When it comes to hotels, The PR Net members in the travel space know the best of the best. From hidden gems to iconic stays, this series highlights the properties they can’t stop recommending—and what makes them worth a visit. This week, we spoke with Jessica McGettigan, Director – Public Relations & Marketing Communications, PTG Consulting; Alice Marshall, Founder & CEO, Alice Marshall Public Relations; Lauren Kaufman, Managing Director, PR, North America, MMGY; and Chelsea Coe, Account Director, B Public Relations.
Armony Marival Resort & Spa, Mexico
Recommended by Jessica McGettigan, Director – Public Relations & Marketing Communications, PTG Consulting
What’s the name and location of the property?
Armony Marival Resort & Spa in Punta de Mita, Mexico.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
Armony Marival Resort & Spa is a five star, family friendly all inclusive resort that is ideal for refined multigenerational groups seeking accommodations and experiences that appeal to all ages. Designed around the rugged beauty of Destiladeras Beach, the property’s atmosphere is naturally tranquil, more wellness inclined than wellness defined. And even within its natural tranquility, there is a broad range of activities to choose from, allowing you to “choose your adventure” between relaxing poolside afternoons or popping in and out of activities.
What makes the property special?
For me, there are two things that go hand in hand to make the resort one of my favorite getaways. Located on Banderas Bay in western Mexico, the region is mountains-meet-beach, two of my personal favorites in one. I dream of morning beach walks at Armony, watching the sun rise over the mountains and listening to the waves gently roll onto the sand. During winter months you can see whales pop up to the bay’s surface, and breakfast is often interrupted – in the best way – by the whale-spotting gong that lets other guests know to quickly look out over the water. It’s so sweet. Second, the property team is incredibly attentive, caring and truly wants to ensure you’re having a great trip. Because the resort is family-owned, you feel that familial attentiveness when you’re a guest, which makes you want to return again and again.
Don’t miss:
Armony Marival Resort & Spa offers watsu water therapy, which I had never experienced before. Victor, the lead therapist, is an incredible healer who brings genuine attentiveness to each person in his sessions. This watsu experience combines elements of Shiatsu massage with the sensation of floating in water, and ends with sensory-reduced sound frequency. Victor shared that his goal is to establish reconnection with the child-like version of yourself that was free to imagine and dream, unbridled by expectation, restriction or fear. My session with him was transformative.
Recommended by Alice Marshall, Founder & CEO, Alice Marshall Public Relations
What’s the name and location of the property?
Paradero Todos Santos, located Baja California Sur, Mexico, about an hour from Los Cabos Airport, in a region that’s designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
Paradero is presently adults-only, attracting couples and solo travelers looking for something more meaningful than a typical beach resort. It appeals to design lovers, wellness-minded and adventurous travelers, and increasingly, people looking to disconnect and resent. This fall, Paradero Villas opens, which will bring into the mix families and groups traveling together.
What makes the property special?
There are many beautiful hotels in Mexico, but very few that feel so connected to their surroundings. Paradero sits within a working agricultural landscape surrounded by 160 acres of family-owned farmland, with the Pacific Ocean, desert, mountains, and the historic town of Todos Santos all within easy reach. The architecture is striking and contemporary, yet it feels entirely rooted in Baja.
What I love is that guests don't simply stay at the hotel; they engage with the destination. Whether it's harvesting produce from the fields, participating in a Temazcal ceremony, surfing at nearby beaches, or simply stargazing from the suspended nets found in most of the suites, there is a genuine sense of place. The recently launched Paradero Unbound program takes this even further by creating highly personalized itineraries tailored to each guest before they even arrive.
Don’t miss:
Dinner at Michelin-recognized Tenoch is essential. Try the octopus tacos! I would also make time for a Temazcal ceremony at Ojo de Agua Spa; it’s intense but a true reset. And if timing allows, an overnight trip on Paradero's catamaran through the Sea of Cortez is extraordinary. Whale season runs November through April and there is simply nothing like it. And no stay is complete without spending one evening watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Recommended by Lauren Kaufman, Managing Director, PR, North America, MMGY
What’s the name and location of the property?
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is an MGM Resorts luxury destination and Atlantic City's premier integrated resort. Located in the Marina District overlooking the bay, Borgata redefined the destination when it opened in 2003, introducing a Las Vegas-style experience that combined luxury accommodations, gaming, dining, entertainment, nightlife and wellness under one roof.
It's also incredibly accessible—just two hours from New York City and about an hour from Philadelphia—making it an easy escape for a long weekend.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
Borgata attracts a diverse mix of guests, from affluent gamers and VIPs seeking high-limit gaming, luxury suites and elevated service, to leisure travelers like me who come for the concerts, award-winning dining, spa, pools, nightlife and gaming. The property is also a popular destination for tournaments, conferences and special events, giving it an energy that extends well beyond the casino floor.
What makes the property special?
I usually visit Borgata for girls' weekends and stay in the newly renovated MGM Tower, where the spacious two-queen rooms and well-appointed bathrooms make getting ready for a night out effortless. I've celebrated milestone birthdays there, which probably says more than anything else about why I keep coming back. Whether I'm planning a relaxing spa weekend, a foodie getaway or a concert-filled escape with friends, Borgata always delivers.
The dining is exceptional. With 13 fine and casual dining venues, choosing where to eat is often the hardest part. My favorites include B-Prime Steakhouse for its incredible cacio e pepe and certified Wagyu flight, Michael Symon's Angeline for homemade pasta, American Bar & Grill for wood-fired pizza, and Sunroom for a leisurely Sunday brunch.
Spa Toccare is a must for a deep-tissue massage, followed by time in the soaking pools and sauna. During the summer, the outdoor pool is one of Atlantic City's best scenes, especially with a reserved cabana, while the adjacent Borgata Beer Garden is perfect for a casual drink and people-watching.
The entertainment is equally impressive. The Event Center's intimate setting creates a concert experience unlike larger arenas. Over the years, I've seen everyone from Cher and Diana Ross to Boy George, John Legend and Jerry Seinfeld from just a few rows back. To cap off the evening, there's nothing better than an espresso martini at B-Prime's bar followed by a spin at the roulette table.
Recommended by Chelsea Coe, Account Director, B Public Relations
Courtesy of The Wildbirch Hotel
What’s the name and location of the property?
The Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
The hotel caters to adventuring leisure travelers, boutique hotel enthusiasts and business travelers who want a uniquely Alaska experience.
What makes the property special?
So much about The Wildbirch Hotel is special. It’s uniquely positioned downtown, in Anchorage’s Mushing District, so it’s just steps from the city’s best restaurants, historic sites and cultural attractions. The hotel worked with local Native muralists to create massive, permanent installations throughout the public spaces and incorporated Native art into the guestrooms, as well. The signature restaurant, Crimson, and boutique coffee shop stuffed with local artisanal goods, create welcoming spaces for locals and visitors alike.
Courtesy of The Wildbirch Hotel
Don’t miss:
At Crimson, The Wildbirch Hotel’s signature restaurants, guests simply must order reindeer sausage hash for breakfast and Glacier Bay pot pie for dinner; both embrace hyper-local and novel ingredients, offering guests a culinary immersion into the region. Book a room with a downtown view early to catch the 2027 Iditarod from your window; the hotel overlooks the Ceremonial Start Line and hotel guests can catch all the action from the warmth and comfort of their rooms, or the hotel’s third floor meeting and event space.
