An Invitation to a Hosted Luxury Travel Event in Italy (Bonus: Sneak Peek)

An Invitation to a Hosted Luxury Travel Event in Italy (Bonus: Sneak Peek)

On Tuesday I will touch down in Nice, France, and be whisked away to the elegant and luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera. I will receive a 2-night stay, a foodie tour of San Remo and a range of spa treatments at the hotel. This sounds like the perfect way to relax and adjust to the time difference in Italy before I head to Lake Como for the luxury travel event. I feel  honored to attend as a hosted travel buyer for my Curated Travel business.

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Packing a Bag for CURATED TRAVEL!

Packing a Bag for CURATED TRAVEL!

I'm excited to welcome you to my new blog site at Curated Travel. If you haven't followed me over on Style*Mind*Chic, let me introduce myself. I'm Heather Lindstrom, passport stamp collector, mermaid wannabe, Italy aficionado and luxury travel expert. I've written the lifestyle blog, Style*Mind*Chic, for six years and have recently launched a dedicated home here on the web for my Curated Travel services. 

My vision is to create a chic, modern, visual space for travel inspiration, travel tips, travel stories and travel planning resources. I'm hoping it will be a bit of eye candy inspiration with a global vibe.  As a travel advisor, creating unique, bespoke travels for my international clients is a passion for me. I'd love to make your travel dreams come true. To get started visit here

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Curated Travel Dream Destination: Villa Castiglioni at Lake Como

Curated Travel Dream Destination: Villa Castiglioni at Lake Como

While exploring lodging options at Lake Como today for my clients, a lovely honeymoon couple, I discovered Villa Castiglioni on the shores of Lake Como, and just next door to George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra. This is truly a dream destination and not just due to the charming movie star neighbor. Enjoy this bit of travel eye candy.

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How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

This image was taken at the romantic and luxurious Ladera Resort while Scott and I were traveling in St. Lucia several years ago. For me, this island was definitely on my list of dream bucket list destinations and it did not disappoint. For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind and they know exactly where they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles.  For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.

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Ocean Vs. River Cruising: Which One is for You?

Ocean Vs. River Cruising: Which One is for You?

When it comes to taking a cruise on river or ocean, it’s pretty tough to go wrong. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports.But each one comes with its own unique perks, and depending on your specific needs for your next trip, you might find that one is a slightly better fit than the other. So what are the major differences?
One big difference can be summed up in one word: intimacy. River cruises tend to be much smaller (190 max vs. up to 6,200 on the largest ocean cruises), and as a result, you’re much more likely to be interacting with other passengers and crew members.

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CURATED TRAVEL - Dream Destination: Cobblers Cove, Barbados

CURATED TRAVEL - Dream Destination: Cobblers Cove, Barbados

I must have the Caribbean on my mind with a getaway to the tropics on the calendar in the near future. While each island has a unique personality it's hard to beat this one. The sugar sand beaches and fragrant breezes are unforgettable in Barbados. Scott and I were there in 2010 and the vibe of this tropical paradise is the stuff of daydreams.

While researching luxury destinations for a Caribbean honeymoon for travel clients, I discovered Cobblers Cove on the tropical island of Barbados. At Cobblers Cover, the pink and white striped umbrellas, plantation shutters, lush gardens and luxurious Caribbean style suites will take your breath away. Take a peek at this dream destination.

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Curated Travel: Romance Inspiring Honeymoon Destinations

Curated Travel: Romance Inspiring Honeymoon Destinations

Planning a romance inspiring honeymoon is a unique experience for every couple.  After months, if not years, of planning the perfect wedding day, newlyweds are usually looking for some time to relax, refresh, connect and romance. In my experience, luxury all-inclusive beach destinations are top of the list for many honeymooners for pampering, privacy, and sheer relaxation. Your honeymoon is likely the most memorable trip you will ever plan.

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Curated Travel: Packing Tips - Edited Accessories + New Favorites from grayc glass

Curated Travel: Packing Tips - Edited Accessories + New Favorites from grayc glass

I've learned to minimize and refine my packing style through trial and error. I believe it was that three-week vacation to Italy and France in 2011, lugging an overweight suitcase on and off train platforms, up tiny staircases of hotels, and out of taxi cabs, that finally made me a believer in the less is more approach to packing and traveling. I was also grateful that neither Scott or I developed a hernia hoisting that bag up and down for three weeks.

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Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo

Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo

Just yesterday I came across an album of old photographs and was mesmerized by the grainy images, long forgotten, captured between the slightly dusty covers. It was an album of our honeymoon, back at the ‘turn of the century’, in 2000. This was before digital cameras, Facebook check-ins, camera phones, and selfie sticks. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation and romance, just like any honeymoon should be. Due to hurricane season being in full swing in September, we opted for a honeymoon resort on the western coast of Mexico, now known as The Thompson Zihuatanejo.

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An Afternoon in Picturesque Varenna on the Shores of Lake Como, Italy

An Afternoon in Picturesque Varenna on the Shores of Lake Como, Italy

There are places you stumble upon while traveling that simply need no explanation. On a hazy summer afternoon, we arrived by boat, from Bellagio. Between flashes of sunlight, bursts of showers, and a moody mist that wound around our afternoon, we experienced Varenna, on the shores of Lake Como. These images speak for themselves. Click on the gallery to open a slide show of charming Varenna.

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CURATED TRAVEL: Dream Destination - Grand Hotel Convento - Amalfi Coast, Italy

CURATED TRAVEL: Dream Destination - Grand Hotel Convento - Amalfi Coast, Italy

Grand Hotel Convento - Amalfi Coast, Italy -  Set in a former monastery dating back to the 12th-century, this luxury hotel features stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Seamlessly blending traditional architecture with contemporary decor, the hotel has an elegant ambiance and is ideal for a romantic Amalfi Coast vacation.

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