In this moment, in these past months, we are truly global. Globally connected by fear, uncertainty, a longing for normalcy and a handful of really great memes.

Countries around the world are moving at a different pace, the pace and each move determined by where they are in this pandemic and, more importantly, by who they are as a society. For some, it’s been two steps forward and one step back. Some have opened, some are preparing to open and some are still in that unknown space of cautious optimism. 

I spoke to properties around the world to find out what their opening plans are, what they are doing to keep their employees and guests safe and what a stay with them will look like moving forward. I’ve asked each property a series of the same questions and what I have found is that they have all been fervidly planning, and now implementing, practices and protocols designed to keep their employees and guests safe.

There are multiple protocols that are being implemented across the board such as hand washing stations and/or hand sanitizers located in multiple areas of the properties, extensive cleaning and disinfecting procedures for guest rooms and public areas, staff in PPE, guests required to wear masks in public areas and buffets replaced with à la carte options. What I’ve listed below is what each property is doing in addition to these steps.

All but one of the properties listed below are properties that I have stayed at in the past. I reached out to these specific properties as I believe them to be great options for a social distancing getaway. The one property I have not stayed in is one that I am hoping to stay in this fall. However, as with everything now, there are no guarantees. We are all learning to be a bit more flexible, aren’t we?

Here are approaches that properties around the world are taking:

Africa

Tanzania

Nomad Tanzania

Nomad Tanzania is a collection of intimate safari lodges and camps located across Tanzania. Nomad has long been considered pioneers of the Tanzanian safari.

Here is what Nomad is doing to keep guests and staff safe:

• All guests are encouraged to apply for visas pre-travel in order to avoid unnecessary time at the airport. 
• Upon arrival, guests will have temperatures checked and will be the first to enter their rooms.

• Camp crews will be operating in teams who will arrive in two-week isolation rotations. Once they have successfully cleared that isolation period, they will arrive at the camp and have their temperatures taken each day.
• All staff have been trained on social distancing measures and safe interaction with guests.

Here’s how your stay may look a little different:

• Game drive vehicles will be allocated on a private basis where possible. Otherwise, vehicles will be limited to a maximum of four individuals. 
• For dining, there will be no buffet set ups and guests will eat at their own separate tables, as opposed to one large communal table.

I can’t think of any better place than the African bush to socially distance. A safari experience with Nomad is generally quite private and the majority of your time is spent outdoors. Nomad is prepared to safely welcome you.

As of mid-August, all of Nomad’s properties have reopened. They have also frozen their 2020 rates, are offering fantastic off-season rates and have adjusted their cancellation/payment policies for reservations impacted by Covid-19. If you have been considering that once-in-a-lifetime safari, When is Now!

You can find Nomad’s full list of protocols here.

You can read more about our Nomad experience here and here.

We were set to visit two Nomad properties, with ten friends, in June of this year. Thankfully, we were able to postpone to next year.

Zambia

Islands of Siankaba

Floating in the middle of the Zambezi river, Islands of Siankaba is an absolute dream and even more so if you are looking to limit contact with others. This seven-chalet lodge, connected by rope bridges, is just down river from the iconic Victoria Falls and has plenty of activities (or not) that are suited for just you and your plus one.

In addition to thorough sanitation and cleaning procedures, here’s how the team at Islands of Siankaba will keep guests safe:

• Guest must produce valid health clearance certificate prior to arrival.
• Guest’s temperatures will be taken upon arrival. 
• Guests will be asked to wear masks in public areas and will be advised to limit touching surfaces in communal areas.

Islands of Siankaba is in the unique situation of being set in the village of Siankaba and staffed by villagers. They are being incredibly cautious to protect the local village.

Here are a few things they are doing to keep staff safe:

• Uniforms will be left on-site at the end of each shift to be laundered there.
• High risk staff will be assigned to duties that entail minimal interaction with guests and other staff.
• Temperatures will be taken and logged each day.
• Staff will be regularly tested for Covid-19.

Again, remote lodges like Islands of Siankaba are already “socially distanced”, but here are a few things that will be different with your stay:

• Guests will dine at separate tables as opposed to communal dining.
• Sundowners on the Zambezi will be separate or appropriately socially distanced.
• Pool usage will be limited to different time slots for separate guests.

Because of Islands of Siankaba’s remote location, their staff have not been greatly exposed to the public. At this moment, there have been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the area. The team at Islands of Siankaba has worked diligently in educating the villagers about the virus and have supplied masks, soap and hand sanitizers to the village and surrounding community. As a small lodge, they are able to accommodate any special guest requirements.

Islands of Siankaba have also put a contingency plan in place in case one of their guests or staff members become ill.

The lodge is currently open to local guests and hopes to welcome international guests in the early part of next year. You can find out about their current specials through your travel agent or by reaching out to them directly.

You can find a (very old) blog post from my second visit to Islands of Siankaba here. I think it’s time for me to return so I can update this.

Mexico

Puerto Vallarta

Ocho Cascadas

Dangling over the Pacific Ocean, Ocho Cascadas is another property that lends itself to social distancing. Comprised of just nine large, open air and fully serviced villas, you never need to leave the property.

However, they are taking the extra steps necessary to ensure guest safety. Aside from cleaning, sanitizing and making sure staff have PPE, here is what Ocho Cascadas is doing to keep guests and staff safe:

• Staff will be provided PPE equipment and their uniforms will be left on-site for laundering at the end of each shift.
• During breaks/meal times, staff will be limited to three people per table.
• Staff will have their temperature taken and logged upon arrival for their shift.

At the time of writing, no staff member has had the virus.

For guests, things will be slightly different:

• Check-in will be “VIP style”. Guests will be directed to their villa where they will find their disinfected villa keys in a sealed bag.
• Upon entering their villa, guests will find a welcome kit that will include a face mask, sanitizing hand gel and gloves.
• Groceries and other villa deliveries will be disinfected before delivered to guests.
• Massage services are suspended for the time being.
• The (very loved) weekly cocktail welcome party will be put on hold until further notice.

Ocho Cascadas is open now! However, although they are taking steps designed to keep staff and guests safe, they offer no flexibility for cancellations, postponements or rescheduling due to the pandemic. We were set to bring a group of sixteen people to the property in August. The majority of our group are very uncomfortable traveling right now and some fall in the high risk category. So as a group, we decided to postpone or reschedule the trip until it is safer to travel. Unfortunately, the person in charge of bookings informed me that he will not allow us to do so and that we will not get our deposit back unless they rent our rooms. 

We have had to cancel, postpone and reschedule many flights and hotels because of the pandemic and have had no issues at all. This Ocho Cascasdas response is more of an outlier. As such, unless you are willing to travel regardless of what is going on with the pandemic, I highly recommend waiting until the world is a more stable place before booking here. 

Either way, I will provide an update on what the final outcome wis with our situation.

Europe

Portugal

Santiago de Alfama

Santiago de Alfama…swoon. Lisbon…swoon. Portugal’s response to Covid-19…swoon. 

Santiago de Alfama, located in the historic Alfama district of Lisbon, is a perfectly restored historic building comprised of just nineteen rooms. The owners of this property have poured their hearts and souls into this building and are mind-blowingly creative in all that they do. 

Below, are just a few of the steps the charming, family-owned-and-operated Santiago de Alfama is taking to ensure the safety of all staff and guests. 

To begin with, Portugal has not been as dramatically affected by Covid-19 as some of their neighbors. Due to contact tracing and acting quickly while their numbers were low, they were able to rein it in quickly. 

• Only essential staff will be on site and overlap between shift changes has been shortened.
• Carpets treated with antiseptic will be placed in entry ways to trap incoming dirt and bugs.
• Linens washed at 90 degrees celsius.
• Staff leaves uniforms at the property for washing.
• All menus have been removed and all hotel and restaurant payments are contactless.
• Unique hand washing stations will be set up on-site.
• A contingency plan has been developed in case any staff or guests become ill while on property.
• Only one guest is allowed in the Beauty Bar at a time and they must have an appointment.

