Barnsley Resort / Adairsville, Georgia
“Together is Better”
Just one hour northwest of Atlanta lies Barnsley Resort, where history, outdoor adventure and Southern comfort come together as one. Spread amongst 3,000 acres of Southern terrain, this resort-meets-playground serves as the ultimate retreat to reconnect with family and close friends. The new “Together is Better” package is designed specifically for “pod” travel, providing peace of mind, privacy and plenty of outdoor space and activities to enjoy quality time with loved ones. The package includes private accommodations in a five-, six-, or seven-bedroom Estate Cottage, each with a private bathroom in each bedroom, a spacious living room and butler-style kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and more. However, the great outdoors is where most fun will be had. Spark up some friendly competition among the group with a private axe throwing lesson, as well as an exclusive outdoor culinary dinner for the group prepared by Executive Chef Nicolas Lebas, both included in the package. For the dinner, everyone will be able to see the chef up close in action as he works his magic to create an elevated southern dish over a Sea Island Forge fire kettle exclusively for the group. The package also includes a signature canvas tote bag and blanket for each bedroom, and concierge services to curate any other memorable experiences the group wishes to enjoy together. From archery and UTV Trail riding, to a round of golf on the Jim Fazio-designed golf course and shooting clays, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities for every pod to enjoy at Barnsley Resort. Together is Better package requires a two-night minimum. For more information or to book, visit www.barnsleyresort.com.
Caerula Mar Club / South Andros, Bahamas
“Caerula in Style”
Caerula Mar Club is a new boutique luxury resort on The Bahamas’ sleepy island of South Andros (population 2,000), helmed by a couple of HGTV stars who discovered an abandoned hotel on vacation and moved their family of six to the island to transform it into one of the Caribbean’s chicest new properties. The resort has six private villas and 18 gorgeous suites steps from the shoreline, restaurants ranging from an outdoor poolside bar & wood-fired pizza oven to a fine dining restaurant with ingredients sourced from an on-site organic farm, a boutique spa, and best of all….a postcard-perfect location on 10 acres of gorgeous turquoise beach where you won’t spot a single footprint. Plus private flight partnerships that make getting there a breeze (South Andros is home to its own international customs, so no stop in Nassau required!). The resort’s Caerula in Style package is perfect for travel pods seeking total seclusion with an upscale edge. The package includes five nights of villa accommodation for up to eight guests, private round-trip flights from Fort Lauderdale, all meals, and airport transfers. Rates from $40,0000. For more information, call 1-800-790-6845 or email reservations@caerulamar.com. The property provides complimentary rapid antigen testing to guests before their return to the United States.
W Punta de Mita / Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
“Mini Takeover”
W Punta de Mita, a chic resort located on a secluded beach in Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit, is offering the ultimate hotel within a hotel experience for small groups. Tucked away in the furthest corner of the property, guests now have the option to do a ‘mini buyout’ of the resort’s 13 oceanfront suites, which feature outdoor terraces with plunge pools, complimentary poolside cabanas, and 24/7 concierge service, perfect for travelers seeking a private paradise… with an edge. While the resort’s secluded location and open-air design already provide plenty of privacy, this ultra-exclusive experience gives small groups the best of what the property has to offer plus more. Perks include a beachfront yoga session and a private pool day equipped with a personal DJ at the resort’s adult-only pool, the only thing separating the suites from the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. A special welcome amenity, farewell happy hour in the sand and a daily B&F credit round out this unforgettable getaway with your closest friends. Rates start at $14,899 USD per night, plus taxes. For more information or to book, call +52 844 631 0595.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino / Palm Beach, Aruba
“Better Together”
A tropical podcation? Sign us up! For those looking to jet off to the Caribbean with their closest friends and family members, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has crafted the ideal package to reconnect with loved ones. Whether guests are looking for a relaxing vacation or feeling adventurous, the “Better Together” package includes accommodations for groups up to six with three premium ocean view rooms each with a comfy king bed – the largest hotel rooms on the entire island – as well as Aruba Marriott branded beach tote and a bottle of red wine in each room. To cherish the memories made on this podcation, Demian Gibbs Photography is set to capture the perfect shot with a one-hour photo shoot set on the sugar white shores of Palm Beach. With the largest accommodations on the island, ten on-site restaurants and bars including pop-up beach restaurant, Atardi, plus every imaginable watersport, travelers can find bliss and enjoy time together at the Aruba Marriott Resort. The “Better Together” package is available for stays through December 21, 2021. Use code ‘LPR’ to book at www.arubamarriott.com. More information can be found here.
