​Like many of my clients, visiting the Maldives—especially the iconic Soneva Jani—had been on my bucket list for years. I’d met the resort team at several travel industry events, and I was eager to finally experience their famous “no news, no shoes” philosophy myself.

This year, our family marked several milestones, and I knew I wanted to celebrate with a shared experience. Traveling with extended family, each with different interests and needs, meant finding a resort that could accommodate everyone while still feeling luxurious and easy. Soneva Jani fit the bill perfectly.

Located on Noonu Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane ride from the main island of Malé, Soneva Jani offers an abundance of activities and restaurants, but most importantly, it’s set on a large island with the most stunning turquoise lagoon I have ever seen (rivaling Bora Bora in Tahiti). Let’s face it, if you’re traveling to the Maldives from the West Coast of the United States, the quality and clarity of the water is what’s pulling you!
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As we approached the island and our seaplane began its short descent, I could see the glorious waters beckoning me. The plane landed on the water where we were transferred to the Soneva boat to take us to the North Jetty (the resort is large enough to have a North and South Jetty at either end of the island). The first thing I noticed was a sweet, smiling young lady who introduced herself as Ayu, our Barefoot Guardian (butler) for the week. Ayu held up a bag that said “no news, no shoes” and asked if we wanted to start our vacation by surrendering our shoes and leaning in to the barefoot luxury experience. Without hesitation, I handed her my sneakers and immediately felt a wave of relaxation sweep over me as my toes felt the coolness of the boat beneath me. We were officially in paradise.

In the Maldives, each resort is located on its own island, but they vary in size, amenities, and overall vibe. Whether you’re looking for relaxed luxury or a more social scene, there’s a resort that’s right for you.

Since I wasn’t about to pack formal dresses and my husband certainly wasn’t going to be coerced into making space in his suitcase for dress shoes, slacks, and pressed dress shirts, I knew Soneva was the right choice for us and our group.
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Soneva has three resorts in the Maldives: Soneva Jani (known for its expansive lagoon and the most spacious overwater villas in the Maldives), Soneva Fushi (lush forest surroundings and a UNESCO biosphere site), and Soneva Secret (the newest and most exclusive of the three with only 14 villas). In addition to its iconic overwater villas, Soneva Jani also offers beautifully designed beach villas and multi-bedroom residences, perfect for families or groups who want direct beach access or a more grounded experience. The lagoon is truly spectacular—the largest in the Maldives—and central to the resort’s serene, water-focused setting.

It’s hard to capture the scale of this place—these are just glimpses into the kind of space that makes you forget the outside world exists. Every corner had a surprise: a cozy nook, an outdoor tub, or a netted daybed you’ll never want to leave.

We stayed in a two-story, two-bedroom Water Reserve—over 8,000 square feet—and we were absolutely in awe when Ayu walked us through it. The spaces are made for lounging and connection, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living with endless views of the lagoon in every direction. The main bedroom featured a retractable roof for stargazing in bed—complete with a rain sensor that automatically closed it at the first sign of a passing shower.

There’s a walk-in pantry with snacks and a fridge stocked with our favorite non-alcoholic drinks (complimentary and replenished daily). Wine and other alcoholic beverages are chargeable. The massive outdoor deck—with daybeds, loungers, and a sunken dining area—was designed to lure you outside, which is exactly where you’ll want to be.
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I help clients choose the right villa based on what matters most to them—whether it’s location (beach or overwater), level of privacy, layout, or budget. These choices shape the feel of the stay, and the details make all the difference.

From teppanyaki to dosa to late-night chocolate, this is how we ate our way around the island.

​With 11 restaurants and special dining experiences that can be customized to suit your needs, you’ll never run out of options. Most restaurants are named SO—So Primitive (outdoor grill), So Wild (plant-based, raw food)—but there are also specialty venues like Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren and Director’s Cut (sushi) paired with an outdoor movie.

We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary at So Bespoke, the 8-seat teppanyaki grill, and it was definitely a highlight. Cuisines range from Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Maldivian to international favorites like Italian and Continental.

Breakfast can be enjoyed at The Gathering on North Jetty, So Chill on South Beach, or in your villa—and no matter where you choose, the options are abundant: healthy green juices, eggs, French toast, dosa, paranthas, and more. One morning I asked for a Punjabi breakfast of egg bhurji and parantha, and the chef was more than happy to oblige. That’s just one example of how outstanding the service is—they go out of their way to make sure every request is met with warmth and care.

​And yes, I fell in love with So Chill—the 24-hour room filled with ice cream, chocolate, and even a cheese room for those who prefer savory snacks. It’s perfect for a midday refresher or a late-night treat, and quickly became a favorite stop on the island.

I cannot speak highly enough of the service at Soneva Jani. Our Barefoot Guardian, Ayu, was incredible—warm, intuitive, and seemingly everywhere at once. Upon arrival, she connected with us via WhatsApp and checked in each morning with a simple, "Good morning, Ms. Kiron! Where would you like to have breakfast today?"

From the moment we arrived, Ayu anticipated our every need—scheduling spa services, meals, buggy rides, and more. She made sure housekeeping and laundry happened while we were at breakfast or dinner, so we were never interrupted. Everything was timed perfectly and handled quietly, from pressing clothes to resetting the villa without us ever needing to ask.

Ayu also worked closely with the other Barefoot Guardians to coordinate across our multi-family group. She arranged padel matches, gym visits, and even gathered the adult kids to watch the staff soccer tournaments—little touches that brought everyone together and made the experience feel even more special.

What I appreciated most was the ability to truly let go. As a mom, I’m usually the one managing everyone’s plans—but this time, I got to fully unplug. Whenever someone in my family had a question or request, I simply smiled and said, "Ask Ayu" and went back to my Rose!
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By the end of the week, she felt like part of the family. For clients traveling in groups or with family, service like this changes everything—it creates the space to fully relax and enjoy, knowing everything is handled with care, warmth, and intuition.

