Dolor Tristique
EUROPE
Where to stay: The Vedema in Santorini, Greece
For the tail end of my trip on Santorini, I stayed at the Vedema hotel, a property by my favorite, the Luxury Collection. Located in the medieval village of Megalohori, the Vedema is a sprawling resort that maintains the charm of the village and the classic Cycladic style architecture. Where do I start with The Vedema? First of all, it is one of the most beautiful resorts I've ever had the privilege of staying at. Not only am I smitten with the polka dot walls, but there is a 400-year old wine cellar at the hotel - and if you know anything about me, you know wine is the key to my heart.
Where to eat: Mystique in Santorini, Greece
For the second half of my stay in Santorini, I moved to a hotel closer to Thera and Οία. Before I checked in at my next hotel, I made plans to have lunch at Mystique, The Luxury Collection's Οία property. Mystique is exactly what you think of when you imagine a Santorini hotel. The various pockets of Mystique's property are nestled among the cliffs of Οία's coast with views of the bluest ocean as far as the eye can see. I settled in at the pool restaurant to try their menu of fresh seafood, fruity cocktails, and decadent desserts.
Where to stay: The Istoria in Santorini, Greece
I pictured my first trip to Greece to be an idyllic island getaway for as long as I can remember. I mean, who would expect their first trip to the Cyclades to be anything less, you know? Anyway. As a clinical over-planner, I had big dreams and really needed this trip to deliver. Luckily, I was able to stay at two stunning hotels on either coast of Santorini and they both really set the mood for the trip. The first hotel - the Istoria. The Istoria is a brand new hotel from Design Hotels. The gorgeous property, a former stable, maintains the equestrian history while mixing in the Greek vibes of the surrounding area. Located in the Perivolos Beach area, the hotel is the perfect respite from the busy Thira and Oia on the other side of the island.
My favorite meal in Trastevere
I've been to Rome a quite a few times, so when I found out she would be a stop on my Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean, I knew I wanted to do something different. Enter Trastevere. I planned to spend my entire day exploring the charming working-class neighborhood. I bookmarked a few things I wanted to see, and a couple lunch options. Not to pat myself on the back but, I did a knock out job scouting locations because I had one of my favorite meals - ever - in Trastevere.
Quick Trip to Barcelona
I only had a quick trip to Barcelona before my Royal Caribbean Cruise. I flew into Barcelona the morning before the Symphony of the Seas departed and I wanted to make the most of my time in Barca without getting overwhelmed by everything there is to see, do and eat.
5 things I learned on my first cruise with Royal Caribbean
When Royal Caribbean asked me to join them on the inaugural sailing of their new ship, Symphony of the Seas, I pretty much said yes right away. I had never been on a cruise before and I needed to see what this #cruiselife was all about. The experience was awesome, so as a first-timer, I wanted to share the top 5 things I learned on my first cruise.
Where to eat: Belle Maison Paris
Whenever I hear that one of my foodie friends is heading to Paris, I immediately recommend making dinner reservations, especially on weekends. If you want to try a new or popular spot, it's the only way to go. Even if you scout out your reservation earlier that day, you'll be better off than not having one at all.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paris
The food scene in Paris is extraordinary. Whether you want French classics or trendier cuisines, you will have no problem finding what you're looking for. The same goes for drinks. Paris has an incredible cocktail scene - from traditional French wine and absinthe to inventive cocktails and daiquiris.
My Paris apartment stay
Deciding on a trip to Paris is easy. Deciding on where to stay and where to eat is a whole other story. Since I've always longed to live in Paris, I usually stay in an apartment. During my last trip to Paris, I stayed in a charming flat in Montmartre. There's nothing quite like waking up, making coffee, leisurely sipping it on a sofa that overlooks the Parisian rooftops, and then heading out to stroll the winding roads around Sacre Coeur. Absolutely nothing like it. So this time I knew I wanted another Paris apartment stay.
A long weekend in Paris
Paris, my favorite city in the world. She's simply magic to me. From the cozy corner cafes to the beautiful Seine cutting through the city, I can't get enough. I've visited six times, and I will keep going back every time I get a chance.
