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Courtesy of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveDorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a tropical retreat unlike any other: the historic location, the ocean-facing suites and the spectacular dining scene are unparalleled to many resorts around the world. Home to restaurant outlets presented by legends such as Chef Jose Andres, a recent trip to the property led me to a culinary adventure at POSI+IVO, where Chef de Cuisine Daniel Franco’s Izakaya experience left me absolutely floored. Guests are welcomed through a cantilevered entrance over lush palms and local fauna, walking along a boardwalk toward the ocean. A meandering stroll to a…

(credit: Mr. Tripper)Château des Fleurs, a boutique hotel created by Bertrand Hospitality, provides a tribute to the elegance of Paris of the 19th century. The luxury boutique hotel opened this summer and is set in a magnificent 1910 building enhanced by Art-Nouveau design.  Translated to “The Castle of Flowers” the hotel exudes Parisian style, with a contemporary touch and Mediterranean colors and references to flowers and plants throughout. From the design of the lamps or the patterns of the stained glass windows to the planters that adorn the facade and the arrangements placed in the lobby, Quintana Partners, the Spanish…

Grand Hotel MiramareWhen most people think of the Italian Riviera, Portofino is the first place that comes to mind.  With its mega-yacht filled marina and celebrity sightings - just last spring Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker invaded the town’s Piazzetta and tied the knot at Dolce & Gabbana’s sprawling hilltop estate – it’s no wonder Portofino is the most coveted vacation spot in northern Italy, drawing hoards of visitors from around the world. But if you’re looking for an Italian vacation that’s a bit more removed from the ever-increasing, post-pandemic crowds, Grande Hotel Miramare in lesser-known, nearby Santa Margherita Ligure offers the…

Historic Charleston, South Carolina is festive in any season. The Spanish moss that drips year-round from tree limbs gives a Christmas tree tinsel vibe, and the light strands dangling from the oaks in the College of Charleston’s picturesque Cistern Yard provide soft illumination as fall’s darker days descend. It’s a magical town, made even more captivating by its crown jewel hotel, The Charleston Place, which year after year transforms into a holiday dreamscape, enchanting visitors and locals alike.  Known as Charleston’s “living room,” The Charleston Place, its central location, and its numerous restaurants, bars, and wine pop-ups make it the town’s ideal…

Courtesy of Ocean HouseWhen you think of luxurious properties in Rhode Island, images of the Gilded Age mansions of Newport may quickly come to mind. But tucked away in the less congested area known as Watch Hill lies a spectacular seaside resort that just might be the state’s hidden gem.  Perched high atop an oceanside bluff in Westerly, RI, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, sits a stunning Victorian known as Ocean House. Courtesy of Ocean HouseThe Grand Dame opened here in 1868 and is said to have welcomed guests for more than 136 years before it closed in…

(credit: The Ansel Adams Gallery)Nestled across nine sprawling acres of rolling foothills at the gateway to Yosemite National Park, Château du Sureau combines the magic of a European chateau and allure of fine dining for a dreamy Yosemite experience. The Chateau partnered with The Ansel Adams Gallery for a first-of-its-kind experience from November 3-5, 2023 along with two additional weekends in 2024 which haven't been announced yet.  Designed to capture the images and scenes made famous by Adams, participants will learn his innovative techniques and walk in the footsteps of the visionary Ansel Adams. Adapted for digital cameras, participants will…

Photo by MacCallum HouseNestled right in the center of Mendocino Village on the Northern California coast, the MacCallum House is one of those unique treasures that features luxurious accommodations and a chef-driven restaurant all housed in a beautiful property built in 1882. Photo by MacCallum HouseThis beautiful boutique hotel was built by William Kelley as a wedding gift to his daughter Daisy MacCallum. The main property features nineteen rooms surrounded by lush gardens and expansive lawns. The guests can choose to stay in the main property or in one of the suites, cottages, or barn rooms that have been converted…