I’ve only been to NY for work so I was due for an actual trip back, and what better excuse than to go celebrate my sister’s birthday? Since it was freezing, we spent most of our time keeping warm in coffee shops and eating almost every hour.

Just 90 minutes outside of Cabo is a town that is such a hidden gem that I’m reluctant to really share it. However, to keep it to myself would be a shame as La Paz is a place that everyone should experience at least once. While Cabo is known for large resorts and a lively night scene, La Paz is the complete opposite and is best for those who want a real adventure.

There is so much to do in Bali and a week is just too short to see it all. We weren’t able to meet up with Instafriends in Canggu, we didn’t get to see the epic sunrises everyone talks about at the beaches, and we didn’t have time to squeeze in a day trip to the Lembongan Island. However, we made the most of the time we had and jammed our schedule to fit in at least 10 major activities during our trip.

After an hour and some change at the airport and another hour in traffic, we turned left into a narrow alleyway and started questioning whether the driver knew where he was going. Within a few short minutes, we arrive to a gated property and stop right in front of a lobby, where we were warmly greeted with fragrant floral lei’s and a welcome drink. We arrived, after 20+ hours of traveling; we have arrived to a place we were going to call “home” for the next few days.

The last family trip I had was during my teenage years and I think it was one of those tours from LA to Yosemite, on a bus filled with other families. I didn’t have the best time and I never wanted to go on another trip after that, however with my nephew turning 1, I knew I had to celebrate in a big way. Our family dynamics have shifted after his arrival and we are much closer now than in the last decade, so it was the perfect opportunity to go to one of my favorite cities for the weekend, San Diego. Luckily, I was able to partner up with Monarch Luxury Villas to ensure this family trip would be a success —and it was!

If you don’t already know, OSEA is my favorite skincare brand and has been for the last two years. There is no other brand I trust more especially after battling cystic acne. Not only is OSEA located in California, they are also family own and is committed to non-toxic beauty by using only plant-based, vegan ingredients. You can literally just feel the difference with OSEA and as much as I rave about it, there is no better way to say it than to prove it. Therefore, I decided to treat KSOLE to his first ever facial and of course, it had to be with OSEA.

Kauai is the 4th largest island and is often called the Garden Island. Known for its beautiful rainforests, the Napali coast, Waimea Canyon, and 111 miles of coastline, Kauai has more accessible beaches than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. There are 8 major waterfalls on the island with Waipoo in Waimea Canyon being the highest, falling at 800 feet. If you’re looking for a place to disconnect, explore and spend the majority of the time outdoors, than look no further because Kauai is it.

Waking up before the sunrise in LA is out of the question for me, as my view from my apartment isn’t anything spectacular. However, it was a breeze waking up at 6AM each morning at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. With the sunrise around 6:30AM, it gave me enough time to get my coffee, settle into our balcony, and watch the skies turn into shades of pink and orange. I couldn’t get enough of it and with the pond right below us, watching the swans and koi fish swimming around just put me in the best mood everyday. Then again, you’re in Kauai, so can you really complain about anything?

The best thing you can do for yourself is make yourself a priority, even just for a weekend. I promise you’ll feel much more focused, refreshed, and energized after a weekend away in Indian Wells at Miramonte Resort and Spa. Take a friend, a sister or your better half if you wish or just getaway on your own. It’s not only needed, but it is necessary.

The hotel itself blends design elements of rustic and elegance from the lobby to the rooms, beautiful interior selections and spacious rooms. However, with most boutique hotels, it isn’t a huge property and therefore, the one thing I believe they do need to improve upon is their staff.

Alongside our welcome tray was hand-written postcard from the front desk welcoming me. Sure, notes are standard for guests but this postcard also had little hand drawn graphics of all the places I visited on my last trip in Portland - places I blogged about in this post. I love when a hotel does their research and takes the time out to know who they are expecting, it shows that they really do care (and being a fan of my blog is a major plus!)

I had the pleasure of staying at Sofitel in Chicago, as they have partnered up with Dîner en Blanc International this year, which is an invite-only picnic that occurs in more than 80 cities around the world. Having loved attending the last three Diner en Blanc in LA, I was excited to be experiencing this event in a different city.

Punta Mita is a gated peninsula, secluded and protected by a security booth at the front of the entrance. Beyond these gates was our home for the four days, the Four Seasons. The drive through the peninsula was filled with palm trees and an amazing ocean view, which our driver paused briefly to allow us to admire it. Upon arriving at the hotel we were taken aback by how large the property really is. 

Pier Market is the first 100% SF green business certified restaurant and the first on the entire Fisherman's Wharf. They are 3rd generation family-owned, and the owner of the restaurant is the one who built Pier 39, which I found to be really cool. The seafood is 100% sustainable and delivered fresh every day. We were so impressed by these facts that we did hold some high expectations for our dining experience. 

Chef Peggy Tan and her staff curated a special tasting menu for us that evening, which showcased a few of their most popular dishes and a couple of unique staples like the hamachi shooters, that are given as starters. Throughout the night, each course became more engaging in flavors and presentation. No two dishes tasted the same and each one left us anxiously waiting to see what the Chef had up next.

While there are plenty of tricks on Youtube on methods of packing a carry-on, I decided to share my own tidbits and tips for a three-day, in addition to what the must-have outfits are for a getaway.

in eight months…

Have you ever stepped inside a hotel and have it take your breathe away? I never thought a hotel lobby could me leave speechless, but as soon as I walked into the Allegro in Chicago, I was at a loss for words.

Within the last few trips, I've further prolonged my return and while I always have a good time, let's be real. After 21, the fun and excitement of Las Vegas dwindled. In fact, since turning 30 (earlier this year), the very thought of Vegas had me exhausted. However, with this last trip, I had the pleasure of staying at the Palazzo and experienced the city on a whole new level. 

Ojai is a beautiful valley and what I consider a hidden gem, as I believe that it's often overlooked by many. Whenever I'm looking for a quiet getaway for the weekend, I always think of Ojai. Why? Well, aside from the breathtaking views, Ojai is simple in comparison to LA.