Meet Our Luggage: Delsey Paris

Our biggest traveling game changer.

Let’s be real. Traveling with old, bulky, and broken luggage is the WORST. 

When we first started traveling together, we were both using suitcases we’d had for years - and those suitcases were the cause of several arguments, bad attitudes, and really, REALLY dramatic travel days. One day we realized we couldn’t do it anymore. Our luggage was weighing us down (literally), and the idea of trying to use them “just one more time” was not going to fly.

We started investigating luggage and were immediately overwhelmed. Those of you that have shopped for luggage recently know that the possibilities are endless. There are countless brands, sizes, and shapes to choose from. Finding one that is actually durable, lightweight, and affordable is a lot harder than you would think.

It took some research, but we found them. We were drawn in by their style and price, and then blown away by their durability, weight, and functionality. We hope that if you're in the market for new luggage, that you will trust us and give Delsey a try!

Delsey is a French luggage and travel accessory brand that has an impressive assortment of colorful, stylish, and theft-proof luggage pieces. We currently have 3, and will give you a brief rundown of each.  

First, we both have the Helium Titanium 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner Trolley. Our favorite features are right there in the name. Helium. It is INCREDIBLY light. Titanium. It has a solid hard-shell exterior that will keep your delicate items safe and secure. Expandable. While this piece is a carry-on, it also has an expandable feature that provides you with more space if needed. Perfect for the souvenirs you need room for on the way home. Spinner. Neither of us knew that wheels could spin so smoothly on luggage. If you see us walking around the airport with these bags, it won't be uncommon for you to see Bobby shoving his bag and marveling at how fast and smooth it whizzes away from him. The smooth roll may not sound like a big deal, but we're confident you will let us know when you experience it and are as satisfied as we are.

Next up is the Helium Shadow 3.0 29" Spinner Suiter Trolley. This is Bobby's go to for bigger trips where we are checking bags. Like the carry-on, this bag is light, hard-shelled, and really smooth. The unique part of this luggage is the top lid opening, which is super useful when packing and unpacking. 

The other piece we have is the Honore+ 27" Spinner Trolley. This is a beautiful piece of luggage. Along with the same Delsey features as the others, the Honore+ also features a heavy duty aluminum frame with a single click opening system. It is amazing. This case is stylish and sophisticated, and is Alli's choice to bring along whenever possible. 

By now we’ve taken our Delsey suitcases to Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, South Africa, Uganda, and more, and we’re amazed at how well they’ve held up. Pushing our trusty luggage through the airport, down the street, even up several flights of stairs is a breeze. We can honestly say they’ve made our travel days a lot more enjoyable! ;)

So, friends, there you have it. Our biggest traveling game changer is definitely our Delsey luggage. We won’t leave home without them!

Tips for the Ultimate Weekend Getaway South of the Border

For those of you that are new to traveling, and anxious to explore, but not sure how. And for those of you that have been bit by the travel bug but are short on vacation time… We just discovered a location that we believe is the PERFECT combination of adventure & culture, and ease & comfort.

The Royal Suites Punta de Mita by Palladium Hotel Group is everything you’d want in an all-inclusive, PLUS the rich culture and authentic Mexico flavor you’d want to to explore. This is a rare all-inclusive that truly does highlight and appreciate local culture - and that is extremely hard to find!!

Here are some ways we maximized our stay at the Royal Suites!

1.   TRAVEL TIME :: When making the most out of a short weekend trip, it’s crucial that travel time is very minimal. Lucky for us, getting to the Royal Suites was a breeze! We flew out of our local airport in Orange County and made sure we had a 2-hour direct flight to Puerto Vallarta. Before we could say “Hola!” we were being greeted with margaritas and smiling faces at the airport, and from there it’s only a short taxi ride to the Royal Suites!

