Hacienda Montezuma, Costa Rica

I haven’t been here. Yet. But I’ve been obsessed ever since I learned about it. While you might associate CR with surfing or monkey spotting, let me tell you - they’ve got farms! This one sits between two volcanoes which forms a corridor of lush flora and native plants. Spend your days in the rhythms of farm life, riding it out with the sabaneros, wildlife tracking, jungle hiking, mountainside picnics, and lakeside siestas. Hop on a horse mid-day or simply unwind at the property (you might not even think about the waves you’re missing).

Quercus, Atlanta

This is a new category of fixation for me; special spots in tiny towns. In Georgia’s hidden foothills, this working ranch is anchored by a culinary program that’s drawn from the property’s garden, the woods and the ranch (from a Michelin starred chef, no less). Other than eating, you’ll be clay shooting, quail hunting (you’re in the south, people), kayaking, fishing, and my own favorite at-home hobby; rucking. They’re big into wellness with a resident nutritionist and who do “nutrigenomic testing” which analyzes your unique genetic makeup to uncover how your genes influence your nutritional needs.

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Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar (which connects to Spain), this 1940s Andalusian-style villa was transformed by famed British designer Jasper Conran into a twelve suite boutique hotel, and opened in 2023. Conran added a spiral staircase from the entrance court that leads to the roof where you get a whole view of the Strait, which is a moment. We got to Tangier via two hour train ride from Casablanca which was easy and mellow. I will say that I’m not sure where this city is heading in that there are some big name hotel brands that are slated to open - this bums me out since it still has this iykyk vibe that could be soon be lost. Part of the allure is the “smallness” of the city; the artsy ex-pat community, the cool guest houses to rent, the few-and-far-between places to eat. It’s a city about community, design, gathering at someone’s home, cooking….

The property:

So…I’m bummed I wasn’t there in better weather. The famous pool house is framed by beautiful bougainvillea that makes the property pretty magical. But since it was Christmas break, we got dead-branches-vibes. Obviously this is no disrespect to the hotel and more about our bad timing for coming in the dead of winter, and I imagine that it’s absolutely stunning in the warmer months when everything is in bloom. Regardless, I really loved the “hidden gem” thing that the villa has going on - you really feel like you’re stepping into another world in the middle of a foreign city; the entrance isn’t grand, you just have to know.

The rooms:

The ones I saw were fairly basic but it’s fine; sheets are crisp, beds are comfy, plenty of hanging space. That said, I didn’t see all the rooms and the suite (below) looks really designed-up and gorgeous in a way that mine wasn’t. I’m kind of obsessed with the textured walls and color scheme….

Food:

For a not-great food city (we were warned about this!), the food at the hotel was great. And the restaurant, L’Orangerie, was chiiiiiic. We all loved the meals and felt like we were dining in another time. The private off-set bungalow dining space is so magical for breakfast and the croissants were Paris-level good. For going out, there are limited options but there is the famous El Morocco Club, L’Ocean, El Dorado, Alma Kitchen, the scenic rooftop at Hotel Nord Pinus and Le Saveur de Poisson.

What to do:

In my opinion, Tangier is for design junkies. Not in a Milan or Paris kind of way, but for people who love home tours and appreciate maximalist, eclectic, collected interiors. These were the highlight of my visit; first at Frank DeBiasi’s house (Frank is amazing - he knows everyone - and we became instant friends), and then at House of a Lifetime, the amazing home of Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti, where my family had a homemade dinner in the candlelight dining room, and laughed and joked our whole way through the meal, feeling like we were imposters in a World of Interiors spread. The real city scoop is about the people who are moving or buying second homes in Tangier (one, for instance, is a super chic Upper East Side home design maven). It’s a tiny, but exclusive group that you definitely want to be a part of.