Each villa has personalized bicycles, and we rode ours to breakfast, to the spa, and around the island daily. You can identify your bike by the villa number carved into the back, and if you forget where you left it, it somehow finds its way back to your door.
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There’s tennis, padel, volleyball, soccer, table tennis, two gyms, Pilates, and yoga. On the water: kayaks, paddleboards, sailing, jet skis, hydrofoils, wave runners, and more. My boys were constantly on the go, and even my teen daughter had plenty to enjoy—from biking around the island to spa visits and time by the beach. Of course, there’s always the option to do nothing at all and simply relax on the beach or in your private pool.

As a Wellness Travel Specialist, I’m always looking for resorts that go far beyond the typical spa menu—and Soneva Soul truly impressed me.

They offer a thoughtfully integrated approach combining Eastern therapies like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine with advanced treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, cryotherapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. There are also dedicated spaces for yoga, movement, pranayama breathing, and meditation.

Guests can join daily classes or enroll in multi-day programs focused on specific goals like sleep, detox, or stress relief. I personally experienced a customized couples massage, a lymphatic drainage treatment with Ayurvedic oils, and a Deluxe HydraFacial with a skin analysis—and every practitioner I encountered was incredibly skilled and knowledgeable.
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It’s ideal for those who want access to a deeper wellness journey—whether that’s a structured program focused on sleep, detox, women’s health, or healthy aging, or simply choosing a few treatments along the way. Adding to the appeal, Soneva Soul regularly welcomes visiting experts—from celebrity athletes and top physicians to longevity specialists and Eastern healing practitioners. You can pursue your own health goals while your partner or friends enjoy the beach, the dining, or the spa. It’s a rare balance of substance and flexibility—there’s truly something for everyone.

As usual, I’m able to provide exclusive amenities for stays at Soneva Jani, including breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, and upgrade/early check-in/late check-out when available. For my group, I worked closely with the resort team to curate meaningful dining experiences and custom group activities designed just for us.

Highlights included a beach picnic with multiple food stations, a private bar, and nearby watersports, a guided snorkeling group excursion as well as a festive Indian Feast on the beach to celebrate our milestone moments. When you book through me, I collaborate with the resort team to create personalized experiences that turn your celebration into something unforgettable. 

​For larger groups or special events, I’m happy to offer bespoke planning services to bring your vision to life.

If Soneva Jani—or the Maldives—is on your list, or even just a dream right now, I’d love to help make it seamless, personal, and full of unforgettable moments.
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​👉 Contact me here to start the conversation

​I just returned last month from a 16-day whirlwind trip through India, the impetus of which was the celebration of milestone birthdays for both my sister and our dear friend. I’ve always touted “experiences over things” and birthdays are a great opportunity to explore a new destination or go back to a special one.
 
We had collectively decided (which was no small feat given 4 differing opinions and travel styles) on 3 cities: Mumbai, Jodhpur and Rishikesh with a day or two in Delhi before our flights home. It was an attempt to mix the energy of a big cosmopolitan city with the desert palace experiences of Rajasthan and then end with a mellow reflective stay at an internationally- acclaimed wellness resort called Ananda in the Himalayas.
 
Let me frame the experience by sharing that one of the biggest draws to India for me is the level of hospitality. The philosophy of “Guest as God” which permeates through each encounter in the country, truly leaves you feeling pampered and well cared for. Whether you're in a 5 star hotel or a friend's home, the warmth and genuine hospitality just can't be beat. People can't seem to do enough, going above and beyond to make you feel nurtured. As a working mom of 3, there’s no better definition of luxury than having my own needs catered to and being able to fully relax and relinquish all responsibility!

​Arriving in the wee hours of the morning, we were exhausted but also excited to start our adventures in India. We were met by our local host and escorted by luxury van to the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, an iconic historic hotel opened in 1903 as a retort to British-owned hotels which permitted all guests except “Indians and dogs”. Suffice it to say that Mumbai and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel  hold a lot of historical significance in the country.
 
Upon arrival, every hotel has their own version of a welcome experience which includes Aarti where diyas (oil lamps or candles) are waved in a circular motion in front of the guest as prayers are silently chanted for the guest’s well-being along with the presentation of a  garland of some sorts (usually marigolds or prayer beads depending on the resort) and a ceremonial red tikka (dot) which is made up of crushed petals and sandalwood. It’s a way to honor the guests and welcome them to the hotel. We arrived at 7am to a very quiet lobby and were immediately greeted with the aarti and a refreshing welcome drink, efficiently checked-in and shown to our rooms. After a hearty breakfast and showers, we took the rest of the day to explore the area on foot given the hotel’s central location to shops and restaurants.

​During our time in Mumbai, we did a fantastic walking tour of South Mumbai where many of the historical landmarks from the Gateway of India (directly opposite the hotel) to Dalal Street (the Wall Street of Mumbai) to University of Mumbai can be found. It’s fascinating to contrast the gothic architecture of the old buildings to the art deco apartments behind Oval Maidan where local cricket teams practice and play. We visited Dhobi Ghat, an open air laundry system from 1890 where workers still hand wash clothing and linens on large stones for local hotels (excluding the luxury 5 star properties of course) and hospitals.

​We then crossed the Worli Bandra Sea Link, which was reminiscent of the new Bay Bridge in the San Francisco Bay Area, into Pali Hill and Bandra for lunch. Bandra has an area of Portuguese influence where you can still see homes painted in pastels with ornate stained glass and gorgeous carved balconies. This is a direct contrast to the mega mansions of Bollywood celebrities and the infamous Antilia , the Ambani family’s (richest man in Asia) home which rises 27 stories above the slums below at an estimated cost of $2 Billion! India is a land of contrasts and there’s no better example than driving through the streets of Mumbai seeing the dichotomy of the social classes.

​We ended the day by returning to the comfort of our hotel, ok I should say specifically to the historic Harbour Bar (liquor license 001 in India), to settle in and enjoy the famous 1933 Harbour Cocktail. This is presented in an elaborate manner, complete with storytelling of the naming of the signature drink and the flambe of the liquor with its neon blue hues emanating as it’s poured into your glass. Harbour Bar is where we returned nightly after exploring the city to chat about the day and debate about whether we would eat in the restaurant or order room service that evening. The cuisine throughout India is spectacular and given that the country's hospitality is rooted in the offering of food as a gesture of love (you will never leave an Indian home hungry), we ate until we couldn't possibly stuff another bite into us!

