5 Top 5 Travel Wish Lists: Where To Go Right Now
I'm at Black Coffee, sitting on a cushy, green leather banquette—my usual spot. On my right are two well-heeled Washingtonians talking about Koks, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in, wait for it—the Faroe Islands. I can’t contain my excitement! I know Koks–it’s on my travel wish list! How in the world do they know about Koks? I’m dying to ask. Then reconsider. That would be weird. My excitement manifests physically. It's like I’ve had six espresso shots in as many minutes. I’m quite literally bouncing off the...
5 Luxury Hotel Products Worth Bringing Home
(Please note a few affiliate links below. I may receive a small referral fee should a product be bought through my site but rest assured, I only highlight products I own and use.) Did you know that a whopping $100 million dollars worth of luxury products are stolen from hotels each year? You’d be surprised by what disappears. Or, maybe you wouldn’t be. Hotel toiletries, pens, and notepads are free, aren’t they? But where does complimentary end and grand larceny begin? Guests have been known...
The Green O Strikes Gold. Montana’s Newest Luxury Retreat.
The green o is Montana’s answer to the latest travel trend: luxury-minded adventure escapes. A place that strikes the right balance of indulgence and adventure, and includes culinary experiences and tasting menus worth traveling for. Follow me to the green o, and read about the newest adults-only luxury retreat in the Montana wilderness. “Are you sure the Sunset Trail goes through this field?” I ask my husband, warily. “Trust me”, he replies, unhinging the creaky, metal gate, and ignoring the wooden sign marked: “DO NOT...
Searching for the peaceful life, at Amanzoe, Greece
Google Amanzoe. Go ahead, I’ll wait. With 156,000 search results, Amanzoe is hardly a well-kept secret. What can I say or write that hasn't already been said or written about this palatial property? How can I uncover beauty not instantly available by scrolling postage stamp-sized squares on the phone? Or, found in a quick Google search? Let me give it a try. But perhaps first, a few things you will find in a quick Google search of Amanzoe, because essentials are still important, naturally. Amanzoe,...
5 of the best unforgettable and over-the-top travel experiences
Vacation, as the dictionary states, is 'an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling.' Most of us are long overdue. So, when that much-needed vacation finally comes, make it an unforgettable travel experience. Read on for some much-needed travel inspiration. Travel, whether I like to admit it or not, comes with a certain amount of expectation. I might say, “Oh, I’m happy at any beach, as long as I can relax with a book,” or “I don’t...
Discover Why Esperanza is the Family Escape You Need
The resort we chose for spring break, not surprisingly, needed to be family-friendly. There is a difference, however, between family-friendly and completely geared toward kids. Striking that balance is never easy, many places have good intentions but fail. Esperanza, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, had been recommended to me over the years, so we went for it. It managed to combine all the touches that would make my husband and me happy: the gorgeous views, great food, and thoughtful service, as well as all the...
Finding love in Les Baux de Provence
Provence has its own aura, its own colorful, magical, vibe. It was hard to decide where, in all of Provence, we wanted to use as our base. In the end, we chose Les Baux de Provence, and the bucolic hotel Baumanière to stay in. It was truly the most lovely place from which to explore the French countryside, not to mention being one of the best hotels among so many beautiful choices. Bucolic Baumanière, Les Baux de Provence / In Provence, I fell in love...
Snow-capped Summer in Chamonix, France
Face to Face with Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France / You don’t have to be an intrepid mountaineer to get up close and personal with majestic Mont Blanc in Chamonix. You can do as we did, which was to take the first cable car up and be gratified instantly. We stood on the chilly observation deck, gawking at the looming mountain, not believing it could be so cold up here, while at the base the July temps were soaring into the high 70s. Suddenly, what could...
8 Amazing Days Exploring Cape Town, South Africa
Wandering Cape Town and the Western Cape of South Africa / About 15 years ago my husband came back from a trip to Cape Town and declared it one of his favorite cities in the world. A bold and hyperbolic statement from an otherwise understated and pretty well-traveled guy. Fast forward a few years and I can’t disagree. If there was ever a city that had it all, Cape Town is hard to beat. Beaches, museums, lush wine lands, world-class restaurants, and hotels. Unique ethnic...
Villa Dubrovnik. Beyond the Wall of the Old City.
Villa Dubrovnik, Croatia / The entrance to Villa Dubrovnik is completely unmemorable. You may even think you have arrived at the wrong place, as there is no building per se. What you see is an L-shaped structure (imagine a periscope that has popped up from the water) with a wood-paneled door and a small button. Press it, enter, and you are swiftly transported, James Bond-style, many levels below to the lobby of Villa Dubrovnik. The elevator doors open and the full expanse of the Adriatic Sea...