My other favorite place was the legendary 1920s cinema, which is now a gathering hub for anyone and everyone, queer youth included. We also loved Boutique Majid in the medina which had the most stunning textiles and bed hangings. Majid himself is a legend and hilarious. I’m bummed that Leyla Sageghi, the Iranian ceramicist, wasn’t in town for an appointment, but the Kasbah Museum was small and doable in an hour and gave us a hit of culture. I also wanted to visit the Donobo Botanical Gardens and the Garden of Rahua but it was twenty minutes outside the city and yes, time was limited.

And finally, it’s Morocco so there’s a casbah which you can surely rock.

What to pack:

Head scarf: I don’t know if this is appropriating in some way but a head scarf would be a fun look.

North Africa can be…hot. Bring your SPF! I’m wearing Sofie Pavitt’s new sunscreen, it also serves as your moisurizer.

A Jujuvera necklace would totally work here.

A giant tote: for the plane, to look chic….Toteme’s is classic.

Plumping serum: My new discovery, Keren Bartov’s exosome serum with antioxidants to ward off city pollution (anywhere).

Caftan: Not really my style anymore but will obviously work here. Love Norma’s.

Hair serum: I always struggle with hair products while traveling. Something to keep frizz at bay is the way to go - this one is bonding, anti-frizz, helps hair grow.

Coqui Coqui, Merida

This legendary one bedroom hotel in Merida is notoriously tricky to book (I think they are by special request at this point). But if you can snag it while down in the Yucatan, you get unparalleled grandeur (and Mexican glamour!)

Al Moudira, Luxor, Egypt

I plan to write more on this property but it’s probably my favorite hotel that I’ve ever stayed in. Every room is magical and the villas are in-saaaane. If you’re looking for the best of North African/European design, well here it is.

The Boat House at Satellite Island, Tasmania

This is a two bedroom little rental that’s situated on a private jetty on the water, so this room actually spills into the outdoors. It’s not for everyone, but if you like to be one with nature, this could be your jam.

Jack’s Camp, Botswana

I shed a fucking tear every time I look at this place. Has anyone been? Is it this good? It can’t be.

Ulysses, Baltimore

Guess we have a reason to go to Baaaalltttiiimmmore!

Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia

In the Cardamom mountains of Cambodia, you’ll find this whimsical, dreamy tent, designed by Asian hotel design wizard, Bill Bensley. They should make a punch card with all his properties.

Le Grand Mazarin, Paris

This hotel is the definition of a true jewel box in the Marais. With Paul Bert market finds at every turn, and the sickest wallpaper I’ve ever seen in the elevator, it’s no wonder that this room is so damn chic (the tapestry on the ceiling is an elite move).

Hotel Peter and Paul, New Orleans

This hotel is a restored 19th century Catholic church, schoolhouse and rectory, and is designed by the incredible Ash NYC (who also designed the Ulysses, above!)

Calle del Erbe Villa, Venice

Who said villa design can’t compete with hotel design? I didn’t. I’m obsessed with this striking color combination.

Jnane Rumi, Marrakesh

We stayed at Jnane Rumi over Christmas break and I have been finding it hard to express how perfect I found it. The design is masterful; each room is colorful, the walls are heavily plastered, and there are unique touches throughout.

Maison Hidalgo, San Miguel de Allende

People visit San Miguel and then just don’t leave, like the American-designer-owner of this teeny, tiny dream spot. With 18 foot ceilings, terrace gardens, tromp l’oeil wall moldings, and objets from local artisans, this is Mexico at its most charming. But there are just three rooms, people. So if that’s too snug for you, scroll on down. And if you’re interested, you should also know that this hotel was once a 17th century home that was rumored to have belonged to a priest, but now feels like you’re staying at your coolest friend’s house, if your coolest friend also had a boutique in her house (and if everything in her house was for sale).