Santiago de Alfama has received the Portuguese Tourist Board’s “Clean and Safe” accreditation. You can find out more about that here. As of August 20th, the UK has lifted quarantine rules for Portugal.

As the team at Santiago de Alfama says: Lisbon is as beautiful and as romantic as ever. Be sure to check their website for their current promotions!

Asia

Sri Lanka

Reveal the Collection

Sri Lanka and is awaiting your visit, and you have some fantastic options for lodging! Reveal the Collection has an assortment of boutique properties, located all over Sri Lanka that are perfect for a social distancing getaway. 

Sri Lanka is another country that managed to get Covid-19 under early control.

Here is what Reveal the Collection is doing to keep their staff and guests safe:

• Each hotel will have it’s own Health and Safety team.
• Once you book any of the Reveal Collection properties, they will reach out to you to share their safety precautions and guidelines.
• A completed guest registration form and copy of your passport will be required in advance of your stay.
• A list of all previous countries you have visited and Sri Lankan hotels you have stayed in is required in advance of your stay.
• Your temperature will be checked upon check-in.
• Your luggage will be disinfected upon arrival and your room key will be disinfected in your presence before being handed over to you.

You can read more about Reveal the Collection’s safety measures here.

#SriLankaisalive

Caribbean

Dominica

Secret Bay

Yet another perfect country and perfect property for social distancing is Dominica’s Secret Bay. When it comes to the Caribbean, Dominica is still considered undiscovered. It is raw, wild and full of adventure, and it is home to the incomparable Secret Bay, a six-star rainforest hideaway. Secret Bay is another property where each of its six villas are fully serviced, meaning you have a full kitchen and can have groceries pre-stocked before your arrival, as well as delivered during your stay.

In the team at Secret Bay’s words: “While ‘social distancing’ has become a buzzword, Secret Bay’s guest experience was based on this idea by design. It’s in our DNA! Secret Bay has always been about creating a private and personal experience where guests can have as much or as little interaction with others as they choose.”

Secret Bay is executing and going beyond WHO, PAHO, CDC and local health authorities’ mandates and guidelines. Here are other approaches they are taking to secure the safety of all staff and guests:

• Instead of a formal check-in, guests are greeted in their villa.” That means no lobby, no elevator buttons, no lingering in gathering spaces. 
• Upon arrival, guests will receive a wellness kit that includes branded masks, gloves, sanitizers and wet wipes
• Villa kitchens will be equipped with a box of utensils for their exclusive use throughout their stay.
• Guests enjoy freestanding accommodations that are spread across acres of rainforest at a density of less than 10%. 
• A dedicated villa attendant remains with the guest throughout their stay, so guests aren’t seeing a different face every day.
• The staff doesn’t require much additional training as much of the new protocols have existed and been enforced here since day-one.  

You can read more about Secret Bay’s “Stay Well” program here.

You can read about our incomparable Secret Bay experience here.

Secret Bay is running a couple of specials right now. Ready to get away for an extended “workcation”? Check out a fabulous option here! Want to take your entire crew of family and friends and social distance together? That’s an option, too! Secret Bay will unveil four new villas in November, so the more the merrier!

French Polynesia

Bora Bora

St. Regis Bora Bora

Imagine, your own private over-water villa, removed from crowds and chaos. What better place to socially distance than the St. Regis in Bora Bora? 

French Polynesia is currently Covid free and they’d like to keep it that way. However, they also want to welcome you back. The island nation has implemented a system that took effect July 15th designed to do both. It is an evolving process that I hope continues to be successful. 

Here is how St. Regis Bora Bora is keeping guests and staff safe in addition to French Polynesia’s measures:

• Upon arrival at the Bora Bora airport, a St. Regis airport greeter will invite you to help yourself to a lei and a sanitary welcome kit that includes masks, hand sanitizer and your own pen.
• Your temperature will be taken and your luggage will be sprayed with sanitizer.
• Before boarding the boat to the resort, you will be asked to use the hand sanitizer and wear your mask. If the boat is shared, each guest will be seated accordingly.
• At the resort, you will be assigned your own bicycles and snorkeling equipment to be used during your stay. 
• All menus for dining outlets and the spa will be replaced with boards and digital versions.
• At the spa, facials and head treatments are temporarily unavailable.
• The gym will be limited to a certain amount of guests at one time.

You can read more about St. Regis Bora Bora’s safety measures here.

Please keep in mind that French Polynesia’s requirements for entry can (and do) change at any time, so if you are planning a trip there, check here for updates on a regular basis.

The decision on whether or not to travel right now is a personal decision. If it’s an idea you would like to explore more of know that the properties above are committed to keeping you well and safe.

Other than the one property mentioned, all properties have a very flexible cancellation/postponement policy. Please check each property’s website for complete information.

I hope that we are all able to freely explore this beautiful world and do so soon. In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands, wear your mask, be kind, do your part.

Robert, one of our guides from Espressino Travel, told us this early on in our time with him and we were fascinated by it. Myself and one of my friends had been to Italy multiple times and we had never heard of this. Learning how important appearance is to Italians was one of many moments of getting below the surface and going beyond the generic (albeit still beneficial) information you find in a guidebook. These “below the surface” moments are exactly why I am a huge proponent of hiring a guide in some capacity during your travels.

The first time I used a guide during my travels, was just for a few hours. Our guide was a student who walked us through the Vatican. We skipped lines, we asked questions, we learned a lot in a short amount of time. I’ve trekked through the jungles of Laos for three days with a local guide where I had won’t soon forget conversations. Conversations about life, love, politics and religion in our respective countries. And, I’ve had guides for everything in-between an hour, to a few days. Doing so literally changes your entire experience. You are privy to transformative information and moments that take you from being a mere vacationer to becoming a traveler. 

Puglia is still emerging as a travel destination for non-Italians. Italians have kept this beautiful secret to themselves for many years. This was my second trip to Puglia. I barely scratched the surface on the first and knew that I needed to return for more.

With only four days to spend in just a sliver of this region, and it being my friends’ first time to the region (and for two of them, Italy), I wanted to make sure we did all the “important” stuff. I perused TripAdvisor, found top rated Espressino Travel and fortunately, they had three open days before their next tour. If you are not familiar with the Puglia region of Italy, you can find out more here.

The Planning 

Our three days were completely customized for us. Robert from Espressino asked us what types of things we were interested in, paired that with his expertise and the amazing relationships that he and Lili have established, and sent us our itinerary. We went over this multiple times before the trip over email and phone. In no time, we were set!

The All Nighter

After our 20-hour travel day, we landed at 2:00 in the afternoon. Robert swooped us up and immediately caffeinated us. And within that critical caffeination event, significant information was shared on an important Italian subject: Coffee. And not just any coffee, but the coffee that is specific to Puglia: Espressino and caffe in ghiaccio. Thirty minutes in and we had already learned more than we would have on our own. And we did so at a roadside gas station that we never would have even thought of stopping at, but locals rotated in and out of.

When we arrived in darling Lecce, “the Florence of the South”, Robert guided us down the winding alleyways to our Airbnb where we had exactly 15 minutes to drop our bags and freshen up. It was an amazing feat by all, but particularly Robert and his ability to herd the four of us in and out so quickly.

We walked to a nearby cafe and went over our agenda for the next few days over a bottle of champagne. There we awaited the cooking group we were joining for the evening. That’s when a small, but mighty woman appeared with a group: Local celebrity chef Gianna Greco. After a trip to the local market, we arrived at Gianna’s studio, Cooking Experience, where Marco, her sous chef, was prepping for us. 

I am not one of those people who “love” cooking, but this is something my friends wanted to do and really is a must when visiting any part of Italy, but especially the Puglia region. 

Friends, this is where I learned that I actually do enjoy cooking! It is the prepping and clean-up that I do not enjoy. And you don’t have to worry about either here! We just focused on molding tiny ears (orecchiete) around our fingers and kneading the dough and potato for the most delicious focaccia I have ever, ever had.

