All posts by Stefanie

San Ysidro Ranch. Montecito, California

December 12, 2014Hotel of the WeekBest hotels in California, best luxury getaways, california hotels, glam ranches, Montecito Hotels, San Ysidro RanchStefanie

Looking for a place to escape the snow and cold without sacrificing the holiday’s celebration? Welcome to San Ysidro Ranch in the ever-sunny Santa Barbara, California. Montecito happens to be one of my most beloved cities in the world, it is the quintessential sunny beachside town and also transports me into one of my favorite movies, It’s Complicated. Nestled in the foothills of Montecito, this has been a long-time weekend getaway spot for some of L.A.’s hottest stars. If you’re looking for natural beauty, Southern California charm, and a low-key ambiance, this is the ranch for you.

There are 41 individually decorated private cottages and suites that are lined along the ranch’s tree and creek-lined paths. Designed after the classic bungalow style, all cottages and suites offer king-size beds with soft linens, fireplaces, and patios. The suites and cottages also feature hot tubs on private outdoor patios with outdoor rain showers, hand-cut stone or Old World masonry fireplaces, radiant-heated bathroom floors, flat-screen TVs and hand-selected antique furnishings. And for those of you who are dog lovers, they even have some dog-friendly cottages if you want to bring your puppy along on your romantic getaway. However, my two of my favorite cottages are the Hummingbird Cottages. Ask for the Tangerine or Citrus cottage, on mist free mornings you’ll have a spectacular view of the ocean. However, if you’re willing to spend the big bucks, stay in the Warner Cottage, a 2,500 ft² italian villa.

The Stonehouse is San Ysidro Ranch’s fine-dining restaurant, located in 19th-century citrus packing house. On warm nights, you can dine under the uninterrupted starry night sky or in the winter by their crackling fire. They also have a very special Christmas Dinner planned that includes Sake Glazed Alaskan King Crab, Maple Leaf Duck Breast, and Valrhona Araguani Flourless Chocolate Cake, so count me in! If you’re looking for something casual, head to Plow & Angel, make sure to order the mac-n-cheese or the ribs.

I have also heard about a number of famous weddings here, it is one of the premier California wedding destinations and its easy to se why. There are 17 miles of hiking trails in Montecito, my favorite being Seven Sisters because it has an amazing waterfall at the end in the winter. This is definitely the place to bring that special someone for a weekend filled with love and relaxation.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Top 5: Destinations to ring in the New Year

December 10, 2014Top 5best nye destinations, Dubai, Las Vegas, Mexico City, New Years Eve destinations, Phuket, Punta del EsteStefanie

With my second favorite holiday right around the corner, New Years Eve is one of the most spectacular and wild nights of the year! It’s an excuse to drink fancy champagne and dance until the sun comes up, I mean, who doesn’t love New Years? We’ve put together the Top 5 most over-the-top New Years Eve extravaganzas and the hottest places to ring in 2015.

Rio de Janeiro

Since it’s practically summer in Rio, this is going to be one of the hottest spots to celebrate the big 2015. People swarm the beaches and their adjoining bars, with Copacabana Beach being the center of attention. Don’t forget to pack your best white outfit, since it’s customary to wear white on New Years (it’s said to bring good luck!). Just don’t be mad when you’re doused in champagne and glitter.

Stay:

-Copacabana Palace

-Fasano

Eat:

-Fasano Al Mare

-Azumi

-Pérgula

-Zuka

Nightlife:

-Mirori

-Club Praia

-Fosfobox

Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

Although a lesser-known New Years Eve spot for the USA group, this is one of the biggest hotspots in South America. Every year supermodels, actors, directors, and the elite migrate to Punta Del Este, also known as The Hamptons of Uruguay. Since it’s their summertime, you’d better be in beach-body shape because the crowd here is pretty scantily-clad. Get ready for the craziest beach parties of your life.

