Category: Travel

Travel

Hôtel Crillon le Brave

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Hôtel Crillon le Brave

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Hôtel Crillon le Brave is another exquisite hotel I discovered on Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hotels.  Hôtel Crillon le Brave a Relais & Chateaux property, is perched high on a hilltop in a historic village east of Avignon, France. The hotel has stunning panoramic country views. A gorgeous pool where we sat sipping our Billecart Rosé Champagne. The hotel is easily accessible from the Avignon train station. It’s surrounded by quaint villages, sunflower, and lavender fields. We scoured the little towns for their daily markets. My favorite was in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue where I picked up the most beautiful Provençal table clothes, napkins, and placemats. Driving through Provence is magical, barely any cars on the roads surrounded by majestic scenery. The hotel can arrange wine tasting, local restaurant reservations, and horse back riding through the country side (so fun!). You get the old world charm with the modern amenities at this boutique hotel. Hôtel Crillon le Brave is not to be missed when passing through Provence!

Bon Voyage!

photo: Julie Woolenberg

Travel

Positano

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Positano

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I love seeing everyone’s summer travel photos on Instagram. I get inspired and enjoy learning about new, and exotic places to visit and stay. As well as the adventure I do have an affinity for unique, and luxurious hotels.

I wanted to share one of my favorite boutique hotels in Positano. Il San Pietro Positano is perched into the cliffside of Positano overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. A short walk or shuttle ride from town but isolated and away from all the tourists. Each and every room has an ocean view with a balcony where you can sit and have your morning breakfast and caffe. Il San Pietro is the only hotel in Positano with a direct access to a private beach. The beach is a natural cove surrounded by crystal clear waters, with a solarium, restaurant, and bar by the sea. The iconic orange loungers are spread across the cliff overlooking the sea. An elevator carved into the cliff will swiftly carry you from the lobby down to this special heavenly spot. The hotel yacht, Morgan 44 or Joey, is available for chartering for a half or full day. Lastly, how could I forget the state of the art spa and tennis courts! This hotel is not to be missed when visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Buon Viaggio!

 

Travel

Italia 🇮🇹

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Italia 🇮🇹

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Summer is in full swing, and I have been reminiscing with friends about their summer travels. I was telling my friend who just got back from Rome how much I love the website Mr & Mrs Smith. Mr & Mrs Smith is my go to travel website! I prefer staying in small boutique hotels over large hotel chains. They review each and every boutique hotel, and give you a detailed overview of what to do in the area. Unlike some of the other on-line hospitality booking companies they have great customer service. In the event you need to make changes to your reservation, or have any issues when traveling you always have someone to contact. Here are two hotels in Italy that I discovered on Mr. and Mrs. Smith that did not disappoint.

Portrait Suites Roma – This hotel is a part of the Ferragamo collection so you can only image the attention to detail and decor in this Roman pied-á-terre. It’s 14 apartments in an Italian townhouse in the perfect location near the Spanish Steps. This is a great place to stay as a romantic getaway. Our room had the most beautiful balcony overlooking the city, and we sat on the rooftop deck sipping our aperol spritz’s!

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Palazzo Avino – This is another great hotel for a romantic getaway. Probably one of my favorite breakfasts I have ever had with the most magnificent views. Ravello is our favorites spot on the Amalfi coast not overloaded with tourists and still maintains it’s authentic Italian vibe. Sit pool side and sip a cocktail or take a ride to the beach and soak up the sun!

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Buon Viaggio!

Fashion, Travel

Bon Voyage

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Bon Voyage

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As the school year comes to a close people are getting ready for their summer travels. I had a friend ask me for some carry-on suggestions so I figured why not share it with all of you. Here are my picks:

  1. The Lois Tote Shinola $495 I have been waiting for this bag, and it’s finally available!! It’s a collaboration between actress and model Carolyn Murphy and Shinola.
  2. Baggu Oversize Tote $182 another option click here here This oversized tote is made in the USA. It’s constructed of soft tanned leather.
  3. Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Med Shoulder Tote $175 another option click here       Longchamp always designs light weight, water resistant, and affordable bags for travel. I like the tone on tone version over the brown leather trim with the nylon. It’s more sleek looking.
  4. Paravel Main Line Duffel $385  I love this bag so chic!!! All Paravel bags are Italian made. The canvas is stain and water resistant.
  5. Paravel Stowaway Leather Trimmed Bag $425 This style is collapsable (easy to store) and comes with a crossbody strap.
  6. Everlane Day Market Tote $165 Italian leather and made in Italy.
  7. Leatherology Large Zippered Tote $175 This bag has a top zipper closure, and you can have it monogrammed which I love.
  8. Filson Rugged Twill Zip Tote Bag $225 Filson isn’t just for the guys. I love the rugged twill, leather trim, and brass hardware on this Filson tote bag.
Travel

Desert Bound

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Desert Bound

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Going with the Coachella desert theme I thought I would share my experience at the new Andaz property in Scottsdale Arizona. I am a big fan of the Maui Andaz, and was excited to check out their new desert property.  The grounds, rooms, and main areas are beautifully decorated with a modern and clean feel. The rooms are little bungalows with your own private patio. The restaurant has an open kitchen serving clean and fresh food. I took full advantage of the beautiful spa and gym. They have a DJ at the main pool on the weekends so if that’s not your speed you can relax at the two other pools. The Andaz has done an excellent job creating a boutique hotel as an alternative to the other large resorts in the area.