Keli Rabon

Tag: travel

  • 72 HOURS IN PARK CITY: HOW TO HAVE THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND GETAWAY

    72 HOURS IN PARK CITY: HOW TO HAVE THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND GETAWAY

    Looking for the perfect getaway with friends or family that truly has something for everyone? Whether you’re a foodie, outdoorsy, ready to relax, or just need a change of *breathtakingly beautiful* scenery, Park City, UT has everything you could desire and MORE. And while you might think of it as a winter destination, keep reading to find out why it’s just as magical in the summertime!

    In June, my four girlfriends and I hopped on a flight to experience Park City in a whirlwind, 72-hour trip that had us doing “Warrior II” yoga poses on top of a mountain and strutting Main St. in heels to 5-star restaurants in the same day. Use this travel guide as a way to plan and be sure to check out my Instagram highlight section to see our Park City trip in full motion!

    WHERE TO STAY

    The Washington School House – This 12-room boutique hotel may be small, but it is the ULTIMATE place to stay. Built as a school in 1889 and reimagined into today’s concept in 2011, The Washington School House feels more like a “staffed summer home” than a hotel. The suites are incredible, as many of them span two floors with 16 ft windows. The aesthetic is historic-meets-modern in the most beautiful, comfortable, charming way. The rooms are spacious (complete with walk-in closets and walk-in showers) and the bed was extraordinarily comfortable. The hotel also has the most lovely common areas: a large living room / dining room with a fireplace (I ended my nights here with my laptop and a London Fog, prepared by Kole, who worked the front desk most nights), a guest-only apres-ski lounge to help you ease into an evening transition after the mountains, and a massive outdoor deck with a heated pool, spa, and fireplaces to make relaxing outside day or night a must.

    The Washington School House’s attention to detail and service is next-level. You’ll get to know the desk associates — who also may double as your bartender or barista — by name (a la Kole I mentioned above!) and they’ll invest just as much time in making sure your every wish is granted. The evening turndown service was such an unexpected treat, as each night that we came home there was a unique trinket on our bed (deck of cards the first night, for example.) That night, I also noticed that there was an ice cooler next to my bed and I had considered putting a wine bottle in to chill it. I was stunned to open the cooler and see fresh ice was already inside — it’s like they had already read my mind! I must mention that I didn’t even need the Chardonnay bottle I’d purchased on the drive in, because ALL of your beverages (non-alcohol and alcohol) are included around-the-clock in your rate! Wow.

    Additionally, breakfast at The Washington School House is included — and this isn’t any run-of-the-mill, typical continental buffet. The on-site chef prepares the most insta-worthy, lick-the-plate delicious meals and is happy to customize dishes to fit your dietary restraints. While there is not an official restaurant on-site, you’ll enjoy dining in the common area, poolside, or in the comfort of your room while eating an unforgettable meal or snack. Lunch/dinner options are extra… but extra delicious too. 🙂

    The location is right in the heart of Park City and just one block from Main St. We easily walked to all of our dinners and shopping trips, but did use our rental car to drive to our adventures (keep reading for that!) During the winter months, the hotel have a shuttle to help you quickly access the slopes and other nearby hotspots — but the Town Lift ski lift is just a 2-minute walk!

    I feel like The Washington School House is geared toward adults (friends trips, couples trips, singles trips, honeymoons, etc) but I wouldn’t hesitate to bring my children. I asked the staff about it, and they assured me that they take the time to accommodate kids as best as possible, like leaving coloring books on the bed during turndown service, etc.

    Bottom line: despite staying in many high-end, luxe chain hotels in the past, The Washington School House has redefined the level of service that I’ll be looking for in future stays, and I have *no doubt* that you will feel the same after staying there!

    WHERE TO ADVENTURE

    Utah Olympic Park – This is a must-do activity for friends, couples, and even families! I’m adventurous, so I went high — leaping off of a 20-foot platform onto an airbag! The girls and I tackled the high ropes course and extreme tubing, and if we had more time we would have also done the bobsled and other extreme activities! I highly recommend you check out the Utah Olympic Park to get a dose of patriotism and adrenaline in one spot!

    Park City SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) – This was a great group outing, located at Pebble Beach. I had never done SUP before so I was slightly nervous about it being difficult, but the board is so wide that it’s far more relaxing than intense. The company is very relaxed and was happy to let us just paddle around the water at our leisure. Grab a sandwich and a local beer at the ‘general store’ next door and enjoy the sights and experience of SUP!

    Horseback Riding Tour with Red Pine Adventures – I’ve been horseback riding numerous times, but this one was extra special. Riding in the mountains over tiny creeks made from snow-melt while pausing to look out at the horizon was truly breathtaking. The team with Red Pine was so much fun, and I enjoyed chatting it up with them along the ride as well. They did a beautiful job of pairing each of us with a horse that matched our personality (so make sure you arrive on time, because this is an important part of the process!)

