boutique hotel pick – grand hotel quisisana – capri, italy

While travelling through Italy, I always make a point to take a ferry to the island of Capri. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful exotic destinations on this planet.  The charm and elegance of the island is a simple reminder of classic Hollywood. Don’t ask why, but the moment I step foot off the ferry, I feel as though I am back in the 1950s.

To celebrate my love and appreciation of this amazing romantic destination, I have included one of my favorite hotels - Grand Hotel Quisisana :  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.

 

travel photography: oahu, hawaii

There isn’t too much to do, in my opinion on Oahu, outside of the tourist sites and shopping, so the only other hobby one can enjoy is definitely photography. The funny thing is, I walked in and out of a dozen wall art stores and wondered how the photographers painted photos with extreme colors. Meaning, I felt most of the photographs were color enhanced.

Last night, while I walked back from the pre-wedding dinner get together, along the beach, back to my hotel, I actually were able to capture photographs, with seemingly enhanced colors. I didn’t touch up any of my photos, but was proud that I was able to capture, such colorful photography.

{photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com please ask if you wish to borrow}

boutique hotel pick – le boutique hotel – bordeaux, france

Okay, vacation planning is in full swing for me, so while I search for new accommodations to try out, I stumbled upon this wonderful place in one of my favorite places in the world. Bordeaux, France.

So, if you happen to be a wine connoisseur like myself, you’d appreciate the location of Le Boutique Hotel in Bordeaux or if you happen to be just looking for a romantic getaway that works too.

Have a great weekend!

things that need a double take

Have you ever passed by something which caught your interest and then took another look, but this time in utter admiration or appreciation or longing? Where here’s what will do for it for

Any view of the Eiffel Tower while in Paris

A writer’s nook in Victorian homes in San Francisco

My family’s countryside home in France

A perfectly decor-ed hotel room

All puppies

White chantily lace

Creative wedding cakes

 

boutique hotel pick – casa angelia – amalfi coast, italy

Now that vacation planning is in full swing and perhaps even late in getting some great deals, I decided it’s time to talk boutique hotel picks.

Every year, I imagine a romantic getaway and although I stick to Paris as my safe haven, I can’t help but think of exotic coastal retreats to spend a romantic week.

One place, which I’ve frequented quite often in my lifetime is the Amalfi Coast and with it, I have fallen in love with many properties to spend six nights/seven days. For that thought and of course a romantic destination recommend, I suggest Casa Angelia.

this weeks inspiration: paris or bust

Here I go again. Mid April and I am itching to take my annual trip to Paris. And although 2013 has already started on the wrong foot or note or page, I am determined to squeeze my trip to Paris, one way or another.

multitasking inside my head

I don’t need to remind anyone, that women multi-task on a second to second basis. While sitting at their desks at work, shuffling paper, their multitasking inside their heads. From what to make for dinner, to coordinating how the week would unfold. Children, homework, housework, husbands, get togethers, doctor’s appointments, grocery list, project deadlines, laundry, meetings, telephone calls and even vacation planning.

So, for this week, these are the thoughts going through my head:

Adding the finishing touches on my book to publish

Putting together the menu for Easter Sunday breakfast for family

Delivering Tulips to my mother for Easter

Coordinating a destination wedding family reunion

Organizing new bedding, mattress and furniture delivery

Finding the perfect dress for two Summer destination weddings

    

 

boutique hotel pick – baccara resort and spa – santa barbara california

I woke up this morning with a sudden need to travel somewhere, even if only for the weekend. I guess it’s that time of the year again, when I get the travel bug and no matter what I shift my focus on, I remain distracted until I finally organize a holiday getaway of some sort.

Baccara Resort and Spa is a place I’ve been to, twice. Once for a wedding and the other, just to run away. I had forgotten about the destination until I scanned my memory for quick get-away places from San Francisco and lucky for me, I remembered.

The hotel is sprawled on the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, in the middle of California, very close to the town of Santa Barbara and offers some of the most prestiges   resort and spa amenities one would need to get their bearings back. 

 

san francisco gem: the ferry building

I love it when friends show up in town unannounced and beg to spend a day with you.  I really mean it, I do love it, even though it throws me pleasantly off schedule (If that makes sense).

Anyway, I got the word my friends were in town at ten in the morning and asked them to meet me at the end of Market Street at noon for lunch.  When I asked, what they wanted to eat, they mentioned Sandwich shops and fast food and I basically rolled my eyes.

I pointed to the Ferry Building and asked if they had been there and they both shook their heads NO and so we ventured into one of our proudest conversion of a historic building into an amazing waterfront hangout.

boutique hotel pick – montana art deco hotel – lucerne, switzerland

With freezing cold temperatures in San Francisco, I cannot help but want to be tucked in under the covers in a room of a beautiful hotel perfectly located near snow capped mountains.

One place I have always loved and haven’t been to for a while is Lucerne Switzerland and this year, while I plan my annual trip to Europe, I am going to consider a day or two here - except I would prefer the destination during the winter months.