All posts by Stefanie

Top 5: Gifts for Travel Lovers

December 17, 2015Uncategorizedairbnb, Bluesmart suitcase, christmas gifts, christmas gifts for travelers, river thames floating house, travel gifts, travel lovers, wheels upStefanie

With the season of giving right around the corner, buying gifts for travel lovers may be one of the hardest groups to give to. They love new cultures, people, places, and food, what could be a broader demographic? Below are our top gifts for the travel aficionado, but you might get jealous so be sure to order two: one for your loved one and one for you!

1. A Night On The River Thames

Brought to you by Airbnb, this part barge part hotel floating house is a unique gift idea for those who have been around the world and back. It has two quaint bedrooms can sleep up to four, and when you stay you get the entire house. This includes the bathroom, kitchen, garden, dog kennel, and steering wheel. The catch is it’s not available for rent, you have to win to stay there, but it’s totally worth it. The house also comes complete with a tour of London and a dinner cooked by Peruvian chef Robert Ortiz. Learn more here

2. The Smartest Suitcase Ever Created

Bluesmart has created the most technologically advance suitcase seen by this world. Already approved by the TSA, this suitcase is going to be the next big thing in travel accessories. You can control your suitcase from your phone to lock and unlock it, track its location, weigh it, get distance alerts, and much more. The suitcase also includes distance alerts, USB battery charges for when you forget your charges (I always do), a built in scale, and travel stats. James Bond would be proud to carry this suitcase. Learn more here

3. The Traveling Bartender

Hate airline cocktails because of their quality? Well now you can make your own craft cocktails with Stephen Kenn Travel Cocktail Kit. This leather travel kit comes equipped with nine empty bottles, a mixing spoon, and a book that will teach you how to pack the kit for different occasions, as well as make 15 different cocktails, with recipes coming from some of the best bartender’s in the world. Learn more here

4. Private Jet Membership

Think along the lines of Uber, but with private jets. The only thing travelers with they had more of is time, so give them the gift of time-saving. For a small initiation fee of $17,500 and “reasonable” annual dues, Wheels Up members have access to a private fleet of brand new King Air 350i and Citation Excel/XLS aircrafts. Being part of this club also means you get access to their ride-sharing app which enables members to hitch rides and split costs. Learn more here

5. A luxury Hamper

Although not as famously known in the U.S., luxury hampers have long been the perfect gift for family and friends in the UK. Ranging from £20,000 to £500, these hampers come filled to the brim with fine wines and spirits, tea and coffee, cured meats and cheeses and pantry essentials. Christmas-themed hampers also include Christmas pudding, chocolates and luxury Christmas crackers. Each Hamper is uniquely themed so make sure you and your neighbor don’t end up sending each other the same gift! Learn more here

Constance Tsarabanjina. Madagascar

December 4, 2015Hotel of the Week5-star hotels madagascar, Constance Hotel, constance tsarabanjina, luxury hotels madagascar, Madagascar hotels, private island hotel madagascar, private island hotelsStefanie

If you’re looking to have your own explorer-esque moment, the tiny islet off the coast of Madagascar called Tsarabanjina is where to start. Begin at a slow pace, climbing up hills and down to sapphire waters, white sandy beaches surrounded by wildlife. Exploration is often encouraged at Constance Tsarabanjina, the 5-star hotel that occupies this islet. In fact, the islet of Tsarabanjina is very sacred, on the small peninsula of the eastern beach is found the tomb of the Sakalava kings of the Mitsio islands.

The hotel has a definite rustic-chic charm to it, with grass-thatched roofs and large wooden structures, the architects wanted the hotel to blend in with the aesthetic of the surrounding environment. The 25 villas are split into two categories: North and South Beach. Each villa has a unique simplistic design and faces out to the sea. One of the most popular villas is Villa Number 14 on North Beach and Villa Number 1 on the South Beach. They are the most private of each of the villas due to their location.

The Hotel is all-inclusive and often times for me that means eating a very repetitive meal. This is not the case at this Constance, they have a rotating menu of the freshest seafood and seasonal delights. Choose from lobster, prawn, crab, squid, octopus and fish, which can be served to you sashimi style or grilled. They are also famous for their Zebu (Malagasy Beef) and duck dishes.

