Búho

11/24/2025

Back From Africa — Our First Safari & What We Learned

Sitting at the airport heading back to the U.S. and figured this was the perfect time to share a recap of one of the most incredible trips we’ve ever taken. This was our first time in Africa, and I honestly didn’t know where to begin with planning… but it turned out to be one of the smoothest and most memorable travel experiences we’ve had.

If you’re dreaming up a big adventure or milestone celebration, this fits right in with this post I loved:
👉 https://blog.ventanatravel.com/dream-destinations-for-a-milestone-birthday/

And if you know us from Ventana Travel, you know we’re always chasing meaningful travel — Africa delivered that in every way.

Our Itinerary (Nov 5–18)

🇰🇪 Kenya
• Giraffe Manor – 2 nights
• andBeyond Bateleur Camp – 3 nights

🇹🇿 Tanzania
• Serengeti Under Canvas – 2 nights
• Grumeti River Lodge – 3 nights

Everything was booked through andBeyond, who handled every transfer, bush flight, and detail. I cannot recommend them enough. Their team checked on us via WhatsApp throughout the trip, coordinated every airport hand-off, and genuinely made us feel taken care of at every turn.

A Few Quick Highlights

✨ Only 1 hour of rain the whole trip (November “short rains” aren’t bad at all!)
✨ Camps were half-full = peaceful drives + great pricing
✨ Saw the Big Five within 24 hours
✨ Each lodge had its own vibe — classic, wild, or ultra-modern
✨ Local guides were OUTSTANDING
✨ Hot bucket showers, outdoor tubs, and even private plunge pools
✨ Zero luggage stress despite the 15kg bush-flight rule

Kenya: Bateleur Camp

The perfect first safari stop. Huge rooms with outdoor showers, beautiful views over the Mara, incredible food, and some of the best guiding we’ve ever experienced anywhere in the world. Even during a leopard sighting, the area never felt crowded.

Tanzania: Serengeti Under Canvas

This one moved us the most. A mobile camp that shifts locations to follow the migration—true luxury in the wild. Real beds, electricity, bucket showers timed to perfection, breakfast in the bush, and more stars at night than I ever thought possible.

Tanzania: Grumeti River Lodge

A modern, architectural dream overlooking a river full of hippos. Private plunge pools, fresh breads and pasta, an outdoor pizza oven, a massage therapist on staff, and incredibly quiet game viewing where we rarely saw another vehicle.

Overall Thoughts

It’s rare that a big, multi-stop trip feels effortless, but this one did. andBeyond was phenomenal. The wildlife, the people, the lodges, the design, the service — everything was worth the hype and then some.

If you’ve ever considered a safari, do it.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a milestone trip, do it.
10/10 — we’d go back in a heartbeat.

And if you ever want help dreaming up your next adventure (Africa or Baja!), you can always find inspiration at Ventana Travel:
👉 https://ventanatravel.com

Happy to answer any questions or share more details/photos!

11/18/2025

Before anyone yells at me—no, this isn’t “luxury.” This is way past that. I just toured what might be the most expensive villa available at any luxury hotel anywhere in the world… and honestly, I’m still processing it.

We’re talking $100,000 per night during Festive (Christmas/New Year’s). And no surprise—it’s not booked yet. There’s ultra-luxury… and then there’s “even the ultra-luxury crowd blinks” luxury.

The place is called Villa Guayacan, a brand-new 10-bedroom mega-villa at Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui. It’s privately owned, and the owner basically said: “If you want it for Festive, pay full price.”
The rest of the year? More like $40,000/night—still wild, but at least in the realm of “this exists.”

For comparison: the most expensive residence at Four Seasons Papagayo down the hill is around $45,000/night for Festive… and that used to be the top of the top.

I toured Villa Guayacan during a Four Seasons Preferred Partner event, and the scale is unreal—an iPhone can’t capture it. You’d need a drone just to show the full backside opening to the ocean.

What’s funny is that walking through something so over-the-top actually reminded me why people are craving remote, natural, authentic experiences again. Places where the luxury is space, nature, quiet, and feeling human again.

It’s the same reason guests come on our Baja adventures at VentanaTravel.com—whales, empty bays, quiet islands, real connection to place.

And honestly? After touring that villa, I needed the reset I talked about in my recent piece—like the clean recharge after a workout and an Açaí Berry Electrolyte Refresher. If you want that vibe, here’s the link:
https://blog.ventanatravel.com/recharging-after-pilates-go-to-acai-berry-electrolyte-refresher/

Would I ever pay $100k/night? No.
Would I stand there with my jaw on the floor? Absolutely.

Wild to see how far “luxury” can go… but even wilder how good it feels to come back to real, simple, nature-forward travel in Baja.

