“And did you hear? Amy is spending the next month in Indonesia.”
“Seriously? Ugh. I swear she’s always traveling. Wish I could afford to travel as much as her,” the female with the waist-length braids and Louis Vuitton tote sighed as we continued our F train ride into Queens.
I’ve always loved Louis Vuitton. My relationship (or lack there of) with the brand resembles that of a first crush. I’ll adore and admire from afar, may even tell a few people I want it… but that’s as far as it goes. No real action was ever taken. And by real action, I mean purchasing anything out of the LV Store.
Mostly because my pockets couldn’t afford it.
Then, I landed my first job with a salary and a chick got hyped. Finally, your girl could be laced in Louis Vuitton. And by laced… I mean I could buy (… buy, not to be confused with afford) my first LV bag.
I had my eye on the Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote for years and at that point, nothing could stop me from getting it. That is, until I saw the $1100 price and my common sense immediately came back.
$1100 for one bag?
For one Damier Ebené canvas bag? Do you know what one could do with an extra $1100? Travel like a bawse… for starters. I remember giving the LV-tote-rocking-waist-length-braid-wearing female the mean side eye after overhearing her wish she could afford to travel more. Little did she know, she had a nice vacation resting on her shoulder.
I’m only 25, and at this point in my life, I’d rather spend my money on experiences than looking fly I’ll save that for my 30s when I can actually afford to live the lifestyle I covet.
After overhearing that convo, my curiosity was sparked. If ole girl would have saved $1100 to vacation, where in the world could she go? If you ever find yourself with an extra $1100 to spend and a serious case of wanderluxe, I present you with three luxurious accommodations you could stay at for the price of one LV bag.
Prices include hotel accommodation for 1-2 people. Airfare not included, however, if you split the cost of the hotels, you’d have additional money for tickets or spending money.
The City Escape
Blakes Hotel / London, England – $1060
4 Days / 3 Nights — Booked Fri 08/08 – Mon 08/11
Luxury Double w. Early Bird 20% Advance Purchase Rate – $1060
If you’re looking for a weekend of stunning interior design, unique dining experiences and a wide range of services in a foreign city, London’s Blakes Hotel may be just the spot for you.
Created in 1978 by world renowned designer Anouska Hempel, Blakes is known to be the world’s first luxury boutique located in South Kensington. The 5-star hotel’s seductive decor is packed with eclectic artifacts from all over the world, offering a different look for each of the 47 rooms inspired by the exotic luxury of different lands, such as India, Morocco and Turkey.
The decadent Blakes Restaurant is highly popular amongst London’s fashionable ‘it’ crowd, serving a fusion of Thai and Mediterranean cuisines. You can fight it out downstairs for a dinner table or just order in room service and dine in your own private fantasyland. With a top class concierge and room service running day to night, your every last wish is their command. With nonsense and happiness around the clock, Blakes is a romantic whirlwind from the minute you step through the door. So full of fantasy and fun, you’re guaranteed to have a spectacular time!
The Hipster Beach Escape
El Ganzo / Los Cabos, Mexico – $949.38
6 Days / 5 Nights – Booked Mon 08/18 – Sat 08/23
Balcony King Ocean View w. Sizzling Summer Special Rate
Escape the ordinary and get a chance to experience a side of Los Cabos you’ve never seen before at adult-only Hotel El Ganzo. The luxurious 72-room hotel is decorated with custom-created furnishings and original decor elements to help set the visual tone against the natural backdrop of the beautiful Sea of Cortez.
Spa treatments and gourmet cuisine rejuvenate the body while music and art feed the soul at El Ganzo. Visiting artists can create their own original sounds in the hotel’s Underground Studio, while live musical performances and curated art exhibits treat guests to an insider’s view of the creative mind. If art is not your thing, you won’t mind partying it up in their 2,013 sq ft. rooftop pool and vodka bar. Let’s not forget El Ganzo’s private Beach Club, where guest can indulge in an array of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking or just lying out in the sun.
Every Wednesday, the El Ganzo Film Club screens classic movies, live musical performances accompany dinner on Thursday and Friday nights, Saturday brings music and art to the forefront with curated presentations by visiting artists and Sunday is the perfect time for a festive Mexican brunch, with live music and the best view in town.
Hotel El Ganzo provides plenty of opportunities for rest, rejuvenation, and pampering. This is Los Cabos like you’ve never seen it before. Step inside and you’ll be stepping away from the ordinary.
The Serene Escape
Sala Phuket Resort & Spa / Phuket, Thailand – $1099.28
6 Days / 5 Nights – Booked Mon 08/18 – Sat 08/23
Deluxe Balcony Room w. SALA 3 Nights Beach Break Package
Ditch the fast pace city life for the lush and serene environment SALA Phuket Resort & Spa. Located on the pristine Mai Khao Beach in Phuket’s northwest shoreline, Sala Phuket Resort & Spa is a stunning deluxe pool villa resort featuring private swimming pools in 63 of the 79 pool villas and suites, all which are designed in a minimalistic style with earth tones in combination with a historical Sino-Portuguese architecture.
SALA offers an exceptional array of International and Thai cuisines from a variety of dining outlets and locations—whether you prefer to dine under the stars as your table “floats” in the reflection pond on the restaurant’s rooftop or lounge in oversized daybeds and choose from extensive cocktails and wine list. Pamper yourself in the award winning SALA Spa with a special caviar and pearl facial or just soak in some sun by the pool.
Whether it’s a spa weekend with the girls or a romantic getaway for you & the beau, SALA Phuket Resort & Spa caters to it all.
So, which would you pick? The Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote or a luxurious vacation to either London, Mexico or Thailand?
This story was curated by Laura Providence.