Curated Travel: Isle of Capri Style

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Curated Travel: Isle of Capri Style

Our love affair with Italy continues with a street style focus on the sunny Isle of Capri where the people watching is magnifico! While traveling abroad I’m often drawn to capturing the local street style. As you can see by my images, I’m not the only one that finds this fashionable parade eye catching. On Capri it’s all about summery white dresses, chic black frocks, pale straw bags or vibrant leather backpacks, brilliant headscarves, straw hats, jewel encrusted handmade sandals and, as always, the stylish sunnies.

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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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A Postcard from Sun-Splashed Tuscany

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A Postcard from Sun-Splashed Tuscany

It’s early morning in Tuscany and the sun is just waking up the autumn hued hills. There is faint citrus scented breeze and a lavender mist winding over the distant mountains. The birds, who believe they are the kings of the castel, are twirping. Tuscany is pretty perfect in fall. Cool mornings and sun-drenched golden days are on the calendar. The evening sunsets are spectacular!


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An Elegant Party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in Italy (Part Five)

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An Elegant Party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in Italy (Part Five)

It was a chilly day at Lake Como but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this truly memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid 16th century,  has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.

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How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

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How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most import trip of my travel advisor career, a luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!

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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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Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)

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Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)

While preparing for my trip to Travelux 2018, I was given several options for excursions during my time at Lake Como. Despite flirting with the option of driving a red Ferrari, or a cooking class with a famed chef at Villa d'este, I chose the boat ride around the shores of Lake Como. My decision was easy when I thought about capturing images of the stunning views of villages, villas and the natural beauty around Lago di Como.  This classically beautiful Villa Balbiano, above, is where our final event for Travelux 2018 was held. 

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A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como (Part Two)

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A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como (Part Two)

I feel extremely fortunate to have received an invitation to the hosted luxury travel event, Travelux 2018, in Italy last month. This 3-day event was held at Villa Erba as well as several esteemed venues on the shores of Lake Como. Travelux 2018 was the perfect blend of luxury travel brand exposure, elevated travel experiences with an elegant Italian flair and fun relationship building with fellow travel professionals from around the world. It never hurts to toss in historic villas, sparkling chandeliers, vibrant bouquets of flowers, delectable dishes,  waiters in tuxedos, prosecco toasts, dance parties, Ferraris and fireworks.  Living La Dolce Vita!

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A Sunny Visit to San Remo, the 'City of Flowers', on the Italian Riviera (Part One)

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A Sunny Visit to San Remo, the 'City of Flowers', on the Italian Riviera (Part One)

The first stop on my trip to Italy was an invitation to the Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera, just 10 miles east of the French border in west Liguria.  Following a red-eye flight from San Francisco, I arrived at the airport in Nice, France, and was driven to the elegant and classic  Royal Hotel San Remo. I was introduced to my luxurious suite and joined the formal dinner in progress where I met a wonderful group of fellow travelers from the luxury travel industry.

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