We prepared our beautiful meal over bottles of rosé and tons of laughs with the rest of the group. Just as soon as we devoured our dinner, the homemade grappa and limoncello came out. It was a long (but not long enough) night. Even after 24 hours of being awake and jet lagged, I rank it as one of my favorite nights.

Herding Cats (Day 2)

On day two, Robert picked up four very hungover gals. He immediately took us to get coffee and a Pasticciotto, a local very sweet treat. We toured Lecce and then lingered over a lunch of traditional Puglian cuisine at Alle due Corti. Later that afternoon, Lili joined us (just when we thought Espressino Travel couldn’t get any better), and we loaded into the van and ventured off to the beautiful coastal town of Otranto.

Robert and Lili gave us a fantastic tour and then let us loose in the shops before enjoying  a quick cocktail on the water and heading to a much anticipated masseria (farm) dinner.

We feasted at Masseria Le Stanzie, but not before touring the property and learning its and the owner’s history.

We visited the olive mill and the cheese cave. Yes, the “cheese cave”. Then, we ventured upstairs for the most epic Italian meal and experience.

Once again, Lili and Robert guided us through all the details (and there are many) of the tradition of the food, how it is prepared, who is preparing it and exactly what to order.

The Best Day Ever

On day three, Robert and Lili, once again, picked up four very hungover gals (this was again at our own doing back at our airbnb) and took us for coffee. But not just any coffee. Coffee in one of the best spots in Lecce where we ordered a variety of specialties. They were expertly prepared with Italian pride and were phenomenal. Coffee is a big deal here and I can guarantee you have not had coffee like this anywhere else.

The afternoon that follows is one of the most memorable afternoons of my entire seven weeks in Europe and one I will cherish for many years to come. It wasn’t a mass in a baroque cathedral, a cycling trip through the vineyards, sailing the Adriatic, or even Mumford and Sons at an Irish castle. It was much simpler than any of those events. It was a pizza making lesson. When Robert suggested this during our initial planning, he explained that this wasn’t “just” a pizza making lesson. Chef Maurizio equated the elements and aspects of making pizza to life and love.

We arrived at Pizza & Co and were warmly greeted with a beautiful smile and a big hug from Maurizio. We prepared and kneaded our dough while we listened to Maurizio (via translation by Lili) explain the importance of the yeast in pizza and the role of patience in making real yeast…the old-fashioned way. As we moved from the yeast to the toppings, we talked about the discourse of tomatoes and how we, the consumer, have been deceived into putting junk tomatoes on pizza (WHAT!?).

These seemingly small details are not so small when you have as much pride and passion in what you create as Maurizio has. He had our undivided attention for the many hours we were there. Well, except for when the cheese delivery guy walked in with fresh burrata and mozzarella that we had to sample.

We each created a different pizza and devoured them. It could have been that the experience as a whole trickled into our taste buds (though I doubt it), but these were the best pizzas I have ever had.

After devouring our pizzas, Maurizio brought us back into the shop and closed the lesson with a poem that had me in tears. One that not only reminded me of my grandmother and her love for travel and exploration (that I am convinced I inherited from her), but it so eloquently outlined my own beliefs about life and the importance of travel that drove me to even start When-Is-Now. It is a beautiful reminder of the importance of the journey. As I listened, it felt as if someone was peering into my soul and put into words all of my jumbled thoughts and feelings. It’s called Ithaca and you can enjoy it here.

This was our official last event with Lili and Robert. However, Robert kindly offered to take us to pick up our rental car that would take us to our next destination. He picked two of us up the next morning, took us to the rental car pick up and then…helped us come up with a plan b, because for reasons that would take up too much space here, we were carless. So, Robert took us to the train station, helped us figure out which train we needed and how to purchase tickets so that we were prepared when we departed the next day. THEN, on the way out of the station, he flagged down a taxi driver and coordinated a time and price for us to be picked up for our beach adventure that afternoon. Not all heroes wear capes.

For three days, we were fully in Robert and Lili’s hands. We had nothing to worry about other than soaking in this beautiful region, its food and its people. It was phenomenal. There is no way we could have had the enriching experiences we did without Robert and Lili. Go to Puglia and have Espressino Travel show you around their second home that they love so dearly.

You can learn more about Espressino Travel here.

You can watch some of our tour highlights here.

• Espressino has just released their 2020 tour dates!
• If those dates don’t work for you, or if you are looking for something more private (like our tour!), they do offer custom multi and single day tours.
• We used Espressino in Lecce and nearby areas, however they do offer tours in other locations.
• As wordy as this may be, I am hardly giving you the full report. It would be impossible for me to cover each and every special moment…and trust me these three days were packed with intangible, unforgettable moments. And all of this is, of course is because of Puglia, but it is just as much because of what Robert and Lili have put together and perfected.
  
  

Thank you to Espressino Travel for letting me share some of the photos they took during our adventure.

Last, but not least, thank you Bekka, Heather and Steph for your years of friendship and, once again, being the perfect adventure partners. Until next time…

A few more shots from Puglia…

For Villa La Madonnina, that type of architecture was the only option. There were some amazing roots already laid, but for it to truly become a home, the original owner and builder had to build the villa into the rocky cliffside. It was pure genius to leave  the rock he built into exposed so that it lines the interior of the villa. It’s one of many spectacular features of the villa. And each time you pass through, you are reminded of exactly where you are and how lucky you are to enjoy such a special space.

I have previously traveled internationally with friends, but there has never been more than two of us. This time was different. A group of some of my best friends, of fifteen plus years, and I traveled to Italy. Our two-week Italian extravaganza ended on the Amalfi Coast and, knowing how beautiful this place is, I wanted it to be special for my friends who were visiting for the first time. A true villa was in order.

If you’ve followed this space for long, you know that I am meticulous in my research for lodging. I was extremely meticulous in finding this one. I needed something that ticked all the Amalfi Coast boxes: great view, pool, full kitchen, enough space to comfortably settle in, and removed from the heavy crowds of Positano. Villa La Madonnina checked all those boxes and then some.

Location

Villa La Madonnina is located in charming Furore. To be exact, and you need to know this when using transportation services, it’s in lower Furore. And this will perplex locals who know the area because it’s barely noticeable, like a secret hideaway, until it’s pointed out.

The villa is tucked below the road and into a seaside cliff where it ribbons from the main road all the way down to the water. If you passed by it on the street, you would hardly notice it was there. But, if you know where you are going, the gates open for you on the street, you park in the car park above and you walk down to the first of multiple levels of the villa. 

The Inside Scoop

The first level has one of the two verandahs overlooking the sea. The verandah has both covered and open areas and below the covered area is where you will find a dining table and two perfectly placed hammocks.

The entire verandah has sweeping views of the sea. This is also the main entrance to the interior of the villa.

Upon entering the villa, you descend another set of stairs. This level has an open area with a cozy sitting nook, a round table and a large dining area.

There is a separate room, that can be entered from the main hallway or the nook area, where you will find large, comfortable couches and a television.

From the large open area, a long hallway lined with the exposed cliffside into which the villa is built leads you to each of the three bedrooms. The hallway is stunning and an absolute dream to walk through.

There are two bedrooms with full beds and one bedroom with two twin beds. All the bedrooms are very large, have full ensuite bathrooms, plenty of space to put your things away and a window facing the sea.

I slept with my window open each night and was lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea (and sometimes rain). When I woke in the morning, I just laid there so I could listen to it. It was such a peaceful way to start the day.

On the opposite end of the villa, there is a large kitchen and laundry area.

The villa sprawls across almost as much as it does up and down. 

A Ribbon to the Sea

Let’s talk about the outside of the villa, because this is truly the star of the show. On the main level, you access the second verandah. There, you will find covered and open areas with multiple tables for dining (we spent every night at one of them), separate sitting areas and several sun loungers,  all enveloped in lush gardens, plants and flowers.

Adjacent to this area is a large swimming pool.

From there, stairs lead you past iconic Amalfi Coast lemon trees and down to the sea. When you reach the sea, there is a multi-level platform  with sun loungers and everything you need to enjoy  a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea .

To be honest, we could have never left the villa and would have been perfectly happy, but we did embark on several excursions. We loved going into Praiano for its lovely shopping, dining and places to grab a drink. At the bottom of this write-up, I have listed each of our excursions, the company we used and a couple of our favorite stops in Praiano.

A villa rental is the best way to travel with a group. We had room to spread out, but each little nook, sitting, dining or just lounging area encouraged togetherness. Villa La Madonnina was a place that instantly felt like home. We, and by “we” I mean my friend Heather, cooked there multiple times, relaxed with books on the couches and ended every single night sitting on the verandah chatting about our day over a bottle of wine. Whenever we did leave the villa it was always the best feeling to return to it. The comfort, the sounds of nothing but the sea and some of the best views that the Amalfi Coast has to offer.

Book your stay at Villa la Madonnina here.

You can find more photos and videos, via Instagram Stories, from our stay here.

You can find our Amalfi Coast adventures, via Instagram Stories, here.

Plan Your Stay

Praiano

Praiano is just a 10-15 minute walk from the villa and it’s oh so charming and the people are so kind. For me, it was a breath of fresh air from touristy and crowded Positano. Have dinner at Il Pino (please say hi to Simone). They will pick you up from the villa and drop you back off. Right across the street from Il Pino is La Bacheca. Stop in for a little shopping and a limoncello.

Positano

Although crowded, there is great shopping and dining in Positano. Plan at least a half day there. Make it back to the villa for a sundowner on one of the verandahs.

Capri by boat

Two of the more popular Amalfi Coast boating experiences are to visit Capri and to see the Amalfi Coast from the water. I’ve done both and preferred the trip to Capri. I’ve used Grassi Junior both times and they are great! You can choose a half or full day excursion, with captain. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, hire your own boat. 

Wine Tasting

We travelled into the mountains to Tramonti with wine experts from Swirl the Glass and enjoyed a full wine tasting experience (including lunch) and loved it! They even picked us up from and dropped us off at the villa.

Ravello Hike

You can hike to Ravello or go by car, but a visit here is an absolute must! High up in the clouds, it has such a different feel than the lower part of the coast, and tons of things to see and places to eat.

Hike from the villa

There are multiple hiking options right from the villa. You can find them all on the villa’s website and in the information book inside the villa.

If you don’t want to worry about organizing any of these, they can be organized for you. Just ask!

• You book directly with the villa owner, so no “middle man” involved
• You will have a local contact that will act as your host the entire time you are there. They can arrange for anything you need 
• Taxis are expensive, there’s no getting around that. Your host can pre-arrange pick ups from the villa
• The bus stop is a five minute walk from the villa. I recommend familiarizing yourself with the bus schedule that is in the villa for your convenience
• Driving the Amalfi Coast takes serious skills. But, people do it. If you choose too, there is parking at the villa.
• You can have the villa pre-stocked with whatever you want
• A couple of nearby restaurants will pick you up and drop you back off. You can pre-arrange this with your host
• The owner is incredibly responsive, oh so kind and wants to ensure you enjoy the villa that is so special to him. 
• Praiano is a is a ten minute walk away and Positano is just a 20 minute car ride away. There are frequent shuttles to and from Positano
• House keeping is provided. You can also arrange for a chef, car service, taxi boat pick up…anything you may need

Here we go again. I didn’t think it would be this soon that we would purchase this golden ticket again, but here we are; here we go. It’s exciting. We are incredibly fortunate that we get to do this and by no means is that lost on us. However, the catalyst of this is the heartbreaking loss of our 11.5 year old bulldog, Lincoln. He was the love of our lives and we were crushed by his passing.

Like any pet owner, we knew this day would come. We had the “after he is gone” conversations the last couple of years. And, they were almost always about two travel bucket list items: another “Round the World” ticket and an extended stay at a home base in Europe.  

When we lost him in March, it was unexpected and devastating. As those first few days passed, loss and confusion turned into conversations about that bucket list. Those conversations combined with our inability to stand the silence and emptiness his absence left in our home, lead to the cancelation of the return ticket we had for the trip we had planned in Europe in May. Then we booked a long term rental in Europe and rented out our own home. Then, we booked a One World “Round the World” ticket. We will use the first leg of that sixteen leg ticket, as our flight home. 

I’ll give you a quick outline of the entire “Round the World” ticket, but will primarily focus on this first part. The part that kicks it all off: seven weeks in Europe. Before that, however, I want to clarify my intent for how I share this adventure through posts on When-Is-Now.com and through social media:

1.            The entire reason I started When Is Now was to inspire people to travel; to step outside of their bubble. I think this is crucial now more than ever in this current environment of fear mongering and isolationism. I want to remove the fear of the unknown and show how similar we all are in our humanity.

2.            I want to show the “how.” I’ll continue to do this for more advanced travel topics, but I’ll also back-up a bit and take it back to the basics. In planning some of this trip, I realized that things that may be instinctive to me at this point are completely unknown to those just starting to branch out. I need to remember that and share that knowledge.

3.            As When Is Now has evolved, it has turned into a luxury lodging focused space. I like where we are with this and will continue that focus. I will highlight the best hotels, villas and resorts around the world. The unique properties in unknown places and the unknown properties in well-known places. Before you get thrown off by the term “luxury,” I encourage you to take a look at my definition of luxury (it’s not what you think). I want to show you the places that become part of how a destination is experienced and why that is far better than just a place where you lay your head at night.

The Whole Enchilada

Okay, all that being said, let’s get into the details. “This Round the World” kicks off in Norway, which is where we will end our seven weeks in Europe. Just like our first “Round the World,” we were already planning on being in the country where the ticket starts. Why start in Norway? Because this is where the best pricing was at the time of purchase. We didn’t get the banging price we got last time, but it still made financial sense. 

Where To?

If you are not familiar with how these tickets work, have a look at this post. One rule is that you have to travel in the same direction the entire time. This time, we will go west. We will leave Europe and head to North America (AKA home), Asia, Africa and eventually end in Norway, as one of the other rules is that you have to end in the country you begin. Here’s our complete routing, which will most likely change as the year goes by:

OSL- HEL-LAX-JFK-DFW-LAX-PVR-LAX-HKG-DPS-SIN-CMB-MLE-DOH-NBO-LHR-OSL. If you’re an “Av Geek,” this just brought you great joy. If you’re not, it probably just made you mad.

This will not all happen in one shot. We will not be gone for an entire year straight. And, we will not be quitting our jobs and selling all of our possessions. More on the “how to” on all of this to come. For now, let’s look at Europe.

Seven Weeks in Europe: It’s Like We’re Backpackers, but Not

I already had plans to go to Italy with some friends and then meet Eddie before heading to Norway. Those plans remain, with some additions in the middle. 

Italy with friends has been a year in the making and a life-long dream for one of them. We will have three days with private guides in the off the beaten path Puglia region followed by an Italian villa rental right on the water on the Amalfi Coast (did I really just type that?).

After reuniting in an insanely romantic part of Italy, Eddie and I will check into our long-term rental in London. Our plan is to discover what it’s like to live our ordinary lives there, so we specifically selected a long-term rental that is set up for business travelers. We will work as well as explore our new neighborhood.

We’ve long envied the opportunity that Europeans have to take quick trips to other countries, so we’ve added in a few side trips to Dublin, Lisbon and Amsterdam. In two of those spots we will attend concerts: one, a bucket list to see in Europe. The other, AT A CASTLE. I’ll keep those a surprise for now.

We will wrap up our time in Europe with a road trip through Western Norway, which was always the plan. And, of course, I’ll show you some really cool hotels in each of those cities.

I won’t dive too much into the details as this post is already a lengthy one. So, just follow along Instagram and Facebook and be on the lookout for posts on how to make something like this work and on these amazing properties that I’ve put a ton of research into finding. 

There is a possibility, although a small one, that we will have another puppy in the middle of all this and have planned accordingly. That’s the beauty of these “Round the World” tickets, you have plenty of flexibility to change dates and destinations.

