Marlan Willardson

As a luxury travel advisor, I believe a resort should not only meet but exceed expectations—and Rosewood Mandarina absolutely did. My sister and I brought our kids and it was such a lovely trip. The jungle-meets-the-ocean setting is beautiful, the people are wonderful, and the service was possibly the best I’ve ever experienced—which is remarkable for such a new hotel. I truly didn’t want to leave and already look forward to returning.

Kona Village, often considered the number-one resort in Hawai'i, offers barefoot luxury with Hawaiian tradition woven into every detail. Known for its incredible design and exceptional cuisine, it’s also a favorite for celebrities seeking exclusivity. I designed and planned an intimate wedding here for a dear family friend, and the setting couldn’t have been more fitting. From the welcome luau and “Island Roots” dinner to the wedding itself and farewell brunch, the resort presented a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable week.

Rosewood Mayakoba strikes a nice balance between nature and comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can completely unplug. They are known for their service, but they surpassed even my fussy expectations. The celebrations team went above and beyond to make our stay truly unforgettable, including a surprise mariachi performance — you could hear the festive music trailing down the lagoon as the band arrived by boat. Special little touches, abundant water sports and an overall celebratory atmosphere made this our daughter’s favorite vacation to date.

Rosewood Miramar Beach is an oceanfront retreat in Montecito, offering a seamless blend of classic elegance and relaxed coastal living. As it's not too far of a drive from Los Angeles, we often enjoy visiting to get out of town and breathe some fresh ocean air.

One&Only Palmilla is a special property in its lushness — contrasting with Cabo’s usual desert landscape. Hammocks swaying amongst the palms, stairs covered in Spanish tile and walkways lined with flowering hibiscus and elephant ear plants highlight this destination.

Susurros del Corazón, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is a five-star, two-Michelin-key sanctuary nestled in Punta Mita, Mexico. Translated to "whispers of the heart," this resort offers a luxurious escape for beach lovers and food enthusiasts alike. My husband and I agreed it was the best hotel sleep we've ever had, and the exceptional dining — especially the unforgettable seafood pineapple — set a new standard for resort cuisine. With its thoughtful design, swimmable beach and genuinely attentive staff, Susurros del Corazón exudes warmth and authenticity. This was the setting for a decompressing vacation.

One&Only Mandarina is a one-of-a-kind luxury beach resort seamlessly integrated into 80 acres of rainforest on Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. A secluded sanctuary of untouched beauty — where nature meets five-stars and three Michelin keys in the most effortless way.