One of the highlights of this islet is it’s abundance of activities in such a small proximity. Madagascar is known for some of the best diving in the world and Constance does not disappoint. There is a PADI Diving Center on the Island and a resident Marine Biologist who accompanies the crew on all snorkeling and diving trips. If you’re more a sport fisherman, there are also many guests constantly flocking the island for big-game fishing. Tsarabanjina is also home to the country’s national bird, the Malagasy Fish Eagle, as well as many other species.

Come explore Tsarabanjina and find out what you’ve been missing at every other island hotel. Perfect for travelers at any age trying to find their inner Robinson Crusoe.

Photos courtesy of the hotel

The Little Nell. Aspen, Colorado.

November 23, 2015Hotel of the Week5-star hotels aspen, best hotel in Aspen, cosmopolitan hotels Aspen, luxury hotels in Aspen, the Little Nell, Top hotels in AspenStefanie

Often when you think of Aspen you think of luxury home rentals and condos. The Little Nell is changing the game, it is the place to stay, eat, and drink in Aspen. With Aspen Mountain at their back door and the chic town at their front, this hotel is perfectly located to optimize your Aspen experience. The Little Nell has garnered 5 stars and 5 diamonds for their exceptional service and restaurants. When designing the hotel, they wanted to keep the natural and rustic aesthetic of the outdoors, but with a cosmopolitan design to match the lifestyle of Aspen.

Chicago designer Holly Hunt styled their 52 guest rooms, 26 premium guest rooms, 8 suites, and 6 signature suites. Most rooms feature private balconies and all feature warm gas log fireplaces. While you cannot go wrong with any of the rooms, The Little Nell suite particularly blew me away. It has wall-to-wall windows, and two wrap-around balconies with fabulous views of Aspen Mountain, whoever Nell is would be proud to have this named after her. If you’re in need of more room, The Little Nell also offers private residences for a one-night stay or a one-month stay.

Feeling peckish? Dine at Element 47, The Little Nell’s fine-dining (but “Aspen casual”) option. Awarded the 5-star Restaurant Award, this is one dining option you wont want to miss. If you’re not too full from lunch or dinner, head over to the Element 47 Bar for an after-dinner drink. Insider Tip: look over the wine list first, it’s extensive and offers some of the best wines in the world. For an apres-ski dining option, head to Ajax Tavern. It offers a mountain-side patio with spectacular views and casual glamour. Their Ajax Colorado Lamb Bolognese makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Being a 5-star hotel, it’s expected that the hotel would offer luxury amenities, but The Little Nell goes above and beyond. For those traveling with dogs they have luxury pet amenities such as a puppy jet lag kit and a special dining menu. The Little Nell has partnered up with Audi of America to offer hotel guests a complimentary opportunity to experience luxury driving in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Slip behind the wheel of a 2015 Audi A8L TDI or Q7 TDI and enjoy the ride.

Mar Adentro. Los Cabos, Mexico

November 13, 2015Hotel of the Weekhigh tech hotels, Los Cabos, Mar Adentro, Mexico hotels, new los cabos hotel, new mexico hotelsStefanie

We live in a technological era, but most hotels have decidedly chosen to stay on the outskirts of this era, incorporating the bare minimum of technology. In comes the new hotel Mar Adentro by Encanto, high-tech luxury accommodation in a very low-tech region, Los Cabos Mexico. Designed by renowned Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragonés furnished by Poliform, the Italian brand renowned for the craftmanship, this new hotel is going to be the standard at which all other Los Cabos hotels should aim for. The hotel doesn’t even open until December 1st and is currently sold out for months! The hotel’s mission is to über-customize every aspect of their guests’ stay, down to the very toothpaste they equip the bathroom with.

Each of the 205 rooms and 39 villas exemplifies privacy and luxury: a private swimming pool, an interactive and digital service panel, and individual coffee and tea room service, among other amenities. The room’s tablet allows you to customize the room to your every last preference; the temperature, lighting, contacting room service and the concierge, opening and closing blinds, are just some examples of what you will be able to do. The hotel puts out a hands-off, casual, upscale, not wanting to be in their guests’ faces, but be there in under 10 seconds at the snap of a finger.

