Spring Break Special: Orlando Anguilla, Scottsdale, and Sedona

actually, you can please everyone

It’s chic, it’s easy—and it’s so much fun. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World might just be the perfect spring break for your entire family.

BY SAMANTHA BROOKS

Icame to Orlando with every intention of doing a story about how to have the most ultimate, high-end experience with your kids, visiting the plethora of the region’s theme parks while staying at the Four Seasons. Disney World is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year—all year—and it seemed like the right time to nally make the trek east to see it. In the weeks leading up to my trip, I casually mention to a friend who works for the hotel brand that I’m headed to their Orlando resort, and she tells me it’s one of their top properties. “Everyone LOVES that one. It always gets super high rankings within the brand. It’s ridiculous. I’m so jealous,” she tells me. The Four Seasons Florence is within a former Medici home, housing one of the city’s largest gardens. The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in northern Thailand allows you to interact with rescued elephants and explore bamboo jungles. But apparently Orlando is where it’s at?

“It’s always been on our bucket list to go there,” says another friend in the luxury hospitality business who is based in Miami and spends summers in the Mediterranean.

Orlando. Really?

Obviously, this is a family-oriented destination, so I’ve asked my best friend and her three kids (my godchildren) to join me. At ages 9, 7, and 5, they’re primed for Disney (their dad, on the other hand, is happy to stay at home and go mountain biking). Like their mother and me, they’ve grown up in Southern California, making annual pilgrimages to Disneyland during the ages that it truly does feel like the happiest place on Earth. As the days approach, everyone is excited. There are so many parks to explore, so much to do— not to mention the shopping. I even get the kids hyped up that we can stay at the parks until they close at 10 p.m. and can then continue to hang out and shop and have late-night snacks at the themed restaurants around the parks, which are open until midnight (hours vary depending on the time of year). Our Delta ight arrives at MCO at 6:30 p.m., and we’re at the hotel, checked into our rooms, by

7:15. We waste no time and immediately head to the 17th- oor rooftop for our 7:30 reservation at Capa, the hotel’s contemporary Spanish-style steakhouse. Sitting on the balcony, we look west at 8 p.m. to see the rework show at the Magic Kingdom Park. During dessert, at 9 p.m., we look south for the reworks at Epcot. Cocktails in hand, stomachs full of oysters, fried cauli ower, and foie-gras-topped let, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a Disney reworks show and a fantastic rst night.

In the morning, we head to the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland’s East Coast twin. There’s a shuttle service from the hotel that leaves every hour, but we’ve missed it. Within seconds, there’s an SUV available to take us there instead. Everything here is just so easy. We arrive at the park and head straight to Splash Mountain. An hour later, smiling and slightly soaked, we’re all remembering how much pure, innocent fun Disney can be.

While I take a work call, my friend and the kids discuss the plan for the rest of the day. By the time I hang up, it’s settled. “Sammy, we all want to go back to the hotel,” she says. “What? Are you sure? We just got here,” I say. My friend laughs and says, “I know, I can’t believe it either. We have all missed Disney so much in the last couple of years with COVID, but the kids think the hotel looks like even more fun.”

I get it. As an adult, I too would rather be at a Four Seasons than a theme park—however, I can’t believe the kids are willing to forgo acres of roller coasters, churros, and Disney princesses. But when it comes to creating an experience where everyone in the family is happy and taken care of, this hotel has absolutely thought of everything.

Parents, have you ever gotten back from a “family vacation” and rolled your eyes when you told your friends where you went because your kids had a blast, but you didn’t? Or maybe you’ve taken them to a resort that was more geared toward adults and appreciated the luxury setting, but cringed every time your kids made a splash in the pool?

The Four Seasons has found a way to make everyone happy. Your kids will want to spend hours—days even—at the kids’ pool. A sprawling 5-acre oasis featuring a lazy river with waterfalls, three water slides, a splash pond, and multiple levels of swimming areas, it’s so clean, so well serviced, that if it were the hotel’s only amenity, children and adults alike would be won over. But there’s so much more.