Stay:

-Fasano Punta del Este

-Playa Vik

Eat:

-Marismo

-Fasano Restaurante- South American

-La Bourgogne- French Cuisine

-L’Auberge– French Cuisine

-Floreal- International

Nightlife:

-Tequila

-Crobar

-Jose Ignacio Beach

Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dubai is easily becoming one’s of the world’s fastest growing and expanding cities. Known for it’s extravagance and over-the-top luxury, it is easy to see why this would be one of the world’s premier destinations for New Years. The main show will be held at Burj Khakifa, the tallest building in the world at 2,716.5 feet. At midnight, the building will have a fireworks show unlike anywhere else in the world. However, if you’re like most people and hate crowds, this is probably not your thing. Instead head to the beachside bash at Atlantis, at The Palm, which goes from 3pm to 3am.

Stay:

-Burj al Arab

-Armani Hotel

Eat:

-Eauzone– Modern Asian

-Majlis Al Bahar– Mediterranean

-Amal at The Armani Hotel– Indian Cuisine

-Al Mahara

NIghtlife:

-VIP Room

-Armani/Prive

-Cirque Le Soir

Ko Phangan, Thailand.

One of the most romantic places in the world, this is definitely the place to spend New Years with your significant other or a group of friends. While every major hotel will have fireworks, Ko Phangan is known for it’s full-moon dance party, which sets itself apart from other New Years destinations. This is the place for beach lovers and for those who like to stay up to watch the sunrise, and please do, it’s a spectacular one.

Stay:

-Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan

Eat:

-Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar- Seafood

-Beach Lounge- Thai Food

-Sunset Bar- Drinks

-Sarah’s Sushi Restaurant– Sushi

Nightlife:

– Cactus

-Kangaroo Bar

-Outback

Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas is without a doubt, one the wildest and most out of control places to be during New Years. The strip gets blocked off from car traffic and from what i’ve heard, cops tend to look the other way when stuff goes down. However, since this is the most popular time to go, prices tend to go waaayyyy up, so make sure to book in advance.

Stay:

-Wynn Las Vegas

-Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

-Skylofts at MGM

Eat:

-Joel Robuchon– MGM Grand (French)

-CUT Steakhouse– Palazzo/Venetian

-Estiatorio Milos– Cosmopolitan

-Bostero– Wynn Las Vegas

Nightlife:

-Hakkasan– MGM Grand

-Light Nightclub– Mandalay Bay

-XS– Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

-Marquee Day Club– The Cosmopolitan

The Wheatleigh. Lenox, Massachusetts

December 9, 2014Hotel of the WeekBerkshires, berkshires getaway, Best Hotel Berkshires, luxury hotels in the berkshires, Massachusetts, The Wheatleigh Hotel, top hotels berkshiresStefanie

Looking for the perfect romantic or family getaway for the upcoming holiday festivities? Look no further than The Wheatleigh hotel, nestled in the idyllic Berskshires on 22 acres of rolling hills and lakes. It was built in 1893 by Henry H. Cook, a prominent New York financier, for his daughter as a wedding present. This hotel oozes sophistication of the “gilded age” and brings to mind the Great Gatsby’s extravagant location for parties.

The design of the hotel was based on a 16th Century Florentine Palazzo. Over 150 artisans and their materials were shipped over from Italy to recreate the intricate designs on the interior and exterior of the hotel. Also, the surrounding park was designed to look like Central Park, for you New Yorkers who can’t stray too far outside the city without feeling homesick.

The rooms are pretty exquisite, with private bathroom and a large soaking tub, Queen sized beds, and courtyard views. Even their smallest room (10ft x 12ft) was voted by Lexus Magazine as the most luxurious small room in the world. The Crown Jewel of the rooms however, is the Aviary. This former Aviary was transformed into a two-story suite with a terrace. A sculptural glass enclosed circular stair leads to a second floor sleeping room floating in the trees. This is easily the best room in the house, and the price reflects that. Another great thing about the hotel is that entire property, guest rooms, and 5-Diamond restaurant can be rented out for weddings or events.

The Dining Room at The Wheatleigh is the perfect place for an intimate or innovative dining experience. The food and menu change seasonally, but their selection of wines and champagne are exquisite. And for all the golf lovers, The Wheatleigh boasts one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the country. There is a little bit of everything here for everyone, and once it turns into a magical Winter Wonderland, you’ll never want to leave.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Lodge. Verbier, Switzerland

November 21, 2014Hotel of the Weekbest apres-ski, best ski chalets in Switzerland, best skiing Switzerland, The Lodge, verbierStefanie

I have to say, I was most excited about The Lodge in Verbier more than anything else in my entire Swiss Voyage. After ten days of traveling non-stop around the country, it was finally time to visit Richard Branson’s baby.

