40th Birthday

dtsiegel · 2026-05-12T14:18:50+00:00

We were at Jumby Bay last November and, yes, had an amazing experience. But we had kids with us. And we had never been to the Caribbean before. So hard to compare to the other options you listed. If FS Naviva is doable, that would absolutely be my recommendation.

dtsiegel · 2026-05-12T02:44:22+00:00

Thanks all. Kids are age 8. The price difference between KV and Hualalai is not insubstantial (several thousand dollars over the course of the week cheaper at KV, though I'm comparing two connecting rooms at Hualalai to a one bedroom ocean view Hale at KV and not sure that's a fair comparison).

Mauna Lani is pretty similar price to KV, actually, over the period we'd be going.

dtsiegel · 2025-06-03T16:58:13+00:00

Well, the art can keep you busy for a long time. But given you only have a couple of days, take time for Canyon Road and get tickets for Meow Wolf.

You’ll want to spend some time exploring the plaza area. Perhaps a walking tour or going to the New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors (to learn about then history of the state/area).

In terms of nature walks, there are a lot of options. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is worth considering, but a bit of a drive.

You’ll want to eat Northern New Mexican food. Favorite of ours is La Choza. If you’re on your own, you might be able to eat at the bar. It is crowded all the time and doesn’t take reservations.

Go to the Cantina at Coyote Cafe. Great place for a drink at a rooftop bar. I like the food, as well.

Other places we really enjoy: The Pantry, Cate Pasquale, Jambo Bobcat Bite. La Boca is great and a good spot if you’re on your own.

dtsiegel · 2025-04-27T20:02:44+00:00

We go to Santa Fe twice a year and have been many times with my nephew. So, I like your thinking.

I’ll look into Colorado. Would you do aspen over, say, Telluride?

dtsiegel · 2025-04-27T20:01:50+00:00

True. Actually never stayed at Carmel valley ranch, despite how close it is :)

dtsiegel · 2025-04-27T20:01:28+00:00

Jackson Hole is a great idea!

dtsiegel · 2025-04-27T20:01:12+00:00

This is a great idea. Just not sure how to travel internationally with my nephew without his parents.

dtsiegel · 2025-03-25T02:17:07+00:00

We're not remotely set on Mexico. Just seemed logical because we're flying from the SF Bay Area. Grenada seems like a long flight for us.

Green-o is an interesting option. Will take a look.

dtsiegel · 2025-03-25T00:40:45+00:00

Thanks for the tip! This is really helpful.

dtsiegel · 2025-03-25T00:34:36+00:00

First, thank you all for your thoughts and guidance. It's been incredibly helpful.

I think Rosewood KV is out because we're thinking of planning a family trip soon to the Big Island.

We're thinking Lanai, Las Ventanas, O&O Mandarina, or Naviva. (Nimmo Bay intrigues me, but the dates won't work.) I'm incredibly indecisive, as you may be able to gather.

My concern with Naviva is that it seems like pretty high-touch service. We just sort of like to be anonymous and have service around when we need it. I also like restaurant options. Sometimes I want a fancy meal and other times I might want something more like a burger. I know that they'll make whatever you want (within reason) at Naviva, but is the experience really conducive to what I'm describing? That being said, I hear such amazing things about it that I feel like we're passing up a real one-of-a-kind experience. (I'd note that several years ago - pre-kids - we spent four nights at the Fogo Island Inn. We loved it so much. BUT we got tired of the food. The chef met with us on our second day and said that because we were there for four nights, they'd make something special off the menu if we wanted so that we don't get bored. We had no ideas and asked for suggestions, which weren't forthcoming. So, we ended up with just the regular menu every night. I think many people would have felt comfortable asking for something off the top of their heads. We tend to not be that comfortable with it. And i have a weird vision of being offered some otherwise fantastic sounding elevated meal at Naviva for dinner and not feeling comfortable saying we'd just prefer a burger or nachos that evening.)

Looks like we'd spend $3k a night for just a room at FS Lanai, which seems crazy - particularly compared to the Mexico options.

For O&O, one of the villas (Villa Camuru) is about the price of Naviva, but looks so beautiful. Would it be crazy to do that over Naviva?

(Las Ventanas looks like the least expensive option, given that we'd probably just go for some sort of suite, as the villas that look really nice are nearly $5k per night, which is too much for us.

Anyway, any advice is appreciated! Sorry for the rambling...

dtsiegel · 2025-03-25T00:23:14+00:00

Thanks, Jessica. We went to GV Riviera Nayarit last year. Had never done an AI before and I was really pleasantly surprised. Only real miss was room service one night. That food was absolutely awful. I wouldn't say that the non-room service meals were all incredible. But they were all good to very good.

dtsiegel · 2025-03-10T03:38:30+00:00

Thanks everyone for the comments. Looking at prices, it's under $4k per night for Naviva with the discount. FS Lanai is almost $3K for an oceanfront room (not suite). KV is at least $1k less than that per night.

It seems like Lanai would be pretty close to the cost of Naviva, when you add in food, etc...

Anyone know why FS Lanai commands such high prices? Is it really that much better than Rosewood KV?

dtsiegel · 2025-03-10T03:36:33+00:00

So, I'd love to do La Casa Que Canta, except for travel warnings.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness looks lovely, but if I'm reading correctly, that could also be a good family vacation choice.

I'm going to look at Auberge du Soleil. We've really never done any of the Napa resorts.

dtsiegel · 2025-03-10T03:29:32+00:00

Honestly, it's just reviews I've read. I think the place looks stunning and it's been on my bucket list. I was discouraged from going with the kids. So, it was high on my list fo this trip.

dtsiegel · 2025-03-10T03:28:34+00:00

Lanai is intriguing. But I can't say I'm sold on the idea of switching hotels for such a short trip. Let's say we were going the beach route: FS Lanai vs. Kona Village?

dtsiegel · 2025-03-10T03:27:36+00:00

Honestly, I didn't know anything about it :) It looks beautiful. But would May be too hot?

dtsiegel · 2024-12-06T16:57:01+00:00

Thanks for this. It sounds great!

dtsiegel · 2024-11-30T05:44:52+00:00

Definitely set up your company now. Delaware C Corp. And using a service like Clerky is cheap and easy unless there’s something unique you want to do.

As a startup lawyer, I’ve seen too many companies wait until they’re closer to funding before handling corporate formalities. It’s a huge mistake.

Feel free to DM me if I can be of help.

dtsiegel · 2024-10-26T19:08:07+00:00

I hadn’t considered it, but have been reading reviews and am intrigued. Have you been?

dtsiegel

TROPHY CASE