Stories, Places, and the Art of Travel
Perspectives, inspiration, and thoughtfully curated stories from our world of travel.
Lopud 1483 | Croatia’s Island Monastery Retreat
Lopud 1483 | Croatia’s Island Monastery Retreat
Lake Como - Italy
Lake Como: I think everyone at this point knows where Lake Como is thanks to George Clooney and his famous villa but I have to tell you, I now understand why he spends so much time on the beautiful lake. The third largest lake in Italy, surrounded by a scenic mountain range with small cities and villages, makes this destination a very special place to visit.
Florence- Italy
Florence: I can return to this city many times and never tire of its beauty. There are so many alluring attractions including the soaring Duomo with an unforgettable facade, the magnificent and revered statue of David at the Uffizi, and the spectacular Tuscan cuisine. Visiting Florence in October during the white truffle and porcini mushroom season is a must. The weather is perfect for strolling the narrow streets and getting lost in this beautiful city.
Tuscany - Italy
Tuscany: This region is characterized by the rolling hills as far as your eyes can see, the splendid cuisine, the wine, and the serenity. Val d' Orcia was one of the most scenic areas in Tuscany - a place where one forgets where they are or where they are going, captivated by beauty and simplicity of Tuscan life.
Barbados
Barbados: I always consider Barbados as one of the larger islands in the Caribbean. Although only 21 miles long, nevertheless compared to some of its neighboring islands, it is double or even trip in size. Since Barbados is located way south in the Caribbean, it is the perfect destination any time of the year and out of harm's way of hurricanes. When I think of Barbados, it makes me think of an island that has great infrastructure, beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants in abundance and an English flare with a laid back island feeling. And then - there is the Sandy Lane Hotel - the iconic grand dame of the Caribbean.
Discover Anguilla!
Anguilla is an island abundant in alluring natural beauty marked by never-ending shorelines of pristine vanilla-hued beaches lined with swaying palm trees and clear blue skies. Desired by most travelers who venture to the Caribbean in the cold winter months, I was greeted with the perfect tropical climate that erased my memory of the wintery winds I left in New York City. The pleasant climate was only surpassed by the warmth and comforting hospitality that radiated from each and every Anguillan native. All of these accommodating elements combined made me feel right at home.
Mediterranean Splendor - Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, atop one of Greece’s most lavish peninsulas, is home to Santa Marina’s collection of luxury villas and boutique resort. Of the many Greek islands that one can visit, I find Mykonos to be the most diverse, boasting options for both lavish celebration as well as plush relaxation. Upon my arrival, I was greeted with an alluring sight of seductive blue waters paired with ideal temperatures and uninterrupted sunshine every single day. Characterized by a very cosmopolitan scene, Mykonos is home to world-renowned restaurants and it is famed as a five-star party destination - if you choose to partake.
Miami: Acqualina Hotel
The Acqualina Resort & Spa is a luxurious tower that boldly ascends directly above Florida’s exclusive Sunny Isles Beach. Artfully influenced by modern Mediterranean glamour, the high-rise is accented by a calming palette of soft, soothing colors, combined with statuesque architectural design characteristic of a secluded seaside palace. Upon arriving, the entry instantly lures you into an intricately lavish lobby and through a picturesque procession that beckons you beyond the pristine pools and directly to the soft sands and glistening swells only steps away. Looking back at the Acqualina you will see a rhythmic series of suspended balconies that each capture sweeping views of the breathtaking horizon – that is, if you’ve requested an oceanfront setting. In addition to the grandeur and spaciousness of each room, many of the tower’s levels accommodate no more than 4 guest quarters, creating the perfect environment for extreme privacy and discretion.
The Caribbean Island of St. Barths
One of my favorite Caribbean destinations, is the striking island of St. Barths. A swift scenic flight from neighboring St. Maarten whisks you through a picturesque gateway, framing glimpses of the surprisingly diverse terrain. The island’s quaint size (only 9.5 square miles) is brimming with an abundance of hills, valleys, boulders, cliffs, coves, sandy dunes and lush fields.
Petit St. Vincent - Grenadines
Petit St. Vincent is the premier Caribbean escape to experience the essence of island life. Concealed within the southern bounds of the Grenadines, this privately owned hideaway encompasses a lush tropical forest and an immaculate coastline of a modest 2 linear miles. Though very small in size, this destination is praised for its serenity, solitude and sincere hospitality.
Barbados: “The Dream” Villa
Barbados is home to “The Dream”, a villa perfectly named for its ethereal serenity, flawless glamour and alluring atmosphere drenched in Caribbean beauty. The island is enveloped on either side by the majestic Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, however coveted views from the estate frame the sun’s journey over the vast beachfront, illuminating the calm Caribbean. Located in “The Garden” region of Barbados, the landscape is abundant with swaying palms, native greenery and exotic plantings that engulf the villa in lush vegetation, also serving to veil the adjacent property for a naturally intimate setting. Boasting 5 extravagant bedrooms, deluxe baths and countless areas for elegant dining and leisure, the villa’s grand presence is pronounced by its striking architectural precision as it sprawls across an immaculate stretch of soft vanilla-hued sand. The rear façade is contoured by a privacy fence and divine infinity, pool seamlessly paired with the tranquil turquoise waters that are only steps away.
Baden-Baden, Germany: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
“The height of exclusive pampering amid serene natural beauty,” only begins to describe the epic extravagance of Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa embedded in the lavish hills of Baden-Baden, Germany. For those seeking refuge from the monotony of daily routines or searching for complete transformation from the inside out, you can customize a dossier for your stay, brimming with a range of activities infused with adventure, fitness, rejuvenation and leisure. Home to the world’s purest air, there is an abundance of restorative excursions to embrace the pristine natural setting inclusive of hiking, biking and exhilarating workouts curated by your appointed personal wellness team. Fascinating programming is available to cater to individuals or to guide unforgettable group experiences.