11/14/2025

🌺 FS Sensei + FS Lanai: The Perfect Hawaii Combo 🌺

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful, restorative Hawaii trip, pairing 2 nights at FS Sensei with 5 nights at FS Lanai is honestly one of the best ways to experience Lanai. These two Four Seasons properties offer totally different vibes—but together, they create the perfect balance.

✨ FS Sensei is adults-only, wellness-focused, incredibly quiet, and surrounded by misty mountain scenery.
☀️ FS Lanai is sunny, oceanfront, luxurious, and full of that classic Hawaii magic.

Both properties are just 30 minutes apart, but they feel like completely different worlds.

We talk a lot about curated, meaningful travel at Ventana Travel, and this is exactly the kind of itinerary we love. Check out more at:
👉 https://ventanatravel.com

And if you’re curious about choosing the best airlines for trips like this, here’s a helpful breakdown of current rankings:
👉 https://blog.ventanatravel.com/my-current-airline-rankings-as-of-2024/

💆‍♂️ FS Sensei Highlights:
• Japanese-inspired private spa hales
• Daily wellness programming
• Beautiful grounds + peaceful rooms
• One of the most calming places you’ll ever stay

🌴 FS Lanai Highlights:
• Oceanfront rooms overlooking Hulopoʻe Bay
• Warm design, natural textures, open-air vibes
• Dolphins, sunrises, beaches, and incredible service

Lanai only has three hotels total, which keeps the island quiet and special. If you want relaxation, nature, and luxury without crowds, this is the spot.

If you’re planning Hawaii for 2025 or just collecting ideas, this combo is so worth considering. 🌞🌿

11/06/2025

Planning something special for my wife’s birthday this year, and since we’re expecting our third, we’re keeping it close to home in California or Arizona. Price isn’t really the concern — I’m looking for somewhere memorable… the kind of place that feels thoughtful, quiet, and special.

Pelican Hill came to mind first, but I know there are smaller hidden-gem resorts that don’t always show up in the “Top 10” lists. And if I’ve learned anything from traveling, it’s that a hotel brand is only as great as its weakest property. This article touches on that really well:
https://blog.ventanatravel.com/hotel-brands-are-only-as-good-as-their-weakest-property/

A few places that keep getting recommended:

• Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
• Ventana Big Sur (Alila)
• San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara
• Montage Healdsburg
• Ojai Valley Inn
• Enchantment, Sedona
• Rosewood Miramar, Montecito

All of them have that “slow down and just be together” vibe.

If you’re looking for something more nature-immersive — whales, islands, desert horizons — take a look here too:
https://ventanatravel.com

Curious — if you’ve stayed somewhere that stayed with you, where was it?
Would love to hear your personal favorites. 💛

10/29/2025

10/21/2025

Where would you celebrate your next milestone trip? 🎉

When travelers recently shared how they spent their big birthdays, the answers were incredible — from driving a Ferrari along the Grand Corniche near Monaco to chartering a private yacht in France.

One traveler said their 40th in Cap d’Ail “didn’t break the bank and was truly unforgettable.” Others swore by Iceland’s waterfalls, Thailand’s beaches, Costa Rica’s jungles, and Morocco’s desert camps under the stars.

But the stories all had something in common — people choosing experiences over things, connection over routine, and taking the time to celebrate life somewhere unforgettable.

For one of our favorite milestone stories, read The Birthday Boat Trip I’d Relive Forever—and How You Can Too

And if you’re dreaming of your own celebration — think luxury catamaran, turquoise water, fresh Baja seafood, and friends under the stars — we make it happen at Ventana Travel

Because milestones deserve more than a cake… they deserve an adventure...

10/19/2025

✈️ One-Bag Travel: The Freedom to Roam Light

Ever waited forever at baggage claim, watching everyone else roll away while you’re stuck guarding two suitcases?
We’ve all been there — and that’s why more travelers are going one-bag.

One-bag travel means everything fits into a single backpack or carry-on. No checked luggage. No roller to drag. Just freedom.
You move faster, stress less, and realize how little you really need to enjoy a great trip.

🧳 Some all-star packs that travelers swear by:
• Osprey Fairview 40 L — perfect overhead size
• ULA Dragonfly 30 L — light and minimalist
• TNF Basecamp Voyager 32 L — rugged and organized

Packing cubes, quick-dry gear, and a little planning are all you need.

At Ventana Travel, we believe traveling light isn’t just about bags — it’s a mindset. Whether it’s an island-hopping catamaran charter or a quick Baja escape, every pound you leave behind gives you more room for adventure. 🌴

💡 See more tips here → https://blog.ventanatravel.com/tag/picking-right-travel-one-bag/

and start planning your next Baja getaway at https://ventanatravel.com

10/16/2025

💧✈️ Travel Smart: Bring Your Own Bottle & Stay Hydrated Anywhere!

