Agafay Desert, Morocco
Any trip to Marrakech would not be complete without a visit to the Agafay Desert. Unlike most deserts that come to mind, this is a stone desert, not sand making it very unique in composition. Sitting at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the views are just one of the many things that make this place special. Camel rides, ATV exploration, star gazing, camp fires, delicious food are what you can expect with a visit here.
Sleep… Scarabeo Camp is the only spot to be
Eat… the homemade food provided by the camp chefs
See… nature surrounding you at every turn
Marrakech, Morocco
The famed Red City…. what a spectacular place. I went in with high expectations and was not disappointed. The vibrant colors, the sweet scent of orange blossom, the bustle of the souks, the opulent hotels and hidden riads, the friendly locals, all come together for the perfect culture trip. There is no shortage of experiences to be had and seen, so keep your eyes open and let your wanderlust take control.
sleep: La Sultana, El Fenn, Royal Mansour, Ksar Char Bagh
eat: la maison arabe, la table maroccaine, comptoire darma, cafe des epices, la famille, fresh mint tea
see/do : YSL museum, le jardin majorelle, touring the medina by foot, getting lost in the souks, shopping for carpets and straw goods, a trip to la palmeraie
Coastal Morocco
A visit to Essaouira is like a trip back in time. The Atlantic port city is still surrounded by 18th century walls, lined with canons, ready for battle. A quiet escape from the hustle of Marrakech, but still has all the goods, including spices, rugs, leather goods and other Moroccan textiles. WEEKEND ESCAPE
sleep: riad baladin, villa maroc, dar maya, riad lyon mogador
eat: ocean vagabond, la table by madada
see/do: shop the souks, visit the fish market, wine tasting at val d'argan, sunset drinks at taros cafe
Coastal Morocco
This lesser-known surf town outside of Agadair, Morocco is as charming as it gets. The winding alleyways are filled with little shops and restaurants, all painted in the most vibrant hues. The consistent surf is just the cherry on top!
Sleep/Eat: Amouage, Surf Maroc
Do: Surf…
The South Island. Snowcapped mountains as far as the eye can see, lush green rolling hills, glacial lakes, fjords, hundreds of award winning vineyards, and more outdoor activity than one could possibly want to pack into a trip. ITS ALL GOOD.
sleep: Eichardts Private Hotel, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay
eat: Botswana Butchery, Rata, Amisfield Winery and Bistro, The Chop Shop
see: Dart River via jet boat, Milford sounds via helicopter, Arrowtown, Marlborough
NORTH ISLAND doesn't get the credit it deserves, sometimes sitting in the shadow of the South Island's stunning landscape. In fact, I would argue that if given the choice between the two, I would choose the North Island to go back to. Hundreds of vineyards, beautiful beaches and a subtropical climate make it a bucket-list must.
Sleep: The Boatshed, Huka Lodge, Cape Kidnappers, Warekauhau Lodge
Eat: The Oyster Inn, Mudbrick Vineyards, Origin Earth Cheese Company, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (and make sure to drink local NZ wines with every meal)
See: Waiheke Island, Man-o-War Vineyards, Tom's Bach, Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, golf at Cape Kidnappers, Wai-o-Tapu, and sheep... lots and lots of sheep. BAHHH.
Our Caribbean home away from home. This beautiful little island never disappoints. Come for the waves and white sand beaches, stay for the local Bajan flavor and rum punch. YUM.
Sleep: Sandy Lane, Lone Star, Cobblers Cove
Eat: The Cliff, Cin Cin by the Sea, Mullins Beach Bar
See: Freights Bay, chattel houses in Holetown, Bathsheba, monkeys
Both charming and hedonistic, New Orleans is a city with a little something for everyone. With it's Creole flavors, French influence and jazz music billowing out of every establishment, I challenge you not to have too much fun. TRY ME.
sleep: Old 77 Hotel, Ace Hotel, Hotel Monteleone
eat: beignets at cafe du monde, Compère Lapin, Commanders Palace for .25 martinis, Peche, Shaya, Arnauds
drink: Ace Hotel rooftop bar, Old Absinthe House, Carousel Bar, The Spotted Cat
see: Magazine Street, Frenchmen Street, Bourbon Street, Voodoo tour, Bachannal Wine, swamp tour, Preservation Hall
San Sebastián. More michelin star restaurants per square foot than anywhere else in the world. Also where Jesse and I got engaged. Come for the tapas, stay for the rioja. SALUD!
