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Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden – what a city! Our adventure back in spring 2025 across the pond started with a bit of a hiccup, but ended in pure Scandinavian bliss. For any fellow travelers planning a trip from JFK, take note: don’t book such a short layover! Our flight to Stockholm with a layover in Geneva turned into an unexpected detour through Frankfurt, adding a solid eight hours to our travel time. Lesson learned, and trust me, it’s one you don’t want…
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Nosara, Costa Rica
Last December, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Nosara, Costa Rica, a destination I quickly discovered to be a true jungle oasis. The invitation came from my friend, Annie, a contributing editor for Spa Magazine, who was tasked with reviewing the exquisite Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences. For four incredible nights, we immersed ourselves in the Nosara experience, from luxurious accommodations to thrilling adventures and the embracing philosophy of “Pura Vida.” The adventure began with a rather long, yet…
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Porto, Portugal
The dragging hours of a lengthy layover at Geneva Airport, courtesy of a missed connecting flight, have me seeking solace in happier travel recollections. Porto, our final stop last spring after two wonderful weeks exploring Portugal, comes vividly to mind. Charles and I drove into the city from the Alentejo, dropping off our rental car at Campanhã station before a quick Uber ride delivered us to our hotel, PortoBay Flores, on the historic Rua das Flores. My Royal Digs (and…
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San Francisco, California
Charles and I just spent a few days in San Francisco at the end of January. It is my favorite U.S. city – always has, always will be (sorry, New York). Whenever I touch down at SFO, I always feel a sense of returning home, even though I have never lived there. Contrary to the headlines that portray San Francisco as a dangerous wasteland of homelessness, I experienced a city alive with culture, food, and natural beauty – reaffirming the…
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Paris, France
Last January, Charles and I went on an art jaunt to Paris over a long weekend. We flew out on a Wednesday red-eye and returned the following Monday. During those 96 hours, we went to three museums, visited with friends and long-lost relatives, ate extremely well, shopped and strolled in numerous neighborhoods, and in general, had a magical and memorable time in the City of Light. Here is an overview of our itinerary: Day 1: Arriving in Style & Impressionist…
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The Alentejo, Portugal
Following Lisbon and our day trip to the Setúbal Peninsula, Charles and I headed east to the Alentejo, an untouched, picturesque region dominated by vast plains, rolling hills, cork oak forests, and olive groves. It’s a land of wide-open spaces with a slower way of life – and very few cars on the road. It was the ideal change of pace from the hustle and bustle of lively Lisbon. The Alentejo boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times,…
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Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal
After Lisbon, Charles and I rented a car and headed east to the Alentejo countryside for three nights. On the way, we spent the afternoon exploring the Setúbal Peninsula. This gorgeous region, just a short drive from the city across the Tagus River, features an array of diverse landscapes, with beautiful Atlantic beaches to the west, dramatic cliffs hovering above a turquoise coastline to the south, and a fertile interior of vineyards, farmland, and open pastures. It is hard to…
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Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is an enchanting town and region located just outside of Lisbon. It’s known for its stunning palaces, castles, and rich, green landscape – all of which make for a perfect day trip from the city. The concierge at the Palacio Ludovice arranged a full day tour for Charles and me through the tour operator, I Go Portugal. We were picked up at the hotel by our charming and quirky guide, Sonia, who packed us into her Audi and maneuvered…
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London, England
Charles and I just returned from a quick jaunt to London. Oh, how I love that city, and for so many reasons. It’s urban, yet genteel. The streets are clean and the buildings are mostly low-rise, which provides a democratization of sky – whether blue or gray – for all to see and experience throughout the day. London is a true city, so there exists a hustle-and-bustle energy, but it’s a calmer, more courteous flurry, made even more civilized by…
