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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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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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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…
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Le Germain Hotel, Québec
Québec City is home to the most photographed hotel in North America – Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. It’s grand and historic and beautiful, but I wouldn’t recommend staying there. Instead, book a room at Hôtel Le Germain. It too is historic and beautiful, a bit more refined (in my humble opinion), and A LOT less touristy. Originally built in 1912 for Dominion Fish & Fruit Limited, at the time it was the tallest building in Québec. In 1997, the Germain…
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Le Mas de l’Amarine, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
When visiting Provence, you should stay in a centrally located area so you can experience all the flavors of the region. With the Vaucluse to the north, the Luberon to the east, and Bouches-du-Rhône to the south, there’s a lot of ground to cover, which is why I recommend the well-situated, sweet little town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Just north of the Alpilles hills, Saint-Rémy is under an hour’s drive from all of the A’s – Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and Apt. On…
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The Lost Whale Inn, Trinidad, California
The Lost Whale Inn is the perfect place to stay while visiting the Redwood Coast of Northern California. Located off the 101 in Humboldt County, just north of Eureka, it’s close to Patrick’s Point State Park, Redwood National Park, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The inn is situated on a bluff high above the Pacific. There are eight charming rooms and suites, several with balconies and ocean views. Do not miss the home-cooked breakfast, which…
