If the South Island is dramatic and elemental, shaped by ice, wind, and time, the North Island offers a softer seduction. This is where culture, adventure, and cinematic landscapes come together in harmony. There's cosmopolitan Auckland, the geothermal wonder and Māori heart of Rotorua, and the cool, creative rhythm of Wellington. Each is distinct, each …
CANTABRIA: Wild Beauty & Prehistoric Wonder Leaving the Pyrenees behind, we descended into Cantabria - where every curve in the road seemed to reveal a different mood. Cantabria surprised me at every turn with its blend of rugged coastlines, misty mountains, and unexpectedly lush valleys. Here, prehistoric caves open into emerald hills, and charming villages …
Continue reading Northern Spain Part 2: Cantabria & Asturias
The Allure of the Dolomites The Dolomites are, quite simply, a marvel. Rising from the northern Italian Alps in a dramatic collage of vertical limestone walls, jagged cliffs, and deep-cut valleys, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to eighteen towering peaks, many cresting above 9,000 feet. Spring is especially beguiling. The upper slopes remain …
Continue reading Dolomites in Bloom: Spring Skiing and Alpine Indulgence
Just an hour outside Milan, where the gentle hills of the Alps begin to rise, lies Franciacorta - an enchanting, yet curiously under-the-radar wine region. It’s here, in Lombardy, that some of Italy’s most elegant bubbles are crafted, often compared to Champagne, but with a distinctly Italian soul and a fraction of the global spotlight. And …
The history of Quercus is a delightful, if surprising, story with Quercus Farm founded in 1977 by Duke and Duchess Visconti di Modrone, who fell in love with a piece of heaven in Gay, Georgia while looking to escape a troubling political time in Italy. They wanted to raise their family on a working farm, …
I used to travel to Brazil annually for five consecutive years when I worked for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. It was a wonderful place to visit and do business, and I made such close friends with so many Brazilians in the industry. I fell in love with the people and the fantastic cities of …
Secret Bay Secret Bay is one of those places that you know if you know. It is off the radar, low-key, relaxing, stunning, romantic, and special all in one! The all-villa rainforest resort experience features secluded clifftop residential-style villas with private plunge pools, dedicated villa hosts, on-call concierge, chefs and guides, and secret beaches. Guests …
Visiting Normandy is powerfully emotional and especially impactful when considering the region's role in changing the course of World War II and the countless souls who selflessly gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. What some might not now is that the region of Normandy has impossibly picturesque towns, spectacular culinary delights, and wonderfully hospitable hotels.
The Rhone valley has diverse and very high quality red and white wines that will impress any serious oenophile and satisfy more any palate. The wines can perfectly compliment most world cuisines. They can be much better values than what you will find in Bordeaux and Burgundy, yet it astounds me that many wine drinkers don't appreciate this section of the wine list as often as they should. The gastronomy, charming villages and cites, and lovely weather make the Rhone an absolute home run. Ill be back!!
Santa Fe is a bustling melting pot of Spanish and Native American culture that attracts artists, foodies, culture-seekers, nature-lovers, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to soak up an incredibly special part of America. My fabulous group of travel companions on this trip were a bunch of besties who have remained impossibly close since working together …
Continue reading Santa Fe: A Girl’s Trip to America’s Oldest Capitol