​You’ll want to save some time to truly get the full experience of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Mumbai. This is the place of celebrities and dignitaries, so take the heritage walk with the docent (formerly the hotel chef) and hear stories about all of the iconic guests who have graced its halls. There are mementos showcased throughout the hotel and the grand staircase speaks to the architecture and history of bygone days. It’s been host to many a photo shoot, including the most recent Max Factor ads with Priyanka Chopra.
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**We have a wonderful relationship with the management team at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai and can offer an elevated experience at this historic hotel. Amenities include daily breakfast for 2, lunch or dinner once during stay ($100 value), room upgrade based on availability, early check in/late check out based on availability.

​With varying interests, we left ample time to explore the area on our own, meandering through the streets behind the hotel into local boutiques and cafes. We also set out on a boating experience from the Gateway of India. I always like to experience a city from its waterways, and Mumbai was no exception. As our guide led us out on the sailboat and gave us an overview of the city and how the infrastructure which was built to support a few hundred thousand now is home to over 21 million residents, we watched the sun set and the city glow in the evening light across the water. This also turned out to be one of our most adventurous endeavors as we got caught in a storm and had to be rescued in a wooden dinghy and taken back to shore. This is how travel stories are born and we certainly had something to talk about that evening over cocktails and to share with our families when we returned home.

Next stop- Jodhpur in Rajasthan!

I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. I’ve done every fad diet -South Beach, Keto, No Carb, Low Fat, South Beach- you name it, I’ve done it. As I entered Menopause, my weight became more of an issue (along with myriad other symptoms) and my desperation to get my body back piqued. My kids even joked about the next milestone (birthday, graduation or family wedding) by which I would be “svelte”. I had set goals and expectations and ultimately failed to meet them every time. When I heard about Ozempic and saw the amazing photos of drastic weight loss, I was sure this was the panacea I was seeking.  Of course these diets, pills, patches and injections worked…temporarily…but as soon as I got off whatever the latest fad was and got back to life, the weight came back.
 
In an effort to get healthy in mind, body and spirit, I’ve been studying wellness for many years. I’ve been to Ayurvedic resorts in India, done temazcals with shamans in Mexico, climbed to the top of mountains in Sri Lanka, and explored many wellness resorts right here in the U.S as well. I’m keenly interested in how to live our healthiest (not only longest) lives. I’m also fascinated by modern medicine and the potential it holds for healing through genetic diagnosis and stem cell therapy. I keep abreast of the latest in wellness and also make sure I’m up to speed on what is happening in the wellness tourism industry.
 
I’d heard about SHA Spain for many years, and it had been on my list to visit, so you can imagine my eagerness when I learned that SHA Mexico would be opening in January 2024, much closer to my home in California. I had read about SHA’s integrative approach to health and I wanted to see it in practice.

SHA Mexico is conveniently located just 35 min from Cancun International Airport (CUN). ​I finally arrived at the property last week, selecting the 7 night Detox and Optimal Weight program. I had tried everything else and I felt it was now time to hone in on major lifestyle changes and go all in. I also knew I needed to get out of my environment with all the stressors of life (work, kids, aging parent, etc.) to be able to fully focus on myself and my health. I needed to commit to this like a science project- devote myself to getting healthy and block out everything else for 1 week. I knew about nutrition being an integral part of healthy living and had been reading about the Blue Zones research. Movement was also a key element in ensuring I retain muscle mass and am able to continue to do all that I love well into my senior years. Given my engineering background, I was really looking for someplace where they could start with diagnostics, review all the data and find solutions for all the symptoms and issues I’d been facing. Enter SHA Wellness.
 
First, let’s just talk about how stunning the resort itself is. Set against the backdrop of mangroves on one side and the azure ocean on the other, SHA is the epitome of tranquility. The modern design and clean lines coupled with the floor to ceiling windows with ocean views at every turn had me immediately at ease. Water itself is a healing source for me and seeing elements of water throughout the design were incredibly soothing. SHA is definitely what a 5 star resort looks and feels like. Not only do the architecture and rooms rival the top resorts worldwide, but the service levels are also consistently impeccable. Be it the wait staff at SHAmadi restaurant, the Agenda Planners, the therapists or the clinicians, every single employee went above and beyond to ensure I was well cared for. You cannot pass by a team member without hearing “Buenos Dias” or “It’s my pleasure madam”, always with a hand on their heart.
 
Having said this, SHA is not necessarily somewhere you come to sit by the pool sipping Margaritas or to lounge at the beach (although you can certainly do this, sans Margaritas). It’s a place you come to get healthy with focused intent.

​The first day of the program starts with comprehensive diagnostics. I had a full body scan (not just the InBody), bloodwork, and neurological assessments. I was evaluated for cardiovascular risk, cognitive function, stress and nervous system health. I was also assigned a health team, consisting of my physician Dr. Sanchez and my nutritionist, Joana. Along with support from these two, I had a personal trainer and a full week of therapies and treatments that were designed to help me get back to my best self. My week consisted of cooking classes (detox meals, protein, super foods), personal training sessions in the massive gym again with views of the ocean, Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and cupping) and detox therapies (lymphatic drainage massage and hydrotherapy to name a few). I met with Dr. Sanchez initially to review my labs and put a plan in place. I shared with her my concern about menopause symptoms and she ordered a hormone panel so she could look at every aspect of my health. Joana also sat with me and discussed my challenges and concerns, after which she selected the appropriate menu for me to follow for the week, which was communicated to the restaurant. I only had to disclose my room number once to the restaurant staff. After that, my meals were automatically brought to me, working seamlessly with Joanna and the chef. 