Les Pres De’Genie, Basque

This place is epically cute. It’s kind of in the boonies of France, about an hour and a half from Bordeaux, but if you’re ever around Basque Country, this hotel would be a killer add-on. Aside from the immediate, full-on blast of charm, what sounds fun to me on-property is the following; a thermal hot spring (called La Ferme Thermale d’Eugénie) that offers a “health ritual inspired by Greco-Latin, Celtic, and Oriental water traditions,” an herbal medicine program, a Nordic sauna and bath, and kinesis equipment in the gym. It’s like wellness in French heaven.

Il Convento, Puglia

I’ve been to Puglia before but I’m desperate to go back. Next time, I’ll do it properly and stay in Salina at this B&B, a 500 year-old former Franciscan monastery. Built by monks, the convent is filled with ethnography, folk art, weavings, hanging textiles, amid book stacks and cherry plaster walls. Salina is super mellow, so you’re basically visiting the beaches, exploring local towns (the beautiful Baroque town of Lecce is nearby), secret Grottas, and a great archaeological museum in nearby Castro. But honestly, they had me at “Franciscan monastery.”

Happy House, Nepal

File this under: remote. Nestled into the Solu Khumbu region in the Himalayas, I’ve been obsessed with this little hotel ever since I learned about it in the early days of my travel obsessing. Owned and run by a Sherpa family, there are ten bedrooms, a yoga/meditation center and a treatment room (which all tracks). Hang with local families, visit monasteries, and learn about Sherpa traditions but don’t miss a scenic Mount Everest helicopter ride, too. Rooms are basic; we’re fine with this. You come for the spiritual rush that will make you a calm, happy person - at least until you get back home. Rent out the whole house for a magical group excursion (if you’re friends are cool enough, that is).

Liloy Lindenberg, Norway

It’s giving: cold. But since one of my favorite vibes is “cozy” it somehow very much appeals to me. Where is it, you ask? On a private island on Norway’s west coast, but, as it’s just 40 minutes from Bergen airport it’s not that remote (I guess.) While here, you’re going to do things like: kayak at dawn, receive a natural cold plunge in the water, harvest fresh seaweed, hop in the sauna (a real sauna), and admire the stars. This is for people who need to slow down. Team it with a bustling city like Oslo if you need to (then) speed up.

Zannier Bai San Ho, Vietnam

You can fly to this little slice of heaven from most of the big cities in Vietnam. Here, it’s about the lush vegetation, paddy fields, floating fishing villages and fresh seafood. Typically I’m not drawn to waterfront properties but there’s something about the allure of going to local farming or craft towns, learning techniques from a rice paper family or witnessing a traditional salt farm in action that hits all the best culture notes for me. (Editor’s note: this property will re-open in March 2026 - not that you could get there before then.)

Hidden Land, Gangtok, India

India is a dreamscape when it comes to hotels. There are palaces and fortresses and tea plantations galore. But this one really speaks to me; tucked away in Gangtok (which would be the largest city in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, in the Eastern Himalayas), the area is a major hub for Buddhist culture (the hotel is built around Buddhist craft traditions), and was once a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa and Tibet. The harmony between the architecture and design is best met in the “chöshum” or shrine room, where a double-decked altar carved with lotus motifs and dragons enshrines spiritual figures. Expect to be transformed.

Arthaus, Beirut

I’ve been obsessed with going to Beirut for years. When will I go? Unclear. And if I’m being real, there are plenty of places higher on the list. That said, when this hotel opened a few years ago, I took note that there was finally somewhere to stay that spoke to me. Its hedge-fund owner left the UK for Beirut’s vibrant art scene, and wound up restoring his family estate, which is made up of four Ottoman-era stone buildings. Now it’s an oasis of art and community and of course, insane food. Will wait patiently for my time.

Hotel Masse, Paris

I’m putting this new Paris hotel on the list because it’s four stars which make some people shudder. Not me. I love a dash of shab if it’s tasteful. And I don’t mind a lack of porters. Just south of Pigalle (or SoPi) in the 9th, this new hotel, in a chic AF Haussmannian 19^th-century building is a calm but design-forward escape. Custom furniture, vintage finds, raw-wood bathrooms and eclectic art abound - even the hotel uniforms are made by Lemaire studio alums. You’ll feel like you’re staying in an editorial spread (see site for inspo).