Did you know you can bring an empty water bottle through airport security? Fill it up after the checkpoint and skip the expensive plastic bottles! 🙌

But once you land — especially if you’re headed off-grid or exploring places like Baja, Central America, or the islands — safe water isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why our team at Ventana Travel
never leaves without:

🌊 A filter or purifier (like GRAYL, Sawyer, or LifeStraw)
💧 Electrolytes like Liquid I.V.
for long, hot travel days
🌴 A reusable bottle to refill anywhere and reduce plastic waste

Whether you’re diving the Sea of Cortez, hiking remote trails, or catching flights across the world — hydration is adventure fuel. Stay safe, stay refreshed, and keep exploring. 🌎💦

10/10/2025

🌅 Ever dreamed of a week on your own private catamaran?
Picture sunrise eFoil sessions, snorkeling with playful sea lions, and anchoring in quiet turquoise coves with dinner under the stars. ✨

Our latest Baja Charter Guide breaks down everything you need to know — when to go, what you’ll see, and how to pack for smooth sailing across the Sea of Cortez.

🐋 Best wildlife windows:

Whale sharks (Oct–Apr)

Mobula rays (Apr–Jul & Oct–Nov)

Sea lions & turtles (year-round)

Bioluminescence (summer nights!)

🌤 Season highlights:

Nov–Apr: Cool & clear, whale season

May–Jun: Warm, mellow seas

Jul–Oct: Calm water, peak snorkeling

⚓️ Top anchorages: Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla San Francisco, San Evaristo, Isla Cerralvo, and Balandra — each one uniquely stunning.

Your captain and crew adjust the route to match conditions and your group’s vibe — whether it’s more eFoiling, more diving, or more hammock time. 🐠🌴

Ready to plan your week on the water?
👉 Explore our Luxury One-Week Catamaran Charter — Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur:
https://www.ventanatravel.com/luxury-one-week-catamaran-charter-sea-of-cortez-baja-california-sur/

Learn more about our team and adventures at 🌊 ventanatravel.com

See you on the bow at sunrise ☀️

Send a message to learn more

10/06/2025

🌊 Summer Ocean Conditions in Baja California Sur (May–August) 🌅
Planning a dive or snorkel trip this summer? Here’s what to expect from the Sea of Cortez — and how to make the most of your week on (and under) the water.

👉 Quick Look by Month
May – 72–77°F | Calm mornings, light seabreeze | Start of the warm-up and plankton blooms mean life everywhere.
June – 75–82°F | Mellow seas, good viz | Stable warming — perfect for mixed snorkel/dive groups.
July – 80–86°F | Great visibility | Warm, comfy water — prime time for island reefs and sea-lion dives.
August – 82–88°F | Peak warmth | Keep plans flexible — tropical systems can roll through.

💦 What to Pack

2–3 mm wetsuit (plus thin hooded vest if you chill easily)

Rashguard, wide-brim hat & reef-safe sunscreen

Dry bag, windbreaker & refillable water bottle

Polarized sunglasses

Seasickness tabs if you’re new to pangas or catamarans

🐠 Marine Life Highlights (May–Aug)

Sea lions at island rookeries (playful & great for all levels)

Mobula rays in late spring/early summer

Healthy reef fish, turtles, eels, pargo, cabrilla, schooling jacks

Bioluminescent nights when the seas calm down ✨

🌅 Pro Tip: Go early — glassy mornings are gold for visibility, photography, and those peaceful moments before the breeze picks up.

💙 Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, or just soaking it all in from the boat — Baja’s summer ocean brings everyone together. The warmth, the wildlife, and those mirror-flat mornings remind us what real adventure feels like.

📧 beth@ventanatravel.com
| 🌐 ventanatravel.com

09/26/2025

Level up your kite sessions this season 💪🌊
Five small habits = big progress:

Trim before you launch – set depower so the bar has a comfy sweet spot (steady pull, no stall).

Own upwind body-drag – park at 10:30/1:30, do short “Z” drags, and grab that board without drama.

Two-stage waterstart – small lift first, deeper power second. Cleaner stand, less downwind wobble.

Lock an upwind stance – eyes up, hips forward, firm heel-edge, kite ~35–45°.

Read the water + etiquette – quick spot check; starboard tack priority; upwind rider keeps kite high.

Ready to turn these into muscle memory? Plan your week with Ventana Travel 👉 https://ventanatravel.com

Midwest crew: keep skills sharp between ocean trips with our deep-dive guide to local wind spots 👉 https://blog.ventanatravel.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-windsports-in-milwaukee-wisconsin/