Travelista73: January 2015

Birthday Blessings

January 31, 2015

Today I celebrate another birthday. What an incredible gift that is. Not everyone is given such a blessing and for that I am immensely grateful. As a new chapter in my journey unveils itself, I think back to all the magical and beautiful moments that have made this past year so memorable. There was zip-lining through the rainforest in Panama, eating among the ruins of Casco Viejo, watching incredible sunsets throughout the Greek islands, sipping daiquiris in Havana, sailing the Cuba keys, visiting castles in the Loire Valley, museums and shopping in Paris, discovering my colonial motherland in London, and dining above the Manhattan skyline. Each experience enriching my life in new and profound ways, but the one thing that continues to enrich my life is LOVE. The thing I hold most precious.

How lucky am I to be so deeply loved and to share such profound love in return. Not many people can say that. Love is the one thing that cannot be bought and what a blessing to be gifted an abundance of it in my life.

Many new adventures await me this year. The future is brighter than ever because we hold within us the power to make it everything we want it to be. I don’t have all the secrets of the universe, but what I know for sure is this: If you embrace each moment with fearless abandon and courageously pursue the life you want, love and light will guide you and you will see your star rise higher than you ever imagined possible. Happiness is yours for the taking. It’s your life, and yours to live. Live it!

On this special day I want to THANK YOU for being a part of my life; for your kindness, friendship and encouragement. I am so grateful to all of you for opening your hearts and lives to me each day. I am humbled by such graciousness. Because of you I have become a citizen of the world and am filled with hope knowing that together our journey will be a better one.

Cheers to another birthday and to savouring all the moments. In the end, they are what life is made of and what a great life it is.

Love,

Travelista73

Dorchester Collection

Inspire Romance in Paris

January 23, 2015

Intimate cafés, sensuous cuisine, timeless architecture, priceless works of art, chic boutiques, luxury hotels and fine lingerie; the “City of Light” has all the ingredients for an unforgettable rendezvous for two. No other city in the world is quite like Paris. Its seductive backdrop a character in innumerable love stories, on-and off-screen.

Paris is magical all year round. Nothing inspires the magic of romance like a stay in one of Paris’ historic palace hotels that know how to roll out the red carpet and make you feel like a princess. Marble bathrooms, fine linens, antique furnishings, Michelin-star restaurants, luxury spas and impeccable views of Paris’ spectacular skyline, all invoke romance.

The quintessential definition of romance is embodied in the opulent Le Meurice that sits opposite the beautiful Tuileries Garden. Their luxurious suites and rooms offer breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Jardin de Tuileries, Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre and the scenic Seine River. It is the picture-perfect setting to sip champagne with your love, as you watch the sun set over the most romantic city in the world. Within walking distance of Paris’ most iconic sites, its incredible location is perfect for you to set out and explore.

Paris is a haven for chocolate lovers, and there is no better place to indulge then at the renowned Salon de Thé and Pâtissier Angelina, located next to Le Meurice. Start your day with a cup of their famous chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) while strolling through the picturesque Jardin du Tuileries. This beautiful garden was once the private site of many royal residences. On a warm day, do as Parisians do, and unfurl a blanket to enjoy a picnic in the park.

Immortalize your love on a padlock or take a romantic selfie on the Pont des Arts, the famous “love-locking” bridge, then make your way towards the striking Musée d'Orsay on Paris’ Left Bank in Saint-Germain-Des-Prés. The museum is located in a former Beaux-Arts railway station and houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world. If you prefer older works, on the Right Bank you will find the massive centuries-old palace known as the Musée du Louvre. The building itself, with its famous glass pyramid is worth seeing, especially at night when you can sit back with a bottle of wine and marvel at the amber lit view.

Paris’ culinary scene is one of the most enviable in the world. Enjoy a meal of steak frites at the ever popular Le Relais de L’Entrecôte. This 80 year old traditional Parisian restaurant only serves steak and an endless supply of golden frites coupled with their secret sauce and a selection of delicious desserts. It is the perfect Parisian meal.

Paris’ quaint streets are lined with chic boutiques and art nouveau cafés filled with wicker-chairs and the chatter of patrons enjoying the French Art of Living. Take a stroll through the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district to see the luxury boutiques or visit the grandiose Avenue des Champs-Élysées for shopping. Afterwards, sit back and people watch while savouring light and colorful macarons at Ladurée.

Guarding this grand boulevard is the impressive Arc de Triomphe commissioned by Emperor Napoléon in 1806. A visit to the top of this monument will provide you with unobstructed views of Paris that will leave you breathless.

At nearby Porte Maillot, dine on oysters and wine at L’Auberge Dab. This elegant brasserie serves traditional French food and fresh full-flavoured shellfish in a warm and intimate setting; it’s the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Breakfast or High Tea at the Plaza Athénée to savour the creations of celebrity pastry chef Christophe Michalak is a must. His butter caramel religieuse is a decadent work of art. If you prefer an evening visit, stop by for late-night cocktails in their stylish bar. If you are travelling to Paris in the winter, the iconic property will not disappoint, as their alfresco Cour Jardin (interior court) turns into an ice-skating wonderland from December to January – wonderfully romantic for a winter honeymoon.

The picturesque neighbourhood of Montmartre is home to the majestic Sacré-Coeur Basilica. The vista from its parvis is postcard perfect. Listen to musicians play, picnic on the hillside park, or stroll its narrow, winding streets hand in hand. Home to some of the world’s most famous artists, it is sure to inspire romance. If you’re up for an authentic Parisian treat, catch a cabaret show at the famed Moulin Rouge.

Countless couples have declared their love at the impressive Eiffel Tower. Take your darling to new heights by sharing a toast high above at the Champagne Bar. In the evening, this Paris landmark lights up and twinkles in the night sky. Though some may consider it a little cliché, its effect is still magical.

Enjoy a romantic evening bateau-mouche ride on the Seine River. Glide past Paris’ timeless cityscape and the dominating Notre-Dame Cathedral as you sneak kisses under the bridges. For a more luxurious experience, book the Yachts of Paris and delight in a romantic gourmet dinner for two as the City of Light sparkles around you.

Paris is a feast for the senses with endless possibilities and a magical place to share with a loved one. Its timeless beauty will remain etched in your heart, and will have you longing to return and relive those exceptional moments.

Look for my article in the new issue of DestinationVows Magazine featured in their new U.S. and Canadian edition.

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Birthday Blessings

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