I recently explored The Bahamas, a coral-based archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located a short 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The Bahamas are comprised of over 700 breathtaking islands and cays, with the clearest turquoise water you can imagine!
When most people think of The Bahamas, the first thing that comes to mind is Nassau or one of the larger islands. But on this trip I was able to get off the beaten path and explore Eleuthera, a smaller and less developed island. Eleuthera is a unique destination that is laid-back, serene, and untouched with stunning beaches!
When visiting Eleuthera I highly recommend staying at The Cove It is perfectly located right on the beach surrounded by swaying palms and white sand coves. It is secluded, seductive and stylish, offering five-star impeccable service. Every luxury that you could want is at your fingertips!
The intimate, 57-room resort has a selection of stylish seaside cottages and villas, embraced by endless turquoise waters.
Each suite is decorated in a chic and modern style, with neutral tones and clean white lines complemented by luxury amenities like: air conditioning, enormous and comfortable beds, floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, ultra-modern furnishings, large flat screen TV’s, Wi-Fi and luxurious bathrooms.
Some suites even have their own plunge pool!
All of the villas feature amazing beachfront views that you can enjoy from the comfort and privacy of your bed or outdoor patio.
The property has a beautiful infinity pool that overlooks the Caribbean Sea as well as private white sand beaches that are available only to hotel guests.
There is full beach service throughout the day with lounge chairs, towels and food & drinks and the staff are extremely friendly, exhibiting that warm hospitality that the Bahamian people are so well known for!
There is also a bevy of activities to keep you busy including: snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, and scuba diving!
There is a fitness center and spa on property as well as a gourmet restaurant that serves excellent sushi. Their kitchen uses only sustainable produce and vegetables from their own gardens and locally sourced seafood.
Be sure to arrive in style and on your own schedule! Nothing is more Luxe than taking a private plane straight from Miami for the short 50-minute flight.
Once you’ve arrived, make sure to carve out time to explore every hidden gem of this beautiful island. The Cove offers Jeep rentals on property, so you can explore on your own! I suggest visiting The Glass Window Bridge, which offers amazing panoramic views of the rich blue Atlantic Ocean and the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The contrast between the two bodies of water is truly amazing.
After that, head over to the Queen’s Bath on the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will find natural pools that you can soak in with crystal clear water that has been naturally warmed by the sun.
Finally, make sure to visit the Blue Hole. This is one the most beautiful cenotes that I have ever seen and if you’re brave enough – leap in!
Eleuthera is a destination not to be missed! If you’d like to start planning your honeymoon or vacation to The Cove please email me. Not only will you be VIP guests but you will receive complimentary breakfast daily, a $100 hotel credit, plus top priority for room upgrades.
Park City is the perfect destination for a relaxing, romantic, or adventurous getaway. It is the largest ski area within the United States with roots dating back to the historic mining times. Today it is internationally known for the amazing skiing & snowboarding that it offers. Park City has over 7,300 skiable acres with a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes. While some think of Park City as only a winter destination, it offers events and activities year-round. There are over 100 world-class restaurants & bars, open-air concerts, amazing spas, boutique shopping, art galleries, unique golf courses and a revolving calendar of festivals.
There are many 5-Star hotels and luxury accommodations to choose from within Park City but I recommend making The Montage Deer Valley your home when visiting. It is an amazing property with exceptional service and it is located just 5-minutes away from Park City’s Main Street. The resort offers an authentic yet refined mountain experience with unrivaled ski‐in ski‐out access.
The property has 220 guest rooms, suites and private residences that overlook Deer Valley.
All of their accommodations are tastefully decorated in a rustic chic décor and come with signature amenities including: heated bathroom floors, fireplace & sitting areas, walk-in closets and deep soak tubs.
The Montage Deer Valley has the largest spa within Utah, offering exceptional beauty treatments, spa therapies and wellness services that are inspired by the beautiful local mountains. The property also has an amazing fitness facility that offers a variety of challenging exercise & yoga classes as well as nutritional training.
