le travel edit

this total gem, tucked high in the hills of santa teresa, has it all. a 1970s family-residence-turned-boutique-hotel in 2017, vila santa teresa boasts dazzling views over rio, inspired decor + the kind of comfortable luxury that makes you want to move in + stay forever.

the dreamiest decor + attention to detail

if it wasn’t for rio + all her glory i would have stayed tucked in right here - these linens are absolute HEAVEN!

vila santa teresa views for days - all the way across to sugar loaf + the vibrant city below

even though i probably don’t fall into the ‘morning person’ category per se, the light this time of day, the company + the long breakfasts that often go with them are my absolute favorite. and mornings at vila santa teresa were chart toppers.

breakfast, lunch + dinner nook. the kitchen at vila santa teresa is truly world class.

vila santa teresa was like our very own little oasis. already looking forward to our next time back!

your time in santa teresa wouldn’t be complete without a bite at bar do mineiro a lively local fav known for it’s feijoada + pastéis - order it all + wash it down with a cachaça

delicious cocktails, an impressive menu + dreamy views from one of santa teresa’s vistas it’s no wonder why aprazível was recommended to us by literally everyone we chatted to about rio. (photo cred aprazivel.com.br)

the snoop/ pharrell video was actually my first reference to escadaria selarón (not sure if i should be embarrassed by this?) but i have to say, i was much more taken with the stairs in person. they go on forever and the tile work, at the entrance, up the stairs + lining the walls is so impressive and beautiful. on your rio ‘must list’ for sure!

was a bit of a climb, but we found the canadian tile!

truth be told, pão de açúcar (sugarloaf mountain) wasn’t actually on my list of rio musts which in retrospect is hard to believe as it was definitely a highlight of the trip - i mean these views!!

the trails around morro da urca (aka the first part of pão de açúcar) and my first ever time meeting MONKEYS in the wild

views from pão de açúcar 400m above the harbor, somewhere in the middle of the longest most beautiful sunset, from the cutest little café - live music, local wine, the whole jam.

we spent one of my favorite afternoons in rio exploring parque lage a private residence turned park + visual arts school. the view from the café is extremely picturesque + definitely worth a stop for lunch or a coffee. you also have the jardim botânico right next door which is most definitely worth a visit while you’re in the neighborhood

the gardens surrounding parque lage are extremely lush and definitely worth a little cruise around. you can hear all the moneys in the trees above as you explore the windy paths, greenery + ponds.

we spent the loveliest evening in leblon watching the sun go down + the bustle of a beach day fade into night. café de la musique was the best little spot for this - great vibe, live music + tasty ceviche

pardon the worst photo of the best night. jobi is the kind of place you immediately feel right at home - it opened in the 1950s + i imagine it packed with post-beach goers ever since. just a few streets off the beach, we snagged a spot on the street (jobi’s overflow) + enjoyed the crowd, live street music, cold beers + petiscos well into the evening.

brazilian darling OSKLEN achieves the perfect balance of luxury, simplicity, sustainability + contemporary. check out any number of their stores in rio + but osklen surfing concept shop right in the heart of copacobana is not to be missed!

we found the best burgers (hands down) at tt burger in copacabana - cute, casual little spot to grab a burger (+ fries w house-made tomato sauce,) after a day at the beach which is exactly what we did.

one beach down from my fav leblon, ipanema is not to be missed + yes it’s encouraged to hum the song as you play in the waves

i can’t image a more exquisite home-away than silent living’s santa clara 1728. the location idyllic, the rooms luxurious, simple + extremely comfortable + unparalleled world-class hospitality that makes you feel completely at home.

santa clara 1728 is a newly renovated (+ recently opened) amazing little hotel boasting 6 spacious suites. once an 18th century palace in alfama, an older quarter of lisbon, santa clara 1728 is also home to the lovely joao + andrea (the silent living owners) + their family.

the attention to detail, quality, materials + textures had us wanting to move right in + stay forever

the most comfortable bed + incredible linens

we loved the beautiful arrangement in our room (+ throughout the house too). the availability of beautiful books, magazines + our favorite publications (hello cereal) didn’t go unnoticed!

breakfast is served in the dining room on the main floor. the time we spent around the big table each morning was one of our favorite moments of each day. local, fresh + thoughtfully prepared, we felt the attention to detail, care + quality throughout our entire stay with santa clara 1728

we loved exploring the alfama neighborhood + the lively feira da ladra (flea market) right on santa clara’s doorstep every tuesday and saturday.

convento do carmo, in the estrela neighborhood, is one of the most iconic gothic-style buildings in lisbon. falling apart in 1755’s earthquake, today it’s beautiful remains include a breathtaking open air structure which holds the archaeological museum.

the archaeological museum is certainly worth a wonder however, the most impressive part, and where we spent the majority of our time, is the marvel of a structure itself that remains. an architectural studies class + several artists seemed to share our sentiment, seated around the structure, sketch-pad in hand.

for pastel de natas (which turned into a bit of an addiction) our favorite was manteigaria in the estrela neighborhood.

pasteís de belém also receives a lot of (well deserved) hype + their ancient pastry shop is a perfect spot to enjoy these amazing little treats (don’t be shocked by the lines!)

