“Is this real life?” Gina, my companion wondered aloud. “Or is it fantasy?” I chimed in reply. We were standing, gobsmacked, in the courtyard between our rooms of the Riad Maison Bleue hotel. The equivalent of a manor, “riad” means “garden” in Arabic, and allusions to an oasis aren’t that … Read more
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I’ve fantasized about throwing in the towel and moving to a tropical island. You know, one of those picture-perfect beaches spread across the travel magazines, comprised of two parts sugary sand, one part bright blue sea, and 100% get-your-groove-back. I had a … Read more
Famous for opening Europe’s first Grand Hotel in 1865, the Langham Hospitality Group has set out to make their mark again with the opening of Langham Place in the historically rich city of Haining, about 75 miles west of Shanghai. With a façade inspired by traditional Chinese windows and latticed … Read more
When the sun is finally appearing for more than 12 hours a day, it’s time to enjoy the beauties of summer. We girls love to wear skimpy, spaghetti strap dresses now, not only for keeping cool, but also to feel sexy. But now that you’re showing more skin, do you … Read more
It took a little white but Florentine designer Roberto Cavalli finally managed to make the fashion pack sit-up and take notice. With a global empire of stores in 33 countries around the world, it’s safe to say he is well on his way to becoming an icon in Italian fashion. … Read more
Located in Western Maryland where Interstates 81 and 70 intersect, Hagerstown was once a pit stop on my road trips through the area. But when I was gassing up the car and grabbing food to go I had no clue what this charming little city had to offer. Situated against … Read more
New York is one of the few cities where menus know no ethnic bounds. Yet Filipino food remains foreign to many New Yorkers, an unfamiliar fare that I’ve discovered is delicious. As I stepped into Maharlika, an inviting 40-seat East Village eatery that could easily get lost in the shuffle … Read more
July 4th weekend is just about here, and whether you’re flying private or commercial to Hawaii, driving or taking a helicopter to the Hamptons, or jetting home from a week long business trip to meet your family and friends in time for a BBQ, the recently launched DUFL app makes … Read more
Is your ideal vacation one where you barely have to lift a finger? Then we have a lot in common! Think ancient Roman aristocracy lounging around, being hand fed grapes, and you get a sense of what I’m looking for. Everyone knows that you can expect to receive that kind … Read more
What do Jan Vermeer, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Vivienne Westwood have in common? They are the inspiration behind the Baltazar Hotel’s 11-individually themed rooms and suites, each an explosion of creativity at this boutique property in Budapest. It is this offbeat pursuit of an ultra-cool aestheticism that characteristically describes … Read more
The world is your oyster when it comes to traveling for divine cultural foods. From Caribbean grub to South American staples to European delicacies, let the Squire take you on a delectable journey around the globe that will make your mouth water all the way to the airport! Jamaica Jamaica … Read more
The Redbury Bordello Chic on Hollywood and Vine What is the most famous intersection in Los Angeles? The answer of course is the legendary Hollywood and Vine. Once again these avenues are making history all over again as the location of the The Redbury. The Redbury is where bordello chic meets … Read more
How do you make a mango shake? Well, you take it to a scary movie! (cue sympathy laughs). Or, you could catch a plane to St. Lucia to learn how to make everything from shakes to chutney with the world’s favorite fruit. From June 19-23, The Jade Mountain Resort will … Read more
Most New Yorkers won’t be quick to forget the long, long winter of 2015 and if nothing else, it made us eager for summer. Some of us actually planned our summer trips back in January in the middle of a snowstorm! And now, here we are almost there and it’s … Read more
Wondering how many trips to the beach were made last year in the U.S.? The Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports there were nearly 100 million! It’s not hard to understand why most Americans love going to the beach – but for those who are fair skinned, an entire day in … Read more