October 10, 2016

Curated Hotel: A Chic Afternoon at Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano

October 10, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

We leave the seductive, photogenic Amalfi Coast with one last peek; a chic afternoon on the terrace at the luxurious Le Sirenuse Hotel. The iconic hotel, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, has launched a thousand fantasies, mine included. Who can forget those scenes in ‘Under the Tuscan Sun‘ with Diane Lane and Raoul Bova filmed in Positano and Le Sirenuse? There are no words to describe the relaxed luxury of a world-class hotel like this. I’ll let the images tell the story.

September 21, 2016

Boating to the Dreamy Isle of Capri

September 21, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

I have daydreamed of Capri. Cerulean blue waters, pastel buildings, brilliant hues of bougainvillea and windswept trees gracing the terraced landscape. The lemon-scent mingling with fragrant notes of wild rose and sea air. I could feel the gentle waves of the bay lapping against the boat. I am mesmerized.

You will be greeted with this picturesque scene at Marina Grande when you arrive by boat.

September 06, 2016

Day Tripping on the Amalfi Coast [Amalfi + Ravello]

September 06, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

Our next destination was Ravello, three miles up the steep, winding road, high above the Amalfi Coast. Ravello is known for luxury hotels, spas and historic villas. It has a slower, more refined pace of life and has become a popular spot for romantic destination weddings. It’s common to see vacationing celebrities gracing the cafes and sunbeds.

August 18, 2016

Date Night: Dinner High on the Mountainside in Positano

August 18, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

Our new Italian friend and driver, Davide, recommended a family run trattoria for dinner “high on the mountainside” above Positano. He knew we would love it. We agreed and Davide made all the arrangements. A van filled with several other hungry diners picked us up in front of our hotel and traversed the terraced roadway up, up, up near the top of the mountain.

August 12, 2016

Getaway to Positano on the Spectacular Amalfi Coast of Italy

August 12, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

Positano possesses a kind of magic that is difficult to put into words. It’s a kaleidoscope of shimmering light, pastel hues, vibrant bougainvillea, and the winding, terraced streets with pastel villas clinging to the mountainside. Boldly colored umbrellas bounce off the chameleon blue hues of the sea. At sunset, a rosy glow falls over the glassy sea and twinkling lights spark the views. Day or night, Positano is a place of pure magic.

July 21, 2016

The Fascinating Thing About Travel

July 21, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

The fascinating thing about long distance travel is how you can pack a bag, cue up in line, enter a veritable cylinder for a ride in the sky and hours later the door opens to an entirely different world. The language, the architecture, the smells, even the pace of life around you. It is a bit surreal, especially after a long flight -- or two or three -- and being awake 30+ hours, but I always love that moment. It feels like re-entry to the world or time travel, and I'm hooked on the experience. Long distance travel is grueling, but the reward is definitely worth it.

June 17, 2016

Curated Hotel: The Senza Napa for a Jazzy Weekend in Napa Valley

June 17, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

I was recently invited to attend Brian Culbertson’s Jazz Getaway in Napa Valley so naturally Scott and I decided to make a quick weekend out of it. Wine country is beautiful every season, yet this weekend was simply spectacular. The temperature was in the high 70’s with a fresh coastal breeze. Here I am, thoroughly enjoying the pre-show with a glass of Napa Valley vino.

May 24, 2016

5 Favorite Things to Do in Napa Valley

May 24, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

I'm often asked about my list of favorite things to do in Napa Valley. Along with incredible scenery, world-class wines and dining, there are a few things that always land on my itinerary. These are my 5 favorite things to do in Napa Valley this time of year.

April 17, 2016

A Visit to Punta Sur: Colors of the Caribbean

April 17, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

On our recent trip to Isla Mujeres the concierge on the yacht, Alexander, told us we must visit Punta Sur, “It’s magical”. We rented a golf cart on day two and made it a point to put this picturesque spot on our itinerary.

April 12, 2016

Curated Hotel: Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres

April 12, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water’s edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.

