A Visit to Charming Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence

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A Visit to Charming Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence

On a cloudless day with brilliant azure skies we arrived at Baumanière in Les Baux de Provence. Trust me, for any lovers of French gardens the grounds were the stuff of dreams! Pure Provencial charm embellished with towering cypress, clipped boxwood hedges - fragrant rosemary, lavender, citrus and roses - enhanced with vintage ironwork and the classic eggshell blue painted trims. Café sets placed under trees and trellises create alfresco living at it’s french best.

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A Springtime Visit to Paris and the Chic Le Royal Monceau

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A Springtime Visit to Paris and the Chic Le Royal Monceau

Last month we had the pleasure of returning to one of our favorite destinations, Paris. It was a quick stop over on our way to Provence and the French Riviera but we made the most of time. We checked into the Le Royal Monceau and were immediately taken with the touch of whimsy (note upside down flower pot arrangement) and sleek, modern vibe of this Philippe Starck designed hotel. Our suite came complete with delicious welcoming macaroons, plush robes, linens and Clarins bath products and even a guitar for Mr. C.T. They thought of everything!

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Curated Travel: Stylish & Savvy Travel Tips from a Travel Advisor

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Curated Travel: Stylish & Savvy Travel Tips from a Travel Advisor

There’s nothing like arriving at your destination and feeling like a hot mess to lessen your enjoyment of a much anticipated trip. I know this from personal experience when my luggage was delayed for 6 LONG days on a luxury travel event in Italy last year. Just imagine wearing sneakers to a posh dinner at Villa d’Este and using the rosegold makeup bag in your purse as a clutch. Yes, it happened to me. Here are a few savvy tricks I’ve learned along the way to keep things more stylish than hot mess while traveling.

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Postcard from Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

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Postcard from Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur. These destinations, though different in feel, bring to mind a kalidescope of colors, textures, flavors and views of this picturesque country. Though it is late March we’re enjoying mostly sunny days and warm breezes on the French Riviera. Rain in Paris only adds to the watercolor effect of shimmering streets.

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On the Horizon for Curated Travel: Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

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On the Horizon for Curated Travel: Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

Whether it’s a carefully crafted, detailed itinerary or a bold freestyle adventure, there is always much to anticipate with travel. We have one of those highly anticipated trips planned in our near future. It’s partially for work/partially for play but in the world of luxury travel they meld very nicely together. I’ve been invited to explore luxury resorts on the French Riviera next week and I’m excited that Mr. C.T. will be joining me.

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Curated Hotels: Our Stay in Tuscan Luxury at Castel Monastero in the Heart of Chianti

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Curated Hotels: Our Stay in Tuscan Luxury at Castel Monastero in the Heart of Chianti

It may be just a quick view, or an image, that stays in your mind. I spotted vibrant images of Castel Monastero when they first opened as a boutique resort and I jumped at the chance to visit when offered. Mr. C.T. and I spent two nights immersed in Tuscan luxury at Castel Monastero last fall. Days were spent exploring the dappled beauty of winding roads adorned with vineyards, discovering foodie gems, wine tasting at a local winery and getting acquainted with the locals. Evenings spent enjoying Michelin star dining at Contrada and these glimmering sunsets from the terrace.

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A Sumptuous Stay and Spa Experience at Bagni Di Pisa & Grotta Giusti in Tuscany

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A Sumptuous Stay and Spa Experience at Bagni Di Pisa & Grotta Giusti in Tuscany

Our next stop on our spa getaway to Tuscany was the classic Italian spa retreat at Bagni Di Pisa. Here we enjoyed gourmet dining, fine wines with our impressive sommelier and luxurious spa treatments. One of the most interesting elements to this retreat is the history. Our two room suite, loaded with classic Italian charm, was a sumptuous blend of luxury and historic style. Was it the Dalai Lama or Richard Gere that stayed in our suite?

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Our Spa Getaway to Fonteverde in Tuscany with Italian Hospitality Collection

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Our Spa Getaway to Fonteverde in Tuscany with Italian Hospitality Collection

Last fall I received an invitation to visit a collection of spa resorts, the Italian Hospitality Collection, in Tuscany. Let’s just say our host, Cristina Morellini, had me at ‘ciao!’ with this invitation. I’m a fan of spa hotels in general and when they are based in Tuscany I’m over the moon. Our first stop on the itinerary was the classically beautiful Fonteverde Spa resort located in San Casciano dei Bagni. A scenic train ride from Rome, a lift from our private driver, and we arrived at this blissful spot with the goal of relaxation and rejuvenation Tuscan style.

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