 ​Outside of the genuine concern for the patients (I’ll call myself a patient vs. a client since this is a medical wellness clinic) that was shown by each team member, I was completely blown away by the technology. From the app that houses your schedule, nutrition plan, all lab results and documents to the full body scan to the advanced aesthetic technology (let’s be real, I wanted to learn good habits but a little help in the aesthetics department doesn’t hurt to boost morale!) to the latest in cell regeneration therapy, SHA has it and I tried it (or most of it). There were some hits (TCM, SHA Detox Cure) and some misses (Body Sculpting Wrap, Underwater Therapy) and I was one of the outliers who had an adverse reaction to the Hydrocolon Therapy (which Miguel the TCM specialist resolved quickly using acupuncture and light therapy), but overall the variety of treatments I tried were wonderful and focused on detox and lymphatic drainage, in line with my overall program objectives.
 
I met with Dr. Sanchez and Joana upon arrival, midweek and at the end of my program. They were able to sit and discuss results with me and put a plan together for me to follow when I return to the “real world”. Joana and Chef Daniel were also gracious enough to provide their contact information to me in case I had questions when I returned home.

​So, let’s talk results. It’s great to get away for a week and focus on good habits, but did the week away and the financial investment garner results? For me, I ended the program 6 pounds lighter overall, 4 pounds lower in body fat mass and with just over 3% reduction in visceral fat. I also learned how to make healthy meals (yes, I bought the cookbook too), better understand my personal health challenges and how to address them. Now that I am left without a personal chef, trainer, physician and nutritionist, I’ll have to see if I can keep the momentum going and follow the plan set forth by the experts. Most importantly, the week away allowed me to focus on my health and get remotivated to prioritize myself when work, kids, and home are all clamoring for attention. It was just the reboot I needed to jumpstart my return to a healthy lifestyle.

To help with the transition home, SHA even provided a picnic box lunch for me to take to the airport, knowing that it would be difficult to find healthy meal options at a destination known for its margaritas, chips and salsa. Sadly, I had to toss the water box and the yogurt at security but everything else was enjoyed once I arrived at the lounge. As I mentioned, the attention to details and the sheer concern for your health are evident throughout your stay and even through departure.

Additionally, a final plan from Dr. Sanchez and from Joana were prepared and all my lab results were provided so I could come back home and continue on my path to health with my local providers. There are also opportunities for additional support from the team at SHA through video consultations, should you choose to do so.  

Your first stay at SHA must consist of either their 4 night or 7 night programs, with the option to add any a la carte treatments, after which you can design your follow up stays completely with a la carte services and treatments. You can select from Detox & Optimal Weight, Intensive Detox & Optimal Weight, Rebalance & Energize, Leader's Performance, and Well-Aging & Prevention.

​SHA is one of only 2 centers in the Americas that have a Advanced Cell Regeneration Therapy unit (the other one is in Cancun at an oncology clinic). This technological advancement eliminates free radicals in the body which are a major cause of aging of our internal organs. After 3-5 sessions, your body will see the elimination of most free radicals and you can return to your normal activity as if you rebooted your systems, . You can also target specific organs to repair or focus on pain management through therapy. I was able to do one 40 min session during my stay so I didn't truly see the full benefit of the treatment.
 
SHA is also on the leading edge of stem cell therapy. After prescreening for safety, your doctor can recommend stem cell treatments to treat diabetes, heart disease and degenerative diseases, heal fractures and injuries post-surgery and even minimize C-Section scarring. SHA is also just starting to use stem cell therapy to treat cancer in conjunction with the standard protocol advised by your doctors. Results have been very promising.

Based on my relationship with the management team at SHA, if you book your stay through me, I can provide a guaranteed room upgrade at time of reservation along with additional Virtuoso amenities listed below. If you have any questions or would like more information about SHA, please get in touch.

​Virtuoso Amenities:

• Room upgrade at time of booking (excluding the Presidential, Royal Suite and Residences)
• Chef Welcome Amenity
• $100 USD equivalent wellness credit, once per booking, applicable towards additional Wellness or Spa Treatments (not valid for clinic/medical therapies, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Complimentary parking
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi, plus full access to press reader
• For bookings in the exclusive Presidential, & Royal Suite & Residences, guests would additionally receive:
  • 8 hours personalized assistance daily
    
  • Complimentary private access to the SHA Cinema for private session

​When most people think about wellness, they think about escaping to a secluded location, surrounded by nature or perhaps by a tranquil lake. You would never think of wellness in a trendy Miami neighborhood, bustling with shops and restaurants in the heartbeat of the city.
 
Well, think again. As more and more wellness resorts enter the urban wellness space, you’ll see that you don’t have to go far to stay healthy. I traveled with my family to 1 Hotel South Beach, right on Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach, for Spring Break this year. Although I’d spoken with the hotel management team in advance to get a good sense of the amenities and activities, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. After all, every hotel claims to have wellness offerings but most of the time it’s not much more than the spa and maybe a yoga class. To my surprise, I found 1 Hotel South Beach to be a great balance of indulgence and wellness (yes the two can coexist).

The hotel rooms themselves have yoga mats and foam rollers to start or end your days mindfully. Hepa filters in the rooms are an added bonus to ensure you are taking in the cleanest air and the filtered tap water makes your morning coffee or tea taste incredibly pure. Add to this the organic cotton sheets and the hemp-blend filled mattress and you can drift off to a restful sleep.  The underbed lighting on the raised platform is a safety measure for sure but I found it to be a bit frustrating as the sensor turns on the light the moment you step down, disturbing your roommates. Luckily mine were heavy sleepers and not bothered much by the occasional late night triggers.

​If you can’t go without your workout, Anatomy is the largest hotel gym in the country. Covering 14,000sf, this gym has everything you can imagine to keep up with your workout routine while you travel. In addition, hotel guests have access to the complimentary group fitness classes including yoga and pilates. Private training sessions are also available. Gym workouts not your thing? How about checking out one of the complimentary bicycles and riding along the beach path behind the hotel? It’s a great way to naturally stay active while exploring the local area. The hotel is also in the heart of South Beach, so you can walk to nearby shops and restaurants. We opted to walk to and from dinner most nights so we could experience the lively streets at night while getting our steps in. 

