We traveled to a ton of diverse places this year, from a staycation here in our hometown of Chicago, to a luxury Caribbean retreat, to a long weekend in our favorite European Capital City just to see one painting! My Top Five Activity list is always a really tough one to curate each year, but it’s always fun to reflect on all of the things we did and memories made. Here are my five (actually six!) favorites!

5. Spa Time – Rosewood Little Dix Bay & St. Regis, Chicago (tie)

I definitely covet my down time, and indulging in a relaxing spa treatment is always at the top of my list for any vacation. This year, I’m unable to pick which ultra-luxe experience was the best, so Rosewood and St. Regis are tied here at number five. The Sense Spa at Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a special place perched high above the rest of the resort with stunning views of the Caribbean. We were treated to a very special couples massage in a private suite, that included our own little hot tub with those perfect views. It was special, indeed. Read all about the Sense Spa here!

At the St. Regis in Chicago, for a truly indulgent service, choose the stress relief massage, and feel the outside world melt away after just a few deep breaths on the super comfortable, warm massage table. You’re treated like royalty here no matter who you are, and this was easily the best massage of the year for me. Check out more details on the St. Regis Chicago Spa here!

4. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Cleveland truly does rock, and I was really excited to revisit my original home town with our teenagers this year for some family time, as well as touristy time. Cleveland continues to surprise, and there are lots of small-to-midsize cities in America that are worth visiting, even if your expectations for food and hotel options are high! (Check out my itinerary for visiting Kansas City for one of my favorite examples of this!) The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is constantly evolving, and is chock full of cool memorabilia that jams! Fun interactive exhibits and a handful of movies make this a destination in and of itself. Check out all the details for visiting here!

3. Bar and Taco Tour – Four Seasons CDMX

So, I didn’t write a specific article about the Taco Tour we did in Mexico City, arranged by the Four Seasons Hotel, but when I think about all the food tours we’ve done in recent years, this one really stands out as something special.

Our expert guide Gaby seemingly knows everyone in the city, and definitely knows about the most authentic places to visit. From a cantina that was full of locals, to Tlecan, one of the best bars in the world, she got us in to the best places. We ate a million tacos and drank some of the best cocktails around Mexico City, all while learning about the unique foodways and history of corn, mezcal, and other Mexican staples along the way. Four Seasons tours never disappoint – they are always contracting with the best of the best, so if you’re staying at one of my favorite hotels from 2025, be sure to book this tour for an incredibly memorable experience!

2. Beach Drops – Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI

This was the most surprising, and most exciting activity of the year, not only because it was totally complimentary with our stay at Rosewood LDB, but also because it took us to some of the most beautiful places in the British Virgin Islands. We scheduled three different beach drops to stunning beaches around Virgin Gorda, and they hooked us up with everything we needed for some fun in the sun at each locale. This was easily one of the best family activities of the year, and check out my article on the beach drops and my recommendations here!

1. Walking through the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica – Catholic Church Jubilee Year

This was our very first activity of the year, and possibly one of the most memorable of a lifetime. As a member of the Catholic faith, the Jubilee Year at the Vatican is a big deal that only happens every 25 years. They open special doors at St. Peter’s, and it’s said that if you walk through with a penitent heart, your sins are washed away. I sure felt a powerful surge of energy walking through these doors in January of this year, and the moment continues to cause me to reflect and be grateful for all of my blessings. With the installation of a Pope from our hometown this year as well, this year in faith has been full of gifts of grace.