vacation
Taking the Eurostar from St Pancras we arrived in Paris a stress-free 2 1/2 hours later. Whenever I travel I aim for a hotel that captures the spirit of the city I'm in. In Paris for me, it's the Hotel Duc de St Simon a beautifully renovated 18th century townhouse in the St Germain district, where we've stayed for the last several years...
Read MoreOne of my very favorite vacations was at Hotel Il Pellicano,Tuscany, Italy. Just outside of Porto Ercole, overlooking the Tyrrhernian Sea, at cliff's edge sits Il Pellicano. It's been the resort of choice for various celebrities and European royalty for over 50 years. During its 1960's heyday, the society photographer, Slim Aarons chronicled the guests as they played and relaxed in this tucked away oasis. Updated in 2006 the hotel maintains its laid-back charm, feeling more like a very well run private home rather than a luxury hotel. Philippe and I arrived very late one evening at the end of summer and there were no street or house lights for miles around.
Read MoreBiras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda is my second favorite island destination. The resort is located on a narrow strip of land between two hills with stunning views of 3 distinct bodies of water; the tranquil North Sound, Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Accessible only by boat or helicopter in the British Virgin Islands, the laid-back architecture and interior design of Biras Creek makes this resort an island paradise. The lifestyle is very informal with adventures to be found on land or at sea. At sea activities include snorkeling, scuba diving and Boston whaler excursions. For those preferring to stay on land there's tennis, hiking, horse riding and a fabulous aromatherapy spa using the Decleor skincare line.
Read MoreIt's January 2015, I'm in New York expecting a snowstorm and thinking about a winter escape, which for me means the Caribbean. I've done my fair share of island-hopping through the years and two of my favorite islands are Barbados and Virgin Gorda. Sandy Lane on Barbados is an ultra luxe, no expense spared hotel resort, catering to your every need in lush surroundings. Amenities include a world class golf course and spa. An extensive recent interior design renovation by Nina Campbell has restored the hotel to its former glory and if you want to splurge and indulge this hotel will not disappoint.
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