Luxury Hotels in Mallorca and Bordeaux: A KJ Travel Advisor’s Summer Escape

Picture this, early summer in Europe warm breezes off the Balearic coast, vineyard sunsets in southwest France, and the satisfying clink of a wine glass after a day well spent. If you’re looking to pair cultural immersion with stunning stays, this itinerary delivers just that. KJ Travel advisor Lenni recently explored Mallorca and Bordeaux and came back with fresh hotel intel, trip notes, and plenty of takeaways for travelers craving a high-end but low-stress European escape.

Grand Hotel Son Net, Mallorca

A Boutique Luxury Hotel in Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains

Just 15 minutes outside Palma and nestled at the foot of the UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana, Grand Hotel Son Net blends historical charm with quiet luxury. The restored 17th-century estate is surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and breathtaking mountain views, perfect for couples or adult travelers looking for a top boutique hotel in Mallorca.

Lenni spent two nights here and described it as “absolutely stunning.” Her highlights included refined Mallorcan cuisine (don’t miss the beef tenderloin with foie gras and truffle), spacious suites, and the chance to hike or bike right from the property.

KJT Travel Tip: Palma’s city center is gorgeous but tricky for driving. Lenni recommends parking just outside the city and walking in for a more relaxing experience.

This is a standout property for those planning a romantic or wellness-focused European summer escape. Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, and wellness seekers.

Belmond La Residencia, Deia

Family-Friendly Charm in Mallorca’s Most Artistic Village

Set in the artistic mountain village of Deia, Belmond La Residencia is ideal for families or travelers drawn to Mallorca’s creative soul. Stone buildings, curated art, and lush gardens make it one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Mallorca.

During her visit, Lenni dined at Tramuntana Grill and noted the property’s family appeal and artistic charm, with a slightly more touristy vibe.

KJT Travel tip: Even if you’re not staying overnight, make time for a lunch stop. The mountain views and Mediterranean cuisine are worth it.

Perfect for: Families, creatives, and cultural travelers.

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa

Sea Views and Family-Friendly Luxury

Perched above the cliffs of Port Soller, this five-star resort offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the Tramuntana range. With its lush gardens, infinity pools, and indulgent wellness spa, Jumeirah Mallorca is a sanctuary by the sea.

Lenni stayed here for two nights and recommended it for both couples and families. While the hotel will undergo a refresh in 2027, the experience remains exceptional.

KJ Travel tip: Book a boat excursion for a truly unforgettable coastal adventure.

Bonus Tip: Don’t miss sunset cocktails at the Sunset Lounge, this is Mallorca luxury travel at its finest.

Perfect for: Families, romantic escapes, and wellness travelers.

Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux

Vineyard & Wine Tasting in Southwest France

Just 20 minutes from Bordeaux city center, Les Sources de Caudalie is one of France’s most iconic wine country retreats. Surrounded by the Grand Cru vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, this luxury hotel in Bordeaux blends rustic charm  with serious wellness appeal.

Lenni enjoyed the serene setting, on-site wine tasting, and charming rooms each inspired by the Aquitaine region. Dining at La Table du Lavoir was a highlight. Booking a signature massage unlocks access to the full thermal circuit.

KJT Travel tip: Book a suite for added comfort and views of the vineyards. For wine lovers, this is your ideal European summer itinerary base.

Perfect for: Wine lovers, couples, and spa seekers.

Bordeaux City Notes

Lenni also explored Bordeaux itself, calling it a “mini Paris”, café culture, 18th-century charm, and walkable streets without the big-city hustle. It’s a smart add-on for couples or friends looking to wrap a wine-focused getaway with a little urban flair.

Ready to Plan Your Own Luxury Escape?

Whether you’re craving boutique vineyards, sea-facing suites, or cultural immersion, these luxury hotels in Mallorca and Bordeaux offer the perfect balance of comfort and discovery. Lenni’s itinerary shows how a well-paced European summer escape can deliver diverse experiences without sacrificing ease or elegance.

