One of the most requested destinations in Italy is the Amalfi Coast.  There are so many beautiful areas and hotels to stay in, how do you choose?  Each has a different element, a different story, a different feel.  For my upcoming stay in Italy, after a few nights in Rome - the next stop is the beautiful Santa Caterina Hotel in Amalfi.  
This destination is a secret kept amongst high profile clients, celebrities and VIPs - but I am here to share it with you!  Make sure to follow along with my social media posts to see why this hotel is the first choice for me when visiting this region.
Located on an expansive estate, surrounded by orange and lemon groves (from what I hear, some of the best lemons in the world!), with outside elevator access to the pool, spa and bathing platform - it's the perfect location with the most breathtaking views.  I can't wait to share my experiences in real time with you!
Also, as a Virtuoso property, don't forget to reach out to me to take advantage of the amazing Virtuoso amenities!  These include breakfast daily for two, upgrade upon arrival (based on availability) and so much more!  Feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected]

My Italy trip is less than two weeks away and I'm so excited.  I have the itinerary and list of hotels and the first two nights are in Rome.  Before I dive into the other great properties and itinerary, I wanted to share my first hotel on this trip - The St Regis Rome!
Though the hotel was originally opened in 1894, this beautiful historic hotel was meticulously renovated in 2019 that kept it's rich history intact (including the original 19th century elevator that is said to be one of the oldest working lifts in the city).  The price tag of this renovation?  Over $45 million.  
Centrally located in one of the city's most impressive palazzos, within walking distance to Via Veneto, the Spanish Steps, and close proximity to other landmarks as the Colloseum and the Trevi Fountain, it's the perfect, luxurious home away from home while you explore the Eternal City.
So excited to see and stay at this amazing property.  What would you like to see?  What would you like to know?  If you're interested in booking this property, please contact me! As a preferred travel advisor I can get you some awesome perks such as upgrades, breakfast & credits on your stay.  Contact me at [email protected].  

It's that time... I'm starting to do research for my next trip!  This October, I'm taking a trip of a lifetime with an amazing group of women and can not wait! We are headed to Italy! We all have the same love for travel, food and experiences which translates to some amazing pictures, posts, and stories to come.  In the meantime, I want to highlight the itinerary and some of the properties that will be a part of this incredible journey.  I'm doing things a little out of order this time, which I think will be a lot of fun.  I usually write about my experiences after they happen, but this time, I want to share what to expect and in turn, ask your thoughts, what you want to know and if you have suggestions on what to do and see and personal stories you'd like to share!  I can't wait to highlight the exciting things that are in store and can't wait to hear your feedback (and  your stories!)  on these fabulous destinations!  

Any guesses on our first stop!?!  Here's a clue....

 This summer, after the crazy year we've all had, I decided we all needed some time out of the desert and a week in paradise.  Southwest Airlines just started a non stop from Las Vegas to Honolulu and thought it was a perfect time to try it (not to mention take advantage of the promotion rates they had available).    Here are some tips and takeaways for travel to Oahu, especially with your family!


1.  Before you travel to Hawaii, make sure you review the COVID procedure and protocols.  Hawaii is very strict with their rules and regulations and just like every other destination, they are changing by the day.  I always suggest working with a travel advisor to make sure you have an advocate and someone to assist you with these requirements.  Here's the site that has all the information for entry into Hawaii.  As of right now you need to be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID test from a Hawaii Trusted Partner within 72 hours of departure to enter the state.  This again can change at anytime, so be flexible and remember to check constantly!

2.  Be prepared for your flight.  One of the requirements is having registered with the Safe Travels program.  With that said, you will have a QR code that you will need to present several times.  Either before or after you land into Hawaii and arrival at your hotel.  With that said, I suggest a portable battery charger and keep your charger cord available!  This can come in handy!  Also, if you are traveling with an 8 year old (like we were), it was also convenient for charging gaming devices and tablets for entertainment during a 6 hour flight!  Also, make sure you have an approved face mask for your flight.  Airlines and airports are requiring face masks for the entire duration of your flight.  Please keep this in mind and if you're not comfortable with that, maybe consider postponing your trip until you are comfortable.

