The Andaz 5th Avenue: an Oasis of Art and Style in NYC

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There are so many different hotel choices when visiting New York City. Each hotel, just like each neighborhood, offers visitors a different experience and flavor of New York. This past week I was so lucky to stay at the Andaz 5th Avenue, a concept by Hyatt. Andaz hotels look to create a more intimate, sophisticated experience using local cuisine and the social scene of the local area. Andaz actually means “personal style” in Hindi. This hotel has major style of its own but also pays attention to each individual guest with incredible service.

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Discovering the Iconic Carlyle Hotel

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The Carlyle Hotel in New York City exudes luxury, glamour and elegance with a modern twist. Upon entering the hotel, a classy, refined ambiance greets any discerning traveler and provides a charming, graceful yet discrete experience. Located on the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan steps away from the shops of Madison Avenue, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The MET Breuer Building The Carlyle (a Rosewood hotel) offers countless sophisticated experiences whether you decide to explore this fashionable area or never leave the hotel! Art and music abound throughout the hotel creating a beautiful atmosphere to the eye and ear. While the Carlyle is noted for its luxury and elegance, it also has a fascinating, storied history allowing guests to walk and stay in the rooms of many famous and influential people.

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Porto, Portugal's Colorful Northern City of Wine, Art and Culture

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After spending several days in Lisbon, we ventured North to Porto. The second largest city in Portugal (after Lisbon), Porto is located on the shores of the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the oldest European cities. The historical center was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996. Like Lisbon, Porto is steeped in charm, history and art. Porto is also the capital of Port wine production and surrounded by the Douro River Valley which is home to internationally acclaimed Portugese vineyards. Port wine is produced primarily in the cellars of Villa Nova de Gaia area. Wandering the hilly, narrow streets or the cobblestone alleys where the port wineries are, experiencing the incredible restaurants and watching the port boats dotting the Douro creates an incredible atmosphere.

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Exploring the Charming City of Lisbon, Portugal

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Portugal has been high on my must-see lists. Last week we visited this beautiful country and fell in love with it. It’s a very popular destination right now having been ranked one of the safest places to visit. After our trip, I can understand why it’s so popular. Portugal is beautiful and steeped in history, culture, fantastic food and wine. I was wowed even more by the friendliness of the Portuguese people. From our guides, hotel staff, restaurant staff and even taxi drivers, the people could not have been nicer. I have been to many European countries and never experienced a group of people more open, friendly and happy to help visitors.

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Grand Prix Weekend in Montreal

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Nothing says luxury more than Formula 1 racing. Pair that with Montreal, a fantastic city, and you have an incredible trip.  Every early June,  Montreal hosts a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The city (which without the race is a must visit) has a festive air and a sense of excitement. Street parties abound both in the Old City/ Port area as well as other parts of the city. Visiting the Old City of Montreal feels like a 17th century European town with wonderful parks, a thriving cultural scene and incredible restaurants.

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The Ultimate in Luxury in South Florida: Acqualina Resort and Spa on The Beach

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There are a handful of hotels that I repeatedly visit that feel like home. Acqualina Resort and Spa is one of them. My kids would live here if they could! Southern Florida has so many gorgeous luxury resorts. Miami, South Beach, and Bal Harbour offer any discerning traveler a plethora of choices. Acqualina Resort and Spa, located on the beach in Sunny Isles, Florida  5 miles north of Bal Harbor, is unequivocally one of my absolute favorites. Acqualina provides five-star luxury, world class service and spacious, serene accommodations. I have stayed many times, celebrated many special events and never been disappointed. It is clear why Acqualina has been voted the #1 beachfront Hotel by TripAdvisor, #1 family resort in the world in Andrew Harper’s 2016 Reader’s Choice Award and has received the prestigious Forbes Five Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award several times.

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A NYC Day of Fashion and Luxury

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There are certain things that are just synonymous with luxury and beauty. Chanel is perhaps one of the most famous. Then pair Chanel with the luxury hotel, The Mark, on the Upper East Side of New York City and you have pure luxury heaven! My dear friend Dana, and I were invited by a fabulous personal shopper from Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC to attend a celebration of Chanel’s new collection, Paris-Cosmopolite. The event was held in one of The Mark’s penthouse. We were so excited to be invited- lovers of fashion and luxury hotels- what could be better! We were not disappointed.

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A Weekend in Niagara Falls and Artsy Buffalo

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Niagara Falls is one of those places that I have always wanted to visit. After visiting the waterfalls in Iceland, I really wanted to see this incredible natural wonder right here in North America. But every time I tried to plan a trip I couldn't find a hotel that appealed to me. The hotels along the border on both the American and Canadian side are just too touristy. I wanted to visit but didn't want to sacrifice luxury! So, when my husband asked me to spend a weekend with him in Buffalo, New York (for a work-related event) I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Buffalo wasn't high on my must see list. But after a little research, I realized this was my answer to visiting Niagara Falls. I was pleasantly surprised at what else I discovered in Buffalo- a luxury, boutique hotel, a thriving art scene, and fabulous restaurants.  We set out for this weekend adventure.

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New England Getaway- Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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With the Memorial Day weekend approaching in a month, what could be more patriotic than a weekend in New England? Most people think about the usual locations- Cape Cod, Maine or Nantucket. Miss the crowds in these places and head to the New Hampshire Seacoast. Your probably thinking right now- New Hampshire has a seacoast? And your probably also thinking I like luxury. Can I find that in New Hampshire? YES, you can!

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Private Pastry Lesson at The One and Only Palmilla

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My daughter is a baker. A lot of kids love baking but my daughter is serious. Every other day when we are at home she whips up some yummy treat from scratch. So, on our recent trip to The One and Only Palmilla we asked the hotel if it might be possible for her and her friend to have a baking lesson. Being the incredible service oriented hotel that the One and Only Palmilla is, not only did they say “absolutely” but they provided her with the most fantastic, over the top experience that made not just her vacation but her year!

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Sarasota, Florida's West Coast City of Beaches and Art

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Florida has so many options when it comes to luxury vacations. I adore the Faena in Miami beach and Miami’s art scene but for a more island-y trip with a thriving art scene Sarasota on the Gulf Coast is the answer. We spent the first part of our two week break experiencing the sun and lifestyle of Sarasota and its barrier islands, Lido Key and Longboat Key. The perfect sunny weather, the white sand beaches and art everywhere we turned makes this a favorite place of mine.

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