pastel de natas at manteigaria. there are only a few tables so be prepared to enjoy your tasty treats at one of the long, narrow counters which (upside) double as a front-row seat to all the action in the kitchen.

embaixada is a 19th-century palace turned shopping center featuring portuguese brands, designers and a concept bar/ café. this incredible spot is well worth a visit if only to marvel at the architecture and rehabilitation of the building.

our lunch at estrela’s a cevicheria was a highlight meal of our trip + quite possibly the best ceviches i’ve ever tired. seated at the counter we had the perfect view of all the action + exquisite preparation

the most memorable ‘center piece’ suspended from the a cevicheria ceiling

you’ll find a these beautiful concept stores, scattered throughout the city. each a vida portuguesa boasts quality, contemporary products created + fabricated in portugal.

for the most incredible chocolate brownie of your life (yep, i said it!) dip into the claudio corallo ‘bean to bar’ café in estrela. the chocolate and coffee have all been sourced and produced in-house creating the most delicious, pure afternoon treat.

afternoon chocolate treats at claudio corallo’s ‘bean to bar’ café in estrela

incredible hand-crafted soaps, drawing on ingredients from Portugal’s lush countryside, beautifully packaged in illustrated art work. the claus porto shop in estrela is worth a stop for gifts (for yourself or loved ones) or for simply taking in the scents and sights of the beautifully wrapped soaps.

all you have to say is ‘beachside-chic’ + i’m there. this is exactly what the qt bondi delivers in the heart of vibrant bondi beach. as you can tell from the pic, i was a total sucker for their branding, barefoot-luxury vibe + gorgeous hospitality.

for big apple cult favorite saturday nyc, i can’t impage a better location for their first australian store than bondi beach. coffee shop + retail space, saturday nyc is the ultimate lifestyle brand for the beach - boards, comfy cottons + travel accessories delight!

bohemian to the core camilla, founded in bondi beach, boasts the most colorful, beautifully eclectic array of woman’s wear, bathers, kaftans, accessories and beyond.

had i know how great this little gem would be, i wouldn’t have even packed bathers - i totally fell in love and left the shop with 3 suits! bondi bathers are made in australia with quality fabrics (so they won’t stretch out or sag) and unique colors and prints many of which are screen prints from bondi beach photographs.

putting this bondi bather right to the test in the bondi sand + sea.

this quirky, nicely assorted little vintage spot has the best selection of vintage levis (including these babies I snapped up) swing by miss brown vintage to check out all the great denim plus flowy printed dresses, scarves + the likes.

breezy vibe, fresh food, beautiful cocktails and a great patio space make upper east side bondi a gem of a spot for a post-beach sundowner on the sun drenched patio before the day turns into dinner-time (and I’d recommend staying put for this too!) Have also heard great things about their brunch!

we loved drake’s so much we didn’t explore many more of bondi’s gems as we literally parked ourselves here for every meal that followed. we loved drake’s for brunch, light lunches, coffees + late night wines. drake’s is everything.

sip is a fab little beach-side spot to splay out on the patio with a group + enjoy the chaos. think vibrant crowds, a rosé + the bondi beach-side scene.

ok so not in bondi at all but the beach club at watson’s bay boutique hotel deserves a mention for it’s fresh seafood, perfect patio + even more perfect sunset. book your table in time to catch the last hours of sunshine, enjoy the sunset over the harbor + your drinks into the evening.

the sunset over watson’s bay

morning hike up to Lion's Head (view from wally's cave) 

view overlooking the gorgeous coastlines of Bakoven Beach + Llandudno Beach

view from wally's cave

the way back down

view over cape town harbor from the hike down

book a long (delicious) dinner in this immaculately curated old victorian house full of charm + character. 

kloof street house patio

epic dinner crew at kloof street house

their sister venue ASOKA also comes highly recommended - unfortunately i didn't make it over on this trip

sundown patio at kloof street house (obsessed) 

house gin cocktails (i went for the heart)

the hidden gin bar

the hidden gin bar (street front entrance is Honest Chocolate) quirky, beautiful + deliciously creative gin concoctions 

al fresco g+t's at the hidden gin bar

coffee (+ chocolate) for breaky at honest chocolate (the front for the hidden gin bar)

and the most brilliant sunlight persisting through the clouds

table mountain is a must-go. you can hike or take a cable car up

vibey little joint. go for beers and burgers.

the odyssey90 (with tomato relish) at odyssey gastropub on bree street

the village idiot | eatery, watering hole, outdoor seating on their wrap-around veranda, pool tables, late night, this little gem has it all

house of machines | great evening spot for drinks + live music (apparently also serves fab coffee?) 

the most killer smoked Manhattan (blowtorch required) 

while you're on shortmarket street check out House of Machine's spot next door Outrage of Modesty - a speakeasy-style cocktail bar

waking up right with bacon on bree - cute lil breaky spot boasting well sourced ingredients, a sunny patio + a bacon filled menu

bacon on bree's version of the Harvey Specter “Its not bragging if it's true” maybe i ordered it because the heart on i have for Suits or maybe it was the ciabatta, bacon, brie, tomato, pesto combo that won me over.  either way, as bacon on bree puts it, "it's jeans or a tuxedo. it's Harvey Specter on the weekend."

boasting a shop, design studio + rotating exhibitions Chandler House is worth a a gander 

aptly named Clifton 1st through 4th. beauty beaches with the most perfect white sand (warning! the ocean is COLD!)  

