Divers and non-divers alike gravitate to the luxe Harbour Village Beach Club in Bonaire that’s just a few minutes from buzzy downtown Kalendijk. Yet, it seems world’s away, given the serene vibe on a property that feels like a botanical garden. Their restaurant is especially enticing, given their culinary offerings as well as the scenic waterfront venue with prime sunset views. This is my lastest for ForbesLife on this resort.
If you told anyone you were headed to St. Eustatius, you might be met with quizzical looks. After all, this small Caribbean island that’s a short flight from St. Maarten, isn’t all that well known . Well, in fact, the only group that seems to be tuned into this island and its treasures are divers who delight in the pristine protected waters, the uncrowded dive sites and the underwater thrills to be discovered. Now, visitors can treat themselves to the recently opened luxury Golden Rock Resort that’s perfect for the whole family. The property is blanketed with colorful blooms, a pair of pools and a lagoon are perfect for cooling off, and the accommodations are varied enough to fit all needs. Check out my latest article for ForbesLife on this resort.
At Quinta do Quetzal in Portugal’s Alentejo region, vineyards climb the slopes where a cluster of pines crowns the summit. What I most love about this estate is that it combines so many of my interests. Here you’ll find fine wines, a creative restaurant (with this view), and a contemporary gallery featuring work by Portuguese artists.
At Herdade do Sobroso, a family-owned property, guests head for the hills of this expansive property, and enjoy a sumptuous picnic spread under the shade of oak trees.
A stay at the Montimerso Skyscape Country House is a joy to behold. I found myself especially infatuated with its ultra minimalist aesthetic, vast landscape threaded with walking trails, locally-sourced menu items, and its eco sensibility, including protecting the night sky from light pollution.
When I travel, I prefer hotels and resorts that have a chill vibe — as opposed to being a scene — and that are nature-infused. On the Caribbean island of St. Martin, I spent almost a week staying at two different accommodations that I fell in love with because of their vibrancy. Find out the details of these two hotels in my latest article for ForbesLife.
With so many activities at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova in Portugal’s Alentejo region, from painting to horseback riding, sometimes you just want to endlessly lounge on the private terrace at Casa do Ancoradouro (Home of Terracotta) and soak up the placid vibe.
Sit down to a sumptuous breakfast at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova in Portugal’s Alentejo region and you’ll also be treated to these stellar views of the bucolic landscape past the infinity pool (in the foreground).
At the Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis, history seamlessly melds with nature in a landscape that resembles a botanical garden. Here, an old sugar boiling copper was repurposed as a planter for umbrella palms.
I could certainly get used to this spectacular sunset view from the Great Room. This is also the view that diners have from the terrace of Restaurant 750 that’s part of the main house where the Great Room is located.
While eating a picnic lunch in a gazebo set on the private scenic beach of Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis, I was wrapped in a sense of peace and solitude.
A stay at this property is like being in a botanical garden. My views were filled with tropical plants no matter where I gazed. This is the poolside Indigo restaurant and bar from the back end.
This is by far the most iconic image of the Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis. A grand weeping fig tree (just 56 years old) towers over the centuries-old building housing the Great Room, a former Boiling House for sugarcane transformed into an atmospheric venue for cocktails and canapes at night.
As soon as I stepped through the grand gates of the Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis, I knew I was in a magical place.
I gravitate to resorts that give me a sense of well-being and optimism, that are replete with contemporary art and design, that provide an abundance of learning opportunities, and that are populated by staff members that express a genuine concern for their guests. I found all of this at the new O2 Beach Club and Spa on the southern coast of Barbados. This is my article on this resort for ForbesLife.
It’s certainly difficult to tire of this view of Dover Beach at the O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados.
Contemporary art and design details suffuse this five-star, all-inclusive property.
I became infatuated with the abundant creative art and design found at the O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados, including in their just-opened spa, Acqua where an ocean theme is ever present.
From morning to night, I found plenty of spots to relax at the O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados. This luxe all-inclusive sits along Dover Beach on the south coast where it’s a pleasant walk to the myriad restaurants, bars, clubs and informal shopping opportunities along St. Lawrence Gap.
At the resort, a contemporary design aesthetic is ever present. The Sun Terrace is one of several perfect venues to take in the views and soak up the chill vibe.
Stellar views predominate at this property, whether from one of the rooftop venues or along the beach and pool areas.
When staying at Huttopia, a resort in Southern Maine, you’ll be glamping where your cozy, comfortable dwelling is snuggled by soaring Eastern white pine trees.
Everything about Huttopia in Southern Maine is peaceful, especially in the early morning and evening. My tiny house faced Sand Pond where the wee beach and the dock with a pair of Adirondack chairs were perfect places to enjoy the bucolic scenery.
Sand Pond is a nexus for relaxation and recreation at Huttopia in Southern Maine. I never tired of the sunrise - or anything else at this playful and peaceful resort.
In these days of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to find time to get away for a mental health vacation. Most importantly, the destination should be COVID conscious, provide some much needed pampering while also offering access to nature and outdoor adventures that calm the spirit. This is my latest for Forbes on the Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island.
The owner, Henrique Balsemao, is a former publisher and TV producer who sets the tone for the low-key vibe here. He's a committed surfer and yoga aficionado who's in love with barnacles -- catching them and eating them. You can't get more interesting than this. (If you've never eaten barnacles, by the way, you'll find these odd looking creatures to be both succulent and sweet.)
The outdoor hammocks and rattan deck chairs from the Philippines were certainly seductive. But, since I'm all about being active, instead I did a five-mile hike along the coast that also wandered through a shady pine forest, all not far from Carrapateira. During my trek, I walked past Henrique's favorite beach, Bordeira) where he surfs. Interestingly, he finds it better than being in Bali where it's hard to be alone on the sand or in the surf.
If you want to try out the surf board, Henrique will set you up with lessons at the surf school. Or you can mountain bike on off-road trails. They've also got a one-week yoga retreat and on Saturdays in the summer you'll be able to enjoy a Moroccan buffet in the evening or even belly dancing.
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