    Guided Hike and Yoga Experience with Park City Yoga Adventures – I’d love to say that I’m a big yogi, but truth is, I’m not. However, this experience reignited my desire to move my body and workout again! We were a tad bit intimidated because we were all handed hiking poles upon arrival, but the hike was far more invigorating than exhausting.

    Once we reached a high, semi-flat area, we setup ‘camp’ — laying out our yoga mats on the side of the mountain. Our instructor prepped us to stay present and work with nature, knowing that the wind may blow, our hand might feel a rock in Downward Dog, or we may hear others hiking past us — but to embrace the experience and soak in the practice. It was truly beautiful and a multi-faceted, unique experience that I’d absolutely do again.

    WHERE TO EAT

    Chimayo – Hands-down, my favorite meal of the trip! We went BIG for this meal and everything we ordered was out of this world delicious. Even though it’s Mexican, they serve everything from scallops to elk to queso to salads. We couldn’t even *think* about dessert because we ate so much!

    Handle – If you’re looking for a great meal with elevated flare, head to Handle! From the buffalo cauliflower to the deconstructed fried chicken to the KALE SALAD, there is a lot of “foodie flare” here. The service was great, but our cocktails were weak. (Utah is extremely rigid on alcohol portions at restaurants/bars, so you’re better off with wine or beer than craft cocktails.) Highly recommend the caramel brûlée bread pudding for a sugar fix! 

    High West Distillery & Saloon – All of the locals seem to love High West, so perhaps we just had an off experience (and/or didn’t order correctly!) None of us ordered whiskey or whiskey cocktails, which is what they’re known for, so if I did it over again I would do that! I split the Mac & cheese and a salad with Shelbi and it was fine, but not nearly as memorable as the other meals.

    Salt Box – I’ll call this one a “hidden gem” because when we popped in during June, there was no exterior sign and it’s in the middle of a retail center! But once you arrive inside, you’ll find it’s a great casual lunch spot. Take advantage of their grab & go or dine-in. The shrimp tacos, acai bowl, burger and peach salad were all AMAZING. 

    Deer Valley Grocery Café – Another great lunch spot that’s grab & go or you can stay and hangout on the back porch. Find gourmet sandwiches & salads and a small selection of local beers & wines and take in the stunning mountain views on the outside deck. We paddle boarded afterward, so this was the perfect pre-activity meal.

    WHAT TO PACK

    • Horse-riding: Jeans/Long-sleeve flannel w/ tank underneath/Boots/Baseball Cap or Cowboy Hat
    • Standup Paddle-boarding: Swimsuit / Workout Tank / Workout Shorts / Flip Flops or Sneakers
    • Dinner: Casual outfits and Dresses. Bring a denim jacket in case it’s chilly. We wore cowboy boots or heels & had no problem walking along Main St.
    • Hiking / Yoga: Workout clothes / Sneakers (with good soles, or hiking shoes) / Hat / Sunglasses / Backpack
    • Beauty: Sunscreen, lip balm, lotion
    • Hotel Lounging: Comfy clothes for lobby/common areas / Swimsuit & flip-flops for the pool

    I *highly* recommend Park City for your next vacation! Please let me know if you have any extra suggestions or hidden gem tips. I can’t wait to hear about them!

    XOXO,

    Keli

  • Travel Guide: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    Travel Guide: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    Swimsuit: HERE | Sunglasses: HERE | Earrings: HERE | Flip-Flops: HERE

    Nothing soothes the soul quite like a girls trip — plus I’ve been LONG overdue for a long weekend of relaxation and fun. So when Breathless Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic reached out, I didn’t hesitate to dive right in.

    Swimsuit: HERE / HERE

    My sweet friend and fellow Houston blogger, Madison Payne, was thrilled to join me on the trip. Neither of us had been to the DR before, but had heard that it was becoming a new hotspot for beach vacations.

    From the moment we arrived at Breathless, we were greeted with smiles and hospitality! Madison & I were whisked away in a golf cart for a quick tour of the property (it’s massive!) and taken to the Exhale Club — an upgraded, VIP experience that you can select when booking your reservation at Breathless. I highly recommend selecting Xhale (more on that in a bit!)

    Swimsuit: HERE | Sunglasses: HERE | Earrings: HERE | Flip-Flops: HERE

    THE AMENITIES 

    Breathless Punta Cana is a MASSIVE resort — it’s very walkable but you can ask for a golf cart ride if needed. The paths are well-lit at night, there’s staff everywhere to help you out if you’re lost, and wherever you stay, you can bet that a pool and food will be just a few steps from your door!