I spent the afternoon walking each of the 4 Clifton beaches + ended here at Camps Bay.  incredibly striking coastline + great view up to the Twelve Apostles. 

 most favorite colors

as my all time favorite city to spend time in, the Paris page is a continuous curation bringing together favorite places, moments and memories all organized by one can spend time (do, eat, sip + shop) in this fabulously fun city. I hope you enjoy the ongoing adds and edits <3

forever enamored with Parisian rooftops.

located in the 6e, the Jardin du Luxembourg is possibly the most picturesque and (though impossible to name a fav with so many beautiful gardens to choose from in Paris,) Jardin du Luxembourg might just take the top spot.  pack a picnic and soak up the beauty! 

Any trip to Paris would be incomplete without a a little shop n stroll through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the quarters in the 6e. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is home to some of the most notable cafés including Café de Flore (Picasso was a regular) + Les Deux Magots (Hemingway's spot). 

when you think you know Paris... see it from a sidecar + see it with Retro Tour.  We did the Great Escape tour through Montmartre (18e) - an incredible way to explore the winding streets on your way up to Sacré-Coeur.  

merci beaucoup to Julien and Retro Tour for the laughs, the selfies + for just generally making our afternoon!

located in the 8e, between champ-élysées + pont alexandra III, petit palais is an art museum/ architectural wonder with a cute café. visit the museum to enjoy pieces ranging from renaissance to 20th century or take in the spender of the gardens while enjoying a café.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is not only stunning in it's own right, it also happens to boast one of the best panoramic views across Paris.  well worth the hike up all those stairs! 

the horribly out-of-place skyscraper you spotted from sacré-coeur? that would be the Tour Montparnasse.  from the observation deck, it boasts one of the best views over Paris (namely because the tower itself is now out of sight).  including the champs-elysées + the eiffel tower. 

the Musée Rodin, dedicated to French sculpture Auguste Rodin, is located in Rodin's former workshop Hôtel Biron.  The museum also boats some of Monet and Van Gogh's works that were in Rodin's personal collection.  many of Rodin's sculptures, including The Thinker, are displayed in the exquisite rose garden. 

The Hôtel Biron, Rodin's former workshop, is nearly as impressive as the masterpieces it houses. 

in the corner of Jardin des Tuileries (1e), the Musée l'Orangerie is one of my favorite spaces and the permanent home to eight of Monet's Water Lillie murals; (in addition to notable impressionist and post-impressionist paintings). 

walk the gardens pre/post Louvre (or musée de l'orangerie)...

housed in a former railway station, Musée d'Orsay boasts the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works globally. 

including a few Monet's... if you need me, I'll be by the water lilies... 

located in le maris, the Musée Picasso itself is a work of art!  housing more than 5,000 works, the collection presents a complete breadth of Picasso’s artistic mediums thus offering insight into his creative process.

located in the 16e Foundation Louis Vuitton is a museum and cultural center designed by architect Frank Gehry (photo cred: architonic.com) 

stunning from every angle, a visit to île de la cité's Notre Dame is absolutely a must.

after taking in notre dame, stroll over to the neighboring Marche aux Fleurs located just a few minutes towards Sainte Chapelle also on île de la cité. 

keep strolling through île de la cité and find your way to Place Dauphine the prettiest little square (well, triangle really,) tucked in just beside Pont Neuf.

île saint-louis is a tiny island smack in the center of paris. stroll through the quirky streets and cute (touristy) shops making your way to berthillon for homemade ice cream. this is without a doubt the best, most flavorful ice cream of my life. (ps. don’t be fooled by the shops that offer ‘berthillon style’ ice cream - head straight to the real deal.)

although competition is steep, Pont Alexandre III is possibly the most beautiful of bridges in Paris connecting the champs-élysées quarter with the invalides and eiffel tower.

stealing glances of la Tour Eiffel will never get old.  here are my two fav spots to do so: near the Palais de Tokyo (16e) as pictured here and... 

... from Trocadéro (16e) as pictured here. 

anchoring the top of the champs-élysées (in the center of the craziest, most impressive traffic circle,) l'Arc de Triomphe shouldn't be missed. If you're up for it, the terrace at the top boasts beautiful views over Paris.

a total gem in saint germain, Alcazar is a fav for long late dinners followed by cocktails (and a DJ) upstairs at le balcon.  alcazar also boasts interesting history... opening as a cabaret in the late 60s it's rumored to be the spot Jim Morrison overdosed the night of his death. 

a fabulous little spot for lunch (make sure to grab a table upstairs) or to prendre un café.  you can find marcelle in the 2e. 

playful combinations of mediterranean flavors, a fresh seasonal menu, amazing cocktails (and even a little coffee house) make bonhommie an amazing choice for modern dining in the 10e

quite possibly the best meal of my life - a modern twist on French cuisine and exquisite wine pairings.  call well ahead for a table at Frenchie or for a more spontaneous small-plates-wines-by-the-glass version, pop across the street to enjoy their wine bar. 