Two bus rides, three trains, one gondola ride and a mile walk after, I was there, in front of what is considered to be the most expensive and high-end ski lodge in the world (Of course there are faster ways to get to The Lodge, however I was on the company’s budget).

As I looked up admiring the divine Swiss chalet, my heels slipped and I fell on my face, scraping both of my knees and hands. To my dismay, the super-friendly staff was waiting at the entrance to greet me and witnessed the whole thing! They didn’t even bat an eyelash and pretended the whole thing never happened, very gracious of them. Note to self: Hiking or snow boots are a must in this town, even on the warmer days.

Although I visited the property one day before the Summer opening, Ashley Crook, the Deputy Manager, welcomed me with a big Swiss smile and pretended she didn’t have three-thousand things to do before the opening.

The architecture is as typical as it gets; Wooden chalet, wooden shutters, flowers in every balcony and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog guarding the entrance. However, once you step in, the large fire place, gigantic sofas, fur throws and candles adorn the lodge in a casual yet chic way. The colors are light, with a few pops of color here and there.

Contrary to what I thought, The Lodge is ideal for a group of friends or family. The cozy lodge has a communal environment, or should I say a VERY high-end communal environment. Everyone shares a large table for meals, a family room and even an awesome playroom. If you do not feel like mingling, dinner in your private terrace or in the hotel’s terrace can be arranged.

The lodge has 8 rooms and one amazing bunk room for the kiddos. They also have 14 staff members and 3 in-house Chefs. Upon booking, you can either let them surprise you with the menu (it is a set menu), or you can choose the menu before you get there. Either way, whatever you choose, please be sure to strap yourself in because you are going to be blown away.

All in all, Richard Branson made the right choice with this 7-year-old lodge. The location is secluded, unassuming, has spectacular views and it is located in one of the best mountains in the world. Bravo! Bravo!

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Top 5: Most Expensive Hotel Suites

November 19, 2014Top 5expensive hotels, four seasons new york, hotel martinez, las ventanas al paraiso, laucala, most expensive hotel rooms, president wilson hotel, shahi mahal suite, the raj palace hotel, top 5 expensive hotel roomsStefanie

Got some money to burn? We have accumulated the world’s most outrageously expensive hotel suites so you can do just that. Instead of a down payment on a house or a new car, you could spend one night in one of these over-the-top rooms.

Royal Penthouse Suite at Hotel President Wilson.

The number one most expensive (and luxurious) suite in the world in located in Geneva, Switzerland, which should come at no surprise considering Swiss essence is trés chic. For the measly price of $62,613.47 you can stay in this sprawling 1,700m² suite located on the rooftop floor of hotel. The suite comes with 12 luxury rooms and marble bathrooms, panoramic views of the lake and mountain backdrop, Bang & Olufson gadgets, and a private gym. This suite also comes equipped with the toughest security, bullet-proof glass and hired body-guards for the rich and famous. The Royal Penthouse is so glorious it really shouldn’t be considered a suite, it’s in a league of it’s own.

Shahi Mahal Suite, The Raj Palace Hotel.

Want to live the in ultimately luxury like a Maharajah Prince? This would be the place to do it, considering this palace was created for India’s royal family. Costing up to $60,000 a night, this palace suite will sure be worth it: it is currently undergoing renovations, though when it is finished, it will have a new 24,000-square-foot landscaped terrace garden and a three-sided infinity pool. The suite already boasts its own astrology room, library, bar, and private theater.

Ty Warner Penthouse Suite at The Four Seasons NYC.

Named after the billionaire-owner of the Four Seasons hotel brand, this suite is the perfect place for out-of-towners to come experience New York City glamour, if you’re willing to sell all your belongings to afford the one night’s stay of $45,000. The Penthouse took seven years and $50 billion dollars to create, soaring 800 feet over the streets of Manhattan, a view like this is unforgettable. The Penthouse comes with its own Zen room (in case the price gave you a stroke), private spa room, floor-to-ceiling windows, grand piano, and 24-hour personal butler. This Penthouse embodies old-world money and glamour with the sophistication of New York City’s elite.