Paco Del Gloria, Portugal

This hotel is in north Portugal, like north north (above Porto). For Americans, it’s in a weird spot because it’s hard to figure out what to team it with, but I still want to visit as it sounds kind of legendary; over time, it’s been the property of everyone from a Count to an Aesthete and a Scholar, and lastly, a family who have maintained its original structure and Game of Thrones vibe. Again, the rooms are basic but that’s totally fine. The beauty lies in the grand essence of the property - and the red window trims of course.

The hotel:

What are you gonna do here? Actually, so much - and I was there in the dead of winter and there was still stuff. Heckfield’s big thing is “The Bothy,” which is their digital-free pool, sauna, gym, steam room, spa and cafe (note: kids under 16 are not allowed to even look in this direction, like, actually close their eyes). The no-kids rule is perhaps because it’s all pristine, with a giant indoor pool lovingly referred to as “the waters” that overlooks the verdant landscape, and a large skylight plant-based spa cafe with a menu that was designed by Heckfield’s former culinary director, the late (and legendary) Skye Gyngell. I got the miso ginger seaweed broth because my friend texted, I still dream about it. I didn’t get a chance to try any treatments but the ones that interested me were Sauna Medicine (a steam scrub and “leaf whisking”), and the Myofascial Release which helps with TMJ and teeth grinding. I also loved the Wildsmith Beauty brand at the hotel - they give you mini pots of cleanser that were melt-y and gorgeous. And my middle daughter and I wound up taking a mat pilates class with a lovely Polish woman that was really awakening. And finally, a little dream touch; as you leave, you’ll notice your luggage will be fastened with a leather Heckfield Place tag that’s embossed with your initials. This is an elite move.

Outside, this hotel has one of the most impressive farms I’ve seen. They grow everything from hanging squash to quince to 100 varieties of lettuce to shit I’ve never even heard of (and I live in Southern California). Their milk is pasteurized at the lowest degree so the profile is almost raw, and they raise their own pigs (we saw new baby piglets which were a joy and also tinged with a deep sadness, knowing…) If you choose to do an (epic) cooking class like my daughters, you’ll collect farm produce and turn it into the most incredible homemade pasta with bitter greens, sunchokes and pesto - the girls raved that it was the best, most fun cooking class they’ve ever taken (and we do them all over the place). Further down the road from greenhouse cooking is a giant “Wishing Tree” for hopes and dreams in the form of ribbons-tied-to-branches, amidst 400 acres of dreamy pasture. In the summer, you can go “wild swimming” and boating in the lake which looks like pure delight, if you like that kind of thing (I’m not).

Chillier months call for indoor activities and the hotel has a Hollywood-worthy screening room - but call ahead! The hotel is happy to give you a private screening of your movie of choice but they need to access a license so if they’re not prepared it could run you up to $500 (which is an expensive theater ticket). Or, cozy up in your suite with room service and watch Bridesmaids like we did.

Design & Rooms:

The hotel was a passion project of Dr. Gerald Chan, a Hong Kong born VC, Harvard grad and philanthropist who feel inlove with the manor. An extensive modern British art collection (owned by Chan), is displayed throughout the hotel which makes it feel contemporary, not stuffy (which is the worst, imo). There is bespoke cabinetry in the in-room minibars, overstuffed George Smith sofas where guests have been known to nap, and cozy fireplaces throughout. Fun fact: Ben Thompson, the hotel’s designer, was a former Studio Director for Ilse Crawford’s StudioIlse, the firm that designed Stockholm’s famed Ett Hemm (for interior design nerds like me). What I love most about the hotel is that I expected it to feel formal and precious, as some country properties in England lean, but the vibe is cozy and casual. There is a giant disco ball draped in wild greenery in the bar and an area designated for borrowing wellies. There are baskets with blankets in the restaurants for cold nights - stuff like that. Our room had a great sitting area (they leave a basket of apples and whole walnuts with a giant nut cracker for you, which we all loved) and the fucking best - and I mean best - robe I have ever put on my body. I tracked it down here.