just up from blvd saint germain Le Hibou is a fav for wine and people watching from one of the tables spilling onto the lively streets. 

located in the 2e, Le Comptoir des Petits Champs is a hidden gem and my hands down favorite for traditional Français cuisine. 

lively, delicious, cozy are three words I would use to describe le mary celeste while perched at the bar enjoying a glass of wine + the best tartar of my life. one of quixotic’s gems, the amazing bar/ restaurant boasts a menu best for a small group as you could order one of everything this way + wash it all down with their creative libations.

a gorgeous leafy terrace in the 2e for enjoying lunch or dinner, Klay Saint Sauveur boasts fresh salads (!!) reminiscent of LA, great cocktails + the best moelleux au chocolat.  wash it all down with a Get 27. 

gracing the rooftop of the Peninsula Hotel (16e), L'Oiseau Blanc offers beautiful décor paying homage to the French plane of the same name in addition to sweeping city views, a weekly menu with seasonal ingredients + excellent service.  

conflicted on whether to categorize as a 'do' or an 'eat', high tea in la galerie at George V Four Seasons Paris is truly an experience that sends you back in time to the pinnacle of 19th century elegance. there is also a pianist that plays every afternoon from 3pm.

tea time

looks familiar? you might be having a SATC flash back... located in the 1e on the banks of pont neuf kong is a great choice for brunch or a late afternoon lunch. the decor and views through the curved glass walls are best enjoyed during the day.  

ob-la-di nestled in the 3e, boasts great coffee and a delicious breakfast.  bonus - it's open on sundays!

pop into café kitsuné for a café and a sweet. best enjoyed before/after strolling around palais royal... 

front row seat to le jardin du palais-royale from café kitsuné 

walk off your café kitsuné treats with a stroll around palais-royal

another quintessential café, you'll find le saint-régis nestled on île st louis just across the pont louis philippe from the notre dame. grab a glass of rosé and a corner table to enjoy the musicians spread across the pont.

ballroom. vibey little underground cocktail club. greet the gentleman at the door and (very carefully) make your way down the candle-lit stairs for a dj + superb mixology. 

opened in 2016 find hôtel bachaumont in the 2e boasting a fabulous restaurant, cocktail bar and beautifully simple, contemporary rooms. 

the restaurant at hôtel bachaumont is excellent for be sure to enjoy breakfast and a dinner while you're there!  the cocktail bar just across the hall is also a must. 

located on the corner of the 9e and 2e hôtel adèle & jules is a central little gem but less spendy than staying directly in the 2e or le marais   

an absolute fav, you'll find isabel marant boutiques all throughout Paris

merci is the most fabulous little concept store in the 3e where you'll find everything from designer labels and shoes to bed linens and flatware. 

pop into la cantine on the bottom floor of merci to keep your shopping mission properly fueled with a fresh pressed juice or lunch.

the top floor is all about la maison

galeries lafayette is department store heaven (complete with the most stunning ceiling). grab lunch on the terrace of la paillote at the blvd hausseman location for pretty paris views. 

fabulous area to spend an afternoon popping into some of my french favs IRO, ba&sh, zadig & voltaire, maje, sandro &  of course, CHANEL. 

my tea of choice, mariage frères has a tea house & shop location in le marais which makes for a great afternoon repose (the tea also makes a great gift). 

Paris, je t'aime.

rooftop pool with a view at dear hotel madrid

gracias dear hotel madrid for the coziest morning, good coffee + cutest hotel merch! 

view from the top (of this gorgeous spiral staircase) 

we just need to take a moment for these plates <3

loveliest sunday lunch at dray martina near madrid's salamanca neighborhood. the food was delicious and the interior very photogenic!

the food isn't the only thing dray martina has going for it!

one of my favorite madrid meals was lunch at quintín's in salamanca - charming, bustling and delicious it was everything we wanted in a long saturday lunch. reservations recommended. 

the freshest spanish fare at quintín's

bright, airy + open, el huerto de lucas is one of salamanca's newer markets boasting everything from coffee, veggies, meats + cheeses all under a stunning canopy of hanging plants. fun fact: the mercado was designed using nothing but non-toxic, sustainable materials!

when dining at the principal madrid you've got options. one of which is ático restaurant boasting traditional, creatively presented spanish dishes + a dreamy velvet interior. 

option número dos, if you're visiting the principal madrid in the warmer months, is seating (plus an extensive cocktail list) on "la pérgola" terrace.  (photo gracias @sincerelyjules) 

a great market to hit up for lunch or into the evening for a casual bite, the mercado de san ildefonso in malasaña boasts multi-levels along with multi-options for food, wine or cocktails

it was the bright white subway tiles and airy feel of this little lunch gem that drew me in, however it was most definitely the name that made me feel at home at bocadillo de jamon y champan - exactly as it sounds: simple and perfect. 

this sweet little concept shop is just down the street from the bocadillo de jamón y champán so it's perfect to enjoy a champagne inspired peruse through the design-focused, minimalist shelves of do design - an extremely well curated, tasteful selection of jewelry, homewares, clothing + linens.

the salamanca neighborhood boast the 'golden mile' - think rodeo drive - and also the cutest side streets boasting beautiful local boutiques where you'll find favs like isabel marant + masscob nestled in alongside. 

a green respite in the center of the city, buen retiro park, once a royal vacation home + botanical garden, is perfect for an afternoon picnic/ stroll on your way to the reina sofía or museo del prado. 