3.  Make sure you pick the right resort for you!  Here's where having a travel advisor comes in really handy!  There are so many hotel options on Oahu, especially in Waikiki.  We decided to stay at the Royal Hawaiian for several reasons.  For one, the location is amazing.  The grounds and size of the resort was a perfect fit for me and my family's travel style.  The sister property next door, was the Sheraton Waikiki.  A beautiful place with great options, but I knew that I preferred the style, the layout and the size of the resort we decided to stay in.  An awesome travel advisor will get to know you and what you want and what your budget is.  They will use this information to give you some options and that's where you have to make a decision on what the right fit is for you!

4.  Feel free to explore!  Though my family tends to enjoy lazy and relaxing vacations with laying on the beach and pool, we did take a couple days to explore the island.  We had plenty of lazy days where we didn't plan a single thing other than pool and beach time, but we set aside one full day to explore the island and another day to explore Waikiki specifically.  Kualoa Ranch was a family favorite.  There was so much to do!  It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen!  We love movies and the nostalgic feeling we had exploring the ranch and seeing all the movie film sites was priceless.  We also headed up to the North Shore and stopped at Matsumoto's for their famous shave ice.  We ended the day with a stop to Leonard's bakery for some of the best malasadas in the world (custard filled is my favorite)!  Our day of exploration was fueled by beautiful sites and yummy one of a kind eats!

5.  Make your dinner reservations early!  Even though we're still in a pandemic, travel is increasing and staffing is still limited.  I'd suggest making dinner reservations before you even travel to the island.  For our family, we found some great quick eat restaurants and places that took walk ins because our palette is much different than our 8 year old's!  We found a great food court at the Royal Hawaiian Center that allowed us to get poke, ramen, and even dim sum while the little one had subway and we all sat at the same table.  If you don't make reservations, you'll still be able to find great places to eat - just be prepared for a wait or to be flexible on where to go.

6.  Be flexible!  Travel ANYWHERE is a bit difficult at the moment. Travel insurance has been my saving grace through the pandemic.  I've luckily never had to use it, but feel safer knowing I am protected.  Be prepared for changing procedures, protocols, requirements, and remember to be kind.  Sometimes we don't have control over things like airline schedule changes, lines for restaurants, hotels not having all the amenities available due to current situations or things just not being open.  Just remember we're all in this together and all looking forward to a time in the future that we no longer have to worry about some of these things.  Till then, lets be kind and patient and focus on the things we can do!

It's been a tough few months for everyone, especially those in the travel industry.  This billion dollar industry has come to a complete hault.  From people that worked in a hotel, airlines, call centers and even fellow travel agencies (owners, advisors, administration), it's been rough.  After being in quarantine for several months, after speaking with travel industry friends and hoteliers, I felt that it was time for me to see how safe travel really is during Covid-19.  

I was so happy to be able to visit the beautiful Le Blanc Los Cabos for my first outing, and let me give you my tips and pointers about this gorgeous, award winning, luxury all inclusive property in Los Cabos, Mexico.

1.  Take advantage of the spa.  During the stressful times we're in, the beautiful spa is an oasis on it's own.  With your all inclusive package, the hydrotherapy is included without having to book a spa treatment.  Take this time to destress, enjoy your vacation and be in a state of serenity and bliss!
Insider TIp:  Make a reservation!  With COVID-19 restrictions, they can only allow a certain number of people in the hydrotherapy areas as well as in the spa area.  

2.  Use your butlers!  One of my favorite things about this property is having a butler on every floor.  They can do everything from helping you unpack, setting up dining reservations, or helping retrieve something you have forgotten in your room while you're by the pool!  They are there to help, and very eager to do so!
Insider Tip:  Ask them to set up a bath for you!  They can also set up aromatherapy in your room, you won't regret it!