Among 4 world-class restaurants, the hotel will also be offering a Holistic Spa, private beach club, a cinema screening movies still in theatres, and of course two business centers with all the high-tech amenities you would need. The vibe of the hotel definitely matches the style, sleek modern-design buildings with sharp lines to contrast the casualness of the beach. Like a modern oasis in the middle of a sand dune, this is one hotel that is sure to exceed your expectations of a Los Cabos Resort.

Parrot Cay by COMO. Turks & Caicos

November 12, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hote in turks and caicos, best hotel in the turks and caicos, COMO hotel group, como hotel in caribbean, como hotels, luxury hotel turks and caicos, Parrot Cay by COMO, parrot cay island, posh voyage caribbean, turks and caicosStefanie

Let the turquoise waters and sweet sea breezes carry your cares away at Parrot Cay, a serene retreat set in the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Parrot Cay is a small atoll in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. The luxury resort by COMO is unlike any other, set upon its very own private island. After being picked up in a luxury sedan, they whisk you away to their own private dock, where you are greeted in an air conditioned hut with some of the best Caribbean punch you’ve ever had. After a short 30-minute boat ride you arrive and the secluded and extremely private island of Parrot Cay.

This resort works hard to tailor your every need, even without you having to ask! We arrived to our room and it was spectacular, just as you would picture a room in the tropics to be: a large comfy white bed with mosquito netting surrounding the bed, open doors to warm salty fresh air, and a giant pitcher of punch (note to readers: the punch is deceivingly strong).

We headed down to the pool for a later dinner at their asian-inspired restaurant, Lotus. Needless to say the service was impeccable and the food delectable, we ordered 5 courses! The next morning for breakfast at the Terrace, slightly hungover, we had the most amazing breakfast I’ve ever had in the Caribbean. Eggs, pancakes, juices, fruit, you name it they had it! After breakfast, feel free to wander down to the yoga studio for some complimentary beachfront yoga, it will set the mood for your day in this mecca of tranquility.

The resort offers a vast array of activities spanning from water sports to private inter-island day-trips. Want a little adventure? Charter a boat and head to Iguana Island, an island with an iguana preserve in which you can walk up and feed the iguanas but watch out, they can bite hard! Private or group snorkeling trips are offered every morning, which is one thing you shouldn’t pass up! ON any given day you are likely to see hundred of fish, coral, dolphins, and if you’re lucky, a giant manta ray. One thing to definitely not miss- on the neighboring island of Pine Cay, they hold a night cruise once a month to watch the glow worms light up like a starry-night sky, it is a spectacular experience that is unique to the Turks and Caicos and unlike anything you’ll ever see again!

If you are traveling with a family, I highly recommend staying in their two or three-bedroom Beach Villas. They are open and airy, and comes with a butler service, private pool, personal golf cart, and private beach entrance. If you are with a larger group, there are also private residences available to rent out with up to five bedrooms available. Parrot Cay is the perfect place for a multi-family or multi-generational vacation, they pamper you and tailor your every need. If you’re looking for a good time to go I recommend New Years, Parrot Cay throws a fantastic New Years party where tons of A-list celebs attend. I would tell you who, but then I wouldn’t be a very good luxury travel planner would I?

For more information on their private residence, contact concierge@poshvoyage.com.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

One & Only Hayman Island. Australia

November 9, 2015Uncategorizedaustralia luxury hotel, australian islands, best hotel cairns, best hotel great barrier reef, best hotel in port douglas, hayman island, lucury hotel great barrier reef, luxury hotel australia, ONE AND ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND, whitsunday islandsStefanie

Imagine staying in the world famous Whitsunday Islands, now imagine staying in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, now imagine doing both while staying in the most spectacular hotel in Oceania. At One & Only Hayman Island the above three are possible, so if you are still trying to decide what to do for the holidays, look no further.