Le Nine 

our bachelorette abode! Hotel the Serras boasts a fabulous location, gorgeous amenities, decor and incredible hospitality.  our warmest welcome was all class (and all bubbles). 

Hotel the Serras view over the harbor from the El Sueno rooftop (not pictured - rooftop pool) 

port olimpic

a day at sea for our bride to be

beauty day on the water thanks to Barcelona Sailing Experience

Barcelona Sailing Experience for custom excursions and yachts of all sizes (they'll even sail you around for sunset)

Ura restaurante + lounge - great for large dinner parties

FABULOUS dining at boca grande - tasty fresh seafood + great wine list

head upstairs after dinner to boca chica - experimental cocktails (+ as pictured, a funky mirrored ceiling) 

montserrat basking in the distance on our way from Barcelona to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is a still-functioning monastery that was founded in the 10th century (seriously) 

when Tom Morley (my maha yoga fav) hosts a yoga retreat in Capri, you pack your stretchy pants + your lancaster sunscreen and GO. Thank you Global Tribe Retreats and Blackbook Experience!

thanks to the Capri Tiberio Palace - our incredible home for retreat week

stairway to heaven / heavenly stairway 

the Capri Tiberio Palace is one of the more beautifully curated hotels I have ever experienced.  The thoughtfulness and beauty of every single detail is simply incredible. 

Capri vibes at the Jacky Bar

love the mixed stripes and blues on blues

afternoon selfies at Jacky Bar

cutest cab ride with the cutest ladies

Gelateria Buonocore.  we would go here every day. often more than once. this will be the best gelato of your LIFE. there will be a line - wait - it's worth it. (e.g. one of the girls claimed this gelato was worth the pain of her lactose intolerance.)

overlooking Marina Grande 

Lido del Faro boasts all day sun and a gorgeous sunset

splashing around and playing mermaid all afternoon

one of my favorite meals of the trip was thanks to Ristorante da  Gelsomina. vineyards, views, tiramisu, fresh figs... this Anacapri gem really has it all. 

blues + boats - taking it all in

waving byeee to marina grande on our way to the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto 

the three faraglioni of Capri (Scopolo, Mezzo + Stella)  

the bluest water you'll ever see thanks to the way sunlight shines through an underwater cavity creating a reflection that lights up the entire grotto

exploring the bluest blue waters of the blue grotto 

Il Riccio - go for lunch, stay (hours) for the view. this delicious, well appointed michelin stared gem is part of the Capri Palace Hotel 

this was one of those lunches that lasted all afternoon. the food, the service, this view, the company... everything was lovely. 

Il Riccio's linguine con vongole is easily one of the best i've ever tasted. 

Anema e Core - this place is truly one of a kind. an institution. wear your dancing shoes and enjoy the live music, the people and the vibe into the early morning. 

amazing views on our walk to Fontelina beach club

an afternoon at Fontelina and you truly feel like you're lounging in a Grey Malin photograph.

lying in the sun, gazing out at the Faraglioni (different perspective than from the boat!) 

(channeling my inner Gray Malin)

reds and blues and stripes and perfect (last one, promise)

riad utopia | although tempted to say the pool was the star of the (110+ degree) trip it was undoubtably our incredible host at Riad Utopia stealing the show.   From the best dinner recommendations and securing our reservations to expert advise on how to navigate the souk, the medina and the artisanal market - the staff at Riad Utopia were top notch.  I cannot recommend this gem enough! 

the breakfast couch (can we just take a moment for these linens!) 

perfect blue-sky-view from the pool

ok. new hotel criteria - must supply chic hats for the pool. 

le jardin | dining night 1.  we went crazy for their small plates and tried just about everything.  beautiful leafy al fresco dining with a good selection of Moroccan wines. 

norya apron | chic Moroccan designs (omg her kaftans!) in a pop up shop just upstairs from restaurant le garden. (photo cred to brown book.tv) 

so this happened.  we had this vision of a camel / desert adventure being totally luxe.  (possibly thanks to SATC) but the reality is this: riding a camel is cool for 10 minutes (our 'tour' was all morning.) the headscarves they wrap for you are indeed chic. but it's hot. crazy hot. and we crossed a 4-lane highway on these camels. memorable yes and we have the funniest video, but not exactly the chic excursion we had in mind. 

the baby camels are cute though (and see what i mean about our headscarves!)

French painter Jacques Majorelle + 40 years of passion went into creating this beautiful space. then, YSL and his partner saved the gardens from a real estate project in 1980 - the story of the gardens is almost as fascinating as the space's beautiful serenity. perfect for a (shaded) afternoon stroll.

beautiful friends j + m 

Jardin Majorelle

a gentleman working security detail offered to take our photo (we were really struggling attempting our selfie...) 

blues for days 

Jardin Majorelle shade

33 rue Majorelle | this dreamy little colorful stack is from  a super cute concept shop near Jardin Majorelle. 

the doors in Marrakech are out of this world.

maison d'arabe | dining night 2.  the home to the first riad in marrakesh has now grown to a 26-room luxe boutique hotel owned by an italian prince (but he's not as single, handsome or young as one first hoped...)  we enjoyed an amazing dinner + live music pool side with fabulous service followed by cocktails in their jazz bar. 