3.  Eat!  With several dining options, you can't go wrong.  From the 24 hour room service menu to the Blanc Pizza, you really can't go wrong.  Blanc Asia is one of my favorites, and they even have lobster available (no extra cost).  The only restaurant that has an upcharge is Lumiere if you decide to do a tasting menu with wine pairings, otherwise you can order from the regular menu at Lumiere with no additional charge.  I recommend the chilaquiles for breakfast, but that's always my go to while in Mexico!  They do ask for allergies or special diets everytime you eat, so if you are vegan, gluten free, or have any allergies, please let them know and they are happy to accomodate you!
Insider Tip:  Don't forget to visit the coffee shop for light treats and snacks.  From crepes to sandwiches, the coffee shop can also offer homemade ice cream, gelato and an impressive chocolate and macaron bar!

4.  Use your pool concierge!  The pool staff is incredible!  From the moment you arrive at the pool, the concierge will help you get organized at your pool chair with ice buckets and bottled water.  The pool server will also come by to take your drink order.  Need more towels?  Not a problem.  Need your umbrella adjusted for more or less sun?  That's what they're there for!  Seriously, the purpose of your vacation is to relax, and that's what they're there for!
Insider Tip:  Don't miss ice cream service in the afternoons and churro service at 4pm!  There's nothing like a fresh churro and the cart cooks and serves them fresh every afternoon!  I would suggest eating at least two, one with caramel and one plain!  You'll thank me later.

5.  Stay safe.  Le Blanc has done an amazing job with the safety and health protocols.  They have Purely Le Blanc amenities in the room, which include masks, disinfectant wipes, sanitizer and they also offer sanitizer all over the property.  When you check into the hotel, you are temperature checked, you're asked to clean your shoes, and offered sanitizer everywhere you go.  Also, they disinfect your luggage to further protect you, the staff and other guests.  Rooms are deeply cleaned and are left to rest for at least 24 hours before anyone else can use the room and are sealed shut until the guest checks in.  They are practicing social distancing throughout the resort, all the staff are required to wear masks, and they have QR codes to scan in every restaurant and offer sanitizer for you and your phones at the dining outlets.  They do an incredible job and I felt completely safe while I was there!

Not everyone is ready to travel yet, and that's ok.  But when you are ready, this is a great property to visit and we'll all be ready to welcome and help you!  Muchas gracias!!!

Yes, Wanderlist.  Everyone has a different name for it - most popular is probably Bucket List.  But being from Blissful Travel, Wanderlist sounds so much more, well... Blissful  :).  A Wanderlist is a travel portfolio that helps capture your dreams and prioritize what matters most – a clear path to mapping out your future travel possibilities.

I have been lucky enough to travel a lot in my life, but there are still so many places I want and need to go.  A lot of people take this time to make a list of resolutions and goals.  I make Wanderlists. I take into consideration special events such as the Olympics (happening this year in Japan), the Raiders moving to my home town of Las Vegas, and even the Oberammergau,  a Passion play that started over 400 years ago, which only happens every 10 years.  

I also take into consideration special personal events or wishes.  I have clients that want to explore their family lineage and visit small towns in Italy to meet cousins and great aunts they have never met before.  I have clients that have always wanted to visit their parent's hometowns in small provinces in the Philippines that they've only seen pictures of.  I have clients that just want to go on Safari in Africa or swim in the Dead Sea, just because - which is just as valid of a reason to go!

This New Year, take some time to make a Wanderlist and feel free to reach out to me to help you put one together.   Just like goals and resolutions, they won't take one month or a year to achieve, and they will constantly grow and change as our world does.  Let me help you plan and capture your travel dreams this 2020 and beyond!

Happy New Year!!!
​

Last week, I spent a couple days at the incredible Greenhorn Ranch in Quincy, CA.  About an hour and a half away from Reno airport, it was a destination that I didn't even know existed!  The drive was easy, entertaining and this city girl was definitely intrigued.  I passed through towns that boasted population counts of 126 people, and I just smiled in delight. This was going to be an adventure!