Long story, short: standby…

In October, after seven years of visits to our favorite Palm Springs retreat, and a highly disappointing anniversary experience there, we searched for a new retreat. One that ticked all the boxes: small, quiet, unique, dog friendly, and facilities (e.g., lounge chairs, etc.) that can handle the amount of guests that come to enjoy it. An oasis in the desert. It didn’t take long to find it. And, we instantly knew this was the one.

Welcome to your Desert Oasis

Did you know that fairly recently, scientists have discovered a part of the brain that “lights up” with the perception of beauty? That’s exactly what happened when we walked into the small, open air lobby of La Serena Villas. Maybe it was the greeting from those iconic golden eyes of the blue dog painting over the fireplace. Or, maybe it’s the pops of color against the clean, white aesthetic, the welcoming couches and oversized chairs.

Or, maybe it’s the cool breeze coming in from the other opening that leads you to the pool area and their bar/restaurant, Azúcar. Whatever it was, the champagne we were offered at check-in was the perfect cherry on top. Hello vacation.

Historic La Serena Villas

The current La Serena Villas is the result of a major five year renovation. The villas, part of a historical preservation site originally built in the 1930s, and the property were redeveloped and given a fabulous bohemian- chic makeover. The pool is a well done new addition. It’s simple and modern, and is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet area to lounge, read, and soak up that desert sun.

There are more than enough loungers for the guests and if you’re a winter visitor, you’ll enjoy that the lovely pool is heated to a pleasant 88 degrees. Behind the pool is Azúcar, which I’ll go into more below. And, there is Whispers Spa, tucked within the quiet area of the villas, with its own hot tub. We popped in there after dinner one night and had it all to ourselves.

La Serena is a small property and not a nook or cranny was missed in any part of the design process. There are just 18 villas and each is unique in size and lay out, but all have a private patio with a fire pit and either a clawfoot tub or a jacuzzi.

Villa 16

Through the winding walkways, just past Whisper’s spa, sits villa 16. It has its own private entry way that takes you to the front door or to your back outdoor sitting area.

At 455 square feet, it’s quite large. As you enter through the front door, you’ll find a large wooden bed draped in a white canopy, a large armoire for storage and a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator and Keurig.

The room opens into a large bathroom with a clawfoot tub and a beautifully tiled stand-alone shower. The villa is not only beautiful, it’s sexy. There is a unique and pleasantly surprisingly mixture of colors and patterns and textures in all the right places.

Outside, that small pathway leads you to the back of the villa to a patio protected by bright green hedges, fuchsia bougainvillea and iconic palm trees. But it’s what sits within that’s makes the back area special: A second claw foot tub and a gas fire pit with a sitting area around it. It’s one of those spaces where you could spend all night, sharing your hopes and dreams for the future. Or, soaking all the stresses of real life away under swaying palm trees. At least, that’s what we did.

Azúcar

Azúcar is the property’s latest addition. The contemporary Spanish restaurant sits directly behind the pool and continues the property’s bohemian-chic décor theme with fun designs and layers of texture. A Frida Khalo portrait, although competing with a lot to be seen, commands your attention upon entering.

Upstairs is Sugar High, a rooftop lounge area that looks out over the pool on one end and the San Jacinto Mountains on the other end. There is a relaxed vibe up there and it is all pulled together by a large fireplace in the center. You can go up for a cocktail or you can enjoy your dinner up there. We did both and we loved both.

Azúcar buzzes with a lunch crowd and really picks up for their great happy hour. We enjoyed happy hour both nights we were there. We sat by the pool and enjoyed some bubbles and snacks as we watched the sky put on a color-packed show for sunset.

A lovely touch at La Serena Villas is the complimentary breakfast basket for two each morning. You can have it delivered to your room or pick it up at Azúcar.

You can also have a delicious breakfast from the menu (which is a new option). We had the avocado toast and the breakfast bowl and both were delicious!

This was an anniversary re-do for us and our two nights were flawless. We did what we love to do when we escape to Palm Springs: we relaxed and reconnected.

La Serena is officially our new “spot”. Our Palm Springs escape. The universe knew what it was doing when it sent us searching for somewhere new and we can’t wait to return.

You can discover more of La Serena Villas here.

See more of our stay in my “Instagram Story” here.

• This is a 21 and over smoke free property
• With only 18 villas and being as unique as it is, this will be one of those properties that books up quickly
• The onsite boutique is fantastic and a must visit
• The happy hour at Azúcar is well worth a visit. Try the hummus dish
• If you can’t stay at the villas, at least stop by for happy hour, dinner or lunch
• Take the complimentary bikes around town for a spin
• Become part of the loyalty program and check out the other properties

Everything I am sharing below is intended to keep you healthy and comfortable in the air and ready to hit the ground running upon arrival. I’ll start by sharing some tips to help you prepare for your journey and then tell you everything I pack in my carry-on. These steps and products have been tested and never fail me! I’m not a beauty blogger or health expert or sponsored by any of the companies whose products are mentioned below. I just want to make that long journey easier for you!

Prepping and Planning

• Try to arrive at your destination during the day. No napping. Grab some coffee and power through. Not only do you avoid spending your vacation time napping , you’ll also get past that jet lag more quickly!
• Do everything you can to upgrade your airline class of service. Plan in advance. Use points or find out the cost for a cash upgrade. Sometimes you’ll be surprised. Flying in international business or first class, or even premium economy, completely changes your long-haul experience for the better.

• Make sure you’re enrolled in loyalty programs so you can collect points and upgrade in the future.
• Long flights with long connections? Pay for lounge access or plan something inside or nearby the airport to pamper yourself. 
• Find out what the airline provides in your class of service. With a quick google search you can usually find out the food that will be served, entertainment offerings (and if it’s free) and if an amenity kit will be provided and what’s in it. Quite a few international airlines provide an amenity kit no matter the class of service you travel in.

Pre-Departure

• Take a probiotic. Many illnesses start in the gut and a probiotic may help prevent catching another passenger’s funk.
• Hydrate! Make sure you are drinking enough water, especially in the 48 hours leading up to your flight. The humidity level is kept very low in an airplane and passengers can lose up to 8% of their body’s water over the course of a 10 hour flight.
• Load up on fruits and veggies pre-take off and pack healthy snacks so you can avoid eating too much of whatever less healthy options they serve on-board.
• Chug some water with an Airborne tablet before boarding.
• Chill out with a glass of wine. That’s right, I will never be the person who tells you not to have alcohol before/during a flight. We’ll address all that dehydration stuff in other ways.

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

Most airlines will allow you one personal item and one carry-on bag. Check each airline’s carry-on policy beforehand.

• Pack whatever you need for entertainment/work. I usually have my laptop, my Kindle or a book, and a notebook.

• Wear compression socks or compression pants. Long flights can cause swelling and, on rare occasions, blood clots. Compression helps increase blood circulation and reduce the risk of swelling or, worse, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clotting on a long flight. If I’m not wearing these, I pack one or the other to change into on board.
• If you can’t dress in layers, bring a scarf or wrap. Every flight I have been on feels like either an oven or a freezer.
• Earplugs and an eye mask (if not provided by airline)

 TSA-compliant toiletry bag containing:

• Toothbrush/paste (if not provided by airline)
• Face wash. I like Clinique’s Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder With Pure Vitamin C. They come in small packets, so they are great for traveling and they give my skin a nice glow.
• Overnight moisturizing mask. Again, with that whole dehydration thing. This will help you avoid waking up and looking 10 years older. And, it’s just a nice thing to do for your skin. I like Boscia’s Super-Charge overnight moisture. It is light, invisible and effective. I apply this right before I go to sleep. This has been harder to find lately, and if you are out of luck, try Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask.
• Moisturizing lip balm because, DEHYDRATION. Not a waxy Chapstick. Something more like Aquafor or something with coconut, aloe or shea butter in the ingredients. I like Kopari’s Lip Glossy.