La Maison Arabe claims the very first riad (turned hotel) in which they've maintained the original water feature. this is it!

the artisanal market boasts fixed prices (no bargaining) and beautiful local handcrafted products. a great stop pre-souk if only to get an idea of what's available and prices to aim for while souk-ing.  i brought home new living room linens (beautiful pillow covers and a throw) that i'm obsessed with. 
 

decisions, decisions... at the artisanal markets

nomad | dining night 3. must. twice if you can. reservations recommended + seating on the top terrace. also recommended: everything on the menu, their mojitos + their housemade dark chocolate/ ginger sorbet. 

see what i mean about the top terrace? amazing views of the Medina and refreshingly fresh air. 

lusting over chevron tables and white lights. 

a post-dinner stroll through the Medina.

3 days + i'm completely in love with everything that is Saint-Rémy.  

side note: i can't stop taking pictures of facades.  oh provence <3

first meal had to be croque madame. found at Chez Mamine Terrace d'été in Place de la Mairie

everything is just lovely

our 'riding-bikes-through-vineyards' plan was foiled by nothing (eg. bike rental shops) being open on mondays. ever so determined we decided we would just walk the 7+ km to the wineries.

yes we matched our sunnies.

7 gorgeous km from Saint-Rémy to Château Romanin 

nearly there (Château Romanin)

 Château Romanin

 Château Romanin

(obviously) 

lavender fields, rolling hills and wine for days

long mornings at our Hotel de Tourrel. but first coffee.

"New life has been breathed into the historic former residence of the noble family de Tourrel d’Almeran from Saint-Rémy. The outstanding architecture of this private mansion dating back to the 17th century inspired Ralph Huesgen and Margot Staengle to incorporate more than three centuries of life into the design, with 1920s flair and a hint of modernity."

– Côté Sud Magazine March/April 2015

i truly can't say enough about our stay at Hotel de Tourrel.  quite possibly the BEST hotel experience ever thanks to the beauty of the restoration + architecture, the attention to every single detail + foremost, the kindness and hospitality of Ralph and Olivier.  our stay was every sort of wonderful.  can we just live here forever?

tasting THE most heavenly rosé thanks to Chateau d'Esclans + Ralph at the Hotel de Tourrel

in desperate need of Crêpes.  Un Été À Saint Rémy delivered.

enjoying the sunshine (croissants) + the perfect rooftop view from the upper terrace at Hôtel de Tourrel

great little cheese shop. we stopped in la cave aux fromages for a light lunch.  fantastic, well assorted charcuterie + cheese plates with lots of local flavors + (of course) rosé 

provence in october kinds of colors

spent the afternoon wine tasting and exploring beautiful Château d'Estoublon

Au cœur de la Provence - Château d'Estoublon

our driver Gregorie brought us to this gorgeous view of les Baux-de-Provence. the pretty little town itself (a historical site) it said to be worth a visit. 

as spotted at Sant-Rémy's Grand Marché Provençal (wednesdays - place de la mairie et place de la république) 

all the lavender  -  Sant-Rémy's Grand Marché Provençal

stocking up on olive wood - Sant-Rémy's Grand Marché Provençal

(aka notre dernier dîner) enjoyed at Hotel de Tourrel's exquisite restaurant. say yes to dessert (and dessert wine pairings). one of my most favorite meals in Saint-Rémy. 

enjoying our last evening at Hotel de Tourrel's wine bar

heading home. this is what severe vacances-Français withdrawal looks like. 

pack your surfboard and your sunscreen + enjoy the afternoon at la grande plage biarritz 

just walk around, check out the beaches, check out the town... everything is just lovely. you'll see. 

swing by le comptoir du foie gras for a fantastically local charcuterie, a rosé (or two) and a lovely afternoon vibe

(three of everything please)

les halles biarritz is a fabulous little covered market for everything from flowers to picnic ingredients to oysters (seriously - go to la cabane à huîtres) 

bustling, cozy and delicious. dinner at Café du Commerce was the perfect way to wind down the day. busy 

we found (and then frequented) old town coffee - best coffee in San Sebastián!

the hike up monte urgull starts in the old town and boasts dreamy views over playa de la concha 

playa de la concha views from monte urgull (not pictured is the famed jesus statue behind us) 

one of the best meals of my life was this tasting menu at zuberoa - traditional basque cuisine at it's best.  the restaurant (once a farm house) boasts a wine cellar dating back a century, fresh, fabulous, beautiful food and the warmest, most knowledgable staff.  A few minutes outside of San Sebastián and an absolute must. 

red mullet, celeriac + quinoa 

hazelnut crocanti with hot chocolate 

so i got really busy with the pintxos and forgot to take more photos... but i did take notes of a few fav spots we bounced around to: 

La Cuchara de San Telmo - order: Order Lomo "chuleta", bacalao (codfish), pulpo a la plancha and the grilled goat cheese with roasted veggies

Bar Txepetxa

Borda Berri - sister bar to La Cuchara + props for experimental pintxos!

