On St. Croix, USVI, by far, my favorite place to hang out in Frederiksted was Polly’s At The Pier. I could linger for hours at their atmospheric courtyard in the rear with a slice of lemon cake and an iced latte.
With twinkling lights strung about, tiki torches flickering, and carved walls dripping with foliage and inset with lighted niches, the outdoor courtyard at Savant, a St. Croix restaurant that has a romantic vibe.
With its Giverny-inspired landscaping, this fine-dining restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture is also perfect for sipping a chilled Pinot Grigio or an iced coffee on the shaded terrace.
As I walked through a particular grassy expanse at this sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey, I was captivated by this giant that appears buried in the lawn. (I took a separate photo of his foot.) This striking sculpture by Seward Johnson was cast in aluminum.
It’s easy to spend the whole day at Grounds for Sculpture, an expansive and ultra creative sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey. After all, there are surprises aplenty in niches, alcoves, beside bodies of water or snuggled in the woodlands. This is “Birth of the Messenger” that was carved from granite by the American sculptor, Viktor who was born in Odessa.
Surprises galore await as you roam the trails networking this 40-some-acre property. This bronze set in a mist-laden venue is “Redon’s Fantasy of Venus” by Seward Johnson.
For an oenophile like me, being able to sample wines produced in clay vessels called amphora was a delight for my palate. In Portugal’s Alentejo region, this method of wine production is thousands of years old, thanks to the Romans and maybe even the Phoenicians before that.
You can’t beat the infinity pool where a table and chairs are set in the shallow end at the Montimerso Skyscape Country House. Whether sitting in one of the poolside lounge chairs or the handful of ultra comfy daybeds nearby, I soaked up the stellar views of the Alqueva, Europe’s largest man-made lake.
While roaming all around the Alentejo, I found the old, gnarled olive trees captivating. Each had a distinctive, stunning personality.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Buy the Travel Authority Book
