A Mediterranean Style Getaway: the Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley Wine Country

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A Mediterranean Style Getaway: the Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley Wine Country

If you zip around the corner too fast on the Sonoma Highway you may miss it, but if you slow down you will see a charming glimpse of the Mediterranean in Kenwood that may make you blink twice. I typically travel to Italy a couple of times a year and this place has a similar feel without risking those uncertain international flights right now. Vine-covered Mediterranean style architecture, wrought iron embellishments, gurgling fountains, pergolas wrapped with fragrant blossoms, and terracotta pots filled with citrus have that quintessential Med feel. On Valentine’s Day weekend, not long before the two months quarantine began, my husband gifted me with a 3-day stay at the old-world style Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley, California.

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Curated Hotel: 3 Days at the Chic Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos

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Curated Hotel: 3 Days at the Chic Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos

I’ve had my eye on the chic, contemporary Le Blanc Spa Resort brand since it first opened in Cancun years ago. I’m attracted to the spa themed luxury and all-incluisive adults only property for a truly relaxing vibe. When I was offered a chance to the visit the newest Le Blanc resort in Los Cabos I jumped at the chance.

I was greeted at the airport by a private driver and enjoyed the scenic 20 minute drive along the golden corridor to Le Blanc Spa Resort. First steps, a private check-in, proffered welcome drink, a cool, scented mini towel, and a tour of my suite by my kindly personal butler, Omar. He took special care to acquaint me with the conveniences and smart technology of my spacious suite, including an app to communicate wishes and requests directly to my personal butler. Talk about feeling spoiled!

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Curated Hotels: Our Stay in Tuscan Luxury at Castel Monastero in the Heart of Chianti

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Curated Hotels: Our Stay in Tuscan Luxury at Castel Monastero in the Heart of Chianti

It may be just a quick view, or an image, that stays in your mind. I spotted vibrant images of Castel Monastero when they first opened as a boutique resort and I jumped at the chance to visit when offered. Mr. C.T. and I spent two nights immersed in Tuscan luxury at Castel Monastero last fall. Days were spent exploring the dappled beauty of winding roads adorned with vineyards, discovering foodie gems, wine tasting at a local winery and getting acquainted with the locals. Evenings spent enjoying Michelin star dining at Contrada and these glimmering sunsets from the terrace.

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A Sumptuous Stay and Spa Experience at Bagni Di Pisa & Grotta Giusti in Tuscany

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A Sumptuous Stay and Spa Experience at Bagni Di Pisa & Grotta Giusti in Tuscany

Our next stop on our spa getaway to Tuscany was the classic Italian spa retreat at Bagni Di Pisa. Here we enjoyed gourmet dining, fine wines with our impressive sommelier and luxurious spa treatments. One of the most interesting elements to this retreat is the history. Our two room suite, loaded with classic Italian charm, was a sumptuous blend of luxury and historic style. Was it the Dalai Lama or Richard Gere that stayed in our suite?

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Our Spa Getaway to Fonteverde in Tuscany with Italian Hospitality Collection

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Our Spa Getaway to Fonteverde in Tuscany with Italian Hospitality Collection

Last fall I received an invitation to visit a collection of spa resorts, the Italian Hospitality Collection, in Tuscany. Let’s just say our host, Cristina Morellini, had me at ‘ciao!’ with this invitation. I’m a fan of spa hotels in general and when they are based in Tuscany I’m over the moon. Our first stop on the itinerary was the classically beautiful Fonteverde Spa resort located in San Casciano dei Bagni. A scenic train ride from Rome, a lift from our private driver, and we arrived at this blissful spot with the goal of relaxation and rejuvenation Tuscan style.

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An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

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An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

After being reunited with my luggage, just as we left the hotel in Lake Como, our driver headed to the Abano Grand  Hotel in Abano. It was a cold and rainy day but our welcome at the Abano Grand Hotel could not have been more warm and welcoming. As I was introduced to my spacious 'Panorama View' suite I was captivated by the view.

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Curated Hotel: A Sublime Getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica

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Curated Hotel: A Sublime Getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica

In late August, Scott and I enjoyed a sublime getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica. We were celebrating his “retirement moon” and our 17th wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, served with cool towels and chilled prosecco, we felt “at home”; just as we always do at Zoetry resorts. This luxurious boutique, beachfront resort has only 49 suites which make for an intimate, relaxing stay of unlimited luxury.

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Curated Hotel: Living 'Pura Vida' at Secrets Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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Curated Hotel: Living 'Pura Vida' at Secrets Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of ‘Pura Vida’, more eloquent than mere words can express, it’s an attitude of living the essence of pure life.

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Curated Hotel: The Sonoma Mission Inn + the Surprising Power of a Surprise!

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Curated Hotel: The Sonoma Mission Inn + the Surprising Power of a Surprise!

We seem to have a number of family birthdays mixed in among the holidays. Though Scott’s birthday was a couple of days after Thanksgiving he suggested we celebrate on the holiday since we had a family dinner planned. While that was a great idea, I wanted to surprise him with a little something extra this year. On Thanksgiving I had him open a box with his upcoming surprise that read, “Pack a Bag, Birthday Boy!”.

We had a day to clean up from Thanksgiving and pack for our weekend getaway so it was a leisurely schedule.  I was tempted to spill the beans on our destination, but I kept it a secret. Seeing his excitement for this adventure reminded me of the power of a surprise.

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Curated Hotel: The Exquisite Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya

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Curated Hotel: The Exquisite Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya

The final stop on our summer getaway to Riviera Maya was unforgettable. We started with an enjoyable week at Secrets Silversands, then made our way to Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita for five days. This oceanfront boutique hotel is one of the most luxurious travel experiences ever for us. With just 90 suites, and all-inclusive luxury, we felt completely pampered. As we had hoped, this was the perfect spot to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.

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