Atari Gastroteka - definitely go for the pintxos but worth nothing Atari is open a little later in the afternoon so great spot to chill over  a café con leche too

this is bar zeruko btw and it's delicious 

some great pintxos recos thanks to our barista at old town coffee  (although you really can't go wrong in the old town - just haul up wherever it feels cute and cozy)

you know i love a good market stroll! and mercado de san martin did not disappoint

definitely go for an ocean dip at this hour. the water is beautiful + you're basically have the beach to yourself.

the neo-gothic catedral del buen pastor de San Sebastián (aka the good shepherd) is worth a visit day or night

beautifully understated, situated (we walked everywhere) + decorated, senato hotel milano was once a family home. renovated (leaving the original structure in tact) + re-opened as senato hotel in 2015. the rooms are simple, airy + chic with comfy linens, lots of light + a bathroom completely in carrara marble. a great spot to stay while exploring milan!

when your room’s ‘not quite ready’ at senato hotel milano, they know exactly how to help you pass the time

fioraio bianchi caffè has been charming it's guests for over 40 years with it's vintage charm, flower lab + contemporary Italian menu (photo: chicinitie.com

street-food turned catering turned idyllic café, lùbar charms from the courtyard home it shares with the galleria d'arte moderna. stop by for a lovely bite in the courtyard or a quick pause for a wine or cappuccino (+ cannolo as we did thanks to the founder’s sicilian heritage). loveliest little spot

if one had to describe cova in one word: institution. in the heart of city, one of milan’s oldest pasticcerias, the interior delights + the service sparkles even at the bar where we enjoyed our most favorite aperitivos of the trip

enjoy your handmade pasta (and cocktails) in a once-was sawmill factory at carlo e camilla. incredible interior (think high industrial ceilings, giant chandlers, communal tables), amazing wine list + menu (tasting option recommended) + incredible cocktails (plan a pre or post (or both) dinner drink at their best-in-class cocktail bar). reservations recommended.

café gorille is a great bet for any meal of the day and anything in between. home-y, casual and delicious, their fresh fare delights whether you’re settling in for a long dinner or just need a quick espresso while you finish off those emails.

luini has been perfecting their panzerotti since 1888 so it’s no wonder it stakes claim over the best panzerotti in milan and (dare I say) italy…

one of the prettiest views overlooking the milano duomo is from the unlikely top floor of the neighboring department store rinascente milano. the top floor boasts a upscale food market, restaurant + lounge perfect to enjoy some italian bits while the evening light glistens over the spires of the duomo.

wonderful for an aperitivo, charcuterie and/or a little night cap, n’ombra de vin is a vibrant, bustling wine bar where the atmosphere, architecture + wine crates piled against the wall seem to collectively tell a story and contribute to the former wine shops reputation as one of milan’s best.

truly worth the trip, just slightly off the beaten path, the foundazion prada boasts an impressive permanent collection and always worth-a-visit exhibits celebrating contemporary arts and culture.

is it a gallery? is it a boutique? you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring Carla Sozzani’s (formally of italian vogue and elle) incredible concept-store-of-all-conc incredible concept-store-of-all-concept-stores. founded in the early 90’s, 10 corso como exhibits and sells works of art, fashion, music, design, cuisine and culture.

a trip to foundazion prada wouldn’t be complete with a visit to wes anderson’s bar luce - a homage to a typical, traditional milanese café. when asked about his creation, wes remarked that “while I do think it would make a pretty good movie set, I think it would be an even better place to write a movie.”

under the tuscan sun (thanks sister for capturing the moment)

situated an hour ish outside of Florence, San Gimignano (a small, walled, medieval village) is incredibly charming and well worth the trip

the kind of sweet little town you explore on foot (my fav) + just try to get lost

evening strolls (tons of cute little shops to peek into) 

the historic center of San Gimignano is a UNESCO world heritage site. you might also hear sg referred to as 'the manhattan of tuscany' due to it's skyline 

and mama mia. we read Elizabeth Gilbert's 'eat, pray, love' together and would daydream about spending time in italy together. that made our trip to tuscany extra special. 

i have this thing for doors...

views over chianti heaven from the edge of town

La Grotta di Fulignano. we had the most amazing traditional tuscan dinner here on the terrace. overlooking rolling tuscan hills, miles of chianti vines and a beautiful view of the sg 'skyline' i mentioned earlier. 

il Duomo di Firenze

the iconic Duomo di Firenze basking in the morning light. construction of the basilica began in 1296 (how crazy is that!)

