Imagine arriving from San Jose International Airport in Costa Rica, driving through windy roads to high altitude accommodations snuggled into the cloud forest: El Silencio Lodge. This gorgeous Relais & Chateaux property screams comfort upon arrival, with guests being welcomed by private security, horses in the field and beautiful facilities ahead in view.

The boys and I were so excited to experience Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park, in Concord, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte. While there are many locations of Great Wolf Lodge throughout the country, the Concord location is close enough to us for a day trip. We packed our swimsuits, towels and set off on a fun adventure that we could feel really good about. Not only is Great Wolf Lodge is a fun childhood experience, it also does so much good for its communities around the U.S.

Upon searching for hotels that give back in the Seattle area, I discovered The State Hotel, a boutique hotel with an amazing location two blocks form Pikes Place Market and other major attractions in Seattle. We were so excited to visit this charming hotel in-person and to highlight the good that it has done for others in the Pacific Northwest.

Located just two-and-a-half-hours from Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge lies Hopkins Bay Resort, also a Muy’Ono Resorts property, although offering beachfront views instead of the jungle. It was hard not to feel relaxed as we settled into our Two Bedroom Beachview Room, the most perfect accommodations for a family. These rooms boasted two separate bathrooms and bedrooms, a kitchenette and common room as well as an oversized patio with three separate entry storm doors perfect for playing on the porch.

We arrived in the jungle of Western Belize after a two-hour drive from the Belize City airport expectant and excited about all we would experience in Belize. A stop to Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge was the very best way to kick off a family trip to Belize, filled with family fun. Upon arrival, we were invited for a welcome drink and the boys immediately discovered a wooden see-saw that would become one of their favorite forms of entertainment.

What a joy it was to experience Hotel Valley Ho in-person! This iconic, mid-century modern hotel, fun for couples but also super ideal for families, was the perfect way to experience the great state of Arizona. Upon arrival to the hotel, the 1950’s-era theme is vibrant and Hotel Valley Ho pops with culture and fun. The location is ideal, just 15 minutes from the Phoenix International Airport and also within walking distance to all of the shoppes, restaurants and activities that Old Town Scottsdale has to offer.

The weekend finally arrived where Logan and I were able to spend some time away, just the two of us! We headed on the road, but not far from home, and chose Asheville, North Carolina and the beautiful The Omni Grove Park Inn. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Omni Grove Park Inn has been hosting travelers for over a century and many notable figures have chosen this hotel for their stay, too.

We were swept off our feet as we approached the entrance circle of The Omni Homestead Resort and its vastness. The snow-covered buildings and lawns shone off the brick buildings and we felt as if we were entering a winter wonderland. Being President’s Day weekend, it was extra great to see all of the references to past U.S. Presidents and First Ladies as educational opportunities for the boys. We were ready for the fun to begin!

Although Barnsley Resort has been in the directory for what seems like a while, I was completely, pleasantly whisked away to a Christmas Wonderland while visiting Barnsley Resort during the Christmas season. With numerous family-friendly activities to enjoy year-round, Barnsley Resort quickly became a family favorite.

The Hotel: Louisville’s Only Waterfront Hotel, The Galt House Hotel is in a wonderful location in downtown Louisville. We loved the balcony in our room over the river but then also being walking distance to so many great things in the city.

The Hotel: With an accessible location to great shopping and sightseeing, Belmond Charleston Place is a great choice for couples and families alike. The hotel lobby screams elegance and Belmond Charleston Place carries that elegance into their on-site restaurants, cocktail lounges and guest rooms.

In 2020, travel industries around the world were hit with unprecedented closures, layoffs and financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People around the world cancelled travel plans around the world leaving hotels scrambling to follow guidelines yet also safely reopen when possible.

“Why did you start a hotel directory?” is a common question that I’ve received in the past year. For those that I’ve just met through a one-time Instagram interaction or women that I’m meeting in our new state of South Carolina, I try to summarize my love for hotels and people in one simple concept: Go and Do Good®.

We were so in need of a vacation but seriously, aren’t we all? We based our destination choice off a goal that Logan has always had: to zipline. I also preferred the idea of staying somewhat close to the good ol’ USA since we still had two young boys at home to {occasionally} worry about while gone.

Writing for a Go and Do Good® hotel that gives back is one thing, but actually experiencing it is entirely different. This past weekend, Logan and I took a mini-trek to Music City, Nashville, TN, where we spent two wonderful nights in East Nashville at The Russell.

I remember the moment that I found Hotel Sol y Luna. This beautiful Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of Sacred Valley, Peru nestled between vast mountains was immediately calling my name.

As we all experience an unprecedented change in travel plans due to COVID-19, I wasn’t quite ready to give up our dream of finding the perfect destination for our 2020 Trek with Kids this summer. With international travel unlikely, I began exploring options in our own new backyard of the SC/VA/TN area knowing that beautiful mountain resorts and activities were abundant.