    There’s a state of the art spa, a stunning fitness center, an amphitheater area for nightly performances, and more! 

    Breathless has 750 guest suites, full of contemporary, colorful interiors and spacious layouts. There was plenty of breathing room for Madison & I, and we were thrilled to see all the counter space in the large bathroom as well (it takes a lot for two girls to get ready!) Our balcony view was nothing short of phenomenal, and we loved sitting outside listening to the ocean AND scoping out the big pool scene before heading down.

    THE VIP EXPERIENCE 

    If you upgrade to the VIP experience, you will also have access to a lounge for Xhale members only! Not only does it offer additional privacy and expanded pool and lazy river access, the clubhouse also starts serving alcohol earlier (and later) than the other bars, plus yummy grab & go food that make it easy to indulge at your convenience! There is also a bar on the beach just for Xhale guests, providing another layer of convenience when you need a refreshment but want to keep your sand in the toes awhile longer.

    We were also thrilled to find out that we had a butler, David, who would help make our every wish come thru during our stay. Whether we wanted coffee and champagne in the morning, needed dinner reservations, or had any questions at all. Having a go-to point of contact made us feel comfortable and kept the entire stay seamless!

    THE FOOD 

    Madison & I were happy to sample as much food as possible — the French bistro, the Mexican cocina, a buffet, and a whole lot of room service! Room service quickly became our favorite feature, because we were often able to eat while getting ready for the day / night, or able to have a late bite after enjoying the resort’s nightlife. I loved the Ceasar Salad and the Margherita Pizza on the late-night menu!

    Bodysuit: HERE | Skirt: HERE | Heels: HERE

    THE DRINKS

    At Breathless (and next door at Now Onyx too) all of your beverages are included. Madison and I quickly got acquainted with the local beer, El Presidente, which is an easy-to-drink light beer that hits the spot every time. We also enjoyed our share of Champagne, frozen cocktails, and wine — all in the name of research of course! 🙂

    The bars are spread conveniently across the resorts and swim up pool bars mean you don’t even have to hop out of the water to get a refill.

    Swimsuit: HERE | Hat: HERE | Earrings: HERE

    THE PARTIES

    Breathless hosts a variety of parties, and many of the returning guests we talked to said the party-atmosphere sets the resort apart from others in Punta Cana. Guests in their 20s danced right alongside others in their 60s — everyone is there to have fun!

    We experienced a Breathless Foam Party our first night there and it was a blast — picture foam shooting out of cannons into and across a huge pool, bass-pumping dance music and lights, and guests playing in the suds or danced alongside the water. 

    Parties aren’t limited to the night — an afternoon champagne toast turns into champagne showers, as men in swimsuits pop celebratory bottles and launch into a dance formation to wow the afternoon pool crowd. Each day at Breathless features unique programming, parties, and performances. But ultimately the choice is yours: with a property this large, there’s plenty of opportunity to get in on the excitement or take in the beautiful views and relax.

    THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY OPTION

    One of the most appealing aspects of Breathless is that it’s right next to (a very, very short walking distance from) NOW Onyx Resort, a family-friendly beachfront resort.

    Now Onyx opened three years ago (and a huge section of it just opened in Nov 2019!) so it is brand new, modern, beautiful, and TONS of fun. It features a huge waterpark-style lazy river, several water slides, stunning swim-up bars, and tons of rooms with terraces that open directly to the newest pool! Add in 20 more restaurants, lots of pools, and even more beautiful beachfront, and it’s another slice of paradise.

    I couldn’t help but feel drawn toward this beautiful property and immediately envisioned coming back to stay here with my boys. It was very kid-friendly, but not at all limited to just families.

    THE SAFETY

    Many of you asked if we felt safe in the Dominican considering previous media reports of safety concerns. I can tell you with 1000% certainty that I never felt anything less than safe, comfortable, and taken care of while at Breathless & Now Onyx. The staff we interacted with were kind, courteous, and respectful, and the other guests we met were fun, friendly, and personable. We met several people that became our vacation pals, and it was easy to make plans to meet at a pool or bar or the beach and swap stories everyday. 

    Also, there were multiple nights that I walked back to the room by myself, and never once worried about safety. My best advice — wherever you are, at home or abroad — is to always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. 

    Swimsuit: HERE | Sunglasses: HERE

    THE SUMMARY

    The beauty of Breathless is it’s an all-inclusive resort: no need to pay for each meal, each drink, even room service — everything is included! This makes it so much easier to savor your time and experience without worrying about paying the tab.

    Breathless and Now Onyx share an impressive beachfront. The sand is stunning, the water is gorgeous and warm — it’s the ideal beach for tanning, relaxing, and playing in the water too! Chic cabanas are also available to rent, and we enjoyed living it up one afternoon in our two-story cabana overlooking the beach!