Firenze with mia famiglia 

we went on a 'florence for foodies' tour'. it was possibly the best decision we made in florence - highly recommended.  mama nat took us to the best spots - this wine bar being one of them.  amazing selection, incredibly knowledgable and passion owner AND we were baptized italian with homemade grappa spray (yes. this happened) 

we rented an apartment in lively Piazza della Signoria. thank you booking.com we couldn't have asked for better situated little gem

basking in the tuscan sun flooding into the apartment hallway

i just couldn't resist 

Pizza della Signoria by night - complete with the most amazing outdoor orchestra drawing quite the crowd 

il Duomo di Firenze by night. loving the energy in the air as friends gather on the steps with wine, gelato, whatever, to enjoy each others company in the balmy evening air.

on the very southern tip of the Istrian peninsula sits Kap Kamenjak National Park.  Pack a picnic (and some padded beach mats for those rocks) and enjoy the day exploring, swimming and sunning.

this quiet little inlet is apx 15 minutes walk from the Safari Bar parking lot

cliff jumping / great people watching

still beautiful into the evening

it was so hard editing down all the photos I have of this beautiful little spot

Pula Arena is one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheaters in the world!  Coolest part? It's still in use as a theatre, concert 'hall' and open to the public to cruise through (do it).

(and salty Kap Kamenjak hair)

great little town to wonder through. interesting architecture + cute windy side streets.

temple of augustus (+ my sister).  It's definitely worth checking out.   Actually, it's hard to miss as it's basically smack in the middle of the old town and there's often music in it's little square - sit and enjoy!

stop by Wine Bar Bradja to sample some local Istrian charcuterie with a glass of Malvasia. Perfect late afternoon spot.

pješcana uvula beach is easily the prettiest beach in the area boasting sand (vs rock) paddle boat and SUP rentals and pretty views across the harbor. 

lanterna | after spending the day at pješcana uvula beach head up the hill to this little family owned gem for dinner.  The menu is simple and seafood-centric, the ingredients are fresh and local. Outdoor seating and a good selection of Croatian wines too.

Perched just up from pješcana uvula beach  is sweet hotel valsabbion (you can actually see the hotel in the beach picture above). I can't recommend this little gem enough - fabulous staff, pool, day spa and great wine, hotel valsabbion is a fav for a weekend getaway.

walking into the little town after parking... there are a few cute markets along the boardwalk here.  we stopped for grapes and fresh squeeze OJ

mama mia wondering the pretty streets of Rovinj

even the laundry is cute here.

one of those little towns where one can easily walk around (aim fully aimlessly) for an entire day.  everything is lovely.

located smack in the center of town is Baluota Beach perfect for a dip after enjoying lunch in one of the nearby cafes. 

back home at the beach just in time for sunset. 

start the evening at lidkoeb - boasting creative mixology and the coziest little cocktail bar (seriously - think fireplace and sheepskins) 

coziest cocktails at lidkoeb 

one of the most delicious, inventive and beautiful dinners of my life.  the tasting menu (+ wine pairings) are a must. same goes for reservations - make sure you book in advance. it's just relae, really relae perfect. 

the most amazing dinner at relae

beautiful attention to details - everyone gets their very own little cutlery drawer

gorgeous tiles, delicious 'latino americano' dishes and a vibey evening are what you can expect from llama

tivoli gardens would be magic any time of year but the christmas markets are next level! beautifully festive, bustling and joyful. 

cheesing at tivoli for a festive photo.

spending time in salzburg is like spending time in a fairy tail

take a cruisey little hike up kapuzinerberg for gorgeous views over the salzach across to the fortress.  when you make it to the top grab a bite +/or a beer at the franziskischlössl 

accessible from both nonntaler hauptstraße + the altstadt, walking paths up + around monchberg boast stunning views over salzburg + paths beside the nonnberg abby 

stroll across the makartsteg - one of the pedestrian bridges connecting the altstadt (old town) to the linzergaße area.

reasons to visit hangar 7 include the art, the architecture, tasty restaurants, great instagram opportunities + the opportunity to check out some of mr. mateschitz's favorite toys.  plus, where else can you sip a champagne from the hight of a 3 story airplane hangar? 

head to pasta e vino near the linzergaße for a cozy table + fill it with antipasti followed by some of the best homemade pasta around

a bar + restaurant to your left + a vinothek + shop to your right, magazin makes for the perfect dinner spot + gift/ wine grab opportunity (photo: magazin.com)

the dining room is built right into the monchberg so you're literally dining inside of a mountain

one of the coziest restaurants in the altstadt, blaue gans perfectly blends traditional with modern in both their kitchen and decor.  a great spot for a schnitzel or a proper backhendl salat. whatever you do, save room for the salzburger nockerl (theirs is delish!)

grab your flowers, fruits, veggies + fish soup (it's so good) at universitätsplatz grünmarkt every day of the week (except sunday)

a 30 minute drive or ride on the 150 bus, Fuschl is home to Red Bull's global headquarters as well as some of the best sunsets in austria. this one captured from edenberger's  with a slice of pizza + aperol sprinz in hand.

grab a spot on the terrace at schloss fuschl, something to sip on + cozy in to enjoy sweeping views over lake fuschl.  there is also an adorable tiny jägerhutte on the terrace that can be booked during the winter months for a raclette or fondu dinner for 2.

from the schober peak, you have a beautiful vantage over fuschl see + can see the distinct point where the austrian alps start and end. bonus points for being really keen and hiking up in time to enjoy the sunrise from the top... 

hellbrunn park + palace are worth a visit in every season - christmas holidays being no exception

one of the lovliest little ski spots near salzburg is leogang. just please make sure you bookend your day at hendl fischerei. they serve an amazing breakfast + also offer the best après spot.