There is no shortage of dining options when staying at The Montage Deer Valley and their food is absolutely delicious! There are 5 uniquely different restaurants for you to choose from – Apex, Daly’s Pub & Rec, Burgers & Bourbon, Yama Sushi, & Vista Lounge.
Be sure to visit Daly’s Pub & Rec and enjoy a game or two in their bowling alley!
It’s easy to stay busy when visiting The Montage Deer Valley but I recommend leaving time to relax in their amazing outdoor spaces. The property has a beautiful pool and large fire pits where you can unwind after a long day on the slopes or post hiking. They’ll even provide you with everything that you’d need to make s’mores!
There is also a chic Veuve Cliquot yurt where you can get your Apres Ski on! Make sure to stop by for a glass of bubbly and an Instagram pic! #CliquotInTheSnow!
Whether it’s summer or winter, it’s easy to stay busy when visiting The Montage Deer Valley The property can arrange a host of activities including: archery, hot air ballooning, fly-fishing, sleigh rides, national park tours, tubing, ice-skating, bowling, alpine sliding, snowmobiling, dog sledding and much more!
I recommend spending a day exploring the alpine foothills of the Wasatch Mountains with a snowmobile tour. It’s an amazing way to explore the area and a great activity for the adventurous types!
Deer Valley is the perfect destination for a ski weekend or a summer getaway. If you’d like to start planning your vacation to The Montage Deer Valley , please email me. Not only will you be VIP guests but you will receive complimentary breakfast daily, a $100 spa credit, and top priority for room upgrades.
Napa Valley is one of the world’s premier viticultural regions that is internationally known for the Cabernet Sauvignon that it produces. It is home to over four hundred wineries, everything from large brand-name cellars to small family-owned vineyards. Whether it’s your first time wine tasting, or you’re an experienced wine connoisseur, you’ll have an amazing time exploring the unique landscape and grape varietals of this beautiful valley!
Napa is filled with amazing hotel options but I recommend making Meadowood Napa Valley your home when visiting Napa. Nestled in the heart of St. Helena, on a 250-acre private estate, the property has an assortment of unique luxury accommodations.
There are eighty-five exquisitely appointed cottages, suites and lodges, nestled into the forested hillside, providing serenity and privacy.
All of the rooms come with vaulted ceilings, natural light, beautiful views, comfortable furnishings, glowing fireplaces and private terraces.
The accommodations have been specifically designed to help you relax and unwind in your naturally beautiful surroundings.
There are three amazing restaurants on property as well as a daily wine tasting in the reception lodge. The Restaurant at Meadowood, is the Michelin 3-star restaurant, featuring California wine country cuisine and one of the most comprehensive lists of Napa Valley wines anywhere in the world.
The casual dining option is The Grill, which serves delicious meals throughout the day. They also offer 24-hour private dining and can prepare gourmet country picnic baskets. Finally The Pool Terrace Cafe, is located adjacent to the lap pool and offers al fresco dining.
Meadowood has two world-class championship croquet lawns, a tree-lined golf course and seven tennis courts.
There is also a 25-yard heated lap pool, a family pool, as well as an adult pool.
There is also a lavish spa on property called The Health Spa, offering an extensive list of soothing skincare & body treatments. Finally, there is an amazing gym with fitness classes, personal trainers and private yoga instructors available.
Be sure to take advantage of the amazing guest services team on property. They can design a custom itinerary that takes you to Napa’s most exclusive wineries & restaurants as well as arrange amazing activities like a hot air balloon ride over the valley! Or enlist Meadowood’s resident Sommelier to curate a day of wine tasting that is tailored to your exact palate and preferences!
Napa is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. If you’d like to start planning your vacation to Meadowood please email me. Not only will you be VIP guests but you will receive a $50 daily breakfast credit, a $100 spa credit, plus top priority for room upgrades.
