*With contributions by Sarah Meyer The town of Oia on the Greek island of Santorini is the new kid on the block. A beautifully scenic 20 minute drive north from Fira, the capital of the island and the major draw, it’s the Malibu to Fira’s Beverly Hills. Smaller and more … Read more
A steep winding climb from the town square of Oia leads to the magic of Skala, hugging the sea in this tiny village on the island of Santorini. Verticality is part and parcel to this island where hotels and restaurants seem poised to fall into the ocean. Not Skala. The … Read more
Of the many restaurants that line the main drag of Santorini’s famous town of Fira in the Greek islands, Sphinx stands out. The flamingo pink color of the entire restaurant which is situated on numerous levels leading down to the sea, each one different from the other, is unmistakable. Pink … Read more
In the heart of Antwerp, nestled in tiny Oude Stad, where narrow, winding pedestrian-only streets form little puzzles of old cobble stones, heavy curtains drift behind tall windows in a stark white building that would otherwise have blended in with the other townhouses. It would only take a small distraction … Read more
Vinsanto, the restaurant at the Vedema Resort, knows a thing or two about making an entrance. Housed in a former 19th century winery, it’s (hands down) a world away from anything else on the island. Situated in the tiny town of Megalohori, 15 minutes’ drive from Fira on the island … Read more
The music at the pool bar is in a deep eighties groove. From David Bowie to the Thompson Twins, Alpha Ville to Bananarama, the sounds of the era of excess are taking center stage at the Aressana Hotel’s pool, that is, along with a gurgling waterfall and the occasional clink … Read more
Wow, talk about an entrance. After a breathtaking drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway out of Miami to Key Biscayne, the landmarked Rusty Pelican creates big drama. Like most restaurants hugging the water, the approach sets up expectations for a true waterfront dining experience. As one of the Florida Keys … Read more
Stepping into Sky Ounasvaara, it was crystal clear that the International Style had an impact on Finland. Even a Lapland hotel set deep within the woods, high on a hill overlooking Rovaniemi, Lapland’s capital, had bought into the architectural movement which epitomizes Modernism in a big way. It was … Read more
Chez Dominique A two star Michelin rating is a big deal in any country but in Finland it’s even bigger. It’s understandable that thoughts run toward France and the UK as far as award-winning cuisine, but who knew that Finland had ante-d up? I found out when I stepped foot … Read more
There’s nothing like the classics especially when it comes to French cuisine and even more so when you’re spending time in romantic Quebec City, which easily earns my vote for the best city for lovers in North America. Take a step into Cafe de la Paix with your significant other … Read more
If you’re in Montréal and really want to channel a French groove, head to Leméac. When this bilingual city has gotten its hooks into you and you’re practically becoming a Francophile, there is no better place to discover. The elegant vibe is close to Brasserie Lipp or La Coupole in … Read more
If you crave being in the vortex of the SoBe (South Beach) scene when you’re weekending in Miami, then head to Quattro. Don’t even think about what came primero (first), segundo (second) and terzo (third), Quattro, although 4th in name should be first in mind. Quattro, the restaurant of “gastronomia … Read more
SHERATON BUCKS COUNTY HOTEL Some interesting rock formations in a kind of pink quartz guide the way toward the spartan entrance to the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel and the driveway winds its way under a large porte cochere that can easily harbor 2 vehicles. Located in one of the main … Read more
Temple of Chic, Imaret Hotel Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and live like a Greek in an ancient place? Kavala is the place to do exactly that (and more). Northern Greece’s second largest city is just a few hours by car … Read more
Everything about Brazil is sexy from the music to the beach scene to Carnaval. In this lively country even the food is sensuous especially if the food is Brazilian comfort food with a twist. That is the first surprise at the trend setting Rio restaurant Miam Miam. Here, classic dishes … Read more