Sherman's Travel

While it’s easy to justify spending more on meals and gifts when on vacation, I still attempt to be responsible with my money. No matter how many times I convince myself that “I’ll probably never be back here again,” the rational half of my brain tries to keep me from investing all of my discretionary income in things like Panama hats and silk rugs. That said, I do like to treat myself to some luxuries when I travel. I just try to keep my priorities in order and stay within my budget. This is how I choose when to make a splurge. Read more

Most visitors to Buenos Aires know the Río de la Plata as the widest river in the world, reaching 136 miles across. But by the Dársena Norte in Puerto Madero, it’s only 14 miles – or 75 minutes by Buquebus ferry – to the Uruguayan coast, making it perfect for a day trip or multi-day excursion.

So consider now the ease of visiting the Four Season Resort Carmelo, just two hours by car from the Uruguayan port town of Colonia del Sacramento (you can also condense the trip to less than 25 minutes by flying from Buenos Aires to Carmelo by private plane). Set along the banks of the Río Uruguay in a eucalyptus and pine forest, the 110-acre resort is a haven for weekending Argentinians, who make up three-quarters of its guests. As a result of these particular demographics, you’ll find the lowest rates of any Four Seasons resort in the world, starting at $240 per night, but as low as $180 for three-night stays. Read more

Anyone with a stylish bone in their body is easily inspired by Milan. It truly is the epicenter of the fashion world and just walking around the city puts you right in the middle of it – store windows along most every block reveal the latest and greatest designer looks, and the Milanese themselves showcase some of the capital’s di-moda styles. Fashion is the art here and, as a rule, these masterpieces come with a price tag to match. My Milan assignment: 48 hours to sniff out some under-the-radar, “value” stores. I can’t say my trip was successful, but I did come back with a list of places you must visit either for the inspiration (to channel your inner fashionista) or to actually pick up something special for a worthy splurge. Read more

Hubby wants to play golf, wifey wants a romantic vacation in Italy. A brand-new resort in Puglia, the Borgo Egnazia, has the answer to this dilemma. The gorgeous, sprawling property is offering ShermansTravel readers a golf package with some very special add-ons, like a romantic dinner for two and a private wine tasting. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the Borgo Egnazia entertains in a five-star manner with the par-72 golf course, beach club and 4 pools all the while guests relax in the modern yet soothing interiors and lavish Egnathia Spa.

THE VALUE: With rates starting at $377 per night for a deluxe room, all of the add-ons of this package equal savings of 30%. The exclusive golf package for ShermansTravel readers includes:

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Looking for a place to stay on Sint Maarten (Saint Martin)? One of my favorite spots on the Dutch side of the island is Cupecoy, and I recently discovered an under-the-radar, classy condo-hotel there that’s worth the splurge. The Cliff at Cupecoy sits just above the craggy coast offering unobstructed views of the ocean. The high-rise has managed to stay somewhat of a secret because, well, most think it’s just a residential condo. And while, yes, all 71 units are owned (most, as second vacation homes), 25 of the bunch are included in the Cliff’s rental program so when the lucky owners are not in town, the units are available to rent on a short- to long-term basis (there is a 2-night minimum). What’s especially great about this place – aside from the privacy, the fantastic Christian Dior Spa, the curvy outdoor pool, the two-lane indoor lap pool, the fitness center with ocean views, and the indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar with ocean views – is that all accommodations are spacious apartments with full kitchens, luxury finishes, and, of course, dramatic ocean views (video room preview above). Accommodations range from 1- to 4-bedroom suites and penthouses. Décor varies from one unit to the next but you can expect marble floors, granite counter tops, and sizable balconies.  Read more

Puerto Vallarta is known for its romantic pedigree – the Mexican beach town first made headlines in 1963 when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton took up shack in a local villa; their former love nest is now a B&B and museum, by the way – and the destination continues to woo visitors today. For a dreamy getaway, PV’s Hacienda San Angel (a 2008 Smart Luxury Winner) is hard to beat. The Colonial-style hacienda sits above the cobbled streets of El Centro and offers commanding views of the town and bay. Suites come with one-of-a-kind antiques, palapas (in some), eclectic artwork, and loads of charm. This February, you can save 25 percent with the hotel’s Heavenly Escape package which includes accommodations for two nights, an in-suite couple’s massage, bottle of sparkling wine, evening margaritas, daily breakfast in bed, and transportation to and from the airport. Rates for the 2-night package go for $845 for Junior Suite accommodations; $945 for Master Suite accommodations; $1065 for Royal Suite room; $1225 for the Presidential Suite. Call 877-815-6594 to book or email info@haceindasanangel.com.