lotion

• Nail clippers

• Medicines: Tylenol, Gas medicine, Benadryl, prescriptions

• Mosquito repellent

• Outfits - I like to have two per day

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Download your free checklist here!

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PIN FOR LATER!

Back in July, we took a short trip to Gulf Shores, AL. The beaches here are beautiful! We were originally planning on going to Mexico during these dates but my work instituted a 14 day quarantine for anyone returning from an international trip. I then planned a road trip to California and also thought about Florida, but these were also meet with the 14 day quarantine requirements.

We decided to spend a short 5 days/ 4 nights at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. This hotel is in between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL making it convenient to get to both places. When looking at hotels, we decided on the Lodge because it was brand new and in the state park so more isolated than the other hotels with crowded beaches.

Let me just say that this hotel was close to 500 per night and not worth it. The walls were super thin to were you could hear your neighbors having a normal conversation. The hotel was brand new and things were already broken and falling off the walls (more than likely, they were never installed correctly to begin with.) I really hate to write negative reviews, but I would not recommend this property (especially for the price!).

Although, aesthetically pleasing in photos, this was not the case in person. We didn’t let this ruin our trip, however. We really enjoyed eating at the restaurant in the state park that had tons of great food! It was called Woodside Restaurant and they had live music on the weekends with a ton of outside games. It was a really neat place. If you’re heading to Gulf Shores anytime soon, then you should definitely check it out!

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Excellence Riviera Cancun is located right outside of the hotel zone and only about 20 minutes from the airport. This hotel is relatively small compared to other all-inclusive resorts that are in the area. We just returned from a 5 day/4 night stay in one of their Jr Suite Rooms. This was our annual girl’s trip (7 of us went) and it was well..excellent (pun intended lol) This was my second time here and I will definitely be returning!

When we arrived, we were greeted with an ice cold glass of champagne by the bellman. They took our luggage and we proceeded to the check-in counter. We arrived very early so we were not able to check-in right away, which was fine, because we went and had lunch at the buffet and then headed to the pool.

Excellence Riviera Cancun has 7 different restaurants of which we tried all but the French. All of the food is phenomenal, my favorite is Basmati, the Indian restaurant. I know what you’re thinking, “Indian food in Mexico..”, but take my word, it was delicious! With there being 7 of us, it was at sometimes difficult for us to get a table at restaurants during peak times, but the hotel staff was very accommodating in getting us seated in a timely manner. If the wait was going to be awhile, we headed to The Flavor Market, Spanish tapas restaurant, for some yummy tapas and sangria.

The only restaurant that we thought we were not going to be able to eat at was the hibachi grill because they only take reservations the day of. One of the hotel concierges ended up helping us out on the last day since we had such a big group. The hibachi show is not to be missed! The chef on the grill was very entertaining and did some unique things that I have not seen at other hibachi restaurants so it was really fun!

On Friday night was the Mexican Fiesta. This was a blast! We ended up getting several tables to do shots with us and the seven of us finished off a bottle of Don Julio. Miguel and Edwin were so fun and Miguel was such a sport with dancing (It was hilarious!)

Last but definitely not least, the drink service at the beach was outstanding! Armando took such great care of us (all 7 of us!) and gave us the nicknames of Sirenas and Cowboys, haha! He was so fun! I can’t forget Ivan either who also served us at the beach and would anticipate our orders before we even asked for it!

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Image C/O Crystal

Image C/O Crystal

This was definitely a girl’s trip for the books! We had such a great time and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun!

Contact me to book your stay at Excellence today!

HOW TO PLAN AN ULTIMATE THAILAND ITINERARY

www.thatblondetravels.com

Written by: Lauren Bailey

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If you have any suggestions for can’t miss places to see or places to eat, please leave them in the comments below!

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When I was in school, I spent an amazing 5 weeks in Thailand learning about their hospital system and pharmacy practices. It was such an amazing 5 weeks that I have been dying to go back ever since I left. The people, the food, the scenery were all so amazing and all came together to make an ever-lasting impression on my mind and heart.

Outlined below is my version of the ultimate Thailand itinerary with some can’t miss stops along the way.

PROPOSED 11 DAY/10 NIGHT ITINERARY

Here’s what a typical 11 day Thailand itinerary looks like:

Bangkok (2 nights)

Chiang Mai (3 nights)

Chiang Rai (1 night)

Phuket (4 nights)

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Total days: 11

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BANGKOK

Where to stay:

Riva Surya Bangkok

Anantara Riverside Bangkok

Grand Hyatt Erawan

What to do:

Bangkok Highlights: City, Temples and Klong Tour:
In the morning, visit two of the most impressive sights in the city. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po is an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf, lying majestically on its side. The Grand Palace has no equal and is a must-see for every visitor to Bangkok. Built by King Rama I in 1782, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years; today it is Bangkok's most celebrated landmark. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha - Wat Pra Kaew - which houses Thailand's most precious image of the Lord Buddha.

In the afternoon, travel along the picturesque Chao Phraya River through the klongs (canals) of Thonburi. Observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways which gave the city the name Venice of the East. Finally, pay a visit to one of the city's most photographed sites, the shimmering Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The majestic shrine has a pagoda of 79m high. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the sun's rays and give the temple its name.

