I have often wondered what happens in a store after dark? I mean this question could be for anything: churches, bars, museums, and much more, but for me it’s always been about the stores. Retails, boutiques, so forth. So, when I came across this article my eyes lit up at the opportunity of spending just an evening in a shop, a small shop full of intrigue and fascinating things. Click on the photo to get there:
This is the time of the year I crave Paris, and no matter what I do to not think about it, it just comes to me, beckoning me to take a trip. With this desire, I begin searching for hotels just to be prepared, in case my travel partner gives the okay to go. Since I try a different one each year, the ST. James Hotel is my hotel of choice for this year. I’ve passed by it many times, and have added it to my list way back in 2012. As usual the château style is what attracted me to the building, and I realized it was a hotel, when I took a closer look. I think I fell in love with it even more when I stumbled upon this article. Definitely it will be the place I stay, when I go this year. Keeping my fingers crossed. {Photo source from here and here}
Winter time, my hotel picks are always in a romantic ski-resort destinations. St. Moritz of course is one of those places I adore, and wish I could spend every Christmas there, or even just New Year’s Eve, and with that I have to choose the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz. I usually don’t mention too much about the hotel’s amenities, I simply suggest you click here for that. My appreciation and admiration of the property is the location, and how enchanting it is. A wonderful destination and a thoughtful gift indeed: {photo source}
When I travel to anywhere, I am always looking for the unusual to see. Something that would mostly impress and inspire me to develop a storyline. So, as you can tell exploring the Venice Canals in Venice, California is a must. I’m not going to get into the story behind the story, you can click here to read about it. But I am going to say, that please don’t compare the canals to the ones in Venice Italy. Instead stroll along the area early morning hours, before the heat, and take in the peacefulness of the experience.
I just realized, I share with all of you boutique hotel picks everywhere but my home state – California. Well, in light of the fact I will be down in Los Angeles very shortly, to spend an entire week of promoting my books and research for my next book :), I decided to include one of my favorite spots to stay while in the Santa Monica area. In fact, you might just run into to me if you are in Los Angeles – details to follow shortly. In the meantime, Shutters is a uniquely fun property to stay. A place some may consider overpriced, but it is definitely worth every penny. There are also some amazing deals on every travel site possible for the property, and also some on the hotel’s own website here, so consider the hotel for sure – especially for a romantic weekend getaway and who knows, you may very well run into some celebrity while you are there. I also love the fact 3rd street is walking distance as well as the …
The Summer months are the toughest time for me to stay inspired, since the weather is not the best in San Francisco to uplift my spirits. I stay indoors a lot and often spend countless hours daydreaming of places to visit with sun and warm weather, restlessly needing to get away. Of course having been a travel agent at one point in my career, adds to my distress since I find myself searching online, while bundled up in sweat pants and a sweater, information about travel. One particular story caught my attention recently, enlightening me naturally since I had no idea it existed. But apparently there is a secret garden worth seeing nestled in Fresno, California, a place most of us locals don’t consider a vacation spot. It’s called Forestiere Gardens. Please click here to read the article and see photo credits. I think I just added Fresno to my list of things to do in California.
A unique hotel is always fun in my opinion, with old world decor and charm, a wonderful escape from the modern amenities of today. Casadiva is a really amazing property – perched along the edge of lake Como, accessible by local bus, car and water taxi. A great location to escape to when looking for peace and quiet and amazing views of mountains and lake. Of course hoping to get a glimpse of George Clooney somehow somewhere is also a plus. The other bit of news about this property, it’s mentioned in my novel – Piazza Navona – a significant part of the story takes place there and one I have no doubt you would appreciate.
Although I am a week late in posting this, mostly sidetracked by all the World Cup games, I still think it’s fine to share. I spend a weekend in Santa Barbara, driving down from San Francisco on a Friday morning and returning early Monday morning. A four-hour drive at best, without traffic and almost five with, taking Highway 101South to get there. We arrived at our hotel Friday at noon and were checked in right away, which was pleasant. I decided to treat myself since it was my birthday and stayed at the Bacara Resort and Spa – a luxury property in Goleta about twenty minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The beauty of this property is that you actually feel like you’ve escaped the norm, secluded at the farthest point of a dead-end road. Access to the property is via valet parking only, and the guests, destined to spend a weekend pampering themselves. The minute I swiped the card-key and opened the door to our suite, I felt at peace, smiling right away knowing I have …
I’ve always loved Italy and will make sure during my annual trips across the pond, to include at least one city here and there. This year, while I plan my trip, I have decided to include the Amalfi coast, feeling the need for some rest and relaxation. It’s been a busy year so far and planning such a getaway is much needed. Monastero Santa Rosa was a hotel that caught my attention while searching for boutique hotels I normally consider to be the best accommodations while travelling. And based on the website here and the photos here, I have to say, I am convinced that this is where I’ll spend a week, plotting my next novel.
Sometimes photos do tell a thousand words and it’s best to leave it that way. This is what I think, when I think of Paris. {photo credits click here and here}
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