​Of course the beach is the draw for staying at an oceanfront resort and the one at 1 Hotel South Beach doesn’t disappoint. It’s a wide stretch which is great for morning and evening walks with the waves gently lapping at your feet. I did notice the seaweed creeping in but it’s not uncommon in the area and the city does a good job of cleanup efforts.

​For those looking for healthy meal options to mix in with all the indulgent dining in South Beach (we are always looking for a great meal around town), Plnthouse has some incredible plant-based menu items. The cauliflower crust margarita pizza was one of my absolute favorites! Couple this with a protein smoothie and you’ve got a healthy post-workout meal or an alternative to the standard burger and fries by the pool, although I have to say the parmesan truffle fries from Sandbox were to die for as were the mojitos, and I had my fair share of both! There’s also Neighbors in the hotel lobby for on-the-go pressed juices, salads, fresh fruit and sandwiches as well as a fruit stand to help yourselves to some lovely oranges.

​Ultimately, it’s all about balance. Of course there are some amazing restaurants on property and in the area which we enjoyed each night, but it’s nice to know that you can do something good for yourself during your vacation and not come home feeling like you need to detox.

As usual, I have great relationships with the 1 Hotel management team and can provide additional Virtuoso amenities like breakfast, room upgrades and resort credit. Reach out and I'll make sure you receive VIP treatment.

​Summer travel is in full swing and it’s great to see everyone back out exploring the world (Europe is seeing record tourism this year again!). I’ve just returned with my own family from 2 weeks in beautiful Thailand and I’d love to share my experience and some highlights.
 
We explored Bangkok, Chiang Mai and ended with a relaxing  week on the beach in beautiful Ko Samui. There are many luxury hotels in each region and outside of the hotels we stayed at, I also spent time doing site inspections at the other top luxury hotels so I can compare and guide you on the best fit based on your own preferences. As always, we can provide enhanced amenities and perks at the leading luxury hotels based on our strong relationships with hotel management teams, along with elevated experiences through the best tour operators, so allow us to pamper you each step of the way. Thailand is calling!

Seamless Execution And Local Contacts
​For months before departing, I worked closely with one of my top Thailand partners to help me create and execute my vision for the trip so I could experience all of their services for myself. You all know I love to research and find the absolute best hotels and experiences when I travel! We started with Meet and Greet services at each airport- we had a representative waiting for us in each city at the arrivals hall to escort us through customs and immigration where needed, help us get bags, and guide us to our waiting car. Of course you can do this yourself, but when on vacation, I like to not have to think about anything. I’d rather be fully escorted than try to figure it out myself (much like why you trust me with all of your travel planning logistics!). The other benefit of having a company in the destination overseeing the trip is that you have a direct contact on the ground in your time zone to assist with any challenges, questions, concerns. They are there to ensure your trip is seamless from the time you land to the time you take off to return home.
 
This was very helpful when my oldest son had a severe reaction (peanut allergy) in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I was so thankful to have a local contact in each place. They were not only on top of it during the pre-planning phase, notifying the hotels and restaurants of the allergy (I personally reached out as well), but also sent the guide and driver to the hotel after my son had the reaction in case we needed medical support or he had to be taken to the hospital. Luckily, he did not and Benadryl did the trick (always pack an emergency medicine bag so you don’t have to search for common medication in a foreign locale).
 
Vetted Guides and Experiences
The other benefit of using a full-service company is the vetting of local guides, drivers, and transportation. We had amazing guides throughout and the beauty of custom, private travel is that you can fully select when you want to leave every morning, what and how much you want to see and how long you want to tour. There’s no getting up at the crack of dawn to meet your tour group or get on a crowded bus filled with strangers. The tours and activities are catered to your travel style and focused on just you and your travel companions. Whether you like to be on the go or start your day at a more leisurely pace, we’ll ensure we customize the trip so you have the best experience.
 
Personalize Your Days To Best Suit Your Needs
The guides we select are flexible and know how to read their guests- are they getting tired and ready for a snack? Are they not interested in this particular subject so we should move on? Are they really enjoying this portion of the tour, so maybe we spend extra time here? I had full confidence in our guides and once each one understood our interests and what we wanted, I felt very comfortable letting them change and amend the touring days to best suit our needs. From Pok in Bangkok to Bee in Chiang Mai and even Darius in Singapore (for our quick stopover on the return), each one was incredible and really catered to the needs of our family. There was no strict schedule, the guides made recommendations and changed the plan for the following day based on what our family preferred to do. 
 
Best of all, the guides were with us in each city from beginning to end, coordinating all the logistics to ensure we had an absolutely seamless experience throughout. They contacted the drivers when we were ready to be picked up at the end of a tour, made any changes or amendments to the plan based on our discussions throughout the day, helped us check-in for our flights (and deal with excess baggage on domestic flights!) and overall became good friends by the end of the trip. I left all the details of execution to them so we could focus on spending time with our kids (rare when 2 out of 3 are in their twenties and out of the house) and truly relax and enjoy the journey. Of course, I had done all the pre-work of months of planning the trip in unison with them and ensuring all the details were taken care of before we left the U.S., but once we landed, I was able to fully relax and let them take over (a rarity for a type A control freak like me!).

This is vastly different from booking separate companies and tour operators independently because in this case they are only responsible for their specific piece of the trip and not for the flow of the entire journey from start to finish. This method works if it’s one city or if it’s somewhere you’re very familiar with, but for a multi-city or multi-country itineraries, full-service companies are the best option for a smooth trip.

Markets and Rivers
You can spend weeks touring temples and markets, but knowing that my family starts zoning out with too much of a good thing, I ensured we visited just the highlights of Bangkok. We started our first day bright and early so we can could get to the railway market to see the authentic interaction between locals and the shop keepers. The market started out in the community but gradually expanded to just at the edge of the railway tracks where you can see a train rushing through the market as vendors hustle to take awnings down and move their goods away from the tracks, only to replace them as soon as the train passes. Pretty crazy to see in person! This is also where we had one of the best meals of fried rice with eggs and chicken and fresh mango smoothies- so delicious! A great recommendation from our guide Pok- having a knowledgeable guide is key and we work with the best!