When I came across this property I was planning an Australian expedition to find even more hidden gems in the immense continent. Yes, I have been there many times, but anyone that has set foot in Australia knows you need more than that to really discover the hidden beauty of this gorgeous country, but not only is it unparalleled in it’s beauty, but it also happens to have the sweetest humans in the world (I guess coming from a criminal descend is not all that bad).

Forming part of the Whitsundays, named by Captain James Cook in 1770, One&Only Hayman Island (opened only 1 year ago) offers a front-row seat to the world’s largest coral reef system, and the largest structure on Earth made by living organisms. How cool is that?

The location of the hotel was carefully selected by it’s owners, and they couldn’t of think of a better place than this island. The Whitsundays have long been internationally recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of tropical coastline in the world. The hotel is set in one of the 74 islands, 66 of which are uninhabited so my favorite activity was to explore islands close to the hotel and pretend I was a castaway.

The hotel did it’s best to blend with nature without disrupting the view and feel of pure heaven. It has 160 rooms, however it feels smaller given that they divided it in different sections so the people that want to have a romantic getaway are not bothered by kids playing marco polo, and the kids are no bothered by boring adults reading a book.

The hotel has 56 suites ideal for large families. Nonetheless, the two bedroom pool suite is my favorite due to it’s fresh and clean decor. My second favorite room category is the beach houses which are more secluded and romantic.
The cuisine is always the tricky part in secluded hotels like this because when you stay in remote places the food is either frozen or stale. However, One & Only seemed to discover the secret recipe to fresh and delicious food.

The Great Barrier Reef provides the perfect setting for exciting activities including diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, water skiing and helicopter and seaplane adventures. However, my favorite activity by far was the Gourmet Picnic. You dine on a secluded beach, in the hush of the rain forest or surrounded by lush gardens.

Reason to love:

The resort recycles water and works with local suppliers to source sustainable ingredients for its restaurants. It also supports a breeding program for the endangered Proserpine rock wallaby on the island, and invites guests to donate to the ZooX fund to preserve the Great Barrier Reef and fund reef research.

Location:

The hotel is located just a few hour flight from Sydney, Melbourne and other large cities in Australia. You fly into Great Barrier Reef Airport, and then you are transferred by a luxury yacht or helicopter.

Glenmere Mansion. Chester, New York

October 30, 2015Hotel of the WeekStefanie

Built in the Gilded Age of America, this 150-acre estate used to be the playground to one of the richest families in America. They would entertain guests ranging from aristocrats, royalty, and premier artists. Now opened at a luxury estate hotel & spa, very minimal work was done to the original estate to keep it as authentic as possible, with just a few modern twists. Perfect, for the seasoned and discerned traveler, Glenmere Mansion combines traditional luxury with outstanding service.

Glenmere offers 18 guest accommodations,including deluxe and superior bedrooms, junior suites, and five premium suites, except no two rooms are alike. The rooms combine the history of Glenmere’s aesthetic with modern comforts. Plush beds, unique antiques, roaring fireplaces, as well as flat-screen TV’s and iPod docking stations are a few of the amenities. If traveling with another couple or large family, opt for the Glenmere Penthouse, which takes up the entire top floor of the hotel. Private elevator access leads guests to a two-bedroom/two-bath suite with three fireplaces, a butler’s room, and a private terrace. The Goelet Suite also offers three bedrooms if you’re traveling with multi-generational family.

The Spa at Glenmere offers the most modern rituals in beauty and body. This extremely lavish spa is perfect for both men and women. The best part is that they offer international services, such as a Hammam or a Mediterranean Salt Wrap & Hair Shine. The Spa also offers very masculine spa therapies such as the Muscle Melt or Deluxe Hand Grooming.

Choose from four different dining options at Glenmere. The Supper Room is an elegantly decorated ballroom you would expect out of The Great Gatsby, with some more modern furnishings. Expect French and Italian cuisine to compliment the Tuscan decor. Frog’s End is a cozy tavern perfect for a cold or stormy night to relax by the fire and nibble on some light fare. The Cortile is the perfect place to dine during the summer or a warm clear night due to it’s open outdoor patio. When you go, be sure to do a private wine tasting at The Cortile, their famed sommelier will enlighten your taste buds.

photos courtesy of the hotel.

