From seaside oysters and sunlit strolls to wood-fired fish and French-Basque macarons, this chapter of Anywhere Is Good journeys through San Sebastián and the French Basque Country—where slow travel tastes better, stories linger longer, and every stop reveals another kind of magic.
I first visited Bilbao in the 1980s—pre-Guggenheim, pre-Bourdain. While my then-beau rehearsed with the Bilbao Opera, I wandered the city solo. It was gritty, authentic, and entirely unconcerned with charm. When I asked a local where to eat, he shrugged and said simply, “Anywhere.” Not a recommendation, not a list. Just a quiet kind of assurance that wherever I ended up, it would be good.
In June 2024, I was invited for an exclusive pre-opening stay at the fairytale Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, nestled on the shores of Lake Fuschl in Austria’s Salzkammergut region. From hot air ballooning at sunrise to chillout boating at sunset, spa serenity to private Mozart recitals, this three-night preview was pure storybook magic. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this soon-to-open Rosewood gem a dream for luxury travelers.
Experience the best of Nepal through luxury stays, sacred temples, Sherpa heritage, and epic mountain adventures. From Everest flights to fine dining, this is a journey of culture and contrast.
On my third journey to Estonia, I finally stepped beyond Tallinn’s medieval walls and into the quiet beauty of its islands. From a smoked sauna ritual at Pädaste Manor on Muhu Island to climbing the ramparts of a 14th-century citadel on Saaremaa, this trip revealed a soulful side of Estonia few take the time to see. Add in natural skincare, handcrafted woodwork, and a vodka-paired sandwich tasting in Tallinn, and you have a destination that’s both grounding and surprising.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through India's diverse landscape with "Kathakali, Chai, and Backwaters." Join us as we explore the vibrant culture of Kerala with a Kathakali performance in Fort Cochi, taste the flavors of India with a visit to the Lockhart Tea Factory in Munnar, and relax in the tranquil backwaters of Allepey and Kumarakom Lake Resort. This is a journey that will immerse you in the beauty and diversity of India, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Stepping out of the airport in Mumbai, we were hit with a wave of intense sensations. Our flight arrived on a Sunday, on the day of a marathon, and the city felt like it was on steroids. The noise, traffic, honking car horns, people, and scents overwhelmed our senses in a way that was both exhilarating and intimidating. As a first-time traveler to India, we were eager to dive into the vibrant culture of Mumbai, and we had just 48 hours to do it.
I first went to Morocco In 1993 on a travel agent familiarization trip. I was still single and invited a female friend to join me. It was our first time in Africa and the visual impact it left us still influences our color and design choices. My friend went on to design and produce carpets out of Morocco. I swore to return one day with a loved one in tow.
My photo in Majorelle Gardens from 1990’s in film and 2022 in digital.
Never did I imagine that it would take almost thirty years to return; this time as a travel advisor leading my own group of eight friends and family on an affordable luxury trip starting in the ancient city of Fez, through the Atlas Mountains to reach the Sahara desert, and recover in the Oasis to reach magical Marrakech.
This trip was our gift to our mother for her 80th birthday and was originally planned for April 2020. Well, we all know what happened then. After three postponements, we finally timed it to happen after my sister’s birthday celebration in Mallorca.
Our journey was seamless and well organized starting with a Fast Track airport service on arrival and departure. This VIP add-on service allows clients to skip the normal lines and breeze through immigration, customs and security.
Our Mercedes-Benz 14passenger van was very comfortable and well equipped with A/C, wifi , leather seats and water on board. We had a private driver and top expert guide with us throughout the trip.
A highlight of our trip was our own private luxury camp in the Sahara where we rode camels at sunset, dined under the stars and danced around the fire to the beat of African drums.
Bargaining is part of the culture and is customary in the souks. I know I did well when the seller calls me a Berber. We bought jellabas, scarves for turbans, babouches and dressed like locals on our trip making for great photos. For me, “sense of place” also pertains to how one dresses when traveling.