There’s tennis, Tom Fazio golf, a 13,000-square-foot spa overlooking the lake, a spacious tness center with daily classes and personal training, and miles of walking trails along the lake and through woodlands. When it comes to dining, there’s six restaurants, including an adults-only lobby bar, and you can even have breakfast with Goofy and friends. Send your older children to the parks solo (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus two water parks), put the younger ones in the hotel’s kids club for

A SPRAWLING 5-ACRE OASIS, THE KIDS POOL IS SO CLEAN, SO WELL SERVICED, THAT IF IT WERE THE HOTEL’S ONLY AMENITY, CHILDREN AND ADULTS WOULD BE WON OVER.

the day camp of their dreams, and take some time to enjoy the tranquility of the adult pool. Together, take tennis lessons with a pro, golf on the resort’s course—a Certi ed Audubon Sanctuary—or attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make authentic Italian pasta at home.

In the end, the greatest family vacations aren’t usually about the destination itself—they’re about spending quality time together, and no place makes that easier or more enjoyable for families of all ages than here. Take it from me—I just won godmother of the year. From $429 (the resort’s Fourth Night Free package runs May 1–September 30); fourseasons.com/orlando

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

true blue

Anguilla’s pristine beaches, laid-back charm, and compelling culinary scene are easier than ever to access.

BY SAMANTHA BROOKS

It’s often said that the harder a place is to get to, the better it is once you’re there. While that has long held true for Anguilla—the 16-mile-long island just 12 miles north of St. Maarten in the Caribbean—the fact that it’s now easier than ever to get there is only making the island more desirable, with a slew of new openings, renovations, and improvements, plus its prized powdery sand and turquoise waters.

Last December, American Airlines launched a new direct ight to the island from Miami, operating every day come April and reducing the total travel time for those coming from LAX from three legs and upward of 13 hours to just 9 hours and 20 minutes with one stopover.

Comprised of long expanses of coral-sand beaches and shallow, swimmable waters, Anguilla offers a paradise free of crowds and full of luxe resorts, each offering an entire vacation experience without having to step off its grounds. Don’t

WHAT TO KNOW

> Current entry procedures call for a negative PCR test taken five days ahead of arrival, or a negative antigen test taken two days ahead. Upon arrival, you’ll be swabbed at the airport for an Antigen test and asked to stay at your hotel (although not in your room), until you receive the results, which usually happens by that evening.

You’ll also need to apply for entry through the country’s tourism website, ivisitanguilla.com. expect a bustling town or much in the way of souvenirs to bring home, but do plan to explore many feet-in-the-sand bars and restaurants, as the island boasts more than 100 culinary venues (whether you’re at a barbeque shack on the beach or enjoying a six-course tasting menu, it’s a challenge to nd a subpar meal here). Divide your stay between a couple of properties and plan to spend a week enjoying the island’s treasures.

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel

First founded in 1988, the property is de ned by its iconic white, Greco-Moorish architecture throughout the 23 villas that house 108 rooms and suites, spread across its expansive stretch of Maundays Bay. Hands down, it’s the best hotel beach on the island and easily one of the top in the Caribbean. The water is always calm and clear, and you’ll never have to worry about anyone eavesdropping on your conversation—let alone compete for a beach chair. Each villa rests steps from the sand, which is always set up with ample chairs and umbrellas, and fully serviced. The property became part of the Belmond collection in 2017 and underwent a $130 million renovation in 2018, led by Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio. All accommodations face the sea and start at 677 square feet, with the option to combine rooms to create multi-bedroom accommodations, some with private pools. Additional private pool villas of up to 5,500 square feet are available should you desire to bring an extended crew. Four dining venues include the Peruvian-inspired Uchu, the Caribbean-themed, waterfront Pimms (so close you might catch some sea spray), the Italian Cip’s by Cipriani, and the just debuted Cap Shack, located at the far end of the resort, directly on the sand, and featuring calypso and reggae music. An expansive new spa is set to break ground soon. In the meantime, come here to disappear, relax, and unwind. From $1,100; belmond.com

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

Formerly the Resorts & Residences by Cuisinart, this 178-room property just re-opened in December after a massive renovation that saw a new owner taking over the 300-acre property to create

the most forward-thinking resort on the island. The contemporary-styled rooms, mostly in monochromatic white, are well appointed, but the resort’s greatest strength is its food throughout the property’s ve restaurants. The culinary team created compelling menus that are not to be missed, whether you’re staying on property or not. At Eventide, overlook Rendezvous Bay while you enjoy the six-course tasting menu that ends with dessert from pastry chef Rebecca Isbell (formerly of Eleven Madison Park, The Nomad, and Betony). At the all-day dining venue Kitchen Table, expect delicate, French-style omelets with fresh-baked breads for breakfast, and lunches and dinners that incorporate the property’s fruits and vegetables from its hydroponic farm. Or, mix things up and take a walk down the beach—off property—to the Sunshine Shack for laid-back beach barbeque and friendly games of cornhole. When it comes to activities, Aurora has the only golf course on the island, a newly renovated championship course by Greg Norman who will also debut a 9-hole short course this summer. Bonus: Keep an eye out for routes on the resort’s private jet, which has been running to/from the island and Teterboro on Saturdays, but will likely be expanding on an as-needed basis. From $999; auroraanguilla.com

