Featured
Every December my family and I spend a week on Saint Maarten. It is one our most favorite spots. This year, however, we decided we should break out of our routine and try somewhere new. For years we had heard about the Belmond Cap Juluca, located on Anguilla. We decided this was the year we would give it a shot. We were thrilled with our decision.
One of the top places on my list of places to see has always been Quebec City, Canada during Winter Carnival. This February my daughter and I decided to venture North to this charming, snowy, Canadian town. Visitors to Quebec City feel like they have stepped back in time to a quaint, French, 16th century town with old stone buildings, cobblestones streets and 16th century architecture. The town celebrates a two-week Winter Carnival unrivaled in the world. During the carnival, the streets are filled with incredible snow sculptures, sucré (sugar) houses, games and other festive events. While visiting Quebec City in itself is wonderful, Winter Carnival captures the true magic of this charming city.
The Carlyle Hotel in New York City exudes luxury, glamour and elegance with a modern twist. Upon entering the hotel, a classy, refined ambiance greets any discerning traveler and provides a charming, graceful yet discrete experience. Located on the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan steps away from the shops of Madison Avenue, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The MET Breuer Building The Carlyle (a Rosewood hotel) offers countless sophisticated experiences whether you decide to explore this fashionable area or never leave the hotel! Art and music abound throughout the hotel creating a beautiful atmosphere to the eye and ear. While the Carlyle is noted for its luxury and elegance, it also has a fascinating, storied history allowing guests to walk and stay in the rooms of many famous and influential people.
Nothing says luxury more than Formula 1 racing. Pair that with Montreal, a fantastic city, and you have an incredible trip. Every early June, Montreal hosts a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The city (which without the race is a must visit) has a festive air and a sense of excitement. Street parties abound both in the Old City/ Port area as well as other parts of the city. Visiting the Old City of Montreal feels like a 17th century European town with wonderful parks, a thriving cultural scene and incredible restaurants.
My daughter is a baker. A lot of kids love baking but my daughter is serious. Every other day when we are at home she whips up some yummy treat from scratch. So, on our recent trip to The One and Only Palmilla we asked the hotel if it might be possible for her and her friend to have a baking lesson. Being the incredible service oriented hotel that the One and Only Palmilla is, not only did they say “absolutely” but they provided her with the most fantastic, over the top experience that made not just her vacation but her year!
For the second part of our spring break, we decide to head to our most favorite resort, The One and Only Palmilla in San Jose del Cabos located right on the Sea of Cortez. For me returning to Palmilla is like meeting up with my best friend. The luxury, service, and friendliness of this resort is unparalled in the world. From the moment, I step out of my car greeted with friendly smiles and a delicious signature ice pop, I feel like I am home. The hotel was created in the 1950s as a luxury spot for the son of Mexico’s president. Today with 173 ocean-facing rooms, discerning travelers can experience the luxury, intimate, Spanish Colonial style resort.
As a passionate traveler, I knew when I had kids I wanted to share this love with them. The trips that have been the most special to me have been the trips my son and I have taken. How to pick a destination? When my son was 10, he fell in love with studying history. What better way to remember what you are learning than to travel to the place! And that’s what began our trips together.