City Guide: 72 hours in San Miguel de Allende

October 28, 2015City Guidebest guide san miguel de allende, city guide, dos casas, l'otel san miguel, luxury hotel san miguel, rosewood san miguel, san miguel city guide, San Miguel de AllendeStefanie

San Miguel de Allende has to be the most magical historic town in Mexico. The colorful homes and cobblestone streets of this enchanting village are home to more than 600-years of traditions and festivities.

Strolling by the majestic colonial homes, listening to the lively sounds of the mariachi band and smelling the delicious carne asada in the distance will surely transport you back to the early 1800´s. The soaring Neogothic Parroquia and the blissful art galleries will make this your favorite destination when you’re in need of a Mexican vacation.

Thursday:

4:00pm– Check-in to L´Otel, This 4-bedroom luxury B&B is a heavenly oasis nestled amidst the streets of San Miguel. The stunning colorful decor, attention to detail, mouthwatering breakfast by Bertha and supreme service helped to make L´Otel one of my favorite places to stay.

6:00pm– Head to the Rosewood Hotel’s terrace. Although I am usually a big fan of Rosewood properties, I prefer just to visit this one for afternoon drink on the terrace.

8:30pm– Diner at Puerto Viejo. This is the perfect first stop on your quest for a casual traditional Mexican dinner. The jicama tacos, chile poblano soup and the mixed Molcajete are a must.

Friday:

10:00am– Breakfast at L´Otel. You must start with a delicious cup of Colombian coffee served by a wonderful hotel staff member, Arturo. Coffee will be followed by a plethora of juices (orange, mandarin and grapefruit too name a few), freshly baked scones, pain au chocolate and croissants with a side order of yogurt, home made granola and fresh fruit. Those are just a few of the items you will be nibbling on while you decide on your main course. Be sure to try the Chilaquiles Rojos. They are crunchy, spicy and perfectly cheesy.

11:30am– Walk to the stunning Fabrica La Aurora. This beautiful art and design center is located in a former textile factory, home to more than 60 show rooms and studios. Peak in and watch the masters in action while listening to classical music in the background. Don’t miss a freshly squeezed juice and a pastry at their divine bohemian café to recharge your batteries.

1:00pm– Lunch at Dos Casas. Chef Matteo Salas rocks every dish. The roasted cauliflower, ricotta cheese and pine nuts pasta is yummy.

4:00pm– Salsa or Tango lessons at Arthur Murray´s Studio (Just two minutes away from you’re your hotel).

8:00pm– Dinner at the most acclaimed restaurant in town, The Restaurant. Order the red wine braised beef short ribs with ricotta polenta and root vegetables.

10:00pm– After dinner, stroll around the main plaza. Be sure to buy a delicious corn on the cob with lime and chili for desert before you head back!

Saturday:

8:00am– Sleep in. Don’t make the mistake of jogging around the city if you happen to be training for a marathon like I was (See, I make the mistakes so you don’t have to). Let’s just say your ankles and the cobblestone streets don’t make for a very good match.

10:00am– Breakfast at L´Otel. A delectable experience.

11:00pm– Cooking class at Sazón, Chef Emanuel Cervantes will take you to the local organic market to buy the produce you need for your Mexican cooking class. After a delectable two-hour class, you will be seated in the formal dining room in a picturesque colonial courtyard to taste your wonderful creations.

4:00pm– Call L´Otel and have the remarkable masseuse Guadalupe (Lupita) wait for you in your suite for a ninety-minute deep tissue massage. She is by far the best and most knowledgeable masseuse I have ever had (and I get a massage everywhere I go).

5:00pm– Relax in the terrace’s hot tub and have Arturo bring a glass of fresh Jamaica juice while you watch the sun set behind La Parroquia and listen to the relaxing sounds of the church bells.

8:00pm– Dinner at the AAA Four Diamond Mexican restaurant, La Andanza.

10:00pm– Drinks at the swanky Bar, Matilda.

Sunday:

10:00am– Breakfast at L´Otel. However, if you have had enough of it (which I don’t presume you will), head to the French bakery, Petit Four.