2.   MAKE A PLAN :: We know what you’re thinking. Plan when you’re on vacation?! What is that?? But hear us out! Since you only have a few days - plan out the “must-see’s” that you want to do during your stay. Whether that’s horseback riding on the beach or a massage treatment, get those set up before you go so you don’t have to worry about them when you get there. The last thing you want to do on your vacation is spend your time contemplating what to do, where to go, etc. Have everything set up so that you can relax by the pool with a margarita as much as possible. ;)

3.   DON’T DO IT ALL :: This might sound contradicting from our last tip, but listen. You’re on vacation. Escape from expectations. At a place like the Royal Suites, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the countless entertainment and activity options... 

4.   TURN OFF :: Turn off your phones. Turn off your e-mail. Turn off “work mode”. For most of you, this might be the hardest, but most needed tip you’ll get. And we stand by it. For this one weekend, forget about what you have on Monday and LIVE IN THE MOMENT! Take a walk on the beach, bring a deck of cards, drink champagne from your jacuzzi tub… You deserve it. And your sanity will thank you!

We stayed at the Royal Suites from a Thursday through a Sunday, which some might think is too short of a trip when traveling to another country. We beg to differ. We were able to see, do, and eat everything we wanted - and came home feeling completely revived and refreshed! International travel doesn’t mean you need to use up all your vacation days and clear out your schedule. You truly can have a relaxing and fulfilling getaway - all within a long weekend! 

Destination Wedding Goals :: The Royal Suites Punta de Mita by Palladium Hotel Group

On the hunt for the perfect destination wedding location? Look no more - we’ve found it. We recently stayed at the Royal Suites Punta de Mita by Palladium Hotel Group and their staff was gracious enough to let us experience some of their amazing wedding packages. Friends, this place is LEGIT. If you are planning a wedding (or anticipating planning a wedding) and you and your significant share a love of travel, we can’t think of a better place to get married than at the Royal Suites! Here’s why:

 1.   It’s Picture-Perfect

We could go on and on about how insanely beautiful this property is. How the saltwater pool glistens in the sunset, how every pool manages to have a to-die-for view of the ocean, how the colorful and vibrant the scenery is, and how every time we stepped outside we couldn't help but gasp at where we were... but we won't go on and on. We'll let the photos speak for themselves on this one! How could you NOT want to get married here?!

2.   It’s UNIQUE!

We've never been anywhere like the Royal Suites. It's timeless and luxurious without being stuffy or assuming. The fact that they have a zoo on the property alone is unreal - and can we talk about the activities?! From surfing, to pool aerobics to sushi making... you're sure to knock several items off of your bucket list!

As far as actual wedding planning goes, the staff will do their best to ensure that your wedding exceeds your every hope and dream. They have several options for ceremony locations and packages, each one is special and breathtaking. If you’re traditional, they have the most charming and romantic yellow church on their property. If you’re all about the panoramic views, we recommend getting married on the beach or at one of their stunning lookout spots. Out of all the packages, our personal favorite was the "Tropical Promise", which features gorgeous, colorful decor, tropical flower arrangements that are to die for, and the most amazing champagne cocktails with matching starfruit. They really do think of EVERY detail!! For the reception, we say definitely have it on the beach! You can book traditional dancers, dj’s, tequila tastings, need we say more?! This place is the DREAM!

3.   The BEST Staff You’ll Ever Have

Serious. We can’t stop talking about them. The staff at the Royal Suites made our trip, and we can only begin to imagine how incredibly accommodating and helpful they would be on your wedding day. And being “newlyweds”, we know how crucial it is to be surrounded by helpful, efficient people when you’re getting married. You won’t need to worry about a thing, and they’ll make sure your favorite drink is always in hand. Very important. ;)

4.   The FOOD!!!

Not going to lie, eating was probably our favorite activity while we were at the Royal Suites Punta de Mita. No matter what you order, you can’t go wrong. (We would know, we ordered pretty much everything! Ha!) You can wow your family with a special lobster feast, or treat your bridesmaids to the perfect “wedding day” brunch… or you can go the traditional Mexican route with table-side Guacamole and fajita bowls! Whatever you choose, it will be amazing and you will want more. Get ready.

