Travel

Recently, I took a ill-timed, direct red-eye flight from Los Angeles to New Orleans for a wild wedding weekend, only to regret not taking a nap before the three-and-a-half-hour trip. (Anyone who was there during Halloween/Voodoo Fest weekend might know that it was practically impossible to check in to your hotel early.) Unfortunately, this was my first time in The Big Easy, and wandering sleep-deprived through the French Quarter at 8 a.m., fueled only by a cup of chicory coffee and a plate of beignets, was — well, not so easy.

Imagine my elation when I literally stumbled upon the charming Kinetix Spa and Salon (formerly Ofadean). On a whim, I asked owner Michael Mikolajewski if there was a “quiet room.” He smiled and gently said the prettiest word I’d heard all morning, “Yes.” I then asked if he could accommodate me and my delirious husband, despite the fact that the salon was bustling with some of what must have been 100 bridal parties in town that weekend. Again he said, “Yes.” (He really had that southern hospitality thing down.)

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In New York City, time goes by too quickly.  Whether it’s time before a deadline, the time you get to spend sleeping, or time for a work day lunch- the truth is, a New York minute really does go by in the blink of an eye.  That’s why a few weekends ago, I decided to head to The Lodge at Woodloch, one of the Northeast’s premiere resorts where time is meant to be savored and enjoyed and cherished with a loved one- a best friend, a significant other, a parent.

The Lodge at Woodloch, located in Hawley Pennsylvania, is only a short bus ride but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.  It’s the distinctively “grown up” arm of the Woodloch family- an adults only resort which focuses on food, spa, health and wellness.  The focal point of the resort is a 27 room indoor spa and salon which offers an extensive range of hair, body and facial treatments.  The spa is open from 7am to 10pm on weekends, ensuring that all guests have ample time to experience the treatment they want.  My personal recommendation? Book a massage the night you arrive.  It’s a wonderful way to wind down after a long day and will immediately put you in the right mindset for the rest of your stay. (more…)

Travelers to San Francisco looking for accommodation have no doubt come across the Personality Hotels, a quartet of boutique properties located in downtown Union Square.  On my last trip out there, I popped into Hotel Diva for a night to check it out and found it to be a great option for those (especially for a girls trip)  who want the convenience of being right in the center of it all, at an affordable price. (more…)

A couple months ago my boyfriend, a former resident of San Francisco, took me to some of his favorite places in the city and surrounding areas.  Despite having traveled to SF a few times, I always find new favorite discoveries every time I visit.  This time, it was even better having a (once) local show me the non-touristy spots. (more…)

There are few things more refreshing after a long flight than to walk into a luxurious hotel suite that feels like it could be home. Well, that is, if my home were a swanky pad furnished with custom Italian furniture, floor-to-ceiling stone wall spa bathrooms, Brazilian walnut hardwood floors, and the most luxurious bed adorned with fine linens and down pillows. That’s how I felt last Friday night- as if I had walked into a chic dream apartment, when I checked into the Sè San Diego after a six hour flight from New York City.

Located right in the heart of downtown, the Sè San Diego is just a few minutes away from the airport and within walking distance to most of the city’s attractions, restaurants, clubs and shops.  The building is rather unassuming on the outside, but the moment you walk through the 9000 lb bronze pivot door, you’re transported into a luxurious world of art, design, comfort and decadence. If I were to pick one word to describe the hotel it would be sensual- as the entire experience is designed to envelope all five senses. (more…)

In all the years I lived in Seattle and on all my subsequent trips, I always thought that the city was getting younger, trendier, and less “sleepy.” Certainly in the past few years as more and more young professionals, taste makers, and trend setters have moved to Seattle, I feel like I’ve watched the city evolve to keep up with the demand to stay fresh and sophisticated. On my recent visit, I decided to check out (and check into) Hotel 1000, a relatively new boutique hotel, that to me, really embodied the newer, younger, Seattle- sleek and modern ambiance meets luxurious and uncompromising service. (more…)

On my recent visit to San Francisco, I decided to escape the cold and the city with an overnight trip to Sonoma. California wine country boasts some of the world’s finest dining and drinking experiences- so it’s really a shame to go out for only a day trip. We decided to make Healdsburg, a beautiful, centrally located town our home base, and drive to all the vineyards surrounding it. After having done some research on lodging options in the town, I decided to check into Healdsburg Inn, a very charming, chic, and best of all comfortable hotel that is centrally located right in the town’s main plaza. (more…)

Believe it or not, it’s finally starting to feel like summer in Southern California (OK, yes, the weather is practically perfect year-round but only now have we been hitting the 90s on a regular basis!). For a swimsuit pack rat, this means heaven — and time to stop parading around the kitchen in my new orange-striped Seafolly Capri separates. Finally, I get to take them outside!

Seafolly, a popular Australian swimwear brand, has been around since the mid-70s selling “sexy yet practical” suits. You can instantly spot the subtle retro influences of the brand in its latest line of ultra-feminine, chic suits and beachwear, from strategically placed ruffles and cutouts to polka dots and sailor stripes. Upon first checking out this season’s styles, I — like many bloggers and editors — immediately fell in love with the one-piece Goddess Boyleg Maillot (about $150). It’s supposed to be great for hourglass figures but I was worried that the boy-leg cut would shorten my already short legs, so next on my list were the shirred Capri separates ($77 for the top and $64 for the bottom, as seen on Victoria’s Secret model Jessica Hart, left). I love how the convertible bandeau bra-top makes my non-existent bust look, well … busty! (more…)

Editor’s Note:  Starting this month, we’re bringing you a new feature series which will highlight some of our favorite place in our own cities or cities we travel to.  We’re kicking off August with TDO Editor Carolyn’s current obsessions in New York City. Hope you enjoy and let us know what you think! (more…)

Every summer I inevitably find myself spending some weekends “out east” (in Manhattan vernacular) or heading to the Hamptons, an idyllic consortium of towns located on the eastern tip of Long Island and a popular hangout for young professionals to socialites. Some people go for the “scene” bar-hopping, party-going, bash-throwing, while others go simply go to get away.  Earlier this summer, I spent a long weekend out in Southampton for the latter reason, a little trip to rejuvenate me after months and months in the city.

While I’ve spent multiple summers before in Southampton, it’s always been at a friend’s house or a summer share, which isn’t exactly conducive to relaxing. So this time, I checked into the Southampton Inn, a casual chic inn located just around the corner from downtown Southampton, and a free shuttle away from Cooper’s Beach. Nestled on five acres of manicured lawns, the Inn houses 90 simple but spacious and charming rooms, a new pool and OSO, the property’s first restaurant. The country style décor exudes laid back Hamptons charm and the friendly staff helps you feel at home right away. What I love about this place is that the inn is completely unassuming and unpretentious, a welcome relief amongst the typical Hamptons scene. That’s not to say, however, that the inn doesn’t provide top of the line amenities.  Each room is equipped with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and super comfortable Tempur Pedic® mattresses. In fact, the Inn’s balance of privacy and luxury makes it the lodging of choice for a number of celebrity clients every summer and the stylish grounds made it the location for the filming of upcoming Kate Hudson movie, Something Borrowed. (more…)