Let KJ Travel guide your journey from the first booking to the final glass of wine.

Start planning your next European escape now. Click here to fill out our form.

Don’t Wait: 5 Smart Reasons to Book Hotel For Festive Now

There’s something extra magical about the holidays, golden lights flickering everywhere, the sound of family gatherings, and a sense of losing track of time. If you’re dreaming of a luxury holiday getaway that actually feels like a vacation, the time to plan is now.

Whether you're eyeing a private villa in the Riviera Nayarit or a full estate buyout in Europe, here are five compelling reasons to secure your festive travel early straight from our luxury travel experts.

1. The Best Rooms, Villas, and Suites Go First

In luxury travel, “standard” doesn’t exist especially around the holidays. The most coveted accommodations go fast. We’re talking oceanfront villas with private pools, multi-bedroom suites with panoramic views, and full residences that will feel like your home away from home, but with private chefs and butlers.

Why book early? These top-tier suites are often reserved 6–9 months in advance and many are available to preferred partners like KJ Travel. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Want ideas? Take a peek at Four Seasons Tamarindo, a secluded, ultra-private escape ideal for holiday luxury.

2. Buyouts Take Strategy (and Time)

Booking a hotel or estate buyout is the ultimate festive flex, but it’s not something to leave to chance. From contracts to curated menus and private staffing to festive décor, it takes advance planning to do it right.

Whether you’re planning a multigenerational gathering or an intimate “just us” retreat, booking early gives you: Access to rare availability, flexibility to customize and time to bring the vision to life

3. School Holidays = Global Competition

If you’re syncing your travel with school breaks, you’re not alone, families across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and beyond are doing the same. That means you’re competing on a global level for a very finite number of family-friendly luxury suites and connecting rooms. And while we always advocate for smart connections, holiday travel is one time where "wait and see" rarely works in your favor.

Planning with school calendars? Check out our Luxury Spring Break for Families  for more family-focused recommendations.

4. Better Flights, Better Routes, Better Prices

Let’s not forget the skies. Premium flight availability is limited during festive weeks, especially for nonstop routes and business class seats. Booking early means you’ll likely get better pricing, better flight times, and fewer headaches.

5. Early Bookers Get the Perks

Beachfront villa and the prime spot for the New Year’s Eve dinner. A top private guide, the horseback ride on Christmas morning, A boat-tour to watch fireworks. Booking early means you get the full experience on those activities that will add a special touch to your holidays.

Let’s Make It the Festive Season You Get to Enjoy

Because these aren’t just vacations, they’re memory-makers. They’re the stories that come up every holiday season after, the ones you’ll still be talking about long after the decorations are packed away.

Let KJ Travel handle every detail with exclusive access, expert insights, and a touch of festive magic.

Ready to start planning your holiday escape?Tap here to get started

Mandarina, Your Way: Two Luxury Resorts in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Tucked between the jungle and the Pacific, the Mandarina development in Riviera Nayarit is home to two of Mexico’s most luxurious coastal resorts: Rosewood Mandarina and One&Only Mandarina. Though they share a lush, beachfront jungle setting just north of Punta Mita, each offers a distinct style of luxury, one soulful and nature-immersive, the other sleek and secluded with celebrity appeal.

This side-by-side comparison is your insider guide to choosing the best Mandarina luxury resort for your next Mexico getaway.

First things first. How to get there
Both resorts are easily accessible.

  • Nearest Airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco  the closest international hub for both resorts.

  • Drive Time: 45–60 minutes via a newly upgraded coastal highway with ocean views and lush jungle backdrops

VIP Transfers: Both resorts offer private luxury SUV service; One&Only Mandarina adds the option for helicopter arrivals—just 15 minutes from airport to treetop

Rosewood Mandarina

Set on 565 acres, Rosewood Mandarina is built around three ecosystems: beachfront, jungle flatlands, and cliffside, each forming its own intimate enclave of suites and villas. The accommodations blend Mexican craftsmanship and modern comfort, with native materials, private plunge pools, and open-air designs that bring the outdoors in.

