Mexicoma
Third times a charm in the magical land known as Tulum. Since the first moment I stepped foot on this narrow strip of land nestled between jungle and ocean I fell in love. The sights, the smells and the tastes... oh my the tastes. I have to say Tulum is home to some of the best food I've had anywhere in the world. It's like they dropped the best restaurants from LA and NYC in the middle of the jungle. Disco balls and perfectly curated shops amongst cenotes and ruins. And all you need is a bike (or one of the many taxis) to take you around all the while a cool ocean breeze blows through your hair. I was a bit sad that Coqui Coqui closed due to government land issues... but once I saw Nomade I was sad no longer. It's a bit bohemian, a little Moroccan and completely fabulous. The menu, the beach and the rooms are some of my faves in tulum (some even have AC which is a rarity in this eco-chic town). They have tents, hammocks, ceviche and smoothie bowls... what more could one need for a perfect eco-retreat. We hedged our bets with a 3 year old by stopping for a couple nights in Playa Del Carmen before heading south for a few less amenities but a whole lot more personality. And don't forget to pack your best mono-chromatic beachwear (any gauzy little linen number will do) but leave the hairdryer at home. The smells of Tulum are so special that anytime I find a piece of clothing I forgot to wash its like every perfect moment comes flooding back. Tulum... I freaking heart you ❤️.
Stay - Nomade
Eat - Hartwood , Casa Banana, Casa Jaguar, Posada Marguerita
Wear- Sir the Label , visor and bags Helen Kaminski, Cecelie Copenhagen, Zara yellow dress, prism swimwear, Ganni black dress , Nomadic state of mind (rope sandals) , Beek sandals , Isabel Marant Jaeryn sandals, Raquel Allegra , Redone denim
Stella wearing - Boy and Girl , Nico Nico , Black Crane
Cote D'Azur
The second leg of our French adventure was spent in Provence and the south of France. We took the train to Avignon (I left my new Gucci bag on the train and it took a trip all alone down to Marseille... thanks to Tom for saving the day) and rented a car before heading to a gorgeous house just outside Oppede in the Luberon. We found the most gorgeous home on Homeaway with a pool and plenty of space to accommodate an entire family. The restaurants in Provence were just amazing and traveling there in September meant the weather was fabulous with absolutely no crowds to fight. After Provence we headed to Cassis which happened to be my favorite stop on the trip. The MOST charming seaside town... with amazing food and scenery (shopping wasn't too shabby either). We took a boat around the Calanques and wandered around town eating and drinking until our hearts content before heading to Cannes for the night. We stayed at Le Grand Hotel Cannes and I have to say the location was perfect and the decor were so retro I loved it (would definitely stay again and again). Even though it was September it was still plenty warm to swim at the beach and enjoy the sunshine. Our final stop on the Côte d'Azur tour was Juan Les Pins with a stay at the famous Belles Rives hotel where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived with his wife Zelda. This was south of France glamour and luxury at its finest... absolutely gorgeous. Our days were spent exploring the pastel lined streets of Antibes and a heart stopping Ferris wheel ride (open air and quite terrifying with a 2 year old!) with gorgeous views is not to be missed either. We flew out of Nice with our hearts and stomachs full... and my wallet empty. Until next time France... Au Revoir.
Stay - Homeaway, Belles Rives, Le Grand Hotel
Wearing - KES (black frayed edge dress), scotch and soda (striped shirt), nomadic state of mind (rope sandals) Dear Society (off shoulder black dress, striped romper, straw clutch and golden dress) Doen dress (flower dress), APC denim skirt, J Crew swimwear, Tony Bianco mules, Janessa Leone hat.
That 70s show
Pants - Nathalie Dumeix
Knit - Dear Society
Shoes - Mango
Bracelet - Miansai
Having just gotten back from Paris I wanted to kick myself for not visiting Nathalie Dumeix while I was there. But alas... they ship to the U.S. and I couldn't have been happier with the corduroy high waisted magic that appeared on my doorstep. They may be my favorite pants of all time and paired with a this ribbed knit from Dear Society (or any top for that matter) you have the perfect "I just threw this on" look. These shoes have given me a whole new respect level for Mango and the bracelet is from Bird in Brooklyn.
Viva La Cuba
Havana, Cuba has to be one of the most magical places I've ever been. I flew American Airlines (the ticket included health insurance but not a visa, I purchased it seperately) and we booked an Airbnb right in the middle of old Havana (a Cuban family hosted). We truly had a "person to person" experience like no other and I have to say I felt an amazing connection to the people and culture. We took toothbrushes, baseballs and toys for the children (don't go empty handed). Our trip happened to fall over the national mourning of Fidel which meant no shows, no music and no alcohol. But we listened to music in cabs or during our vintage car tour (a must). We road tripped to Vinales and road on horseback to a tobacco farm. We ate the most incredible food and drank the world famous coffee until our hearts desire. The most important tip is once you arrive there will be Cubans who want to act as your city guide/helpers (no internet or texting which means also no google maps) and I strongly suggest your find one and use them (pay in tips at the end of the day). We also stayed at a hotel our final night and hands down our Airbnb experience was the best. We loved our host and being in the middle of old Havana as opposed to being surrounded by other tourists at an overpriced hotel. Expect things to move slower in Cuba... especially at the airport. No credit cards can be used so take as much cash as you think you will need. It was an incredible experience I will forever cherish and I can't wait to go back someday.
Stay- Airbnb , Hotel Nacional
Eat- La Guarida, Cafe Bohemia, any local restaurant and order the Ropa Vieja, Cafe Reilly for coffee. Rooftop of Hotel Ambos Mundos for lunch, La Floridita for drinks.
Do- Vintage car tour, Vinales Valley (horseback ride) , Varadero Beach (we didn't make it but everyone says its gorgeous), visit the 5 Plaza's in old Havana, Revolution Museum, Fabrica de Arte
Wearing - Shop Doen , Redone denim skirt , Reformation, Cecilie Copenhagen, Jcrew swimsuit