Paris is the City of Love. It is the City of the Lights. It is the epicenter of all things chic, beautiful, romantic and timeless. Whether you’re visiting with the love of your life, a group of friends, or exploring on your own, this city will take your breath away! Paris is filled with some of the most beautiful and iconic buildings and no visit would be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tour, Arc De Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Art lovers will find no shortage of amazing museums to explore with classic pieces housed at the Louvre or the amazing collection of impressionist pieces at the Musee d’Orsay.
The dining options in Paris are also endless, as it is home to one of the largest selections of Michelin restaurants. If you’ve come to shop, Champs-Élysées offers some of the chicest couture you will find anywhere in the world! And finally, if you’re an architecture buff, you will delight in the diverse mix of styles, everything ranging from Gothic to Art Deco to Baroque to Art Nouveau to Renaissance to Classic French.
Paris is filled with so many amazing and unique hotel options but on my most recent visit, I made La Reserve Paris my home and everything about my stay was incredible! You can’t beat the location of this property.
It is comfortably nestled off the Champs-Elysées, and overlooks the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon and the Concorde.
The hotel has the elegance of a 19th century urban mansion but provides a private club atmosphere, where only guests may access the library, smoking lounge, pool and fitness center.
La Reserve Paris is a boutique property with only 26 rooms and 14 suites, each having its own charm and personality.
All of the accommodations are spacious and comfortable, featuring custom silk walls, velvet drapes, contemporary paintings, antique bronze sculptures and brocade taffeta. You will be well taken care of during your stay, as every room and suite has a personal butler.
There is an intimate spa on property, with only three treatment rooms. They offer some of the world’s finest anti-aging treatments using Nescens products from Switzerland and they can tailor any service to your exact personal needs. You’ll also find one of the city’s only indoor pools as well as a fitness center. Guests can also request private yoga, pilates or personal training sessions.
Finally, the property has two amazing restaurants with gastronomic offerings from acclaimed chef Jerome Banctel. Le Gabriel is the double-Michelin-starred restaurant. I suggest ordering the tasting menu so that you can have a thorough introduction to the seasonal French cuisine. La Pagode is the second option, offering incredible dishes with a spicy flair.
If you want to take your trip to the next level, charter a private helicopter to give you an aerial tour of the City of Lights.
After you’ve admired the architecture and city streets from above, let your captain whisk you away to the Château de Ferrières for a relaxing lunch at Le Baron.
The restaurant is perfectly situated inside a beautiful 19th century French chateau and you can explore the amazing buildings and grounds after you dine.
Paris is the perfect destination for a romantic vacation or honeymoon! If you’d like to start planning your trip to La Reserve Paris please email me. Not only will you be VIP guests but you will receive daily breakfast, 100 euros spa credit, complimentary airport transfers (for 3-night stays) and top priority for room upgrades.
I had the pleasure of planning a much deserved trip for the talented wedding photographer Ala Cortez and her husband to Greece and Italy. They hopped between Greece and Italy, and enjoyed all of the charm of Santorini, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome. You can see all their photos and read the full post on her blog, but I’ve included a beautifully written excerpt from Ala that highlights how the smallest experiences make the biggest and most lasting impacts.
It was things like driving a manual transmission car, in the rain, on foreign windy roads as we made our way to San Gimignano, Italy. Sitting on the steps of the Collegiata in the Piazza del Duomo, huddled around a cup of the best pistachio gelato in the world, watching the amateur orchestra perform. Tear-filled life talks over beers in Florence. Biking along the walls surrounding Lucca, overlooking the charming city. Walking into a tiny Sorrento storefront and letting a man who spoke no english whatsoever make sandals for me with his own two hands. Or my favorite day, renting a boat in Capri driving around the entire island stopping for a swim in the Grotta Verde, parking our boat to share lunch and a bottle of prosecco and finally, driving through the Faraglioni. What a glorious day! – Ala Cortez
Thanks so much Ala for sharing your adventures! It’s always good to take a trip to explore the world and enjoy one another. I love creating getaways for couples and I look forward to making a custom itinerary that suits your exact style. Let’s start planning!
Photo Credit: Ala Cortez