February 20, 2016

Getaway to Dry Creek Valley Wine Country, California

February 20, 2016/ Heather Lindstrom

Scott and I tried something new for the updated version of our winter holiday. Though we were unable to fly to Riviera Maya due to his back issues, we decided a short road trip would be just the right idea. Wine country is our favorite Northern California getaway and we thought it would be fun to stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel this trip. With above average temps and sunny skies we knew we were in for a sunny escape to wine country. The vibrant yellow mustard, brilliant blue skies and puffy white clouds were dazzling.

December 02, 2015

Wine Country Weekend - Three Day Getaway!

December 02, 2015/ Heather Lindstrom

Wine Country Weekend

Fall is a brilliant time of year to escape to Northern California wine country. The leaves are luminescent with hues of autumn; the sky transforms into a deeper shade of blue. Scott and I recently took advantage of some time off to make our annual fall trip to wine country. Our first stop was for lunch on the patio at Solbar on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga. The food is always delicious, service is incredibly friendly and the location is unbeatable.

wine-country-getaway

Solage Calistoga

wine-country-weekend-stylemindchiclife

Our next stop was almost next door at Clos Pegase winery in Calistoga. I've always appreciated the attention to detail with stonework and art collections at Clos Pegase. The winery is especially picturesque in the fall season.

wine-country-weekend-clos-pegase-winery

wine-country-getaway-clos-pegase

A room with a view at Clos Pegase.

By this time we were ready to head to the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa in Santa Rosa to check in for our getaway. Scott had booked us a couple of nights on Hyatt points he discovered he had.

wine-country-weekend-a-sunny-escape

It's always nice to receive a special welcome ...

and an upgrade to an executive suite.

wine-country-weekend

Our suite was extremely spacious, well-appointed and comfortable with luxurious touches.

wine-country-weekend-a-sunny-escape

An hour or so to relax and we were off to dinner at Willi's Wine Bar, which has rave reviews from the SF Chronicle, as well as other reviewers. We used the Uber app, which is an amazing way to get a quick ride--to and from--your destination safely. Download it and use it during your next night out if you haven't already discovered it.

wine-country-weekend

The next morning we discovered the quintessential cafe breakfast at Dierk's Parkside Cafe'. Not to brag but I have never seen a mimosa this big! The staff was friendly and fun at this neighborhood gem in Santa Rosa. #yummy

Next we were up for some natural beauty.

A stop at the beautiful J Vineyards and Winery is always a treat.

wine-country-weekend-j-winery

Desmond shared some fantastic history and took great care of us at J Vineyards & Winery.

wine-country-weekend

We were hungry by the time we reached Healdsburg, one of our wine country favorite spots, and couldn't resist Bravas Bar de Tapas. The small plates with Spanish flair and terrace dining are so enjoyable. The dish pictured is of caramelized onions over goat cheese bruschetta with drizzles of balsamic--simple and delicious!

wine-country-getaway-wilson-winery

Our friends recommended Wilson Winery on Dry Creek Road so we meandered to this beautiful spot. We were blown away by the vineyard views from the terrace, as well as the bold, red zinfandels we tasted. Scott couldn't resist joining the wine club at Wilson Winery so we will definitely be returning.

wine-country-getaway-wilson-winery

wine-country-weekend

Sips....

Rose' sunset over wine country.

wine-country-getaway-a-sunny-escape

Back at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek, a cozy fire-pit was waiting for us.

#nightnight

The next morning, we discovered the shops and restaurants at Railroad Square, within walking distance to the Hyatt Vineyard Creek. The Omelette Express serves up a decadent and filling breakfast.

wine-country-getaway

This trip was more of a meandering through a larger area of wine country than some of our previous trips. Our final stop was in Sebastopol where we discovered the delightful K & L Bistro for lunch. The service, decor and ambiance created the perfect foodie gem. Each town in wine country possesses a unique charm.

wine-country-weekend-heather-lindstrom

We lucked out with the weather in November. It was cool enough for booties and a cashmere poncho but warm enough for walking through vineyards and dining on the patio in comfort.

// < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); // ]]</p></div>