Nature & Spirituality
Moving to Northern Thailand, the focus is on nature, spirituality and wildlife. It’s a great place to visit elephant sanctuaries, learning about their care and feeding, bathing and walking with these gentle giants. Riding is a strict no-no and completely inhumane when you look at what these beautiful creatures have to endure to allow tourists to ride them.
 
There are also a variety of outdoor adventures, from hiking to waterfalls, white water rafting, ATVs and a stunning national park with jaw-dropping views that I would have loved to visit if I had an extra day (it is a full day outing).

A Gem Near The Heart Of The City
​I selected 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, a historic boutique hotel and a member of Small Luxury Hotels as well as Virtuoso (extra perks for our clients!), so we could experience true Thai architecture and ambiance as a contrast to the ultra-modern Four Seasons in Bangkok. It’s perfectly located in a cute little neighborhood, just outside the Old City, but close enough to enjoy all the activity and come back to peace and quiet afterwards. There are only 30 suites (all with private balconies and four poster beds) set in colonial teak houses, a lovely lap pool set against a living plant wall, and 2 restaurants. Again, service was impeccable and our personal attendant Toto was readily available via WhatsApp. The entire place feels so serene with beautiful mature trees and areas to lounge throughout the resort. Of course if you want to be in the center of the action, there are hotel options right in Old Town, but I loved having the best of both worlds in this location.

Monk Chats & Buddhism
We used the time here to learn about Buddhism and spirituality. We went to Monk University (yes, it’s a thing) and sat in on a discussion from Master Monk KK regarding the philosophy and teachings of Buddhism. It was fascinating and very insightful. We also gave alms to the monks (they are only allowed to eat what the community gives them) and visited the highest temple in Chiang Mai with absolutely stunning views of the city below. Our guide Bee knew exactly when to take us so we would miss the crowds and have the temple and the views all to ourselves. We saw the red taxi vans descend on the temple just as we were making our way out. This is one of the benefits of a great guide and a flexible schedule based on private, custom travel.
 
We were also supposed to go out into the countryside to climb the sticky waterfalls and enjoy a short hike, but after my son’s  allergic reaction in Bangkok, we decided to replace traveling outside the city with an extended tour of Old City with it’s beautiful park and monuments. I had no desire to add an impromptu hospital visit to an otherwise awesome trip!

Night Market
Of course no visit to Thailand is complete without experiencing the night market. There are many throughout the country but Chiang Mai is probably the best place to see one. The most popular is the Sunday Night Market but we were leaving on Friday, so we did the less popular but more authentic Saturday Night Market. This is also the best place to buy your souvenirs and haggle for the best price (not my cup of tea, but if you love a good deal this is the place!). There are alleys of vendors selling everything from cotton clothing to coconut pancakes to jewelry. It’s great fun to walk around tasting street food and browsing the shops. It does tend to get crowded so we were thankful to have our guide Bee not only take us to the best shops but also get us in and out of the market quickly and efficiently. I’m all about maximizing time!

​Island Paradise
Ahh the islands of Thailand- think clear water and beautiful beaches. You’ll want to pick the island based on the time of year you visit, avoiding the rainy season in specific parts of the country. Since we were traveling in June, we selected Ko Samui as the best location. There are several options for luxury hotels but I selected Six Senses. Being a Wellness Travel Specialist, I really wanted to experience the brand again with their focus on healthy living and sustainability.

Barefoot Luxury With A Stunning View
Six Senses (another hotel where we can provide Virtuoso amenities and VIP you!) has multiple dining venues, 2 amazing pools, a private farm where you can help care for the animals and tour the garden (most of the food is sourced from their own garden), beach and amazing service (after all, Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles!). There are golf carts to take you around the resort and you use the hotel app to request service, whether that’s in-room dining, buggy rides to the beach, restaurants, spa or special requests. Each villa has a dedicated Guest Experience Manager (GEM) who’s there to cater to your every need. Maya was wonderful and really helped us fully enjoy the resort. She even rushed over to provide a special Thai herbal healing gel for my son (not the same one with the peanut allergy thankfully) on the beach when he developed welts from the bug bites. I don’t know what was in it, but It worked wonders and he asked for extra to take home with us! Not to worry, they take every precaution to ensure that they manage the bugs- from lighting the coils outside your rooms and in key dining areas to providing natural bug repellent oils and sprays in every room.

There are activities daily (ice cream by the pool anyone?), including yoga, cocktail/mocktail class, sustainability walks, learning Thai and much more. They even offer a big screen at the pool/beach for weekly movie nights! You can do as much as you’d like or just relax and enjoy the resort itself. The only point to note would be the proximity to the airport, which has some noise from the planes. My family wasn’t bothered by it and the hotel assured me they have never had any complaints, but maybe it’s what I do for a living and the fact that I notice EVERYTHING that made me pay special attention. We could also watch the planes leaving (not from the runway of course-it’s not THAT close) from our pool and that was pretty fun for everyone.

The Retreat
I surprised my family with a two bedroom villa with pool, family room, outdoor dining room and ample space to roam. The bedrooms were on opposite sides of the villa, with a gorgeous family room in the middle where we all gathered. Downstairs we had a vast deck with pool, a swing I wanted to bring home, and outdoor lounge areas. The views from our villa were stunning and we had everything we needed to relax and enjoy family time. We swam in our private pool and had an incredible barbeque on our deck, prepared by one of the hotel chefs. The meal of steak and seafood was grilled on premise and so delicious- we felt completely pampered by the lovely staff that catered to our every need. It was an amazing experience and definitely the capstone of our time in Samui. This would be an ideal set up for families and groups to gather - so much space and it's primed for making memories together!

Airlines, hotels, and tour operators are doing their best to be flexible with travel plans given the fluid nature of COVID-19. Flight schedules are being adjusted (cancellations by certain airlines to heavily affected areas and reductions in number of flights both internationally and domestically). Some airlines such as American, United and Delta are also offering "Travel with Confidence" options which allow for no-fee changes and cancellations for flights booked in the month of March for travel through the rest of the year. Several cruise lines are also honoring this policy.