Looking Fresh Upon Arrival

• Hyaluronic acid sheet mask. Again, that hydration thing. Hyaluronic acid has MANY benefits. The sheet mask will help pull moisture to the skin to hydrate it and make it look more plump. I like Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Facial Sheet Mask. They are compact and effective. Once I wash the overnight mask off, I place the sheet mask over my face for 10 minutes.
• A light moisturizer. Any will do. I pack whatever samples I have from my Sephora orders or from visits to make-up counters.
• Light make-up. I don’t like to bring my entire make-up bag in my carry-on, but want to avoid terrifying people before I can access my luggage. Again, I’ll use any samples from Sephora or the make-up counters, but I really like Wander Beauty’s products that are compact and meant for traveling.
• Towelettes. Don’t be stinky. These are great for a little wipe down in all the important areas. I like BVLGARI Eau Parfumée au thé rouge Refreshing Towels. Or for a more budget friendly option, try White Towel.

These are exactly the products I take in my carry-on. I arrive feeling great and ready to explore my new destination. I’ve linked most of the products listed. Or, you can find them all here. Play around with mine or try your own variation and favorites!

Questions? Comment below or message me- I’m happy to help!

*Featured image courtesy of Airbus

Secret Bay is a multi-faceted love story: one between people and between the land. Truly. Its inception, a sketch by famed architect, Fruto Vivas, given as a wedding gift to his daughter and son-in-law that became the couples’ private residence and eventually blossomed into six eco-luxury villas designed so others could discover beautiful Dominica.

Now, imagine that love story literally being ripped apart on a single night that many Dominicans will tell you seemed to span two nights. The endless downpour of rain and thrashing winds that was one of the most catastrophic hurricanes on record: Maria. However, like the people of Dominica, love is resilient and unconquerable. And so, Secret Bay began to rebuild.

As some of the first guests to stay at Secret Bay after their year long closure, we were fortunate to experience the re-birth of its love story.

How do you convey a feeling? That’s really what the Secret Bay experience is about: how it makes you feel. It’s an experience with a unique intimacy that extends through every aspect: how you are welcomed, how you are cared for, the pleasure from the food and excitement of new flavors, the comfort and intimacy of the villas, the soothing envelopment of nature.

Secret Bay comprises just six villas that dot rugged cliffs over the Caribbean Sea. Although they are each a little different in layout and size, they all contain the same elements that make the villas so special. No one could describe them better than Mr. Vivas, “For me they are all the same: structures linked to the landscape, liberated from the ground, with a design that embraces the cultural patterns of the island.”

“Bowers of Bliss”

Our villa, Ylang Ylang II, was essentially a 1600 sq. ft. tree house for grown-ups. Upon entering through the villa’s private gate, a long pathway leads you through lush, fragrant foliage, past your outdoor shower, to the first of two balconies. This balcony has a barbecue and a perfectly positioned, cushy hammock.

The second balcony is on the main floor. This large, open air area has a sitting area, a dining area and a full modern kitchen, all facing the surrounding trees and ocean.

For us, the kitchen was a big part of what made these villas so special. They come pre-stocked, based on the pre-arrival form we completed, and had everything we needed. We could cook our own snacks and meals (if we wanted) and make our own drinks and enjoy it all without ever leaving the villa and interrupting our state of serenity.

The bedroom opens up to this area through floor-to-ceiling, folding glass doors. The bedroom has a king bed and a shower and separate soaking tub. There is also a television (that we never turned on).

From the bedroom, a glass door leads you to a private sundeck and the most lovely private plunge pool.

Although designed to help you connect with nature, each villa comes with a few modern luxuries intended to help the Secret Bay team better serve you, provide you with the conveniences of home and reduce impact on the environment. You are provided an iPhone so you can call your villa attendant or anyone in the office in case you need anything. Each villa also has a Sonos speaker so you can enjoy the music of your choice, an Apple T.V. and a Kindle that is pre-loaded with the newspaper of your choice.

The element that makes the villas the most special: a villa attendant. And for us, that was Jess. Jess greeted us in our villa upon arrival, showed us the villa amenities and made us any reservations we needed. The next morning, she came to the villa and cooked us the breakfast of our choice.

On our second evening, Jess delivered dinner to our villa and set up a lovely dining experience for us. She took complete care of us – from cooking our meals to cleaning up the villa each day and after every meal. She patiently answered my husband’s 464 questions about Secret Bay, hurricane Maria and Dominica. Jess had an aura of calm about her that filled a room whenever she entered. She was delightful.

Before arriving, we completed a pre-arrival form where we selected items to be stocked in our villa…snacks, beer, wine, sunscreen, the newspaper of our choice. There were a lot of local items to choose from that we were really excited about trying. However, the team at Secret Bay will do whatever it takes to make sure that you have everything that you want and need.

Introducing Zing Zing

“You’ve Seen my Descent Now Watch Me Rising”- Rumi

After hurricane Maria, Secret Bay’s founder stood inside a villa, Zing Zing, that had its roof ripped off during the hurricane. There, beneath an open sky, he came up with the concept for the property’s first dine-in restaurant. And, as with the rest of the property, the restaurant is unique in so many ways.

Zing Zing is a small, open air restaurant that is simple, yet elegant. It features an open kitchen and the dining tables overlook the sea. The meals are at the chef’s whim and guests are in for a treat from start to finish.

Have you ever sat down for dinner and had the chef greet you with a glass of champagne and then describe to you, with great affection, the meal he and his team prepared for the evening? And, with each dish, tells you it’s story: why he chose it, where it came from, why its ingredients are special?

The ingredients at Zing Zing are as fresh as they come. If they are not from the gardens on the property or the sea right in front of you, they are from elsewhere on the island and they are what’s available on that day. And the flavors and dishes are phenomenal! 

Through locally sourced everything and a dedication to Dominican tradition, Chef Grant’s kitchen connects guests with the earth and to Dominica.

Dining In

If you prefer, you can have all of your meals in your villa. Your villa attendant will make you just about anything you can imagine for breakfast and will bring you lunch and dinner from Chef Grant’s kitchen. All you have to do is choose your protein (or vegetable) and the rest is taken care of. The in-villa dining experience is lovely and the food is delicious.

Secret Bay Hideaway

The property is connected by pathways and engulfed by trees, flowers, lemongrass, bay leaves, multiple types of citrus and avocados. The lush vegetation and the large areas on which each villa sits create a very private setting.

There are two beaches: Tibay and Secret. One accessible from the main property and one accessible by a kayak you can pick up from the water sports bungalow on property.

From the deck perched over Secret Beach you can enjoy the sunset. A new yoga pavilion and Gommier spa overlook the river and, of course, beautiful Zing Zing has sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

With only six villas, you are ensured privacy everywhere on property.

Secret Bay is a remarkable place that is an extension of a remarkable island. It is good for the soul. A place where you can truly relax because of, not only the environment at Secret Bay, but how you are so cared for by the Secret Bay team. Do something good for you: reconnect with yourself, with someone special. Get lost at Secret Bay.

Discover more of Secret Bay here.

Visit my Instagram highlights for behind the scenes and a tour of Ylang Ylang II here.

The Nature Island: A Note About Dominica

The first thing you should know about Dominica is that it is not the Dominican Republic.

Dominica is wild, raw, beautiful and still quite undiscovered. It is the most lush place I have ever visited. There are waterfalls, lakes, rivers, mountains, rainforests, hot springs and, of course, beaches. We seemed to have each place we visited to ourselves. It is mountainous: if you are not going up, you are going down. The people are kind, open and resilient. Their glasses are half-full. And, they love their island, appreciate what they have and they work hard to preserve it.

The media coverage of Hurricane Maria in America was mostly about its impact on Puerto Rico. To hear Dominican’s stories of that night is incredible. Nothing on that island wasn’t touched by Maria. But, Dominica is ready for you! Go. Be adventurous. Explore. Give your mind, body and soul a breather. Connect with the land.

Visit my Instagram highlights from Dominica here.