5.   Your Guests Will ETERNALLY Thank You.

By having your wedding at the Royal Suites, you will have introduced your friends and family to one of the most incredible havens they’ve ever experienced. They’ll come home refreshed, tan, and full on food and priceless memories. 

A Home Away From Home - Royal Suites Punta de Mita

Have you ever traveled to one of those places that instantly felt like home? When you know right away that you’re somewhere special, somewhere you HAVE to go back to someday? That’s how the Royal Suites Punta de Mita by Palladium Hotel Group was for us. From the moment we stepped through the doors we knew this property would have a special place in our hearts. Little did we know JUST how amazing this boutique all-inclusive would be!

The staff was phenomenal. Everyone knew our names. Not only that, but they knew our favorite drinks, how we liked our eggs, and continuously went above and beyond to ensure our experience was top-notch. Special shout out to Claudio, who excels as their wedding coordinating mastermind. And Rusbel, who made us our favorite mezcal concoctions! And Cesar, who taught us how to master the art of making sushi! Okay, we could keep going, but we won’t. While we were extremely sad to leave such a stunning location, we were just as devastated to leave the staff that we came to love so much!

The room was so cozy. From the big, soft bed to the jacuzzi tub and private balcony, our room was a welcomed haven and retreat - even if just for a nap and some pre-dinner room service! ;) Because the Royal Suites are adult-only, we never had to worry about loud kids or disturbances coming from our building. It was quiet, peaceful, and serene. We slept SO well!!

Everything was convenient and easy. Whether it was lounging at the pool for the afternoon, taking a stroll along the beach before dinner, or exploring the Palladium’s zoo (that’s right. They have their own ZOO!!), everything was accessible and only a short walk away. Even if we wanted to take a taxi into town, our trusty butler would call a taxi for us and we could be there in no time! Life at the Royal Suites is effortless and peaceful… just as it should be!

Our last night at the resort was spent at their Mexican restaurant, drinking mezcal, eating chips and guacamole, and sharing memories from the weekend with our new friends. We found ourselves getting emotional - we weren’t ready to leave! There was so much more to do, see, and experience! We can’t wait to head back to the Royal Suites and be reunited with our “family” again!

The Tintswalo Atlantic Experience... Heaven on Earth

Have you ever heard of Tintswalo Atlantic? How about Hout Bay? Okay, let’s backup… Cape Town, South Africa? Well, nonetheless, it's a gem. This summer we had the privilege of getting to visit Cape Town and stay in a few different locations in and around the city. Let’s preface by mentioning that every place we stayed in South Africa was amazing. This country truly has a refined understanding of hospitality. They understand the importance of little details: welcome drinks, turn down service, and extensive continental breakfasts, to name a few. Every hotel was warm and inviting, and had us wishing we could spend "just one more night". However, one small boutique hotel hidden down a windy road took our experience to the next level. Allow us to quickly digress…

 

Through our time traveling together, we have created a list of our top tier hotels. The places that, based on our particular taste, do everything flawlessly. This includes design, décor, staff, price, food, location, and overall vibe. These are the places that, although there are so many spots we still want to go, we would drop everything to go back there now. We mean right now. Take us. Please. That list of properties was two… The American Trade Hotel in Panama City, Panama, and La Bandita Townhouse in Pienza, Italy. We’re excited to say that Tintswalo Atlantic is now on that list for us. From the very moment you arrive, you know you have found something special. We’re going to give you a list of reasons why Tintswalo Atlantic is reason enough for you to head to South Africa on your next getaway!

 

1. It's SECLUDED (yet not removed!)

While Tintswalo Atlantic is less than 20 miles from Central Cape Town, it feels as if you are in a remote, exotic location. Tintswalo is located on Chapman’s Peak Drive on the outskirts of Table Mountain National Park. If you weren’t looking for it, you definitely wouldn’t find it. There is a private driveway just off the road where you park your car. A van drives up a windy dirt road and traverses you back down to the property. Tintswalo Atlantic is the only property on this part of Hout Bay, and from where it sits you have the most perfect view of the bay and the Sentinel Mountain Peak. This small boutique hotel only has 12 suites, each complete with unparalleled views and private decks.. Perfect excuse to hideaway in your room all day and not feel guilty about it. Or, head to their own private beach - featuring the most picturesque (and nap-worthy) hammock!