On her recent stay, Kate experienced a beachfront suite with its own plunge pool falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves and waking to views of the ocean right outside her door.

With 134 suites and villas, highlights include the Canalan Beachfront Villa and Cora Mountaintop Villa, both designed for families or small groups looking for maximum space and privacy.

Getting around is part of the fun walk, bike, or take a golf cart through the resort’s winding jungle paths.

Dining at Rosewood Mandarina

  • La Cocina: All-day Mexican–Spanish dining in an open-air gallery setting

  • Buena Onda: Casual beachfront spot for grilled seafood, jamón ibérico, and wood-fired flatbreads

  • Coming Fall 2025: Toppu, a Nikkei fusion restaurant, and Barra Peñasco, a cliffside cocktail lounge perfect for sunset

Wellness & Adventure

The Asaya Spa, nestled beneath a 500-year-old fig tree, offers treatments infused with eucalyptus, lemongrass, and local herbs. Hydrotherapy circuits, yoga with ocean views, and hikes to the ancient Abuela tree are all part of the restorative experience.

Families are well cared for through the Kids for All Seasons program, offering nature-based play, Mexican cooking classes, and art activities.

Outdoor activities include:

  • Ziplining through the jungle (Kate’s kids had a great time doing this!)

  • Horseback riding from the equestrian center

  • Surfing, hiking, paddleboarding

  • Pickleball, tennis, and archery

  • Access to the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club

Signature touches

  • Cliffside suites with lap pools and panoramic jungle or ocean views

  • Personalized wellness programs at Asaya Spa

  • Sustainability focus: no single-use plastics, support for biodiversity

  • Private airport transfers and Fine Hotels & Resorts program benefits

One and Only Mandarina

If Rosewood is soulfully grounded, One&Only Mandarina is visually striking. Designed by Rick Joy, this architectural gem is set into the jungle cliffs with 105 standalone villas and treetop suites, each offering private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and stunning rainforest or ocean views.

For the ultimate splurge, Signature Villas span up to 24,000 sq. ft. and include infinity pools, media rooms, private chefs, and butler service. Even entry-level villas offer blackout shades, smart lighting, and total privacy.

World-Class Dining at One&Only Mandarina

  • Carao by Enrique Olvera (of Pujol): Seafood-forward tasting menu with cliffside views

  • Alma by Olivier Deboise: Farm-to-table Mediterranean-Pan-American cuisine

  • Allora: Elevated Italian classics

  • Jetty Beach Club: Laid-back oysters, catch of the day, and cocktails by the sea

Spa & Activities

The One&Only Spa partners with Tata Harper to offer jungle-integrated treatments, temazcal rituals, cold plunges, and steam baths. Add a private yoga session or guided hike to the Abuela tree for a deeper connection to place.

Families will love the 42,000 sq. ft. KidsOnly jungle playground—complete with butterfly gardens, obstacle courses, and nature-led programming far beyond the average “kids club.”

Additional recreation includes:

  • Mountain biking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking

  • Polo matches, horseback riding

  • Tennis, beach volleyball, and a 10-hole jungle golf course

Signature touches

  • Fully detached villas and treehouses with unrivaled seclusion

  • Dedicated 24/7 butler service via WhatsApp

  • Indoor gardens, soaking tubs, and chef-curated menus in select villas

  • Harmonious integration of design and nature

Which Mandarina Resort Matches Your Travel Style?

There’s no wrong choice here, just two unforgettable interpretations of luxury in one of Mexico’s most exclusive destinations. Whether you’re drawn to the soulful, nature-rich elegance of Rosewood or the secluded, design-forward escape of One&Only, Mandarina offers something special: deep personalization wrapped in world-class hospitality.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a multi-gen getaway, a festive escape or simply craving the best of luxury travel in Riviera Nayarit, KJ Travel will match you to the stay that fits your mood and style perfectly.