• Stay a while. Allow yourself enough time to explore the island and enough time to enjoy your villa and the property.
• Secret Bay has some great adventure packages and guides. Have them create an adventure and exploration itinerary for you.
• Zing Zing is a must. For now, it is only open on certain nights, so make sure you book a reservation. You can read more about Chef Grant here.
• Get on their email list. You are not bombarded. They share some great blog posts and any special offers.
• Try the local items when you select your pre-stock options. And definitely select the granola. They’re famous for it.
• Be sure to kayak to secret beach.
• If you plan on renting a car, know that Dominicans drive on the left side of the road. Roads can also be narrow and winding with some tight turns.
• The island can be a bit pricey.
• Do not be surprised if you see someone bathing in the river. It’s the nature island!

My skepticism met it’s match at the BodyHoliday in St. Lucia.

BodyHoliday is unlike any other resort. It’s a special place evidenced by the fact that they have a 70% return rate. It’s why people stay for ten days on average. It’s why it is hugely popular with solo travelers who instantly seem to find their tribe while there. It’s why it is not uncommon to see staff dining with guests. It’s why BodyHoliday’s guests are the happiest, friendliest resort guests I have ever encountered.

Passing through the property feels like what I imagine walking through Utopia would feel like. A warm ocean breeze, perfectly turquoise Caribbean Sea, the gentle rustle of palm trees and a lot of really happy people. And how could they not be happy? They have an endless number of options to be active (or not), they have their choice of fantastic food and drink, they get to enjoy a spa treatment DAILY, and they are around like-minded people all sharing a slice of paradise.

I want to describe the brilliant concept before I tell you about my stay. Typically, I write about the property in detail, and not that this property is undeserving (especially after it’s expansive renovations), but I will mostly write about BodyHoliday’s unique concept and the fantastic activities and amenities that create your overall experience.

“Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind”

The BodyHoliday is an all-inclusive wellness retreat. It has invested heavily in top of the line everything: therapists, trainers, equipment, facilities, food and beverage, and recent sweeping renovations (that follow sweeping renovations in 2015). As another guest said, “they do not cut any corners here.” On average, you have a choice of approximately 40 daily classes/activities in which to participate. They range from a morning run, a beachfront workout, archery, sailing, meditation, yoga or, nothing at all. The majority of these are included in your stay. The other major perk included in your stay is a 50-minute spa treatment per day, per guest. This is the ultimate in wellness.

My Custom Designed BodyHoliday Experience

There are many experiences to be had at BodyHoliday: anti-aging, mindfulness and fitness to name a few. I’m going to tell you about my experience that was custom designed by the team at BodyHoliday. Initially, this was supposed to be a recovery program intended to repair my body after competing in what was supposed to be my fifth Ironman. However, I couldn’t compete in that Ironman due to a knee injury. The one silver lining in that let down is that my body was fresh and I was able to enjoy a few more activities and do a few things I had never done before. The plan they created for me was based on a pre-arrival form I completed a week before our stay. Once my husband and I arrived on property, we were handed an agenda that outlined all our activities and treatments for the week.

The Quad

On our first morning, I participated in a “quadrathlon” with three other guests. This was an epic adventure of mountain biking, running, rappelling and kayaking. Our group met first thing in the morning where Tevin, our fearless leader (and professional volleyball player), fit us on our mountain bikes and led us to the trails.

I spend a lot of time on my triathlon bike. I haven’t been on a mountain bike since 2010 when my husband “surprised” me by signing us up for a 104-mile mountain bike race. On this lovely Caribbean morning, you would have thought this was my first time on a bike. I grazed a cactus, ran into a bush, rode my brakes on every downhill and dropped my chain. It was embarrassing. Everyone else was phenomenal and the course was gorgeous, leaving the Caribbean side for the Atlantic, climbing and descending, cruising across empty beaches and then ending at Pigeon Island, where we started our run.

Our run was a quick 4k that started with an out-and-back and ended with a steep uphill to our rappelling/abseiling spot.

At the top of the hill, a car was waiting for us where we could leave our bags and grab a cold bottle of water. We were outfitted in our rappelling gear, instructed how to move our feet and handle the rope, and one by one we rapelled down the 100 foot cliff as guides at the top and bottom assisted and guided us. This was a first for all of us! We climbed back up the hill and walked down to the beach on the other side where our kayaks were waiting.

I was expecting your typical beach resort plastic leisure kayak. That was not the case. These were light, aerodynamic kayaks meant to zip through the ocean water. We received instructions on how to operate them, waited for our fearless leader (Tevin) and off we went. It was a windy afternoon which made for some chop, (super fun) swells and more adventure to add to our tales. The program said the kayak portion is around 3k. My inability to hold a direct line made for some bonus distance before I eventually arrived at our finish on BodyHoliday’s beach.

The quadrathlon was the perfect mix of fun and adventure. I was pleasantly surprised by how challenging and rewarding it was. The four of us who did it ranged in athletic ability and we all finished with a smile on our faces, a sense of accomplishment and a fresh chilled coconut.

I had just enough time to have lunch at the deli with Eddie and a shower before heading over to the spa for the first treatment of our stay. Tendel, BodyHoliday’s “healing guru” gave me a true deep tissue massage that was much needed after the quadrathlon and the long travel day the day before.

The next day was busy and started with a personal training session in the morning. Julian, Commonwealth Gold Medalist and Caribbean middle weight Body Building Champion, immediately noticed my jagged gait from my knee injury, so we focused on exercises to help me heal, correct my knee issues and get stronger. I loved the movements and exercises we did! And we did something else that was interesting and that has stuck with me: we worked on my posture.

After my training session, I had a hydrating facial that was also very needed after traveling. I was scheduled for a brightening scrub, but was a little sun-burnt, so we changed it on the spot. After my facial, I made my way down to the beach area to read a bit, swim in the warm Caribbean Sea and have lunch before heading to my next massage. I told you, it was busy.

This day’s massage was (another) new experience for me. The 75-minute treatment was a four hand, Synchronized Abhyanga that started with a foot cleansing in the Ayurvedic Temple. From there, I moved into a beautiful treatment room where my synchronized massage began. This massage technique has been around for 2000 years and includes a combination of specialized herbal oils and has an abundance of health benefits. You are placed in four different positions, coated in warm oil, and massaged with synchronized, purposeful movements.

I struggle with insomnia. However, between full, active days, soothing body treatments, clean food and the healing properties of the sea, I slept like never before while at BodyHoliday.

Spaces & Places

The property is huge. There are 155 rooms and several villas tucked into the hillside. There are three pools, five restaurants and a “deli” where you can order healthy snacks, fresh juice and smoothies.

The beach is what Caribbean dreams are made of. There are water hammocks, beach hammocks, and enough sun loungers for every guest. The loungers come with a little red flag to call for help (cocktails & snacks) in an “emergency”.

Wellness Center

The wellness center is the hub of the property and has a certain buzz about it as people are coming and going to their treatments and classes. Tucked into the hillside, it features 33 treatment rooms, a pool, a group fitness room, the Ayurvedic Temple and a state-of-the-art gym with equipment that rivals the best gyms in San Diego. No other resort gym comes close.

Room

Some rooms were part of the most recent renovation and others were renovated in 2015. We stayed in a luxury ocean front suite. It had a king size bed, a balcony overlooking the water and a large, modern bathroom that featured a huge soaking tub.

It was the perfect retreat at the end of the day and the prime location for our champagne sunsets.

“Food is your body’s fuel, but it’s also your body’s pleasure” – BodyHoliday

There are five restaurants and three bars on property equipped with a culinary team of chefs, mixologists and sommeliers. And, all are experienced in handling dietary needs and requests.

• Cariblue, the main restaurant has a little bit of everything for lunch and dinner.
• Cariblue Windows is where you can find the expansive breakfast buffet and, on certain evenings, features themed dinners. We enjoyed the French themed dinner and it was my favorite meal of our stay.
• We also enjoyed the deli for a light lunch and several smoothie offerings.

• The Clubhouse offers a great lunch buffet, casual dinner and seemed to be the gathering spot for sunset and pre-dinner cocktails.
• On our last evening, we dined at Tao, which has been voted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the world’s 60 Hottest Tables and is an annual AAA Diamond Award winner since March 2007. Both deserving recognitions.
• We were unable to dine at I-Tal, but it looks like a beautiful dining experience. Guests select ingredients from the organic garden and prepare clean, Rastafarian meals with the resort’s chefs.