11:00am– Attend Sunday mass at La Parroquia. If mass is not your thing, peak inside General Ignacio Allende’s home, located 10-feet away from La Parroquia.

1:00pm– Lunch at my favorite bakery, Cumpanio.

4:00pm– Realize you want to buy L´Otel but it’s not for sale!

Safe travels.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Miami

October 27, 2015City Guide72 hours in miami, best guide in miami, best hotels in miami, best restaurant in miami, cecconis, luxury hotels, luxury resraurants, miami city guide, miami edition, soho house, st regis bal harborStefanie

Miami is an exciting and vibrant city, a melting pot of many different cultures, food, and art. From Downtown Miami, to the Ironside District, glamorous South Beach, to the barrier islands across the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay, we’ve arranged our favorite places to eat, drink, smoke (Cuban cigars), and dance.

Thursday:

1:00pm– Check-in to the chicest, and most exclusive hotel in Miami, Soho Beach House. Formerly known as the historic Sovereign Hotel, this remodeled fashion-crowd favorite has been expanded to include a 16-story oceanfront tower exclusively for Soho House members. The House includes 50 rooms, a screening snug, 2 pools, a beach club, as well as an expansive Cowshed spa, and one of the best restaurants in town, Cecconi’s.

If you’re looking for a fresher and more modern approach to your stay, check yourself in to The Miami Beach EDITION, an new urban boutique hotel located between North and South Beach. Their Matador restaurant and pool area are incredible. *Tip: Their Mexican Mule cocktail is the best.

When traveling with family, stay at The St Regis Bal Habor, their family suites are like staying in your own private rented apartment with stunning ocean views. The hotel is traditional, but modern at the same time. The technology in the hotel is impressive. Elevators have no buttons and everything is ordered with a screen.

3:00pm– Check out the Miami Ironside District. Located on the upper east side of Miami, this former stretch of industrial warehouses is now an urban art and design district, home to 45 designer showrooms, art galleries, creative service, and trendy eateries.

8:30pm-Dinner at Casa Tua. This is by far my favorite restaurant in the city. Their truffle risotto is decadent. After a delicious dinner head upstairs to their private bar for members only. If you are not a member, but you look the part you might get lucky.

Another of my favorites is Cecconi’s.Their outdoor courtyard situated next the pool is scene-y and cute. Order the pappardelle duck ragu!

Lastly, if you want something more exciting try out Juvia. Located in the rooftop of a building, the view, the music and the scene is second to none.

12:00am– SET is the place to be on Thursdays. This club is set for the more mature crowd; the limit is exclusively set at 500 people. The night Derek Jeter retired, he partied the night away with his closest buds until the wee hours.

Friday:

9:30am- Breakfast at Greenstreet Cafe, there is something to be said about a place where you can do what leads to a hangover one night (Whiskey Wednesdays, anyone?) and cure said hangover the next morning… or, err, whenever you get up. Breakfast is served daily until 2:45pm for those late risers. Order: the nutella-filled french toast.

11:30am– If you’re too busy to take an actual flight to Cuba, get a little taste of Cuban cuisine and the lifestyle in Little Havana. Here, you’ll find many restaurants and shops that are replicas of the ones they’d left behind. Fragrant tobacco scents wafting from cigar stores and the hum of Latin music from record shops all help to make this feel like their home away from home. The Carnaval Miami float parade also ends here.

1:00pm– Head back to South Beach and treat yourself to one of the biggest staples in Miami restaurant history, Joe’s Stone Crab. The crab is so fresh and delicious that the restaurant attracts very long lines so be sure to get there before you’re even hungry.

3:30pm– Work off all that crab with my favorite type of cardio: shopping. If you’re a mall person, head to Lincoln Road Mall for all the good boutiques like H&M and cultural stores. If you’ve got money to burn, The Village of Merrick Park has Miami’s only Burberry, plus Diane von Furstenberg, Etro, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Sonia Rykiel.

8:00pm– Dine at the newly-opened and very dark and romantic restaurant, BaZi. Expect lots of dumplings and even more duck on the menu, plus two different bars to sip on cocktails at this sleek newcomer inside the Marlin Hotel.