Food:

We’re all still dreaming of the breakfast; the hotel makes the yummiest, chewiest sourdough (second only to the loaves we met in Copenhagen), along with “farm butter” and vanilla plum jam made in-house. The eggs were perfect - I had mine with leeks from the garden. The coffee…holy shit. There are two restaurants on property - Hearth and Marle. Hearth is cooked on an open fire and is all-around homier, but Marle has a green Michelin star and is airier and spacious. Both are seasonal and feature the freshest that the farm has to offer.

What to pack:

It was freezing when I went but you will need Hunter boots, no matter the season. Otherwise, slide your feet into the hotel’s stash.

Due to everything-grown-on-property-thing, this is a place where you want to go natural. One of my favorite brands is Monastery Skincare, specifically the Rose Repair serum.

A cool versatile vest is always a great idea in a clime like the UK. I bought this one from Wardrobe NYC last year and wear it on repeat.

It’s a great idea to rep something bougie like Sotheby’s at a manor house in Hampshire. Love this hat as a small shout-out.

Pick some produce with this British designer’s tote - especially while on her home turf.

Do not forget a chic suit for the Bothy! This one is demure enough for England.

When my skin is acting up during travel I use this mask from Skin Design London to re-regulate everyting.

The Verve Estate, Goa

Okay, hear me out; so Goa isn’t on your “To Go” list. It’s on the southwestern coast of India, for those of you who are asking. It’s got beach, culture, vibes and a dose of exotic style that you really can’t get at home (the exotic part, at least). This estate, originally built in 1925, has been meticulously restored to keep its arched doorways, grand balcao, and airy 26 foot ceilings that give it a real sense of place. Though the house has a colonial flair with its koi pond, cast-iron French fountain, and juniper lined, herringbone brick driveway, the bones are an Indo-Portuguese mix. Sage green, cornflower blue and gold add warmth to every room, which I personally love as I thrive in colorful spaces. This is a property I would travel for, but luckily Goa also has heritage tours, spice plantations, waterfalls, fruit markets - and its own cuisine! - that’s put the actual destination on my list as well.

Don’t forget to bring: A sultry Maison D’Etto scent that vibes with the locale’s mystique and this year’s best new “blurry” sunscreen.

Hacienda Subin, Merida

I love Merida so much and actually stayed in a hotel that I didn’t love because I wanted to visit the city so badly. And then I discovered this hacienda which means that (obviously) now I need to go back. Located in the Yucatan, Merida is chock-full of old mansions, historical sites, special local shops with artisan finds, and and has a really elevated food scene (this is the Mexico for the Europe people - not the beach goers). With a blend of mayan and colonial heritage, the city is rich in culture and architecture, making it a dream vacation for this writer, right here (me). This restored hacienda is over 300 years old, has a beautiful Moorish facade, the rooms are lime washed in terracottas and antique tiles line lots of surfaces. It’s rare to find so much beauty that’s also so close to home.

Don’t forget to bring: Casual-cool sneakers from The Row for shopping, touring and site-seeing and the best light-weight hair oil for lingering humidity.

Nay Palad, Ibiza

I read about this farm in a British design magazine on the plane en route home from another trip, and ripped it out (old-school) as it just looked so magical. Located in the rural north-west part of the island (so not the party part), this house has six bedrooms and sits amid olive groves, palms, and rolling hills. With alpacas, horses, donkeys, goats and sheep (and an on-site farm manager), you’ll be removed from the chaos that you may associate with the island (also please note: the other half of the island is for wellness fanatics and families). Owned by a former professional footballer (that’s “soccer player” to you), there are two al fresco kitchens (with a barbecue and pizza oven) and farm-to-fork dining via the property’s veggie patch, and fresh eggs from the finca’s flock of hens. If you’re bored, drive to the south and hit the clubs.

