Tag: accommodation
Hotel La Jolla, San Diego, California
I’d like to introduce my charming new neighbor: Hotel La Jolla, a Kimpton Hotel, moved in across the street last summer, and is a wonderful addition to our area. My friends and I walk over for drinks in Hiatus, their cozy patio lounge, and dine in Cusp on the 11th floor. I’ve lived in La […]
Huahine – the Best of French Polynesia
Huahine is one of many spectacularly beautiful islands in French Polynesia. It’s also my favorite, primarily because it doesn’t feel touristy. When my husband and I explored the island on foot and by car, we encountered only friendly locals and felt very welcome. Many readers have told me that if they could go anywhere in the world, it […]
Italy – Discovering Authentic Tuscan Villages
One of the many joys of writing “Authentic Luxury Travel” is meeting people who share my love of real experiences and wandering off the beaten path. Case in point: Dear Elizabeth, I was just wondering if you could be interested in maybe suggesting some of your “followers” a trip to Italy – Tuscany, but a […]
Best Places to Walk in Northern California
I love to walk and I recently took advantage of a great opportunity to experience the best places to walk in Northern California. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions that authentic travelers make because we’re open to spontaneous adventures on the road less traveled. A friend of mine had planned a walking trip from […]
Award Winning Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, California
While it can be foggy along the Carmel coast, the sun shines 320 days a year about 15 minutes inland in Carmel Valley. This makes the lucky people who are staying at Bernardus Lodge happy. The sunshine also makes many, many acres of grapes very happy. Northern California insiders know that Carmel Valley produces wonderful wine and […]
The Cypress Inn, Carmel, California
My husband and I just spent two wonderful days in Northern California at The Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and I can’t decide what I loved most about it. First of all, the inn is pet-friendly and standard schnauzers, labs, and cocker spaniels give it a homey feel and provided natural ice breakers for meeting other […]
Vacation Rentals in Hawaii – Maui & Big Island
Vacation rentals in Hawaii are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. As I said in an early post on this topic, rental homes cost considerably less than a flock of hotel rooms and provide more space, privacy, and conveniences. And what could be more authentic than staying in a real home instead of […]
Luxury China Tours with an “Insider”
Luxury China tours with an insider John Locher loves to talk about China. The Southern California-based marketing and business development consultant attended the 2008 Beijing Olympics and became enamored with all things Chinese. He’s returned seven times – and now takes small groups of visitors with him on luxury China tours When we chatted, I […]
Glamping in a US National Park
As I mentioned in my last post, President Obama’s recent Executive Order has made it easier for overseas travelers to visit the USA and he – and I – hope you will explore our country’s beautiful national parks. I think they offer our best Authentic Luxury Travel. If hiking sounds too rugged, remember that you […]
Sedona Arizona Like A Local
Sedona Arizona is famous for its red rock formations, “high vibe,” and hiking opportunities. These features make it one of the most popular destinations in the American West. Stand and watch the sunset turn mountains from red, to orange, to gold and you’ll be surrounded by travelers speaking German, Swedish, Japanese, and multiple other languages. Tourists or travelers? […]
5 Best Hotels in Costa Rica
Best hotels in Costa Rica? This beautiful, eco-friendly country offers some wonderful choices – often surrounded by beautiful gardens. Here are a few of my favorites: Finca means “farm” and Finca Rosa Blanca is a charming 13-room country inn overlooking an organic coffee plantation just outside of San Jose. The artistic décor includes hand-crafted tiles, colorful murals, and […]
3 Best Dubai Luxury Hotels
Dubai luxury hotels The best travel advice I ever received? “Pick your hotel carefully. More than any other factor, it will color your impression of the destination.” Nowhere is this more true than in Dubai. Travelers who report “it’s just another big city” obviously didn’t make a good choice on lodging. The problem is that it’s […]
Hideaway Report Winners
As mentioned on my last post, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Winners for 2011 have just been announced. These places are of interest to Authentic Luxury Travelers because they offer character, genuine hospitality, and a real sense of place. And the winners are: HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR Il Salviatino (Florence, Italy) NORTH AMERICA Amangiri (Canyon Point, […]
Zambia Wildlife Walking Safaris & Bush Camps
I almost can’t begin to tell you how much I loved our time in Zambia with Norman Carr Safaris. Their four bush camps in South Luanga National Park are each situated in a different wilderness environment with wildlife nearby – and sometimes on the premises. Each camp offers four grass-and-thatch huts (Luwi Camp), or chalets […]
