My close friend and Oliver Guide collaborator, Courtney suggested I pen a post on the day of my 50th birthday that obviously had something to do with travel. I of course agreed; then I pondered and pondered. I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot in my 50 years of life, being an only child and having relatives in France and Brussels made summer travel to Europe a regular journey. That said, I love the trips close to my home in Colorado just as much as trips abroad.
So here goes my five favorite destinations…
Home Sweet Home (Vail) — How could I not pick Vail, where we choose to live and raise our family. The mountain is the best, (in my opinion) the food, ( Sweet Basil and Matsuhisa ) shops (Perch, Gorsuch, Grey Salt, Squash Blossom, Axel’s) and cozy abodes (Sonnenalp). People come for the winter and stay for the summer— live music at the Ford Amphitheater, Dance festivals, hiking, sunshine, yummy food, it just doesn’t get better!
San Miguel de Allende- It’s been a minute since I’ve been there, but I still hold the memories of this magical place. The raw beauty of the historic town, the light, the sophisticated food, art, shops. It reads more Europe than Mexico and very much worth a visit. When I go back, I’ll stay at Hotel Matilda and lunch at Quince and shop textiles and pottery at Artes de Mexico… P.S. bring a dressy dress in case you get invited to a wedding, as we did…I found mine here!
New York City- My favorite city in the US— lived there for a few years in my 20’s (a right of passage) - the city is ever-changing, but at the same time holds steady. A trip to NYC is not complete without lunch at Le Charlot and shopping on Bleecker Street, followed by a peanut butter cookie at Magnolia Bakery!
Luang Prabang, Laos- To say this place is in another world would be an understatement. It is by far the most far flung place I have ever been. It’s magic and wonder in a small town. Stay at Sofitel Luang Prabang and if you can find this gem of a spot, surround by a lotus pond, Mando de Laos it is not to be missed! And we all loved learning the ancient rice farming through our experience at The Living Land Farm.
Sante Fe- I have been to Santa Fe a few times and 2x in the last year through my partnership with CK Seek Retreats, with my college bestie and wellness and movement/nutrition pro, Kristine Gardner. I have fallen head over cowboy heels with this soulful town. My favorite shops are High Noon General Store - for the best vintage boots and jewels and Sote (Spirit of the Earth). After you shop head to the coolest spa in the mountains, just minutes outside of town, Ten Thousand Waves. Book a massage, save time to soak in the outdoor hot springs and shop all things Japanese in their boutique and if time, take some sake and sushi at their yummy restaurant! And when you are researching where to dine, check out Jospeh’s - very local, cozy and yummy. Then enjoy a Spanish tapas spot with NYC vibes at La Boca!
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