I could write an entire separate post on BodyHoliday’s restaurants and have no doubt that the selection and quality of food and wine play their part in guests wanting to stay as long as they do and return as often as they do.

There is also a nice selection of evening entertainment, with the Piano Bar being the most popular of them all. I’d go as far as to say the Piano Bar is legendary. We could never stay up quite late enough (past 8:00) to enjoy it but always heard about the sing-alongs (and solos) the next day.

As people who steer clear of all things all-inclusive, we left BodyHoliday completely perplexed by how much we enjoyed it and our desire to return. I now understand why a woman we met was there for her tenth year in a row. Or, why there is gentleman who spends thirty days at a time there. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway to reconnect with your partner, a celebratory girl’s trip or a solo wellness retreat, BodyHoliday is the perfect spot for you.

Have questions about our stay? Comment below or send me a message.

You can discover more about BodyHoliday here.

• You need (deserve) a minimum of five days here. 
• Work with their team to prepare a custom plan before your stay.
• Certain activities/experiences require advance booking, so be sure to reserve your spot!
• Upon arrival, your agenda will tell you where to go, what treatment room you are in and who you are with. You can go directly to that treatment room.
• Chat with BodyHoliday “regulars” they’ll show you the ropes.
• Try all of the restaurants.

When I imagined visiting Philippines, I imagined the place that currently has that “star power”—Palawan. As intriguing as that was, I love the challenge of finding some place new. A place we haven’t been bombarded with through images in travel mags and on social media, but is equally, if not more so, beautiful. I spent months perusing through just a portion of information and reviews of the visitable 7000 islands that make up the Philippines and their property offerings, and one place gave me pause: Amorita Resort on Panglao Island.

I booked it. I stayed for four nights and, spoiler alert: I fell head over heels in love.

Location

Amorita is on Panglao Island, which lies in the north Bohol Sea and is part of the Bohol province. The resort is a 40ish minute drive from the airport. However, a new (and closer) airport is scheduled to open soon. Although, Panglao is considered a separate island, it’s just a hop over a bridge from the larger Bohol island.

Perched on a rocky ledge, overlooking the Bohol Sea and the world famous Alona beach, Amorita’s location is the very definition of ideal. You are nestled away but also just steps from two beaches: Alona Beach:

and Amorita’s very own private beach:

Amorita Resort

Just imagine walking through a lush property soothed by the sounds of music, chirping birds, the swaying of palm trees and the ocean below, all while taking in the smells of ocean air and fresh frangipani. Just walking from point A to point B is a lovely experience at Amorita. It’s as if the property and the universe are working in unison to tell you: it’s okay; you can relax now.

It still surprises me that Amorita has 90 rooms. It doesn’t feel that way and it doesn’t look that way. They were at capacity my first couple of nights, but it never felt “busy”.

It helps that Amorita sits on quite a bit of property. Rooms and suites are spread through multiple buildings on one end of the property while stand-alone pool villas are on the other side. And, the property was recently renovated in colossal fashion that included renovating the pool villas and adding a new building with suites.

The term “barefoot luxury” gets thrown around a lot these days and it would be easy to sum up Amorita’s style that way. Amorita pulls from its environment to keep the feel natural and to allow guests to enjoy the beautiful area they are there for. Woven in are modern elements that create a beautiful, clean aesthetic, but still allows the surrounding environment to shine.

The property has two infinity pools. One shows you the vastness of the Bohol Sea. The other shows you the white sand of Alona Beach and just how many shades of blue you pass through as you venture out to sea.

The pool area facing Alona Beach always has music playing and is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and watch the sun slowly dip below the sea. And you can enjoy complimentary cocktails one night a week at the Manager’s Cocktail Party.

Amorita is very family friendly. I was there for Mother’s Day weekend and saw many families thoroughly enjoying their stay. There is a fun playground set for kids (when they’re not splashing around in the pool or sea), and bikes are available for guests to cruise around the property.

Accommodations 

I was fortunate to stay in two rooms during my stay: A Junior Suite and a Garden Pool Villa. Both accommodations were well stocked: water and fresh fruit juice in the mini fridge and fresh fruit, cookies or other treats that were restocked daily. And, on Mother’s Day, a beautiful cupcake was delivered to my door.

Junior Suite

My Junior Suite was conveniently located in a building by the main pool and restaurant. I was surprised that despite its proximity to the main area, it was very quiet. The Junior Suite had a big, comfy bed, a sitting area, a mini fridge that was replenished daily with fresh squeezed juice, a nice bathroom and powder area and a small, lush outdoor sitting area.

Garden Pool Villa

My Garden Pool Villa was a large, stand-alone building and it was GORGEOUS. Recently renovated, everything inside was modern and cozy. It had large room with a king bed, a sitting area, a large desk and storage area, and a naturally lit, spacious bathroom with a large shower and ample counter space.

Sliding glass doors opened to a covered sitting area with an oversized lounger and my own infinity pool. All of this enclosed by perfectly manicured, lush greenery. It was bliss.

Every time I walked through that villa door, I felt like I was home.

Food & Dining

There are two main restaurants at Amorita. The main restaurant, Saffron, and the tapas bar, Tomar. Saffron offers a variety of meals for lunch and dinner and a great buffet, with anything you could want, for breakfast. I’m pretty sure I ate my body weight in fresh mango each morning and had the tuna nicoise salad once (sometimes maybe twice) a day.

Tomar has a fun, modern vibe and offers tapas and other Spanish treats, as well as an interesting selection of wines and whiskeys. I enjoyed lovely tapas paired with a nice glass of wine.

Spa

I had a spa treatment two out of my four nights. And, had I explored the spa offerings sooner, I would have went every night. On the first evening, I had a massage followed by a soothing milk bath. On the second evening, I had a facial and another bath. Both were the perfect way to end the day.

People

It’s not often that I dedicate a blurb for people, but you can’t talk about Amorita without mentioning the people who make the experience special.

I cannot express enough how well I was cared for at Amorita in every aspect, by every person. And there is nothing special about me. This is just how things work here. It’s the management. It’s the culture. Yes- I was traveling alone and felt like I was looked after a little extra because of that. But, I also feel that, based on my experiences with my Filipino friends in San Diego, that’s a big part of who Filipinos are: kind, caring and light hearted.

You will definitely meet Rob while dining at Saffron (please tell him hi from me!). I met him my first morning and he gave me a tour of the breakfast buffet, showed me the local options and taught me how to eat them. When I was the first one to the buffet in the mornings, he sat a cup of coffee down next to me while I took photos, because he quickly figured out I REALLY like coffee. Rumor has it, he’ll remember that fact about me upon my return.

You will also meet the GM, Noel. He’ll greet you with the brightest smile and want to know all about your stay. It’s not uncommon to have a GM of a nice hotel greet you at some point during your stay. But, I couldn’t help but laugh when I would see guests insisting he have a cocktail with them. 

Amorita lends itself to so many different travel scenarios: time with family, a romantic getaway, a honeymoon or anniversary, a trip with friends. No matter what the occasion, there is an encouragement of togetherness. When I dream about my return trip, I imagine going with a big group of friends and family.

Click here to learn more about and book this true gem.

• For most of us, it’s a bit of a haul to get to the Philippines, but once you’re there, it’s very affordable.
• That being said, splurge on a pool villa. You will not regret it.
• Enjoy the spa. Stop by on your first day and set up appointments. They are open late, so spa time won’t impede on your other daily activities. And, those baths are soothing for your sun-kissed skin.
• There are plenty of activities on the island. Stop by reception and they will help you set anything up.
• Try Tomar – it’s a great experience! You need advanced reservations.
• If you can fly in and out of Cebu, I highly recommend it. If not, allow at least 3 hours when connecting in Manila for your onward flight out of the Philippines.
• I recommend a minimum of five days at Amorita.
• Amorita is part of One of Collection, a group that manages several properties throughout the Philippines. Check out their other properties for a “combo trip.”