The five-star luxury hotel Villa Cora in Florence is a perfect boutique hotel I see as the setting for my next novel…or simply a place I can dream about a story. The perfect Byzantine-Florentine decor and setting in one of my most cherished ancient cities – Florence.
My head is always in the clouds, in a good way, when planning a trip to Europe. And while I work on a draft of where I want to go this year, I stumbled upon this gem since I’ve always wanted to add Lake Garda to my trips to Italy but haven’t had the time. Since this year’s trip is more of a relaxation type rather than sight seeing, 2 nights, three days at the Gran Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli is going to be a must. I’ll let their beautiful online marketing do the talking:
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}
It mattered not the weather is cold for a San Franciscan, we bundled up and left the hotel a little after ten in the morning to do, as usual, a walking tour – not really with any particular place in mind. It was enlightening, beautiful and I returned to my hotel finally after eight at night, understanding the ties between Montreal, Canada and Scotland. Edinburgh and Montreal are for sure sister cities, very identical in so many ways. Oh and the food in Edinburgh, has to be the best I’ve had in Europe. Sorry Italy and France.
One of my favorite destinations. Venice Italy and what better way to experience the romance of this ancient city on the water than to stay in Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli.
I can usually tell it’s time to plan my annual vacation, when all I can think about is, romantic destinations and the luxury accommodations that should go with it, especially for those of us over 40. I mean I’ve done my share of hostels in my youth, budget properties throughout my thirties. But now I seek luxury and romance, with an attached bathroom to my suite. In light of this fact, I have included my favorite property in Sanremo, Italy. A place I never considered vacationing until I saw the place in the film, The Talented Mr. Ripley. So, I’ll let the photos do the talking and if you need to know more about the property, click here:
Here I go again. Mid April and I am itching to take my annual trip to Paris. And although 2013 has already started on the wrong foot or note or page, I am determined to squeeze my trip to Paris, one way or another. 🙂
I realize that most hotels I picked in the past are ones I want to escape to outside of the US, but I had forgotten about the ones I don’t mind escaping to even for the weekend and those I want to recommend to my foreign followers. I don’t need to sell Napa valley to anyone visiting the great state of California, but I do want to remind those not familiar with the region, Yountville is the place to consider when choosing a hotel to stay in, while visiting one of my favorite wine regions in the world – Napa Valley. Lucky for me it’s in my back yard. The hotel is called Hotel Yountville, and is ideally located almost in the center of Napa Valley. There are several restaurants to choose from for your dining pleasure and plenty of shops and boutiques and an outlet to keep you busy. There is also a golf course directly across the freeway from Yountville for those not interested in indulging in our California wines. While in Yountville, be sure to dine at my favorite …
There is a certain charm to Paris which most woman understand and appreciate and although we learn of this at a young age, some take almost a lifetime to figure out. Those who understand, once Paris is mentioned in conversation, immediately come alive while exchanging thoughts of the allure of the city. For those woman who have not yet had the opportunity to truly understand Paris as it should be, convince your travel partner to stay at Le Meurice hotel, even if for a night and I can guarantee, the ambiance will surely set the stage for an experience you will never forget. {Recommended classic reads to understanding Paris – click on photo}
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