Hilltop Estate Owner’s Accommodation, Laucala Island.

Once owner by media magnet, Malcolm Forbes, this property is a “resort within a resort”. Located up in the tropical rainforest of Laucala Island, staying at this estate is like renting out your own private island, for half the price. For only $40,000 a night, this 11,000m² piece of property is perfect for a multi-family getaway, if you’re Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The estate has a uniquely designed main residence with its own panoramic pool landscape, two spacious guest residences and special services such as a private cook, a chauffeur and a private nanny. When the estate is available for rent, you must apply by application. You must then wait for an invitation to stay in this most exclusive of paradise villas.

Penthouse Suite, Hôtel Martinez Cannes.

For the wealthy and famous Cannes Film Festival-goers, this is the chicest and most in-demand place to stay. The suite is set aside for the biggest Hollywood producers, actors, and directors. For only $37,500 a night, this beautiful art-deco suite can be yours. The suite comes with up to 4 bedrooms, a private 290m² terrace with jacuzzi (with the most exquisite view of the Bay of Cannes), living room, and private dining room. This is absolutely the most perfect place to host that grand soiree for all your celebrity friends.

*Coming soon, Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos will debut one of the grandest most expensive villas ever built starting at $30,000 per night. The estimated date of opening is still pending, but early 2015 is the word on the street.

Photographs courtesy of the properties.

W Hotel. Verbier, Switzerland

November 18, 2014Hotel of the Weekbest hotels verbier, luxury swiss hotels, luxury verbier hotel, Starwood hotels, swiss voyage, Switzerland, top swiss lodge, verbier, w hotels, w verbierStefanie

Have you ever wondered what it feels to travel like a celeb? Well stop wondering and just follow this month’s Hotels of the Week on Posh Voyage for a glimpse.

Half way through my Swiss Voyage this Summer, I never thought I was going to discover yet another gem in Switzerland. After visiting Gruyere, Montreux, Geneva, Lucern, Appenzell, Arosa and Gstaad, I thought the best had passed.

It was not easy to getting to Verbier, let me just start by saying that. I took the train from Gstaad to Lausanne, changed trains in Martigni and got off at Le Chable. I then took the amazing gondola ride from Le Chable to Verbier and a quick bus ride to what I consider the swankiest most fun lodge I have ever been to, the W Hotel. *(Keep in mind that this is the most economical way to get to Verbier, if money isn’t a concern, a private car from Geneva is the best way to get there, and it only takes 2 hours).

The W Hotel is only 11 months old, and from the looks if it, the service seems like it has been established for decades, yet the design like it opened just yesterday. The typical Swiss chalet with modern yet cozy interiors is perfectly executed. Everything is built with light reclaimed wood and earth tones with a few pops of color.

The hotel is divided in 4 buildings: Energy, Infuse, Recharge and Escape. The Recharge building is home to the lobby and main living room which is adorned with fur blankets, fur pillows and fur chairs. So warm yet modern!

After a long day traveling, I ordered the crispy shrimp for a quick bite before I started my meetings at the hotel. Oh my God! My quick bite turned into the most delicious meal of the trip. The ginger and soy infused crispy shrimp were so good that I ordered it twice. Hey, I was alone, no one to judge!

Next to it was the monumental staircase with seating incorporated to soak up the views of the Valais region.

After, I made my way down to the spa. It is a gigantic 8,000sqf setup, the largest in Verbier. The style is sleek and modern unlike the rest of the hotel, which is warm, cozy and charming.

The main restaurant is the creation of Chef Sergio Arola, a Michelin awarded Chef from Spain. My favorite part of the whole restaurant was the back part. A hidden tapas bar with 10 chairs overlooking the kitchen. The Chef just keeps sending plates over until to you until you wave your arm due to the food coma you are experiencing.