Don’t forget to bring: A cool, ahead-of-season Staud beach tote and a Lorna Murray hat that everyone’s been loving.

Immobilia apartments, Cairo

This one is close to my heart as I stayed here with my mom last February. When I read about these apartments in T Magazine, I knew we needed to stay there for both its resplendent design, but also because of the lack of good hotels in Cairo. And as stunning(!) as each apartment was, I should say that the building, in its current state is…not for the faint of heart (I thought I might find a dead body in the stairwell). That said, the building is an iconic 1930s art deco structure where celebrities, writers and artists used to live, and the incredible bones are all still there (but unless you can handle some jump scares, please just stay at the Four Seasons). If you’re a design junkie like me, this is the spot for you. Each apartment is a breath-taking mix of antiques, objets d’art, and vintage furniture that honor the style of the building and bring in a sense of romance, glamour, and nostalgia. The hustle and bustle of the streets below kind of adds to the excitement. Each residence comes with a butler who makes breakfast for you, along with a driver (which you will need). They’re also part of the pristine portfolio from Egypt Beyond that includes Set Nefru, an incredible dahabiya, and Al Moudira in Luxor, maybe my favorite hotel ever.

Don’t forget to bring: The best glutathione anti-oxidant packets, to protect against the city elements and the biggest Khaite tote (you will be bringing home a lot of pottery).

Villa Junot, Paris

Okay, Paris is on your list. While I haven’t stayed at this apartment, I did stay at another Iconic House in Hossegor a few summers back. Each property is done by a specific interior designer, so all the homes have a different, immaculate look. Since home rentals are typically the way to go when traveling with young kids and extended family, this apartment would be a huge win. It sleeps twelve and comes with all the hotel fixin’s - from turndown service to a concierge, full catering and even a dope home gym. The kids rooms are playful and the outdoor dining space is chic. I will say that it’s located in Montmarte, which, if you don’t know Paris very well, is kind of on the fringes - but really is the most charming neighborhood on earth. For me, it’s like an old-world french village that will transport you back in time. I don’t think you can do much better?

Don’t forget to bring: Red matte lipstick from Violette, our premiere Parisian makeup artist import, and cool Loewe sunglasses because you gotta look cool.

Dar Sinclair, Tangier

You might remember the gorgeous English model Jacquetta Wheeler from the early aughts? Well, she also has a gorgeous rentable villa in Tangier, built in the 1920s by her architect grandfather (I’ve had my eye on this house for years). Fortunately, this beautiful abode is no outlier as the city is known for its history with spectacular design. In the first part of the 20th century, diplomats, artists and writers all set up shop - and figures like YSL and Pierre Berge’s villa is now a hotel, more on that later. Perhaps it’s due to the Berber people’s love for their homes and things (a walk through the pastel-painted walled medina confirms this), or because so many expats became incredible designers, themselves. Or, it’s because the city is a historic crossroads for many cultures, so blending global influences from Africa, Europe and the Middle East just yields a dreamy, vibrant, bohemian scene that’s reflected in the architecture and interiors. In any case, we go.

Don’t forget to bring: An artsy collar necklace from Juju Vera for sexy North African nights and comfy silk pants from Eterne.

True, I love a fancy hotel as much as the next person, but what I cherish are the smaller, charming, more intimate properties that feel like a visit to a super cool friend’s house. Last year, prior to a work trip in Milan and Lake Como, I did a solo visit to Corte della Maesta, and my stay was probably more special than any big, five star (and impersonal) hotel that I’ve been to.