If you are not into Italian, try Spruce. Located in Laurel Heights, it is a great American spot on the expensive side, but well worth it.

Spruce-Main-Dining-Room_Credit-Ed-Anderson

11:30pm– South Beach can have some pretty cookie-cutter clubs, so check out Cameo, an art-deco lounge/movie theater that hosts some of the biggest superstar DJ’s of the world.

Saturday:

9:00am– Walk through the lobby of the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel to get to their scrumptious breakfast restaurant, Vida. The Deal: Made-to-order omelets, malt waffles, stone-oven pizza, a chicken and risotto sauté station, sushi and raw bar, plus limitless Bloody Marys & mimosas and free valet for $65.

10:00am– Miami is home to some of the most fit and beautiful people in the world, it’s like a melting pot for international models. So, get your fitness on like a model at Anatomy 1220. Anatomy, an exclusive, membership-only workout club/post-party recovery hangout featuring chandeliers, red carpets and state-of-the-art machines.

If that’s not your kind of workout style, take a paddle board class at Paddle Boarding at The Standard for a workout that you can also get while tanning.

12:00pm– Have an early lunch at the light-filled and chic Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Byblos. It features an eclectic menu filled with sophisticated dishes from the entire region. Make sure to wash your meal back with one of their tea cocktails, presented tableside in a silver teapot.

1:30pm– Hire a car and drive to Key Biscayne, known to locals as “The Key”. Spend your day picnicking at the beach and rent some snorkel gear. With little nightlife or shopping, the lure for visitors is nature: there are pristine beaches, two waterfront parks, a cycling path and gorgeous views of Miami.

9:00pm– Dinner at Marion, this brand new glamours Mediterranean eatery. This restaurant slash bistro slash cafe features cuisine by Michelin-pedigreed chef Jean Paul Lourdes and a cocktail by none other than the Bar Lab guys themselves in a swanky Parisian setting.

If you dinner + nightlife kind of place, head to Bagatelle, the french-inspired eatery that is famous in New York City. Not great if you want a quiet conversation, but if you want a show with your dinner, this is the place to go. DJs spin, Supergirl delivers champagne, and the bartenders serve cocktails in glasses that change color.

Sunday:

10:00am– Have a goodbye-to-miami boozy brunch at Seaspice Restaurant. This Miami River hot spot now sports a new name and executive chef, ushering in Angel León (ex Sugarcane) to helm a high-end, globally inspired seafood menu featuring a raw bar and dishes ranging from wood-fired casseroles to Dover sole and branzino. Best part is that theres a dock to park your yacht.

12:00pm- Take your private rented yacht and jet around the coast of Miami for a few hours. Opt for a picnic lunch on Star Island or stop by one of the infamous sand bar parties.

Bedford Post Inn. Bedford, New York.

October 26, 2015Hotel of the WeekBedford Post Inn, best getaways from NYC, luxury bed and breakfast, luxury hotels new york, luxury Inn New York, upstate new york luxury hotelsStefanie

Set in the heart of Westchester County, this Relais & Chateau property exemplifies a higher standard of bed and breakfast. The Bedford Post Inn during the fall season is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful places i’ve ever seen. If you live somewhere in the Northeast U.S., put this as one of your bucket list destinations.

With only 8 superbly decorated rooms, of which 5 have different layouts. Most of the rooms come with a working fireplace to make sure your stay is as warm and romantic as possible. Each room also comes with Frette linens and views overlooking the woodland property.

The crown jewel, or jewels should I say, are the two restaurants on property. The Barn is a more casual restaurant that offer healthy choices mixed with country classics. You will see a lot of reclaimed wood beams and a large working Fireplace. Campagna is their signature fine-dining restaurant focused on well-known Italian cuisine., however they use local farm’er’s county and local ingredients. Opt for any of the handmade pastas or the pre-fix menu.

The Bedford Post Inn also offers The Yoga Loft, a yoga studio that yogis flock to near and far. The sun drenched studio offers a peaceful oasis, nestled along 15 acres of lush landscape. They offer daily classes and workshops and was by far one of the biggest highlights of my trip.