VA-VA VILLA

I know I’ve been a complete slacker lately when it comes to Glam Globetrotter. I promise to blog more in 2011. Promise. There, I said it, so now you have to hold me to it!

I will start out 2011 by posting one of my most memorable trips of 2010, my stay at Ani Villas, a brand new villa estate on my favorite island, Anguilla. 

Boutique Bliss in Nice

When I found out I was heading to Nice, France, the picturesque playground in the South of France, I went into planning mode. Nice has been on my ‘list’ for years. I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to check out the seaside beauty of Nice, a city best known for Matisse, the Nicoise salad and the Promenade des Anglais. That street overlooks the beautiful—but extremely rocky—beaches.

I’d always heard of the big hotels in Nice, the Hotel Negresco and Le Meridien, but wanted to find a boutique gem in an ideal location. Enter Hotel Beau Rivage. I’d initially read about the hotel on Concierge.com and looked no further. Chic, excellent location, clean and affordable. Not to mention, it has a private beach club on the Promenade de Anglais and an incredibly charming staff.

We booked through Hotels.com and paid $200 a night in high season. You can’t beat that for a fantastic French beauty.

XOXO Travel Girl

My Room at The Nines

I was recently in Portland, Oregon for the 3rd time. Each time I go, I fall even further in love with the city. The Nines, a Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of downtown, sealed the deal for me. This boutique gem has struck the ideal balance of comfortable yet chic, and sophisticated without being stuffy.

Here’s my room — two nights was not nearly enough. I’ll be back.

XOXO Travel Girl

Rome: Insider Tip at the Vatican

When in Rome…

My husband and I recently spent two nights in Rome at Hotel Aldrovandi Palace. It’s a hidden gem located in the posh Borghese Gardens, about 5 minutes from the Spanish Steps. Two nights wasn’t nearly enough! Here’s a glimpse into our room and the hotel.

XOXO Travel Girl

Rome to Nice in photos. July 1 – 12, 2010.

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Here’s a snapshot of our trip from Rome to Nice July 1 – 12, 2010.

XOXO Travel Girl

Vietnam Part Deux by Globetrotting Guy

You really need to know three things about La Residence, the best place to stay in the history-packed Vietnamese city of Hue. First, it’s beautiful. An art-deco mansion set on the banks of the Perfume River, it used to be the French governor’s residence, and from the wraparound terrace of the Globetrotting Guy’s room, there was a terrific view of the palace where Vietnam’s emperors used to live. Second, the massages are good, and they are cheap; my hour of bliss cost about $35. Third, the cocktails are good, and they are cheap; a gin fizz came in at under five bucks.

Travel Vlogging

I’m about to embark on a 12-day journey to Italy and France, sailing from Rome to Nice. I’m sure I’ll take hundreds of photos, as usual, but I think I need to add some video to my photo collection.

I’ve now owned my flip for six months and haven’t shot a thing! This trip will be the ideal time to use it — and (gasp!), start Vlogging (a.k.a video blogging).

What sort of videos do you want to see? What are some of your favorite Vlogs? I’d love to know as I embark on my new two adventures, my upcoming vacation and Vlogging!

XOXO Travel Girl

We want to live here.

When I found out my friend/J Public Relations teammate, Molly Leibowitz, was visiting Miraval, the ultimate destination spa in Tucson, Arizona, I was excited for her, and insanely jealous at the same time. I visited Miraval over five years ago, and, to this day, it is still one of the most profound trips of my life. One of Oprah’s favorite places, Miraval is a serene oasis, where a combination of sensational spa treatments and positive mindfulness can truly change your life. I could use a trip right about now.

XOXO Travel Girl

MIA

The girls at Scarpetta

Me and the Bachelorette on our balcony at The Fountainbleau

I’ve been neglecting Glam Globetrotter lately do to insane (but positive!) amounts of work and traveling. In the past month alone, I’ve been to Aruba and Florida twice, both Miami and Sarasota. I write about travel so there’s just no excuse that I haven’t been blogging!

So, I promise to do better. In the meantime, I thought I’d post a couple of photos from my recent trip to Miami. A 48-hour (13) girlfriend getaway to celebrate a good friend who’s getting married this coming weekend.

My 48-hour fling in Miami included a stay at The Fountainbleau, outrageously-overpriced bottle service at nightclubs,  liv and Wall, cocktails poolside at the W, ample beach time, dinner at Scarpetta and absolutely zero sleep. Maybe that’s why I haven’t blogged? I’m tired. But alas, I’m back!

xoxo Travel Girl