To get there: Before you write this off as a spot you will never get to, just hear me out - it’s actually more accessible than you think. Because if you ever go to Rome (and you have or you will), it’s just two hours away, which is a “quick transfer” in the Travel Advisor world. From the airport you’ll head to Orvieto, a quaint town in the Lazio region (which is basically Umbria). From there - and this is cool - you drop your bags and trek across a drawbridge to Corte della Maesta as it’s only accessible by foot. Nestled in Civita di Bagnoregio, a bucolic Medieval town that’s perched on an eroding volcanic hill, there is little else but a church, a few restaurants and this hideaway (you will literally miss the entrance if you don’t know about the secret passageway into the property). The ivy-framed doorway leads you into the stone and brick-lined spaces of the old residence…finding it is part of the fun!

The hotel: Centuries after an earthquake struck and everyone fled, an Italian psychologist and his wife bought the 14th century bishop’s palace and kept part of the old quarters for a second home, transforming the rest into what today is Corte della Maesta (or “Court of Majesty.”) It’s since been gorgeously restored with tapestries, antiques, and treasures to be discovered in every nook (think: amazing European flea market finds all over the place). I would describe the spaces as soulful, intentional, cozy - and magical, which is a totally overused word but I’m using it.

I arrived at night with glowing candles and complete quiet which made me feel like I was in another era - but the morning is really the moment. Because to me, so much of the experience is about the garden, the breakfast and the kitchen. So even though I visited in October and the weather was perfectly chilly, I still ate outside in the Vescovado garden, under a giant fig tree, which I would have done even if it were the middle of a tundra. A delightful lady on staff came out with a basket of in-season wild mushrooms and asked if I wanted some with my eggs (obviously, yes). There’s no Euro style breakfast buffet so you kind of get what’s available - which is how it should be, right? It’s yogurt, fruit, pastries, cakes, fresh chicken and/or duck eggs…And then flowers, lace, linen and crystal glassware. The hotel labradors are kind of hanging around, which feels so homey. Love a hotel dog.

Rooms: There are just five rooms which makes snagging one of them feel like a coup. All are furnished with the owner’s collection of art and it’s arranged kind of hap-hazzardly, which is like the anti-hotel in terms of placement. My favorite was La Badessa, with its four poster bed, writing nook and claw-foot tub. Christiana, the warm and lovely co-owner, snuck me in to take a a peek even though someone was staying in it. Another room had a decorative headboard originally used in a 19th-century theatre production. It’s all very old-world; no TV or air conditioning. There is WiFi, though, because come on, they know what the people want.

Civita: Civita di Bagnoregio is super charming, in an ancient-type-of-way. There are family-run restaurants on the cobblestoned piazza and since it’s atop a mountain, the views of Orvieto are breath-taking. If you get good weather, like I did, this is all a dreamscape. In the old town you’ll find the family-run La Cantina di Arianna which has a huge oven for parchment-wrapped veggies and chicken. After you wander around and take in the hilltop air, you’ll make your way down the path, back across the footbridge and into Orvieta (or you’ll just camp out at Corte with a book and a coffee - there is also a little sauna and spa downstairs that they were re-doing while I was visiting.)

Extra: I tell everyone who goes to Rome to take an afternoon and visit the Monster Gardens (or Sacro Bosco) which is about an hour away. You can also easily visit them from Corte della Maesta and wander around the 16th-century park that was created by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini after the death of his wife. It’s pretty epic.

What to pack:

This is not the place to look shlumpy. A perfect white tee is befitting for any great trench or skirt.

Currently my favorite all-in-one serum, this Angela Caglia exosome serum replaces everything else in your routine making it the only product you really need to take on a trip.

Being low-maintenance is key when you travel. I use this air-dry mousse and scrunch my hair for beachy waves when I’m on-the-go.

The hotel screams “make yourself at home!” So bring a pair of cool pajamas that are cool enough to wear by the fire. It’s a cozy place, no matter the season.

Commit to one bag for the trip and make it chic enough to wear around Rome too. I love this croissont style.

