I feel extremely fortunate to have received an invitation to the hosted luxury travel event, Travelux 2018, in Italy last month. This 3-day event was held at Villa Erba as well as several esteemed venues on the shores of Lake Como. Travelux 2018 was the perfect blend of luxury travel brand exposure, elevated travel experiences with an elegant Italian flair and fun relationship building with fellow travel professionals from around the world. It never hurts to toss in historic villas, sparkling chandeliers, vibrant bouquets of flowers, delectable dishes, waiters in tuxedos, prosecco toasts, dance parties, Ferraris and fireworks. Living La Dolce Vita!

Following our 3-day stay in San Remo on the Italian Riviera, our small group was driven to Lake Como. Lodging was reserved for me at the sleek and modern Hilton Lake Como. This hip stay was the perfect blend to the classic elegance of my previous stay at Royal Hotel San Remo.

Our first event, on this rainy evening March evening, was a cocktail party at the classic and lovely Hotel Villa Flori with views of Como. I was excited to see this venue on the itinerary as I have a honeymoon couple booked to stay here in August. The prosecco sparkled, tasty bites were served, the harp and rain sang a duet and the mingling of travel professionals from around the world began.

The next day dawned with a clear view of the snow-capped mountains and blue skies from the window wall of my room. After a tasty Eurostyle breakfast we hopped on the Mercedes van for our ride to Villa Erba for Travelux 2018.

Our time at Lake Como was filled to the brim with two days of individually scheduled meetings with luxury travel brands, connecting with new friends in the industry and ended with elegant parties each evening. We also enjoyed leisurely lunches, conversations around the table, lovely service (with wine for lunch-so Italian!) and walks by Lake Como in the sunshine during our breaks. I love the Italian approach to the balance of life in work and play.

The cocktail party/dinner on this night was hosted for us at the famed Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Tremezzina on Lago di Como. The hotel was lit up for our arrival and the entire night was a kalidescope of luxury, colors, sounds, tastes and fun!

Day two of Travelux 2018 brought another full day of brand collaborations at Villa Erba, complete with a celebratory prosecco toast thrown by our hosts to end the day and the working part of Travelux 2018. We then had time to freshen up for the gala event at the elegant, luxurious and iconic Villa d'Este in Cernobbio.

How do you say my "mind was blown" in Italian?

The surprise fireworks showduring dinner was like the icing on the cake to this magical evening at Villa d'Este thanks to our wonderful hosts, Nebe Club and Travelux 2018.

And yes, I'm day 6 with no luggage at this elegant event. More to come on that saga, but despite the discomfort, I had made the essential decision to smile and enjoy every moment. :)