My Favorite 2016 Travels May Be Your Favorite 2017 Travels

This year we've traveled to many hotels and resorts along with taking a wonderful cruise. I love being able to experience both types of vacations. From amazing fine dining to luxurious accommodations and exciting ocean adventures, here are my favorite 10 top picks from our 2016 travels. Click the links or pictures to explore and they may just become your new favorite 2017 travel destinations! 

Cruising

Experience Luminae on Celebrity Reflection

After cruising on many Celebrity Cruises ships, we went back on Celebrity Reflection for a second time this year and experienced the "suite" life. Luminae, the restaurant for suite guests, is absolutely wonderful and exceeds many five-star restaurants even on land. If you have the opportunity to cruise in a suite with Celebrity Cruises, it's definitely a treat to dine in Luminae.

Hotels

Royal Sonesta, Harbor Court, Baltimore, Maryland

The view...what a view! Not only is this a stunning and elegant hotel but it's only a quick walk to many of Baltimore Inner Harbor's attractions. 

Kimpton's Hotel Monaco, Baltimore, Maryland

Gorgeous and luxurious, the Hotel Monaco is extremely comfortable for families (and their pets!) visiting Baltimore. With a gracious staff and fantastic location right in the downtown area, you'll also find numerous amenities to enjoy. The xbox in their room with bunkbeds was my boys favorite. 

Sir Francis Drake, A Kimpton Hotel, San Francisco, California

The Sir Francis Drake is in a fantastic location right in the heart of Union Square in San Francisco. The staff will make your feel like you've come home the minute you arrive. Plus, they have wonderful and delicious  Scala's Bistro which quickly became one of my favorite restaurants!  

Lago Mar Resort and Club, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A family owned hidden gem, this is a top pick for service, dining and activities for families when visiting Fort Lauderdale. You can't beat the beachfront location and casual elegant ambiance. 

Restaurants

B&O Brasserie, Hotel Monaco, Baltimore, Maryland

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it's a wonderful restaurant for the guests of Kimpton's Hotel Monaco, as well as for locals looking for a great place to have a delicous meal or drink. 

Arcadia, San Jose, California

A highlight of Michael Mina's culinary genius, Arcadia is a one of a kind restaurant located right in the San Jose Marriott. The food is not only delicious but plated like artwork. 

LB Speakeasy, Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland

This made my list not only for the unique cocktails and delicious pre-dinner delights, but the history of how it was recently rediscovered is fascinating. It's a perfect spot for adults to relax by a cozy fireplace and feel like you are part of a bygone era. 

LB Bakery, Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland

Absolutely amazing and delicious bakery! With an award winning pastry chef, the variety of culinary choices are unbelieveable. 

Activities

Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco, CA

Fantastic aquarium located right on ​Pier 39 in the heart of beautiful San Francisco. Walk through glass tunnels and experience sharks, fish, and other numerous ocean life swimming all around you. 

I hope to be able to revisit many of these destinations again in 2017 as well as explore many more. Let me know if you plan to visit any and I'm happy to give you specific tips and suggestions to make it the best year for your luxury family travel on land and sea ever!