The last part of my tour, and my personal favorite, were the rooms. They all have a Swiss theme with the flag decorating the room, and exposed wooden beams to give it a rustic feel. The Wow Suite was my personal favorite if traveling with your better half. However, if you want to make this a family or friend vacay, they have fabulous residences ranging from 2-4 bedrooms (I think I just decided where my next ski trip with my husband and friends will be).

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Alpina. Gstaad, Switzerland

November 14, 2014Hotel of the Weekalpina gstaad, bern, Gstaad, gstaad hotel, gstaad palace, luxury hotel switzerland, swiss chaletStefanie

Due to my hectic travel schedule, I could only visit Switzerland in June and as many of you know it is low season, which meant I got a behind the scenes tour of one of my favorite Swiss Chalets: The Alpina.

The Alpina Gstaad brings whole new meaning to the concept of “Swiss Chalets”. Integrating Swiss elegance with Alpine chic, this hotel has been winning awards since it opened in 2012. Named Gault&Millau’s “Hotel of the Year” in 2013 and 2014, this hotel exemplifies sophistication and authenticity. Located in the German-speaking canton of Bern, this is the perfect location for a winter getaway, with some of the best apres-skiing in the whole world. This chalet might become so homey, you’ll never want to leave!

All 56 rooms in the hotel are designed uniquely, with hand-made original and contemporary woodwork from local artisans. While each room comes with modern amenities, traditional ski chalet designs are apparent throughout each room with sloping wooden ceilings, thick wool blankets, and a burning fireplace. Each room also comes with their own private terrace, the Deluxe Rooms Schönried look out onto the picturesque foothills of the Bernese Alps, while the Deluxe Rooms Gstaad offer an awe-inspiring view of the majestic Diablerets mountains and the village down below.

One of the best aspects of the hotel is their Six Senses Spa, the super indulgent treatments are perfect to soothe those achy joints from a long ski day. From spa treatments to group exercises wellness classes, Six Senses Spa is world-renowned for it’s class and indulgence. The Six Senses Spa is inspired by Asian traditions and draws its energy from the Alpine heart of the surrounding mountain peaks. The spa even offers an Alpine Retreat package in which they offer body transformation, spiritual awareness, and body healing through ancient practices.

The hotel offers 6 dining options, each of which are unique and oh-so-delicious. The Sommet Restaurant has earned itself one Michelin star with it’s exquisite Swiss/French food. Megu is their chic Sushi restaurant, with two head chefs that are expertly trained. They also offer some of the world’s most rare and extensive selection of sakes. My favorite place to eat is their Alpina Lounge & Bar because of their wall-to-ceiling windows, you feel as if you’re enjoying a cocktail right on the mountain slope, without the freezing cold aspect.

This might be the ideal place to stay if you are looking for a traditional Swiss retreat with a twist of contemporary design. If you want the traditional elegance of Gstaad, then the gorgeous Gstaad Palace is your stop.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Top 5: Luxurious Airport Lounges.

November 12, 2014Top 5best airport lounges, British Airways, Etihad Airways, first-class airport lounges, Virgin AirlinesStefanie

Delayed flight? Yipe!

Upon hearing the fantastic delay news -dreadful for many- I couldn’t help but to scream with excitement! It means I have more time in the posh British Airways First Class Lounge for a desperately needed deep tissue massage and a glass of Veuve.

Find below the Top 5 Airport Lounges in the World, where the word luxury is an understatement:

Etihad Airline First Class Lounge- Abu Dhabi Airport.

Drinks: Champagne bar or Cigar Lounge.

Kids Room: Playroom for kids with qualified nannies.

Entertainment: Individual Bang & Olufsen flat screen with headsets and a relaxing library.

Food: À la carte fine dining. They also offer a Chefs table right in the kitchen.

Refresh: Step into the magnificent showers while the staff irons your clothes and polishes your shoes.

Spa: World-renowned Six Senses Spa, yes you read right… Six Senses.

Features: Wi-Fi, computers, concierge team and Mercedes car service from anywhere in Emirates to the airport.

Virgin Atlantic First Class Clubhouse- JFK Airport.

Size: 10,000-Square- foot lounge.

News: $7 million dollar renovation.

Drinks: An uber trendy bar and lounge worth missing your flight for.