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CHIANG MAI

Where to stay:

Akyra Manor

Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai City Tour:

Your afternoon tour takes you around the famous city for an up-close and personal look at some of its most notable temples, as well as stops at its old city walls, gates, and moat. The highlight of this trip is Wat Pan Tao, built in the typical wooden northern-Thailand architecture, with exquisite fine carving on the eaves and door. Proceed to Wat Jet Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era. Then drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha.

Elephant Nature Park:

This tour begins by picking you up at your hotel in a private vehicle. Once you arrive, you will have a quick safety briefing and then you will be taken across the river to meet the magnificent elephants. These elephants have been rescued from distressing situations all over Thailand. The team at the park have worked hard towards building trust with the animals by showing them love, respect and care as many of the elephants have experienced harsh mistreatment from humans in the past. Because of this, riding the elephants is not allowed at the sanctuary.
As you meet the elephants, you will be taught basic language and signals to help to communicate and interact with the elephants throughout the day. After the group takes a break for lunch, continue practicing your elephant communication skills and walk them to the nearby river.
If time remains, you will go the Elephant Kitchen before departing from the Elephant Nature Park. In this kitchen food is prepared for the elephants. Many of the elephants that live here don't have strong digestive systems, so special food must be prepared for them.

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CHIANG RAI

Where to stay:

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: On the way, visit Hot Spring Baan Pong Nam Ron. Visit Wat Rong Khun or the "White Temple". This temple is unique from other temples in that it has been constructed entirely in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. Continue on to take a long-tailed boat cruise approximately 1 hour to visit Karen hill tribe village.

Chiang Rai to Phuket: Drive through the Golden Triangle area where the mighty Mae Khong and Ruakrivers meet, forming a natural boundary between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Visit the Opium Museum before moving on to the old city of Chiang Saen (A.D.1260), where you can marvel at the magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Drop off at Chiang Rai Airport for flight to Phuket

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PHUKET

Where to stay:

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Paresa Resort Phuket

Angsana Villas Resort

What to do:

Phi Phi Island Tour by Join Speedboat:

Take a speed boat to Phi Phi island. Enjoy a swim/snorkel stop at its beach. Drive to Phi Phi Ley, famous for its birds nests.

Depart for Maya Bay and Phi Phi Island. Relax at Maya Bay (where The Beach was partially filmed). Snorkel and swim in clear water at Loh Samah and Pileh Cove. Visit the Viking Cave, now home to nest producing swallows. Feed the local inhabitants at The Monkey Beach. Appreciate the magnificent marine life at the Hin Klang (Great Coral Reef). Lunch will be served at Phi Phi Natural Resort (Private beach). After lunch, explore Bamboo Island, a flat beautiful island blending white sand and very clear water. Relax on the beach or swim and snorkel. There is also a nice coral reef near the beach.

Thai Cookery School from Phuket:

Learn how to prepare your ingredients, how to portion the herbs and even a little about the effects of certain herbs.

Phang Nga Bay and Khai Island from Phuket by Speedboat:

This special full day trip offers you the excursion for exploring Phang Nga Bay and visit Khai Nai Islandby speedboat. The discovery of Phang Nga Bay will make you excited with lot of fascinating islands and limestone outcrops.

Along the bay you will enjoy with the scenic views of fauna and flora at Panak Island and and visit the amazing limestone mountains at Hong Island by canoes. This trip also offer you the visit to Tapu Island also known as James Bond Island. Afterwards go to through Mangrove swamp and pass Tham Lod Noi and Lod Yai.

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FAQS

What time of year is best to visit Thailand?
Dry season is typically between the end of November and the end of April. While Thailand's rainy season typically begins after July and runs through October, it isn’t unlikely for major storms to arrive as early as May. April and early May are considered the “hottest” season in the hot, hotter, and hottest classification of Thai climate. Temperatures can surpass 104 degrees, so if you can’t handle the heat, plan your trip for a few months earlier. [T+L]

What was your favorite city in Thailand?
My favorite city in Thailand was Chiang Mai! I loved all the night markets and delicious food. Also, it helped that it was one of the cheaper cities amid the tourist destinations in Thailand.

How long do I need for a trip to Thailand?
If you really want to experience Thailand and the culture, then I wouldn’t go for less than 10 nights. You can definitely fit in a lot in a short amount of time but you will need a vacation from your vacation when you get home!

What’s the best way to get around in Thailand?
In the city, the best way to get around is either walking or getting a Tuk-tuk to take you form A to B.

From city to city, you can take an overnight bus for very cheap. We did this to go from Chiang Mai to Bangkok for the weekend and it was super cheap! We even upgraded to first class and watched Bridesmaids in Thai.

Otherwise, flying is also available for a very reasonable price via local airlines!

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This is just one example of an ultimate adventure to Thailand! There are so many places to see and so many foods to try that it is hard to put everything on a list in one place!

If you’ve been to Thailand before, leave a comment below about what your favorite thing that you did was and why!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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Need help planning and booking your own Thailand Adventure? Send me an email!

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