This guest ranch is a great destination for families, for girlfriend getaways, guys weekends or couples looking to detach from the world and reconnect, and if your main objective is to ride horses, learn about them, and really immerse yourself in a guest ranch experience, this is the place for you.  If you're looking for a place to host a destination wedding, it's intimate enough to buy out the entire ranch and have 90 people on property.  The photo shoot and ceremony locations are breathtaking, definitely IG worthy!
​
Here are my tips and takeaways on how to spend your time at Greenhorn Ranch!

1.  Take advantage of riding lessons and sign up for a trail that fits your experience level.  I had not ridden a horse since I was a kid and this was all new to me.  The first afternoon I was there, I took a little introduction lesson and hit the trail for just a couple of minutes to get comfortable with the saddle, how to use the reigns and get acquainted with the horses.   If you are an experienced rider and prefer to lope, they will just check your experience level to get you on the right trail or practice with you more in the arena and make sure you are safe and work with you until you get it!
Insider tip:  They'll match you with the best horse that fits your needs and comfort level, but Paleface was my buddy for the week and took such good care of me!

2.  EAT!!!  Meals are included at the guest ranch and if you're thinking bland burgers and hot dogs, think again! Chef Scott made sure we were happy and full all week.  From fritatas for breakfast, Thai curry for lunch and the most delicious duck confit I have ever tasted for dinner, the menu changed daily and there was never a day I left the Chuckhouse (where most the meals are served) unsatisfied.  Don't worry, there was also deli meats and cheeses for more simpler and lighter lunches, as well as fruit and yogurt for breakfast.  There were different options available and just let them know your dietary restrictions and they'll make sure to take care of you!
Insider tip:  If you happen to be there on the rare occasion that they make homemade donuts for breakfast, do NOT skip them!  These are the most delicious pockets of heaven I have ever tasted!

3.  Participate in as many activities as you can!  There are schedules available and program director available for you to discuss what's available and things to do, like skeet shooting!  I have shot handguns at a gun range before, but I had never done skeet shooting with a shot gun and this was so much fun.  Being left handed was a bit of a challenge, but did manage to hit 3 out of 10 targets.  This city girl was not doing so bad!  But if skeet shooting isn't your thing, you can fish (they have a pond on site), practice archery,  swim (they have a pool!) or just relax and enjoy the scenery.  Talk to the program director on site to see what other fun activities they have in store!
Insider Tip:  Let me help you book this trip so I can coordinate a special activity that includes being with the horses while they are in their natural state, without saddles or reigns, grazing in the meadow.  Being able to meet the horses up close and really get to know their personality and how they are cared for was my favorite activity of the week.  I learned so much from their handlers and the horses themselves that I will forever take with me.

4.  Don't go to bed early!  After dinner, they had activities for everyone to do.  From making s'mores at the bonfire, to line dancing lessons to karaoke, there wasn't a night that wasn't full of entertainment (from the guests and staff!).  Grab a drink from the talented mixologist, Naomi, in the saloon.  She's handcrafted some cool cocktails using local distilled liquor from Shelter Distilling, based in Mammoth.  If karaoke isn't your thing, play a few rounds of pool or ping pong and enjoy the night.  There really is something for everyone.
Insider Tip:  If you happen to be at the ranch during a full moon, take a minute to lay in one of the hammocks outside and just take it in.  Super beautiful site!

5.  Detach!  There isn't any phone service or TVs.  This place will really help you take a much needed electronics break to spend time with your loved ones and others at the ranch.  It really becomes a social gathering during breakfast, lunch and dinner, as everyone (staff and guests) get together to share a meal and chat.   Get to know your fellow ranch mates and the staff, it's a lot of fun and who knows, you may develop some friendships you didn't expect!
Insider Tip:  If you must, there is WiFi in certain areas of the ranch.  Take a break in the Lodge next to the fire and check emails from there in between activities or first thing in the morning.  Or maybe update your Instagram page to make your friends jealous... it really is a gorgeous place.

They are currently doing some great renovations at the ranch over the winter break and will be reopening for the season in April.  They are a seasonal ranch, so contact me to get pricing, available dates and to book your next trip or to take a tour to see if it's the perfect place for your wedding, corporate retreat or incentive group!  

Contact me today to learn more about this great destination and get ready to Cultivate your Cowboy!