For this trip I chose boutique riads, hotels and lodges which was perfect for our group. I also visited other properties in Fes and Marrakech to see other options for my clients. Riads are converted houses /palaces located in the Medina. Often they are several buildings that have been connected as one. In cosmopolitan Marrakech, we had fun evenings with dinner and live entertainment (drummers, DJ, belly dancing).
Couples, families, friends looking for culture, history and adventure.
Pack your curiosity, open mindedness, and understanding. Moroccans are predominantly Muslim and the call to prayer 5x daily heard throughout the cities are a reminder of this peoples faith and devotion to Allah. I find Moroccans to be kind and gentle people. Best to greet everyone with “Salam Alekum” (May God be with you), and they will reply “Alekum Salam” (and God with you too).
Beware the snake charmers in J’Ma El Fna in Marrakech. DO NOT even think of taking a picture or you will be chased down for payment. Unless this is what you want of course.
Walk behind your guide in the Medina so sellers know you are not alone and they won’t bother you. And if they do, say NO politely and walk away without engaging in conversation.
Drink only bottled water.
Know what you want to pay for items before you start bargaining.
Bargaining is acceptable and part of the culture. A hard bargain to me is 3 offers and counter offers, verbal or written.
Ask permission to photograph or film someone before doing so.
Lamb or chicken Tagine, couscous, Moroccan mint tea (also referred to as Moroccan scotch) is green tea sweetened with sugar and infused with fresh mint leaves. A Moroccan salad are dishes of eggplant, tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, olives.
I recently returned from Saudi Arabia on a 10-day trip sponsored by Travel + Leisure, Saudi Tourism Authority and the Royal Commission of AlUla.
And indeed it did, for the two weeks that I spent on the island that is Ireland, both the Republic and Northern (UK) side.
The first half of my trip was hosted by a luxury DMC (Destination Management Company) and their rep company. DMC’s are local experts in a country and are my go-to when planning a client’s trip.
Adare Manor, The KClub, Lough Eske Castle
We experienced Luxury Ireland, stayed at beautiful castles, manor houses, and were enthralled with a wide variety of experiences — from a humbling visit to a tenement house, to uncasking a 50-year-old Jameson whiskey, to a helicopter ride to the Aran Islands, to foraging in the forest, to Michelin dinners, to a horse and hound welcome, to ax-throwing and falconry.
Horse and Hound Welcome at Mount Juliet Estate, Falconry at The KClub, Helicopter to the Aran Islands
The second half of my trip was more personal. Michael met me in Dublin and we spent the next week exploring Northern Ireland with Kieran, our private chauffeur and guide. We started in at the Titanic Museum in Belfast, then drove the Northern Antrim to the Giant’s Causeway, explored Derry and Donegal, and returned to Dublin for our flight home
Gleniff Horseshoe, The Dark Hedges aka King’s Road, Glenveagh National Park
There are so many reasons to visit, explore and experience Ireland. Here are some of mine:
Over 90% of the adult population are vaccinated.
Dublin is only 6 ½ hours from the East Coast. Clearing customs and immigration in Dublin makes it a very easy trip back to the US.
The Aran Islands, Giant’s Causeway, Slieve Liag, Cliffs of Mohr, Wild Atlantic Way, Northern Antrim, Gleniff Horsehoe, and Glenveagh National Park are some of the most scenic and inspiring places I’ve ever been to.
There is greater value for luxury accommodations in Ireland than in most European countries and even the US.
There are 494 golf courses on the island!!!
Irish butter, bread, and potatoes are a cut above the rest. Trust the weight I gained.
Fans of Game of Thrones, rejoice. Northern Ireland boasts 25 filming locations in addition to the Game of Thrones Studio in Belfast.
The TITANIC museum in Belfast is a must experience. I’ve since watched the movie again and see it now through a very different lens.
Learn about The Troubles, the violent, three-decade-long conflict between Protestants and Catholics/Republicans and Unionists.
Celebrate the 23-year old peace treaty by signing your name on the Peace Wall (it’s encouraged).
And lastly, the Irish. As Michael always says, “Every place is only as good as its people.”
Visit Ireland and let me plan your trip.
Can you believe we only have two more months remaining in 2021? Stay safe and healthy.