W Fort Lauderdale / Fort Lauderdale, FL
“The Link Up”
Located directly along the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, W Fort Lauderdale is a glamorous oasis waiting to be encountered. As South Florida’s signature playground, this beachfront beauty pushes travelers to live it up from sunrise to sunset with an endless list of amenities and services. The brand-new “Link Up” package was designed specifically for guests seeking a fun-filled escape with their travel pod – a close knit group of friends or family. Starting at $2,800 per night, pods made up of 2-6 people, can take advantage of this exciting package when booking one of the hotel’s stylish WOW Suites. The two-bedroom suite is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, offering breathtaking views of the beach, skyline, and ocean and features all the essentials for a long-term stay, with a fully equipped kitchen and washer / dryer. The package also includes the hotel’s newest in-suite, private balcony concert experience – Suite Sounds. Pods get to choose from five different musical experiences: a DJ, saxophonist, keyboardist, acoustic guitar duo or violinist, and live it up with a pulsating concert right on the suite’s balcony overlooking the Atlantic. The fun doesn’t end here — the package also comes with a complimentary Bungalow daybed experience at the hotel’s insta-worthy WET Deck rooftop pool, for an elevated poolside afternoon, enjoying refreshing cocktails and delicious bites, the warm South Florida sun, and of course, each others company! The package is based on availability. For more information, visit www.wfortlauderdale.com or email WFLL.Reservations@whotels.com to book.
Marriott Cancun Resort / Cancun, Mexico
“Two Peas in a Pod”
With easy access to the Yucatan’s most amazing sights – from the ruins of Chiten Itza, to the cenotes of Tulum – Cancun is a destination ideal for travel pods in search of a quick getaway. Marriott Cancun Resort’s location — just 15 minutes from Cancun’s International Airport — means travelers can go from tarmac to the beach in less than an hour. Bird’s eye views of the bright turquoise waters, mezcal tastings, rustic cabanas and more than 10 international restaurants means there’s an option for everyone in your travel pod. Book the “Two Peas in a Pod” package and snag rooms on the same floor, a Mezcal Lab experience at the bohemian SacBé Beach Shack, a private cooking class (choose from sushi rolling or poke bowl building), a private workout, round-trip airport transfers, and a $50 dinner credit per day. For a larger crew booking five or more rooms, the resort will throw in one complimentary upgrade to a suite. A minimum three night length of stay is required. The package starts at $207/night + taxes and fees, and is available for travel May 1 – September 6. To book, visit www.marriottcancunresort.com and enter code F10 or call +52-998-881-2000.
Wymara Resort & Villas / Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
“Caribbean Hideaway”
Recently debuting its ultra-luxurious, private, oceanfront villas, Wymara Resort and Villas welcomes families and travel groups with one of the most lavish “podcation” experiences in the Caribbean. With indoor and outdoor living areas, a full kitchen and its own private waterfront pool flanked by an over-the-water swim platform with direct ocean access, these picturesque four- and five-bedroom villas (enough rooms that mom/dad, the kiddos, grandma/grandpa, and all couples can have their own room!) are the epitome of Caribbean living. It’s only right that on an island revered for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, visitors can enjoy complimentary kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and Hobie Cat sailing along Grace Bay Beach. For added luxury, take advantage of the personalized concierge service via attentive, on-site villa managers who can arrange everything from snorkeling excursions to a yacht charter and other activities that guarantee private yet endless fun. Book now at www.wymararesortandvillas.com.
Conrad Punta de Mita / Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
“Better Together”
Two’s company, three’s a pod! As travelers gear up for a hopeful and more eventful year of getaway opportunities, there has been a strong appeal for small group travel. Known as pod-cations, this emerging trend suggests that those ready to travel are seeking opportunities to reconnect with loved ones within destinations and hotels that can accommodate small groups, and provide ease by creating a sense of privacy and seclusion for pods. The brand-new Conrad Punta de Mita, located along the sultry shores of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, recently launched its Better Together package, designed exclusively for pod travel. The package offers incredible perks for those booking three to nine rooms with rates starting at $399 USD. Those booking three to five rooms will enjoy a $150 resort credit, complimentary breakfast, exclusive agave spirits tasting, and a one-day cabana rental with a bottle of wine. Those booking six to nine rooms will receive a $200 resort credit, complimentary breakfast, exquisite sea-to-table beachside Zarandeado lunch experience, a one-day cabana rental with a bottle of champagne, and complimentary room category upgrade, subject to availability. For more information and booking, please visit https://www.conradpuntademita.com/offers/.