All posts filed under: Honeymoon destinations

Boutique Hotel Pick – 1 Hotel – New York

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In San Francisco most buildings or hotels being renovated are considering going the eco-friendly route, and I do appreciate the concept of it because I am an advocate of green. So it was nice to see this article about the CEO of Starwood Hotels taking measures to recreate the company owned properties focused on sustainability and going all the way green. In light of one of my favorite topics, I have selected 1Hotel as my boutique hotel pick .  This is where I will be staying during my trip to New York in a few months hopefully if they aren’t book by the time I lock down the dates.  

Holiday Gift Ideas: Romantic Ski Weekend Package USA

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More than any material gift, I prefer a good weekend getaway, a romantic one if I can make it happen. Although simply being tucked under a blanket in front of a fireplace, with views of white powder from every window in a cabin is romantic enough, with or without someone by your side. With someone is always best 🙂 If you happen to be like me, where traveling is your idea of the perfect gift, then consider , this, or this, or this,  or this for that special someone in your life.

Travel: Bordeaux, France

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I included Bordeaux a few years ago on one of my trips to France. But only because I was travelling by train at the time, and didn’t want to take long-haul train rides from Spain into France. So I used Bordeaux as a hub, spending only a day or two in a small hotel in the outskirts of the city. My loss I gather from this article detailing (just in time mind you because I was considering bypassing France on my next trip to Europe) eight reasons why we need to consider Bordeaux. {photo source}

what is it about rooftop restaurants

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I have a favorite, which I’ve been to many time. It’s in Rome, in Piazza Navona at a five-star hotel – Hotel Raphael. This location I used in my first novel, it has much meaning to me and I spend an evening dining there every chance I get when I am in Rome. There are rooftop restaurants everywhere, and according to Bazaar online, here’s their list:

boutique hotel pick – casadiva resort and spa – lake como, italy

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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.

inspired to write in portofino, italy

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When I worked in the travel industry, I thumbed through hundreds of travel and tour marketing brochures, aiming to learn everything about the business. At the time, I turned the pages, marking with a sticky note or a paperclip, all the places around the world I wanted to see. Portofino was one of those places. I finally got a chance to go there two years ago, and the moment I arrived From Genoa by train-to-bus to the small fishing village, I was completely taken aback by how perfectly surreal the place was. Enchanted if you will, surely one of the best places to photograph and fall in love with. I spend hours at an outdoor eatery, people watching and taking in all that I could about the place, while imagining how people lived and vacationed in the quant town. I couldn’t get enough of the best facaccia bread also , baked perfectly with local olives and grilled onions among the dozen or so other ingredients; all choices displayed in small bakeries, lined along the narrow …

boutique hotel pick – monastero santa rosa – amalfi coast, italy

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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.

having paris withdrawals

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While Tuesday was the first actual cold day in San Francisco. Let me clarify, Fall cold, because technically our summers are cold too. Anyway, while yesterday we got a taste of bitter cold, I couldn’t help but check the weather for Paris – something I crazily do on a daily basis to compare. It showed the same temperatures as we had in San Francisco. low 50s to cool 70s (F), throughout the day and I have to say, I smiled.  Although the two cities are often compared in so many ways, all I ever see are all the difference, favoring Paris all the way. Trivial you might say for this blog entry. I suppose. But just the thought of Paris makes me smile, any time of the year and I needed to express that right about now.