Let us help plan your next escape to Mandarina, Mexico. Click here to fill out our trip planning form



Exploring The Dunlin and Charleston’s Best Hotels

Our travel advisor Marika just got back from a visit to The Dunlin, a stunning new resort tucked away along the picturesque Kiawah River, just outside Charleston, South Carolina. She got to experience the Lowcountry charm, explore exciting outdoor activities, and bring back the best insider tips. Along the way, she also spent some time in downtown Charleston at two of the city’s top luxury hotels: The Bennett and The Dewberry.

The Dunlin


The Dunlin, part of Auberge Resorts, is all about blending that easy Lowcountry charm with just the right amount of luxury. Nestled along the Kiawah River, it’s a place where you can truly unplug—kicking back by the pool with a drink or exploring marshlands on a boating trip. The resort offers a mix of beautifully designed rooms and private cottages and is a great option for romantic getaways, family vacations, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape.

One of Marika’s favorite parts of the trip was the farm experience at the resort’s Goatery. Imagine meeting playful goats, gathering your own eggs from the chicken coop and posing for photos with the pigs - who knew farming could be so fun? For food lovers, the dining options at The Dunlin don’t disappoint. They offer casual bites by the pool at The Cove and Southern-inspired dishes at Linnette’s.

When you’re not eating or lounging, there’s plenty to explore. A saltmarsh boating adventure gives you a glimpse of the area’s natural beauty, while a few hours by the pool in a private cabana is just what you need to recharge. The best part? Everything here feels easygoing yet luxurious—no stuffy vibes, just pure relaxation.

Charleston


After her time at The Dunlin, Marika headed to downtown Charleston for a change of pace, checking out two of the city’s best hotels: The Bennett and The Dewberry. Both hotels offer a unique experience, so no matter your vibe, there’s something for everyone.

The Bennett

For those who appreciate classic elegance and modern comfort, The Bennett Hotel is a perfect choice. Located on King Street, right in the heart of Charleston’s best shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, The Bennett makes it easy to explore the city. With 179 rooms and suites, the hotel feels luxurious without being over the top—think cozy bedding, sophisticated touches, and large windows offering stunning views of the city streets.

No stay at The Bennett is complete without a visit to its rooftop bar, Camellias, where you can sip champagne while taking in panoramic views of the Charleston skyline. Dining at Gabrielle, The Bennett’s signature restaurant, is another highlight. Serving Southern cuisine with a creative twist, the restaurant showcases local ingredients and seasonal dishes, making it a culinary experience not to be missed. 

Staying at The Bennett puts you just steps away from Charleston’s top boutiques and art galleries. You’re also a short walk from the historic waterfront, making it easy to explore Charleston’s historic district and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

The Dewberry

For those looking for something a little more boutique-y, The Dewberry is a dream. This hotel sits in a renovated federal building, giving it a cool mix of mid-century style with a nod to Charleston’s historic roots. With only 155 rooms and suites, it feels intimate and special—like you’re staying somewhere with a story to tell.

The Dewberry’s Living Room is a cozy, beautifully designed lounge where you can unwind with a craft cocktail after a day of sightseeing. The space has become a favorite spot for both guests and locals, offering a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere for socializing or simply unwinding with a good drink. Don’t miss watching the sunset at their rooftop bar, Citrus Club, for some of the best views of the water and the city.

And with its location near Marion Square in the heart of downtown Charleston, The Dewberry offers easy access to farmers markets, museums, and galleries, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience Charleston’s creative side.

Both The Bennett and The Dewberry offer their own unique take on Charleston’s hospitality. The Bennett is grand and elegant, while The Dewberry is artistic and intimate. You really can’t go wrong with either one!

Marika’s time at The Dunlin and Charleston gave her the best of both worlds: relaxing by the river and soaking up the charm of the Lowcountry, followed by a couple of nights in a lively, historic city. It’s the perfect combo if you want a little bit of everything—nature, culture, luxury, and relaxation.

If this sounds like your kind of trip, we’re here to help you plan every step of the way. From kayaking through the marshes to sipping champagne on a rooftop bar, we’ll make sure every detail is just right!