Visiting the Alentejo Region of Portugal - Part 4

 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.

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St. Martin - A Pair of Atmospheric Accommodations

 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.

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Staying in Portugal’s Alentejo Region - Part 3

 In Portugal’s Alentejo region, a stay at the treasured boutique property, Herdade da Matinha, brings lessons in a love of nature, life, family and the vibrancy that unites it all. Behind the surfboard is one of the myriad vivid paintings of the man at the helm: Alfredo Moreira da Silva.

At this accommodation, there’s a pervasive sense of joy — of life, art, creativity and nature.

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Portugal’s Alentejo Region - Where to Stay - Part 2

 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).

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Staying in Portugal’s Scenic, Sustainable Alentejo Region - Part 1

 

The luxe, sustainable Herdade da Malhadinha Nova property in Portugal’s Alentejo region is stellar for oh, so many reasons. And that includes their varied experiences and activities available to guests. I took a painting class with Suzana Henriqueta, a delightful and versatile artist who radiates creativity. She couldn’t have been more flexible, fun and encouraging. Here you see my acrylic reflecting the peaceful landscape on this expansive estate that’s blanketed with vineyards, holm (acorn) oaks and olive trees.

A lone lemon tree stands sentinel in the courtyard of the Casa do Ancoradouro (Home of Terracotta), one of several luxe accommodations at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. The terracotta colors carry through to the casa’s design palette, and the ubiquitous terracotta tiles were locally made.

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Austin Comedy Film Festival

 I couldn’t be happier with the success of “Such A Deal,” the short comedy film that I co-wrote with director, Dionna McMillian. It was the official selection of 12 film festivals, and won Best Comedy Short at the Florida Shorts and Phoenix Short film festivals.

Such A Deal is finishing out its festival circuit run at the Austin Comedy Film Festival.

It was such an honor and a pleasure working with everyone on Such A Deal. Thanks to all who worked on this film, supported it, and who came along for the fun ride. Thank you Dionna for believing in this wacky story and for, well, everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better director and co-writer. 

✍️ Story by: @jcreaturetravel

🎬 Written by: @jcreaturetravel/@dionnafilm

Directed by: @dionnafilm

🎥

DP: @barbieleungdp

🎭

Starring: @ebonyobsidian

Co-starring: @damianemcee

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Roadside Murals in St. Martin

St. Martin is peppered with colorful murals, including those by artist Jimmy Sheik. As you drive the roads on the French side, it’s worth doing so slowly and pulling over to check out the many pieces of vibrant art that celebrates the island’s energy and creativity.

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Two Recommended Accommodations on St. Martin’s French Side

 On the French side of St. Martin, the Karibuni Boutique Hotel with its half dozen stylish rooms offers this to-die-for view of Cul-de-Sac Bay.

Also on St. Martin’s French side, the Palm Court Residence in Orient Bay is a colorful, boutique property with lush gardens and numerous stylish objects from Morocco.

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My Comedy Screenplays - Festivals, Competitions, Awards and Lots of Laurels

 Many of you know that I’m a comedy screenwriter. My body of work is quite large: I’ve written 19 shorts and 3 features. Over the past many months, two of these are doing quite well: they’ve been accepted into several well respected festivals and screenplay competitions. Here are just a few — more are forthcoming.

One of my comedy features, “By the Hour,” was accepted into the Chicago Indie Film Awards as well as the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards.

My comedy short, “Welcome To the Star Fleet,” was selected for the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards. This script was also the one that had advanced to the Second Round at the ultra competitive Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition. Fewer than 20% of the more than 14,600 scripts submitted earn this distinction.

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