Please note that no travel insurance company is covering cancellations for Coronavirus as it's now a named epidemic/pandemic. There are Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policies which will reimburse you for a portion (up to 80%) of your travel but these are also being amended (ie no CFAR option) or the coverage is being reduced to 50% in terms of Coronavirus. However, some policies are still providing coverage for emergency medical care and emergency medical transportation claims due to COVID-19. CNN did a great article which succinctly answers many questions on trip insurance coverage for Coronavirus but it's best to confirm specific policies with the insurance carrier, such as Allianz. I can certainly help with trip insurance and specific policies based on your needs.

For clients with travel plans over the next few months, I'm closely monitoring the situation not only through CDC but also with my travel partners on the ground to get real time updates so I can provide you with as much information as possible for you to make an educated decision.

Making the decision of whether to travel or not is a deeply personal choice. Please know I am here for you if you have any questions or concerns regarding your travels. You can also contact me to further discuss travel, Coronavirus, and you.
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Have you ever been a tourist in your own hometown?
 
It’s amazing how much we take our cities for granted. San Francisco is a world-class destination that people from around the globe come to see and yet for the Bay Area, it’s just The City.
 
I was invited last week to a special session at the Cavallo Point Cooking School. I had heard the buzz but never had the chance to experience it for myself. I will admit, being domestically challenged, I was a bit intimidated by the array of fresh ingredients in the kitchen and the box of sharp knives on the counter, but it turned out to be a wonderful night out. Head Chef Tony Adams is not only incredibly talented but he’s a riot. He kept us in stitches by mentioning insights like how he got his “body by burrata” (I’m tempted to make this into a t-shirt) while sharing his culinary tips.

​We drank wine, sampled his special cocktail (delicious!) and then split up into teams to prepare separate dishes which would ultimately come together for an extraordinary buffet, as Chef Tony walked around giving us helpful tips and motivation. I couldn’t believe that in about 2 hours we had an entire smorgasbord prepared. We were then able to sit and enjoy the company of new friends as we devoured the incredible gourmet meal we had all helped to prepare. Talk about teamwork!

​If you haven’t been to Cavallo Point-The Lodge at the Golden Gate, it’s high time you visited. The resort is a former military base and offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. The homes of military officers have been converted to charming hotel rooms with the colonial details impeccably restored. Windows open up to fresh bay breezes and rocking chairs line the spacious white porches. If contemporary décor is more your style, then opt for the newer buildings in the back of the resort, complete with a fireplace and window seat with views of the bridge and The City as your backdrop. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book and your favorite glass of wine!

​Not only is the cooking school amazing, there’s plenty of local adventures to enjoy. Sign up to go on guided hikes, attend the morning yoga class and even toot around on bicycles, which can be rented onsite. If you want to explore the area, the resort offers 3 hour complimentary use of their Lexus vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also complimentary shuttles to San Francisco and Sausalito so there’s ample opportunities to get out and explore.

If what you need is a quiet respite from the craziness and a chance to recharge, head over to the Healing Arts Center. You can sit in on interactive health lectures and workshops led by Dr. Brad Jacobs, the resident integrative medicine physician. Maybe a sound bath session or a crystals workshop with a trained energy worker is what you seek? There’s also a variety of massage, aromatherapy, body treatments and water therapies to explore. With day packages available, you can come for just one day or relax and extend your visit over a long weekend.

​Cavallo Point is perfectly situated in the midst of serene natural surroundings within the Golden Gate National Recreational Area yet the vibrancy of San Francisco is just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Go into The City for shopping in Union Square, sampling the food in the Ferry Building or for a gourmet Michelin-quality meal. Once you’ve had enough of the energy of the big city, you can retreat to the comfort of your quiet abode and look back across the bridge at the glorious twinkling lights in the distance.

As a Virtuoso hotel, Cavallo Point-The Lodge at the Golden Gate offers you all the perks of an elite loyalty member, without having to earn the rewards! When you’re ready for a break from reality, reach out and I’ll ensure you’re treated like a VIP.

Virtuoso Amenities included with your stay:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

​As we bring in the New Year, we begin to reflect on our accomplishments and look forward to the coming year. We review personal goals as well as business goals. We focus on health and prosperity. We set milestones and often choose a word to represent our focus for the year.
 
Through all of this planning and preparation, we lose sight of our most precious non-renewable resource-our leisure time. While we prepare for most everything else, we don’t give much thought to our time off and how we’ll make the most of it. Did you know that in 2018, the U.S. Travel Association reported that over 50% of Americans left 768 million vacation days on the table? That’s time we’ve earned but have not used. 

​Getting away has so many benefits for our health and wellbeing, not to mention our performance at work. It strengthens bonds with family and friends, allows us to renew and recharge and ultimately makes us more productive and creative at work. Planning ahead not only ensures we’ll take our hard-earned vacation days, it’s actually crucial to ensuring we have the best experience.
 
In the next 20 years, it’s estimated that the number of international travelers is going to double to nearly 2 billion, making it more difficult to access the world's most sought after destinations. Planning ahead will mean that we not only get the best selection of accommodations but we also are visiting during the best times of year, and making time to experience the world before it is too late.

​When we review our travel bucket lists, we need to consider destinations and experiences that require us to be at our best physically so we can plan to explore them before we have potential mobility issues. Being able to look longer term at our vacation goals also allows us to prepare better financially.
 
As you look forward to 2020, I encourage you to block off your schedule so you take full advantage of your hard-earned time off. If lack of time and interest in travel planning are barriers to you getting away, get in touch and we can discuss a long term planning tool called Wanderlist to ensure you are making the most of your vacation days and budget.

Let 2020 be the year you make yourself and your relationships a top priority. Build in time to create memories that you’ll look back upon fondly.