2. The breathtaking DECOR!

The hotel is decorated perfectly. Each of the suites have their own unique style and theme, and are named after some of the most magical islands on earth. We stayed in the Lamu suite, named after a beautiful island off the coast of Kenya. 

3.DINING FIT FOR ROYALTY

A 3 course breakfast and 5 course dinner… included in the price of your stay! The chef creates delightful dishes, with portions so generous that you may never need lunch. During our time there, we had Dorado, Springbok, Crayfish, King Klip, Calamari, Prawn, Mussels, and Chicken, and that’s just the meat and seafood. Breakfast included yummy coffee, parfaits with fruit, platers full of meat, salmon, cheese, and danishes, and a main course with scrumptious creations like a meatball, onion, and pepper frittata. We’re going to go out on a limb and say that you may gain a few pounds during your time here, but it’s SO worth it. And the wine...oh, the wine. Their wine list is heavenly. Splurge!

4. THE SCENERY

The view, the view, the view! The pictures don't do it justice, but they definitely help. We live in Southern California, where we have the luxury of staring at the ocean often. South Africa offers a different type of beauty that we could not get enough of. Tintswalo Atlantic sits within Hout Bay, and from every room on the property you are looking out at the dramatic Sentinel Mountain Peak. Let's just say, we were obsessed. 

We were at Tintswalo in the middle of winter, meaning cloudy days and some stormy weather. That did not stop us from spending the majority of our time looking at Hout Bay and the Sentinel. 

5. THE LITTLE THINGS (That make a big difference)

There are numerous little touches that separate Tintswalo Atlantic from the rest... 

-Hot Chocolate upon arrival (more on that later)

-Amazing antique fireplace with fire starter set up in your room

-Notes written in seashells in your room each day

-Port and/or tea in your room after dinner

-Cozy, cozy robes

6. THE STORY

We will try to recreate some of the story of the founders of Tintswalo Atlantic. It goes something like this... There once was a couple who dreamed of having a property like Tintswalo. One day, this husband and wife were standing on Chapman's Peak, and the wife decided to make a wish. She took a coin and tossed it off Chapman's Peak, wishing that one day they would have a hotel. The dream absolutely came true! To remember this amazing dream-come-true, each guest is given a rock to toss into the Atlantic, that you're supposed to wish upon. Each rock says "May your wishes come true!" I'm sure most people wish they get to come back soon. 

The next part of their story that we thought was important was a fire they had in recent years. It actually burned down nearly the whole property! The one thing that survived was the table you see when you first enter. While everything else burned, this silver table (to the right) survived. It still stands today in an INCREDIBLE restored and renovated Tintswalo Atlantic

 

7. HOT CHOCOLATE

(Yes, it needs its own category because it was THAT good!) Upon arrival you are greeted with a hot towel and a delicious hot chocolate. We were there in the middle of winter, so this was absolutely one of our favorite perks of this amazing hotel. We loved sitting on the deck, sipping our hot chocolate and watching the waves crash. We miss it so much!

 

 

 

8. SO MANY THINGS TO DO (If you don't stay in your suite all day!)

We wish we could have stayed longer, because we would have spent some of our days bundled up by the fire in our suite. If you choose to venture outdoors, Tintswalo Atlantic has SO much to do nearby. You can drive into Cape Town Central, hike Table Mountain, go see the penguins at Boulder's Beach, feel the gusts on Chapman's Peak, or look for sea shells. Regardless of how you spend your time, you are bound to have a rejuvenating, relaxing experience that will make you never want to leave!

Our "Please don't make us leave" faces...