Roam+Board :: The Saguaro

[trip style = sun + extended weekend getaway] {more pics below}

{Editor’s Note :: This month we’re featuring one of our favorite trip style = sun destinations: Phoenix/Scottsdale. So far, we’ve been singing its praises with odes to girls' getaways, a stay at the Arizona Biltmore and a Spring Training baseball game. More to come.}

What Picture a contemporary art gallery where stark white walls and pops of color commingle like a rainbow with Pantone precision. Now, insert piles of palms, water features, quiet and be-seen pools, a spa, and a vibe that's more approachable than "accessory dog" and you've got The Saguaro, the newest notch on Scottsdale's hotel belt.

When hotels create an environment that makes you never want to leave, they've done a good job. Such is the case at this hip hotel. The lobby is where the magic happens. With one panning glance over lime green banquettes and purple equipale seats, note: - Garces Trading Company // a woodsy coffee outpost with design features like an apothecary chest housing the sugars and stir sticks; - Old Town Whiskey // a lounge with a den-like demeanor carrying 100 varieties of whiskey, bourbon, rye and scotch; - Distrito // helmed by Jose Garces {the Food Network’s 2010 The Next Iron Chef winner} where a fiesta of colors surround street-style Mexican food served on sparkly tables.

And if you're coming for a trip style = sun + extended weekend, consider skipping the car rental. The hotel is located in one of Scottsdale's most walkable areas near a park, contemporary art gallery, major shopping mall and the Old Town.

I just stayed at this hotel last week and it passes the Trip Styler test with flying colors!

Where Scottsdale, AZ, about 25 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport {PHX}.

When High season is between November and April due to mostly sunny, 20 - 30-degree Celsius weather. Summer is desert-hot with cool rates.

Who/Why With an eye for design, you seek out where the cool cats hang in every city; plus, color blocking is HOT this season, so obviously you'll stay here. Bring your bathing suit, a lengthy lap pool awaits.

Cost From $289 in peak winter season and $109 in the summer. There is no resort fee. Internet is free in the lobby, and avoid the $9.95 in-room wifi charge if you join the hotel's Joy of Life loyalty program. Parking is $14/day. Bark meow, pets free.

*Traveling to PS versus PHX? A Saguaro just opened in Palm Springs too!

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More Roam+Board Arizona Biltmore - Phoenix Llipimpac Guesthouse – Cusco, Peru Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle – Florida Keys Nira Alpina – Switzerland Rockhouse – Jamaica Hotel Bellevue – Near Seattle Rolling Huts – Methow Valley {WA} From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos taken by @tripstyler (+ a few from the saguaro) while a guest of The Saguaro]

Roam+Board :: Arizona Biltmore

[trip style = luxury + sun]

{Editor’s Note :: This month we're featuring one of our favourite trip style = sun destinations: Phoenix/Scottsdale. I'm here right now, and today I have the pleasure of flaunting this desert jewel. Look out for more of AZ in IMG_FRI and destination Spotlights.}

What It's easy to get lost in the winding corridors of a large hotel, but getting lost on the Arizona Biltmore's 39-acre, eight-pool property is bliss. Ultra-landscaped gardens---think Paris' Jardin des Tuileries---greet you between sets of Frank Lloyd Wright-infused low-rise buildings.

Just as chic and approachably glam as it was when Hollywood's Golden Era celebs frolicked in this 1929-built desert oasis, the Biltmore is a big hotel with a boutique feel and a Pleasantville-like perfection in its friendly demeanour and manicured grounds.

If I could have stayed longer, I would have watched the sunrise in an Adirondack chair with a morning coffee and book, picked up a just-fallen orange from one of the property's many citrus trees, played a round of lawn party-sized checkers or croquet, or sipped a tequila sunrise {invented at the Biltmore} next to one of the fire pits.

The Arizona Biltmore is Trip Styler approved!

Where Phoenix, AZ, about 15 minutes from the airport.

When High season is between November and April due to sunny, 20-30 degree Celcius weather. From June to September expect the type of heat that makes you want to carry a portable mister. Visit in October and May for hot 'n breezy temperatures and killer low-season deals.

Who/Why You like space, friendly staff whizzing by on delivery tricycles and dry desert heat, and your appreciation for Art Deco goes further West than the design style's Parisian roots. Foodie alert: eat at Wright's, the resort's signature restaurants which delivers on service, style and sustenance.

Cost From $269. A $28 nightly resort charge affords complimentary wifi, use of fitness centre and self parking.

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More Roam+Board Llipimpac Guesthouse - Cusco, Peru Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle – Florida Keys Nira Alpina – Switzerland Rockhouse – Jamaica Hotel Bellevue – Near Seattle Rolling Huts – Methow Valley {WA} From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos taken by @tripstyler while a guest of the Arizona Biltmore]

Roam+Board :: Llipimpac Guesthouse

[trip style = budget conscious]

{Editor’s Note: A few years ago my husband and I met some friends in Cusco, Peru before trekking to Machu Picchu. We stayed here.}

What
Anchored by a small, grassy courtyard filled to the brim with morning sun, this stone-built property personifies charming with its pocket-sized quadrants for barbecuing, eating breakfast, acclimatizing to the altitude and sleeping.