Photo credit: Celebrity Cruises
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​There’s been a lot of buzz about the wellness offering at hotels and resorts, but there’s much effort being extended by some cruise lines to cater to the wellness traveler. We’re not just talking about a small gym on board or a yoga mat in the cabin, cruise ships are now offering everything from bikes to enjoy at local ports to healthy meal options. Excursions are getting away from bus tours and allowing for more active pursuits such as hiking and biking through local towns. There’s also some wonderful partnerships forming between traditional land packages and cruising. Here’s a sample of what’s in store with wellness cruises:
 

Photo credit: Seabourn Cruises
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Seabourn offers a Mindful Living program created by Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned integrative medicine specialist who has pioneered research in physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing . The Motion Studio includes classes in yoga, guided meditation, sound bath, TRX, stretch and more. Each ship has a Mindful Living Coach who is a certified yoga and meditation practitioner and leads seminars during the voyage. There are also special wellness voyages with Dr. Weil himself providing lectures and workshops on how to enrich your life for better mental and physical health. In addition to what’s onboard, Seabourn has partnered with UNESCO to offer shore excursions which provide deeper insights for travelers while supporting conservation through sustainable tourism.

​Photo credit: SeaDream Yacht Club

​SeaDream Yacht Club has a Live Well program that not only includes sunrise yoga and tai chi but also the 1st certified spa and raw food menu at sea. They are known for their water sports marina which provides complimentary use of wave runners, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, wakeboards and other water sports equipment. SeaDream also offers complimentary mountain bikes and the crew leads bike rides, hikes, and walks where you can learn more about the destination while getting active.

Photo credit: Ama Waterways river cruising

Ama Waterways river ships offer Wellness Hosts to lead guests through fitness classes onboard as well as active excursions on shore. They also offer lectures on integrating wellness into your daily life. Their river ships have bicycles for use at ports, a walking track, fitness room, pool and spa. Ama Waterways also offers active sightseeing including guided hiking and bike tours. They also partner with fitness companies such as BackRoads to offer a river cruise and bike vacation which gives you the best of both worlds. For golfers, their Concierge Golf Program allows you to sail the Danube and enjoy golf on some of the leading courses in Europe in up to 5 different countries on one trip.

acRenderings courtesy BlueWorld Voyages

​Blue World Voyages, which is scheduled for its inaugural sailing in 2021, touts itself as the first in “active lifestyle cruising”. With a focus on sports, fitness and wellness along with farm-to-table fresh cuisine, Blue World plans to create an environment which caters to guests who “lead active lives and value self-awareness”. The first ship will have a full deck dedicated to sports, including batting cages, golf school, bike fitting stations and more. The spa and wellness deck will offer traditional spa services but also a mud bath, reflexology, aromatherapy and other treatments. On shore, the excursions will focus on active adventures and unique cultural experiences. In my mind, this is the cruise line to watch to see if it really delivers on these lofty promises. If Blue World can pull it off, I see a whole new world opening up for those active guests who are averse to traditional cruising. 

​In the meantime, there are plenty of options for cruisers who want the benefits of unpacking once and exploring several destinations while at the same time taking their healthy and active lifestyle on the road. As always, through our Virtuoso partnerships, we can offer guests additional amenities such as a welcome cocktail reception, additional onboard credit, and special shore excursions on these and many other cruise lines. 

Photo Credit: Paul Gauguin

​Cruising offers many benefits. You can see several destinations without constantly packing and unpacking, there’s plenty of entertainment on board and there's scheduled excursions once you get off the ship. For the most part, cruising also offers an all-inclusive rate, so most meals and drinks are included in the cost.
 
What about those of us for whom being on a ship with 6,000 other passengers scurrying for the buffet line doesn’t seem like much of a vacation? What about those that prefer more active vacations, higher levels of service, better food options and want to see more of the places we’re traveling to rather than being confined to waterslides and shopping malls onboard?

Photo Credit: WindStar
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​Luckily for these vacationers, cruising has come a long way. There are so many options available for every type of passenger. Expedition ships focus on seeing the great outdoors and following the trail of wildlife with the help of naturalists as your guides. Yachts provide a staff to guest ratio which allows for a more intimate experience with the highest service levels. Sailboats allow you to get nostalgic about getting out onto the deep blue sea. River cruises offer a slower pace and the beautiful sights and sounds of cities along the rivers of Europe (Danube, Rhine, Rhone, and most recently the Douro being some of the most popular) or Asia (Mekong is the primary, followed by the Ganges and most recently the Irrawaddy). There’s even cruises for adults only or ones which have areas which cater specifically to adults.

​The small and mid-size ships (including yachts with a few dozen passengers up to ships with 1700 passengers) can access ports that the larger ships can’t maneuver, which allows them to offer more  distinctive and diverse itineraries. Not having hordes of passengers also means that getting on and off the ship is more streamlined. Add to this higher end amenities, personalized service, gourmet cuisine and fine wine in a more inclusive rate and you understand why I gravitate towards this style of cruising myself.  

Photo credit: Sea Dream Yacht Club

​There are distinctive features to each cruise line as well- restaurants with Michelin star chefs (you may not get reservations at French Laundry but you can experience Thomas Keller's cuisine onboard Seabourn Cruises), cooking schools and culinary centers, overnights in ports allowing you to experience the destination more fully and enjoy the local nightlife, sports platforms that get you paddle boarding or kayaking en route, excursions to UNESCO World Heritage sites, lectures from authors or experts on board, artist’s lofts, Canyon Ranch Spa, sleeping under the stars, exclusive shore excursions….the list is endless. 

Then there are the themed cruises, built around any activity you can imagine from wine cruises to Perry Golf cruises to learning-Bridge-from-a-master-instructor cruises. If you have a group that has a special interest, there's a cruise for you!

Suffice it to say that there’s now a cruise experience that can meet the needs of most any type of traveler. The more luxurious cruise lines tend to bundle in more options, which means you’re not constantly nickel and dimed onboard for beverage packages, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, or gratuities. Some even offer business class airfare as part of the total cruise cost-this is what I call truly all-inclusive pricing! What's more, with the added Virtuoso perks available through us, you can layer on the savings and maximize your value with each trip.

So the next time someone asks you to join them on a cruise, instead of falling back to the old stereotypes, open your mind to the endless possibilities!