    The Breathless / Now Onyx Resorts setup is especially appealing to me. Both resorts are HUGE with countless pools and restaurants to choose from. Even though they’re two different resorts, they are just steps apart and when staying at one, you have access to the other, so it’s a two-for-one! I would *love* to come back again and stay at Onyx so I can bring my kids and watch them play in the sand or splash around in the lazy river.

    Special thanks to Breathless Resort for hosting us on this incredible vacation. Please let me know if any of you have questions about Punta Cana, Breathless, or Now Onyx — I’d be happy to help!

    XOXO,

    Keli


  • What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway!

    What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway!

    Packing Cubes – HERE | Packing Essentials – HERE

    Packing for a trip is always a process — whether it’s a long weekend or a couple week excursion! You raid your closet for fun go-to pieces, see what you’re lacking (or discover that you can’t find something you love!), and make a quick dash to the mall to fill in the gaps or get a special statement piece.

    I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Galveston for my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party, and in the midst of all my summer chaos, the weekend snuck up on me with little time to pack! Luckily, my monthly pack from The Ms. Collection arrived just in the nick of time and the stylists hooked me up with pieces that were perfect for our beach-side festivities.

    Real quick: The Ms. Collection is a personal styling and clothing rental subscription service that helps revamp your wardrobe by sending you clothes each month. Wear them for a weekend (or several weeks!) and send them back or buy them if you love them — the choice is yours! Plans start at $59 / month and I’ll explain more at the end of the post.

    CASUAL – CUTE TOP

    This sleeveless blouse was the perfect beach getaway piece! It was great to travel in & helped me looked polished and put-together on arrival to Galveston. I opted to wear it on Day 1, but it would have been great to wear out at night, to brunch, or any other occasion too!

    Blouse – The Ms. Collection | Shorts – HERE | Earrings – HERE | Purse – HERE
    Wedges – HERE

    SASSY SKIRT

    What’s a night out without a little flare? The Ms. Collection sent this saucy, saturated teal green skirt which I saved for the last evening! I paired it with a black bodysuit, but it would look great with white too. I think a colored skirt is such a fun, feminine staple that’s easy to pack and put to great use!

    Bodysuit – HERE | Skirt – The Ms. Collection | Earrings – HERE | Heels – SIMILAR / SIMILAR
    Bracelet – HERE | Belt – HERE

    VERSATILE DRESS

    Find a dress that can take you from day to night — or let The Ms. Collection find one for you! 🙂 This coral red off-the-shoulder lace dress was perfect for a beach trip. I wore it out to dinner with Valentino Rockstud wedges, but it would have been just as pretty with flip flops to breakfast by the beach!

    Dress – The Ms. Collection | Necklace – HERE | Purse – HERE | Wedges – HERE

    WHITE BLOUSE

    A white blouse is another wardrobe staple — but this one came with a twist (or should I say a TIE!) The dressier, thicker fabric and wrap waist made it a piece that’s easy to dress up, though I could have paired it with shorts, a colorful skirt, or distressed denim too! And whenever I’m wearing a white blouse or dress, a bag with a pop of color is a MUST (but knowing me, you already guessed that!)

    Blouse – The Ms. Collection | Jeans – HERE | Sunglasses – HERE | Earrings – HERE
    Purse – HERE | Bracelet – HERE | Wedges – HERE (Similar)

    OTHER ESSENTIALS

    STYLE MADE SIMPLE

    The Ms. Collection (or the guy’s version, The Mr. Collection) makes keeping your wardrobe fresh and exciting SO simple! Signing up is easy and the on-boarding process is enjoyable. You answer a handful of questions about your personal style, likes / dislikes, preferred colors, etc. Then the personal stylist goes to work — and before you know it, The Mr. & Ms. Collection sends a pack of clothes and/or accessories to your doorstep!

    There are a few membership options to choose from, ranging from $59 – $89 per month:

    • Standard Once a Month – Three items in each pack, 1x per month: $59/mo
    • Premium Once a Month – Four items in each pack, 1x per month: $69/mo
    • Standard Unlimited – Three items in each pack, unlimited packs: $79/mo
    • Premium Unlimited – Four items in each pack, unlimited packs: $89/mo

    Each month, a $20 credit will be added to your account to apply toward any items you choose to purchase. It makes those discounted items an EVEN better deal! 

    And while we’re talking price: You can use my code “kelirabonstyle” for 20% off your first month — this works for both The Mr. & Ms. Collection!

    Hope this help you make packing for your next weekend getaway a little easier. Please share your packing tips with me for a future vacation post (because I’m already ready for another trip!)

    XOXO,

    Keli