Sleep: Maria Christina, Los Parajes
Eat: Arzak, Akelarre, Bar Atari
See: furnacular to Monte Igueldo, wine tasting in Rioja, bar hopping in Old Town
A charming seaside town on France's Southwestern coast. Good waves, great food, the perfect little holiday.
Sleep: Hotel du Palais... the only gig in town
Eat: Le Surfing, Bar Jean, Chez Albert
See: Mercado les Halles, Hossegor for waves, la grande plage
Surf, Surf and more Surf. Oh, and giant starfish.
Welcome to the Golden State. Head North for an educated hippie flare, head south for green juice and botox. San Francisco serving up some of the best food in the country, while LA keeps the vegans happy
Sleep: Hotel Vitale, Post Ranch Inn, Surfrider Malibu
Eat: Delfina Pizzeria, Zazie, Gjelina, Botanica, Malibu Farms
See: Point Reyes hike, wine tasting in Napa/Sonoma, Hog Island, LACMA
The wettest place on earth, this island is magical in each and every way. Don't let the rain intimidate you, because once you're there, you will never want to leave. MAHALO.
Sleep: St. Regis Princeville
Eat: Bar Acuda, Le Dolphin, Wishing Well Shave Ice
See: Napali Trail, Ho'okipa Falls, Anini beach, Hanalei Pier
New England's best kept secret. And we'll keep it that way
Sleep: Nowhere
Eat: Nowhere
See: Everything
Surprisingly charming, this sweet little island. The perfect compliment to Kauai for some guaranteed sunshine. Don't forget to visit Paia. MAHALO.
Sleep: Four Seasons Wailea, Ritz Kapalua, Hotel Wailea
Eat: Mama's Fish House, Flatbread Company, Nobu
See: Sunrise atop Haleakala, Makawao, turtles at Ho'okipa, surfing at Peahi (look don't touch)
Beautifully relaxed and unpretentious, while somehow having everything you might want in a Costa Rican holiday. Amazing waves, long sandy beaches, delicious food and tons of yoga. NAMASTE.
Sleep… Harmony Hotel, Bodhi Tree
Eat… La Luna, Harmony hotel, El Chivo, Go Juice
See/Do… Surf at Playa Guiones, Massages at Harmony Hotel, quad around town, yoga
A New England dream, Nantucket has it all, and there are crowds to prove it. Go in the fall to have the island to yourself and enjoy some of the regions' best weather. Pricey flights and long commutes keep the fray away.
Sleep… 21 Broad, White Elephant, Summerhouse
Eat… Boarding House, Straight Wharf Restaurant, Juice Bar, Black Eyed-Susans, Toppers at Wauwinet, Something Natural
See/Do… Brant Point Lighthouse, Cisco Brewery, Bartletts Farm, Siasconset cliff walk, rent a bike
Sayulita is the sleepy, hippie surf town that is minutes away from breaking onto the travel scene, so you better get there soon! The narrow streets have tons of little shops filled with local artisan crafts, brightly colored woven pillows and blankets, hand painted tiles, and so much more. If it’s good food you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed. People come to Sayulita for the long, mellow waves, and stay for the vibrant yet laid bak way of life. The great thing about this town? There are no major hotel brands yet, so it still feels-off-the-beaten-path.
Sleep…. Petit Hotel Hafa, Villa Amor, Casa Dos Chicos
Eat…. Don Pedros, La Esperanza, La Rustica
See/Do…. Shop at Evoke, get a surf lesson, find the hookah bar with swings!
Nestled away in the middle of the South Pacific, are the majestic islands of Tahiti, also known as the French Polynesia. Each island has its' own very distinct vibe and flavor, so to make the most of your trip, island hopping is the only way to go. ALL ABOARD.
sleep: Relais Mahana, The Brando, Le Taha'a
eat: poisson cru, tahitian vanilla ice cream, catch of the day
see/do: snorkeling in the coral gardens, Tahitian pearl farm, Polynesian dance, reef sharks in the wild