Depending on where you read about it, Llipimpac is either called a guesthouse or a hostel, the former being more accurate given it has private rooms with attached bath{s}, daily housekeeping and service so discreet it's done with a whisper.

Where
Cusco, Peru, perched at a lofty 11,000ft above sea level.

When
With the crowds descending from June - August, an attempt to visit in mid-April, May, September or early October will leave you with greater flexibility and choice. Avoid winter, aka, the rainy season.

Who/Why
You want to stay at a private, local enclave that jives with local architecture—away from any garden variety hotel.

Cost
From $50usd/night for a single, $65 for a double room with private bathroom. Includes a breakfast of eggs and plump buns with jam and butter, WiFi, coca tea, parking and an airport shuttle. Note: rooms can get a little cold at night, so ask the front desk to rent a heater.

More Roam+Board
Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle – Florida Keys
Nira Alpina – Switzerland
Rockhouse – Jamaica
Hotel Bellevue – Near Seattle
Rolling Huts – Methow Valley {WA}
From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos via llipimpac]

Roam+Board :: Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle

[trip style = beach + sun]

{Editor’s Note: We haven't been to this newly revamped hotel, but this Florida Keys property is on our list.}

What Transplant a whimsical Nantucket cottage onto a prime, shore-front plot along a hundred mile chain of small islands, and the result is the Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle. With a beachy colour scheme---headboards and benches wrapped in rope, whitewashed wood plank feature walls, driftwood-base lamps---this property re-imagines the family vacation destination without skimping on design.

Fifteen acres of private beach, two pools, fishing, diving, snorkeling, water sports and the world famous onsite "Rumrunner" tiki bar make this trip style = beach + sun spring break spot a win-win with every member of the fam.

Where Islamorada, Florida Keys, about a 1.5 hour drive from the Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Key West airports.

When December to May is high season with agreeable temperatures and droves of winter escapists. June through October are the transitional months with a rainier forecast, which also happens to coincide with hurricane season. November and May are the travel sweet spot: warm temperatures and fewer crowds.

Who/Why You want a Caribbean experience---balmy weather, laid back locals, world-class above- and below-surface water activities----without traveling too far or leaving the US.

Cost From $230/night in high season. If you're traveling as a family, ask for a room with mini fridge and microwave. A $15 per room/night resort fee covers self-parking, wifi, etc...

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More Roam+Board Nira Alpina – Switzerland Rockhouse – Jamaica Hotel Bellevue – Near Seattle Rolling Huts – Methow Valley {WA} Golden Rock Inn – Nevis The Ace NYC – New York The Viceroy – Palm Springs Sorobon Beach Resort – Bonaire From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos via PCI beach resort & marina]

Roam+Board :: Nira Alpina

[trip style = ski + spa + luxe]

{Editor’s Note: I've seen this chic ski resort making the rounds over the past few months and can't get its location and design out of my head. I haven't been here, but am hoping to stay {and ski} in the Swiss Alps in the nearsighted future.}

What Following the cascading lines of the hill, every room in this recently minted ski-in, ski-out mountain resort features floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a private patio.

With panoramic views of the Engadin Mountains and Lake Silvaplana, the 70-room Nira Alpina hotel and spa layers Swiss spruce, Italian stone, traditional touches and contemporary lines in its modern chalet design.

Access the ski hill via a private walkway to the Corvatsch cable car station and get lifted 3300 meters to the mountain's highest point before shredding 350km of ski terrain below.

Soothe tired muscles in the sauna and steam room, and wind down at hotel's swish piano bar beside a crackling fire. Romantic après anyone?

Where Perched at the highest point in the small village of Surlej, five kilometres from St. Moritz, Switzerland. Fly into Zurich and ride the train for four hours past high-reaching glaciers and soaring bridges. PS - Bluebird days are a dime a dozen with the region's average 322 days of sun per year.

When Like any mountain resort town, there is a distinct sport-induced seasonality: winter skiing {Dec - Apr} and summer hiking/biking {Jun - Oct}. The rest of the year is rest and reno time for locals.

Who/Why You're a skier/snowboarder with a leaning toward luxury seeking your next mountaintop experience.

Cost From $330/night in winter, and $250/night in summer. Includes wifi and breakfast.

—————————————————– New here or faithful TS reader? Get daily trip style tips delivered right to your inbox or RSS reader, and find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! ——————————————————

More Roam+Board Rockhouse – Jamaica Hotel Bellevue – Near Seattle Rolling Huts – Methow Valley {WA} Golden Rock Inn – Nevis The Ace NYC – New York The Viceroy – Palm Springs Sorobon Beach Resort – Bonaire From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos via nira alpina]