Entertainment: With billiard tables and awesome sofas.

Food: You can order anything you want from any corner of The Clubhouse but if you are looking for a fine dining experience, Brasserie is the perfect space.

Sleep: Person-sized cavities in the walls. They offer a sleep suit so you don’t have to wrinkle your clothes.

Spa: Bumble and Bumble hair salon and Dr. Hauschka spa treatments.

Features: Wi-Fi, computers, concierge team.

British Airways First Class Lounge – London Heathrow T5 Airport.

Drinks: The modern bar overlooks the runway with floor to ceiling windows. Attached to the bar, there is a massive terrace with sun beds and comfy sofas.

Food: Throughout the day the restaurant offers delicious meals with a variety of European styles. There are also waiters around the lounge ready to take your order of any meal you desire.

Sleep: Private cabana rooms include beds and luxury amenities.

Spa: The luxurious Elemis Spa offers a wide range of treatments.

Features: Quintessentially Concierge services, Wi-Fi and computer stations.

Lufthansa First Class Lounge- Frankfurt Airport.

Size: 13,000-square-foot lounge.

Office: They offer private offices with Internet connections, printers, and copiers.

Sleep: Individual quiet rooms with daybeds for napping. (The staff ensures that sleeping passengers are woken in time for their flights).

Refresh: Showers and tubs come equipped with Lufthansa’s signature rubber duckies.

Food: At the restaurants, meals are served by Vienna’s DO & CO, which is known for catering Formula 1 races; all meals are complimentary.

Spa: It includes two Jacuzzis.

Entertainment: A game room with Nintendo Wii systems.

Features: Computer station, Wi-Fi and Valet parking while being escorted through the line-free security process by a personal assistant.

Time to board? Passengers are driven to the plane in a Porsche or a Mercedes-Benz.

Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge- Hong Kong Airport.

Size: 42,900 square-foot lounge over two floors

Drinks: The Champagne Bar and The Cocktail Bar– where passengers can unwind, relax and enjoy the view of the apron with a glass of champagne or signature cocktail.

Coffee: The newly-introduced Coffee Loft provides a relaxing environment where passengers can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and pastries baked on the premises.

Food: A 24-meter Long Bar of hot and cold buffet items, Japanese Noodle Bar, four restaurants (including one just for first-class passengers, called the Haven).

Relax: 24 shower suites with soaking tubs, 26 IT workstations, lots of daybeds and comfy chairs, and a spa.

Hotel Villa Honegg. Lucerne, Switzerland.

November 7, 2014Hotel of the Weekbest hotel in Lucerne, best hotel Villa Honegg, Hotel Villa Honegg, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, SwitzerlandStefanie

Remember the scene from The Sound of Music, where Julie Andrews is skipping through bright green fields, buttercup flowers, and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains? Well, that is exactly the scene you will find at Hotel Villa Honegg, located in the outskirts of Lucerne, Switzerland. This long-established hotel, built in 1905 and reopened in May 2011, is a haven for those seeking peace and privacy. Their service is impeccable and the staff is ever friendly. This is what I would call a ‘yes’ hotel, in that you ask the staff for something and they do their best to make it happen.

The rooms are designed with modern and cozy décor, think neutrals with playful designs, and each bathroom comes equipped with hand-picked Hermès amenities. The best rooms in the house however, are those with a balcony over-looking the spectacular Lake Lucerne. Every afternoon I would go out to my terrace with a glass of wine and enjoy the view. If you’re traveling with a big party or feel like splurging, opt for the Garden House. Located directly next to the main building you will find the hotel’s charming Garden House. Though it does not maintain the five star superior standard as the main building, it is tastefully designed to fulfill all of your needs with two modern double rooms, a suite, an apartment as well as a children’s playroom and a meeting room complete with bar and lounge.

The Restaurant ranges from regional dishes, international classics, to Lebanese specialties. All the products come from their garden, local suppliers as well as suppliers from central Switzerland except for the wines, which come hand-selected from Lebanon. I recommend not the Raclette nor the Fondue, but the Honegg Meatloaf with a wine reduction, mashed potatoes and baby carrots; it gets my mouth watering just thinking about it! Weather-permitting, opt to dine on the Winter Terrace, it overlooks the tranquil Lake Lucerne. If the weather is a bit chilly, they provide you with fur coats to enhance your meal experience, how cozy is that?