First up; how to get there. We spent two nights at the Rosewood in Vienna, a city that was never really on my list…But, Let. Me. Tell. YOU! It’s insane – architecturally stunning, full of culture (my frolleagues dragged me to the opera and we also saw the Lippizaner horses), and is packed with beautiful museums and vintage shopping (I purchased a brass mid-century mirror and leather Saint Laurent skirt from the 90s). It’s challenging in the food department (I’m gluten free which makes Schnitzel tricky) but I navigated well. The Sacher Hotel is a more classic, visually amazing alternative to the more contemporary Rosewood (albeit with stunning vintage light fixtures) if that’s more your vibe.

But this isn’t about Vienna! Take an (easy) two-hour train to quaint Salzburg, and in less than a thirty-minute drive you will be at Lake Fuschl at the foothills of the alps (editor’s note: regretfully we didn’t have time to visit the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle, which you can easily do from Salzburg).

Originally built in 1461 as a hunting lodge for the archbishops of Salzburg, Schloss Fuschl’s buildings are dripping in charm with painted imagery and geranium-packed flower beds. Again, it’s a Rosewood property so it leans contemporary in design (truthfully, I wish the whole hotel were more old-world), but it feels elevated and there were plenty of old masters hanging around to satiate my need for old-timey shit.

All that aside, you’re here for: the spa, the lake, and lots of nature-y activities. We all tackled the sauna and spa situation like banshees – after visiting three other destinations it was exactly what we wanted. I had an excellent reflexology (I’m a valid critic as I’ve reflex’d all over the world at this point), one friend got a French lymphatic massage while the other got a “Glow Facial” (and emerged, literally glowing). There is an indoor and outdoor pool and great Finnish style saunas (some are “textile-free” which I learned about the hard way in the unisex sauna in Germany). We took a private boat onto the lake one morning – we were pressed for time but you can be dropped in the little town of Fuschl – and we learned about the lovely lake-front properties (including one owned by Abramovich - random). We didn’t have much time for any other extra-curriculars that include hiking for herbs and making your own herbal salt, hot air ballooning in the summer and easy day trips to Salzburg. The property is so gorge, though, that you’ll probably want to hang there and swim or read (I would suggest a three-night stay – max).

With 98 “keys” (including 42 suites and 6 lake chalets), the hotel is big enough to feel like….a destination. There are a few restaurants on-site, including fine dining (which is never what I want, but I did have a delish bouillabaisse), an international spot which we couldn’t get into (!) and a casual option which offered an Asian miso hot pot situation that was such a needed respite from sausages and goulash (no disrespect). The breakfast was served in my favorite style; rustic, though the gluten-free options in this country (unlike Paris), are pre-packaged and slimy. The hotel bar is super chic with beautiful mural wallpaper and live shmaltzy singing, which we loved. I’m not a crazy drinker but we had amazing clean watermelon cocktails and it’s just a cool, all-around vibe set in the middle of nowhere (what’s better)?

Really, it’s all about the bananas landscape. If you look here, you can see an aerial view of the property and will be sold in a heartbeat. Like me, you should consider going out of your way for this hotel – disappointed you will not be. Promise.

What to pack:

You need a great oversized light-weight jacket to rock over anything. Right now I’m into this green trench from TWP.

I’m desperate for a chic belt bag – one that’s not sporty - and can be slung around the body. This Marni one is minimalist and would have been perfect on this trip.

I’m a Stan Smith girl – and since you’re not doing major hikes at this property, these are great because they’re still stylish.

It’s no secret that Korean SPF goes on the best. As of late, I’ve been using House of Joseon’s new formula.

I’m not into spending a lot on a baseball hat but I need one that’s cool - I’m into this one.

I’m obsessed with Violette’s lip balms because they have a wash of color but also moisturize – I have three of this one.

You can’t go wrong with a big cashmere sweater and Suzie Kondi makes some of my faves.