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Hotel Iturregi, Getaria, Spain
Situated on an edenic hilltop in Getaria with commanding views of the entire Basque coastline, Hotel Iturregi was our little paradise for seven days earlier this summer. Surrounded by verdant hills covered in txakoli vineyards, this eight-room country estate offered luxury and exclusivity, but in a relaxed and easy atmosphere with an incredibly helpful and friendly staff (that spoke a multitude of languages). Upon first arriving, we couldn’t get over the views…the hills, the sea, the sky. We had never…
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Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
There really is no other place quite like Civita di Bagnoregio. Accessible solely by a quarter-mile long footbridge, this remote little commune is perched atop an island of volcanic tufa, amid the windswept canyons of the Tiber River valley. Founded by the Etruscans in the 5th century BCE, Civita thrived for hundreds of years before it began to literally crumble in the 16th century. The sliver of earth that once connected Civita to neighboring village Bagnoregio eventually eroded away, isolating…
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Foro Romano, Rome, Italy
The Foro Romano was the hub and heart of ancient Rome. Home to the city’s most important legal, political, and triumphal monuments, the forum also served as an area for public gatherings and celebrations. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the forum fell victim to neglect, looting, and mother nature. In 1800, excavations began to uncover the ancient ruins, which were at the time buried beneath 30 feet of soot! Miraculously – 28 centuries later – arches, columns, and…
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Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
I had my Tuscan photo-op fantasy fulfilled while driving through the Val d’Orcia. Verdant hills, quintessential cypress rows, perfectly manicured vineyards, historic ridgetop villages—these are the vistas that abound in the Val d’Orcia. Throw in a perfectly sunny day in autumn, and you’ll be propelled into a photo-taking frenzy like I was. Although I must say, while I was fortunate enough to snap some striking shots, there is no replacement for experiencing this slice of Italian countryside other than being…
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Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
It started off as an overcast October morning in eastern Tuscany’s Val di Chiana. Charles and I had spent the prior day, in the rain, exploring San Gimignano and Siena, both beautiful historic cities—but both overrun by tawdry tourist shops and overpriced restaurants serving mediocre food. We were seeking a more authentic Tuscan experience, and it was suggested that we visit Arezzo. A city known to art lovers, Arezzo is home to Piero della Francesca’s most celebrated fresco cycle, Legend…
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Solbar, Calistoga, California
Just a few weeks ago I had a phenomenal meal at Solbar, the premier restaurant at Solage Calistoga in Napa. Charles and I were staying on the other side of the Mayacamas in the charming Sonoma town of Glen Ellen. A bit less manicured than its neighbor to the east, we loved the vibe of Sonoma, but each of our inner gastronomes was craving a more elevated dining experience. Solbar offered the best of both worlds—an inventive menu paired with…
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Olea Hotel, Glen Ellen, California
If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful California wine country experience, then Sonoma is the place for you. Charles and I recently stayed at Olea Hotel in the sleepy albeit charming community of Glen Ellen, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Tucked away on a hillside studded with moss-strewn valley oak and rustic olive trees, Olea exudes tranquility and serenity. The hotel’s 12 rooms are spread out among several buildings scattered on the property, all connected by flagstone…
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Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, New York
I recently had the opportunity to dine at Blue Hill at Stone Barns as part of a friend’s milestone birthday celebration – and literally had the meal of a lifetime. I’d never experienced dining like this before! Everything from the food to the setting to the service was immaculate, resulting in a culinary experience akin to paradise on earth. Driving up to Blue Hill was an experience unto itself. Set within the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, it’s…
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Hotel Le Canberra, Cannes, France
Charles and I stayed at the Hotel Le Canberra in Cannes for several nights not too long ago, and I must say, it was the perfect little gem of a hotel. It was the end of September, which is the best time to travel to the Riviera—rates go down because it’s past the peak tourist season; the weather is ideal (warm days and cool nights); and the streets and beaches are free of all the hubbub that inundates the region…
