Where would I like to be right now? Submerged in the infinity pool at Terre Blanche, looking at the incomparable views of Provence. Truly, there are few things better in life than being in a beautiful pool in beautiful surroundings with beautiful landscaping. Over my two-night stay at Terre Blanche, a five-star luxury resort in […]

The kiddie pool at Terre Blanche, a five-star luxury resort in Provence, has to be the best kiddie pool in the world. No, I haven’t been to them all but I don’t see how there could be better one in existence. First, you’ve got the incomparable Provencal setting. But beyond that, look at how beautifully this French pool has been constructed with its trio of fountains and mosaic-tiled bottom.

We have lugged our BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light everywhere: Sintra, Lisbon, Seville, Stockholm and Copenhagen. We do this despite being reassured that many of the hotels and rental apartments where we’ve stayed could supply a crib for my son — usually even for free. But could I trust those cribs to be comfortable and 100% germ-free? No, of course not! Well, I just learned about a place where I (and probably any mom suffering from First Time Mom Syndrome) would let my son use the crib: The Suite Dreams Nursery at Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, in London.

At $2795 per night, most people can’t stay too long at this Great Gatsby—themed fantasy room. But you can bring it home with you! Yes, you can outfit your home just like The Fitzgerald Suite, as the identical chandeliers, lamps, desk chairs, sofa, bookends and more are available at RH, Restoration Hardware. Quite the souvenir!

When I heard about The Fitzgerald Suite at The Plaza Hotel, I couldn’t get there fast enough. The Great Gatsby movie and The Plaza Hotel are natural partners; not only did Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald frequent the Plaza but a scene from the book and movie takes place there. I was very excited to be invited to take a tour of the suite with Catherine Martin, who designed both The Great Gatsby and the suite.

When you have a toddler, the rhythms of time completely change. Often on a Tuesday evening, I think that it must already be Thursday. Other times, an entire morning disappears as I’m trying to get a two-year-old dressed and out of the house. An hour by myself spent completely relaxing feels absolutely luxurious. A full […]

If Lisbon reminded me of San Francisco, then Sintra reminded me of Newport, Rhode Island. When Sintra was in its heyday, the richest of the rich built incredible palaces of sometimes questionable taste but never lacking in detail, opulence or personality. And just like in Newport, these homes/castles are no longer inhabited but are open […]