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

When the property rst opened as a Viceroy in 2009, its endless swaths of limestone, striking sculptural furniture, and overthe-top guestrooms with private balcony plunge pools quickly caught the eyes of design-hotel junkies. Flash forward, and Kelly Wearstler’s iconic creation still exudes fresh glamour over a decade later. Not much had to change when the Four Seasons took over in 2016, but the property shines brighter than ever with its 181 accommodations, a mix of guest rooms, suites, villas, townhomes, and stunning, stand-alone residential villas located on the west side of the property, separated from the rest of the property by a sea cliff. While the resort is the island’s most family friendly—two family pools, a rock-climbing wall, and a kids club with everything from treasure hunts to cooking classes provide entertainment on an island that’s otherwise mostly about relaxing and unwinding—a stunning endless-edge adult pool adjacent to the Sunset Lounge and an expansive spa with its own pool and treatment rooms with outdoor showers ensure grown-ups are pampered. This spring the acclaimed mixologist of Four Seasons Surf Club fame, Valentino Longo, comes for a pop-up March 13–25, and check the

This page: Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel

DON’T MISS

> The Anguilla Culinary Experience

debuts May 11–15 with a series of events throughout the island’s resorts, including the opening night Ultimate Barefoot Luxury Party at Cap Juluca and an afternoon Rosé Soirée party at Malliouhana. anguillaculinary experience.com

> To get a true feel for

local culture, come in August, when the island’s annual boat races see scores of sailboats race around di erent points and then finish with parties on the beach. It also coincides with Carnival, Anguilla’s most celebrated holiday.

> Rent a boat for the day and explore Anguilla’s nearby secluded islands:

Sandy Island, a swath of sand just 10 minutes from Anguilla that is just large enough to accommodate a beach bar and some lounge chairs; Prickly Pear, 20 minutes away and o ering two restaurants and bars; Scrub Island, known for ruins, like an abandoned hotel and plane-crash site, as well as great snorkeling and diving in its underwater caves; and Dog Island, about 30 minutes away and completely uninhabited, except for thousands of nesting birds (9 di erent species breed there). property’s website for full details on spring break residencies from major names in the culinary and tness worlds. From $675; fourseasons.com

Malliouhana Auberge Resorts Collection

As the first resort developed on Anguilla in the 1980s, the Malliouhana claims a unique clifftop setting, one of the few vantage points for dramatic sea views on the mostly at island. Auberge came on in 2014 and entrusted the clever hand of designer Todd-Avery Lenahan of TAL Studio to give the 63-room property a head-to-toe makeover, completed in 2019. Colorful walls, vibrant prints, trademark yellow umbrellas, and massive collection of Caribbean art scattered throughout the common areas and into the rooms give the resort an unparalleled energy. You could spend all day just hopping around the property’s many dining and lounge spaces, sipping rum punches and gazing at the views. Breakfast and dinner are best enjoyed at Celeste, the ne-dining venue (order the short ribs or regret it for life); have light fare poolside for lunch; head to Leon’s at Meads Bay for sundowners and Johnny Cake burgers with live music and beach volleyball; cozy up at Bar Soleil for handcrafted cocktails and oor-toceiling framed works of art. This spring, the

Malliouhana Auberge Resorts Collection

resort launches Flavors of Malliouhana, a yearlong series of chef residencies with new menus, cooking classes, and events. Should you wish to leave the property, grab one of the complimentary bikes or rent a brightly colored Moke. From $899; aubergeresorts.com

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

desert fix

The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

More than just the land of endless golf courses and spa resorts, Arizona will surprise you with its unique range of outdoor activities and mystical charm.

BY SAMANTHA BROOKS

SCOTTSDALE

For residents of Southern California, the Coachella Valley is in such close proximity that we often take other desert locales for granted. While there is something to be said for the mid-century marvels of Palm Springs and the golf course oases of Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage, the Arizona desert landscape offers an entirely new scene—just an hour’s ight away. Rent a car at PHX and start by exploring Scottsdale, which perfectly combines the amenities of a city with the pace of a resort, then head to Sedona, about 120 miles north. Plan for a weeklong escape full of outdoor adventures, luxurious spas, culinary feasts, and quality time.