My favorite view in the whole hotel came from the heated outdoor infinity pool. I could sit here all day looking at the panoramic views while the day went by and I began to form into a human prune. I was there in the Summer, however, one of the best times of the year to go would be the fall, where you can see the colors on the leaves changing and while the weather is brisk, but not cold.

Everything about this hotel is just perfection, so if you are looking to go skiing to Switzerland this winter, do not forget to make a pit stop at Villa Honegg on your way in.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Travel Tip: 6 Worst Selfies to Take on Vacation

November 5, 2014Travel Tipsinappropriate selfies, top selfies, worst selfiesStefanie

If you hate selfies as much as we do, keep reading. We all know on social media those especially annoying photos where we all mutter “ugh” and keep scrolling. We have started a ‘selfie nation’ and that is a trend that’s not showing any signs of stopping. And, just because you #selfie, does not justify your actions, I see you Kim Kardashian. However, there is a right way to do the selfie. On top of a mountain peak you just climbed? Selfie time. Swimming under-water with sharks? Heck yeah I want to see that.

Your friends and family know what you look like, there is no need for a constant pictures to remind them of your facial features. Here are our Top 6 worst selfies and the photos to never take on a vacation.

Private Jet Selfie:

For the Dan Bilzerians of the world, it’s great that you have a private jet. However, taking the obvious “Look-I-am-in-a-private-jet-photo” is tacky and makes your class level dwindle down, especially if the private jet isn’t even yours. This also goes for the kids on the private yachts. Stay classy!

Selfie at a Memorial:

There is nothing more disrespectful than a selfie in a memorial. I recently saw a girl smiling while taking a tasteless selfie at the Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, it literally made me sick. For all those people that love posting selfies, newsflash, you are not the main focus here. Has the new generation forgotten the meaning of the word narcissism?

Hot Dogs or Legs?

We all know this photo, the one where its you laying on beach, but its not you, its just your legs. It’s the photo that screams, “I want to show off my skinny tan legs while also letting everyone know I am at the beach”. It’s tacky, cheesy, and very obvious. Next time why don’t you take a cute picture, or better yet get someone else to take the picture of yourself playing in the water? Then it will actually look like you did something on your vacation besides sit there and take pictures of yourself.

Reckless Selfie:

The worst thing you can do to perpetuate the horrible American Tourist stereotype is to do something reckless and ignorant. For instance, if you see something terrible going on, say a house burning or a crash, this is not the time to pull out your phone and take a picture, this is the time to call 9-1-1! On top of that, if you happen to been somewhere exotic, try not to turn your back on a wild animal and take a selfie, but actually enjoy the trip you are on. Are you trespassing? Don’t photograph the evidence. Are you committing a crime in that area? Definitely don’t alert the local police by posting it on the Internet. However, taking a picture of you skydiving or swimming with whales is totally cool and I highly recommend it.

Smug Gym Selfie:

I think celebrities are the worst perpetrators of this. From Justin Bieber showing his 12 year old abs, to the Kardashian sisters posing while they pretend to work out. There is no need to reiterate how toned and buff your body is. It’s one thing if someone takes the photo of you in action; it’s another if you take it of yourself in the mirror. I’m all for busting my butt in the gym, but I think the delayed gratification of showing off your worked-hard-for body in a summer dress picture is much more satisfying.

Over-posting photos:

Uploading more than one photo at a time to Instagram is frustrating, which one do I pick to like? I can’t like more than one, because let’s be honest, that seems over-eager. Pick one photo that sums up all the other photos, put the cool low-fi filter on it, and stick to that one. If you MUST post more than one, make a collage of Polaroid photos, it makes you look not only super cool but also artistic and thoughtful. Also, over-sharing on both Facebook and Instagram has become a problem. No one wants to hear the dirty details of you and your boyfriends break-up, NO ONE. We all get the cryptic song lyrics, bible verses, and incoherent rants, it’s a cry for attention that has us all bugged.