The Phoenician

With 450 standard guest rooms starting at 600 square feet, seven dining venues, a multi-tiered pool area with waterslides and an adults-only area, a Phil Smith–designed golf course, full-service spa (there’s even a Drybar), a game room with arcade, and a 4,600-square-foot athletic club, there’s little the Phoenician doesn’t have. Located in the heart of town, the property is the perfect landing pad for both rest and recreation and ideally situated for exploring the city’s numerous activities. thephoenician.com

Historic Old Town

Town to explore the more independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Among the region’s 100-plus dining destinations, highlights include: Citizen Public House, chef Bernie Kantak’s modern American restaurant featuring favorites like pan-seared scallops, pork belly pastrami, and of course the famous Original Chopped Salad with smoked salmon, couscous, marinated tomatoes, and buttermilk-herb dressing; the kid-friendly Hula’s Modern Tiki; health-focused The Herb Box for satisfying lunches; Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar for indulgent breakfasts of made-from-scratch cinnamon roll pancakes, breakfast nachos, banana bread French toast, and of course, a

The Phoenician

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

bacon bloody Mary; and Berdena’s for classic coffee shop fare. Find a full rundown of the area at experiencescottsdale.com

Biking and Kayaking

Even for those who don’t consider themselves “outdoorsy,” the desert landscape is hard to resist. REI Co-op Adventure Center offers a range of guided tours for all ages and levels—gear included. Choose from a half-day Scottsdale mountain bike tour, road bike tour, greenbelt bike tour, canyon lake kayaking, lake paddleboarding, and even a Grand Canyon Fly & Hike Tour, which takes you via plane to the Grand Canyon for a picnic lunch and guided hike. destinations.rei.com

Drinks at The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Nestled directly into the mountainside, the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain has a more adult-focused feel. Leave the kids with room service and sneak away for a date night at the property’s Jade Bar. Outdoor replaces, live music, and a happy hour that runs from 5–10 p.m. complement the menu of

Kayaking

Wagyu beef and ginger dumplings, seared foie gras on banana French toast, and udon pumpkin curry. gurneysresorts.com

Golf and Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

There’s no shortage of stunning golf courses in Scottsdale, but the Four Seasons at Troon North is particularly special for its perfectly green grass, challenging play, pure-nature vistas, and landscape lled with boulders, rabbits, bobcats, and an array of cacti. Should not everyone in your group crave the links, the property’s spa has an aroma design bar where you can create your own spa products and treatments incorporating indigenous ingredients, such as the Prickly Pear Renewal, as well as Reiki and even a golfer’s massage. fourseasons.com

MacDonald’s Ranch

Explore 1,280 acres of the Sonoran desert on horseback at this cowboy-themed ranch. There’s also a petting zoo, hayrides, and pony rides for kids as young as 10 months. Located about 30 minutes from the center of town, the ranch makes for a great half-day activity. End your day there with a “cowboy cookout” complete with sunset dinner, bon re, and entertainment. macdonaldsranch.com

Indoor Pursuits

Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some air conditioning. Should you need some indoor activities, head to Octane Raceway for go-kart racing, bowling, an expansive arcade, and Velocity VR (octaneraceway.com). And just down the street, iFly Scottsdale offers indoor skydiving (i yworld.com).

SEDONA

The city’s striking landscapes are surreal. Terra cotta–hued mountains, layered and stacked and somehow climbable, complement sunsets in shades from magenta to violet to cerulean

every day of the year. It’s no surprise that the area has attracted a plethora of healers, guides, and proprietors with passions for crystal therapy and trekking through vortexes. A handful of new and newly renovated properties make the town more desirable than ever, so plan to spend a few days hiking, rejuvenating, and simply stargazing, as Sedona’s designation as the world’s eighth International Dark Sky Community makes for spectacular nights.

Sedona Mystical Tours

Whether you consider yourself spiritual or a skeptic, you will likely be intrigued by Sedona’s many vortexes. Both male and female ones are said to exist, giving off different kinds of energy that may heal, calm, and even activate fertility. While the region’s numerous hikes are well marked and simple enough to do on your own, get the full experience with a guide from Sedona Mystical Tours. Hikes, meditation, and yoga are just some of the options. sedonamysticaltours.com

Uptown Shopping

Along route 89A, you’ll nd numerous shops for an array of crystals, Baja-style ponchos, aura readings, and souvenir T-shirt shops. Touristy, yes, but that’s part of the charm.

Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village

This outdoor shopping area is modeled after a Mexican town and lled with stores like Ninibah for everything from turquoise jewelry, pottery, and handmade knives to shops for toys, Arizona wine, and handmade quilts. tlaq.com

Ambiente

Years in the making, this landscape hotel is nally set to debut in May. Comprised of 40 cubed-shaped glass-and-steel atriums—many with their own private rooftop decks for stargazing—the property is nestled between the highway and miles of hiking and biking paths directly outside your door. A central swimming pool, restaurant, and boutique spa round out the offerings. ambientesedona.com

Enchantment Resort

Set in Boynton Canyon, about 15 minutes north of the main town, this 218-room resort has just been entirely renovated. The new Trail House offers access to 400 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails, while the new spa suites allow guests to focus on well-being with experiences led by neighboring property Mii Amo’s team of top-notch therapists (expect sound healing, aura reading, and meditation). enchantmentresort.com

The Wilde Resort & Spa

This just-opened property offers 105 contemporary-styled guest rooms inspired by the desert landscape. Located at the base of Thunder Mountain, the property features courtyards with Italian cypress trees, an expansive pool, a culinary concept, Rascal, inspired by classic American diners, as well as a spa with outdoor soaking tubs and sound baths. thewilderesort.com

L’Auberge de Sedona

Set directly on the banks of Oak Creek, in the heart of town, the well-established L’Auberge de Sedona offers a range of accommodations for groups of all sizes. Creekside cottages offer sounds of water owing just steps from your room, while the Vista cottages feature 180-degree mountain views and telescopes for a closer look at the dark sky. Book the ve-bedroom Creekhouse for an extended family getaway merging the privacy of a home with the amenities of a resort. lauberge.com

Ambiente. Below: Enchantment Resort

SUMMERTIME OASIS AT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

This summer, lounge poolside at The Cosmopolitan. With three unique pool experiences.

Upbeat music, poolside cocktails and uninhibited views of Las Vegas Boulevard make Boulevard Pool a standout destination. Located right above The Strip, Boulevard Pool has the best views of Las Vegas. The Chelsea Pool is inspired by the desert landscape. Nestled between the two Cosmopolitan towers, it offers a more relaxed, canyon-like feel. Take a break from the sounds of Las Vegas, your ultimate oasis. Book a daybed for the next level in luxe. Extending out over the edge of the pool, you can take a break from the heat, anytime, in a single step. Or if you prefer a more private experience, private cabanas include a dedicated server, complimentary fruit, a stocked fridge and other creature comforts. Swim, eat and vibe at Marquee Dayclub. Anchored in music, the Dayclub features live DJ performances and bottle service from morning to night. Sip on signature cocktails and an exclusive menu of poolside bites. And throughout the summer, Boulevard Pool transforms with something for everyone. On Mondays, you can even see classic and blockbuster films on the oversized marquee screen. Every Thursday, Sunset Cocktail Hour is back. See the lights of Las Vegas come to life with live music, curated margaritas and delicious small bites. On Fridays, rise with the sun and relax into the weekend with a poolside, yin-style yoga class or up your energy with a bodyweight HIIT class, both while witnessing the city come alive.

Ditch Everyday with 25% off your two-night or more stay. Book now at cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

CLASSIC CALIFORNIA PISMO BEACH

World Famous Pismo Beach Pier

Pismo Beach is the true Classic California beach town, known for its world-famous pier, miles of beautiful white sand beaches, outstanding accommodations, and a rich wine region only minutes away. Edna Valley Wine Region Many visitors who come to Pismo Beach are now calling it their Wine & Waves™ destination. With the wine region of Edna Valley only minutes away from downtown Pismo Beach, it’s easy to enjoy the beach and wine tastin all in one un filled da

Oceanfront Resorts

ou ll find a wide variet o lod in to meet ever one s needs and bud et cean ront hotels with stunnin vistas, affordable motels, family-friendly vacation rentals, and award-winning RV parks are all available.

There are restaurants with original new cuisines or time-honored menus or ever one to en o ismo each offers an outstandin selection o outdoor activities too n o ka akin , fishin , surfin , hikin , and biking all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It’s all here waiting for you—a gentle climate where sand, sun, sea, and sky converge to create the ideal getaway. California’s golden past is alive and well in Pismo Beach.

For more information and to book your stay go to experiencepismobeach.com. Also, join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.