It was like falling in love all over again. I remember the seduction so clearly, with the dreamy moments that satisfied all the romantic notions during my first time in Italy. I’ve returned many times since, always to find so much more of bella Italia just waiting to beguile
Music Among the Ruins: Brescia, Italy Read More »
Street musicians and artists created an inspired atmosphere in the breeze atop the ornate overpass. Long colonnades evoked the grandeur of an ancient acropolis, cascading along the walkways on the other side. The views here are iconic.
Berlin’s Museum Island: Art, Architecture, and Antiquities Read More »
Cyprus is one of those intriguing destinations that evokes curiosity whenever I mention my visit there. Its identity is not quite like any on the European mainland, nor is it Middle Eastern. I’ve compared it to the red-soiled terrain of Morocco, found lots of similarities to Malta, and, of course, the DNA of Greece is everywhere in Cyprus. The island sits in the Mediterranean…
The AMARA Hotel, Cyprus: Ancient Heritage Meets Modern Luxury Read More »
In the hidden heartlands of Leitrim and beyond, it was an invitation to the comforts of local culture, set amid landscapes, both wild and bucolic, with all the beauty and charm…
From the moment I entered The Spa at Séc-he, the calming, fragrant atmosphere began to soothe the tension from my flight to sun-drenched Palm Springs. The city itself emanates a welcoming air of calm…
A Palm Springs Sanctuary: The Spa at Séc-he Read More »
Excerpt from Cinematic Dining: Paris as seen on JustLuxe.com “In Paris, it just suddenly happens one day; the City of Love opens up for all the outdoor romance and revelry it’s known to inspire. It’s like a shot of espresso you didn’t know you needed, and it awakens the life within. They’ve made movies about
Cinematic Dining: Paris Read More »
I stood at one of the French balconies in the living room of my Pariser Platz Suite at the iconic five-star Hotel Adlon Kempinski, admiring the evening’s glow on historic Brandenburg Gate just outside. Pedestrians lingered in sprawling Pariser Platz below, marveling at the 235-year-old monument. Visits from royals and rock stars, intellectuals, artists, tyrants, and heads of state are the many tales told here. The legendary landmark was bathed in ambience as a street musician struck romantic chords. I leaned into the frame, sipping champagne, knowing that this was indeed the best view in the house; if not the entire city.
A Perfect Pairing in Berlin Read More »
It was just shy of two hours after leaving King’s Cross in London and gliding north into the unfolding countryside when I pulled into York Station. Beams of sunshine poked through the curved glazed ceiling onto the platform of the historic depot. The original clock hung above the imperial staircase in what used to be the world’s biggest rail station back in 1877. It loomed large enough to let passengers on the remaining eleven platforms know what time it was. These old stations can be so cinematic. My mind’s eye snapped a picture.
Enchantments on the UK Rail Read More »
Along oceanic shores and rocky seascapes exists an integral part of the planet’s vast marine ecosystem. Here in this intercoastal environment, numerous species of this hearty algae family thrive in systematically formed symbiotic relationships. Packed with a wealth of valuable nutrients, seaweed provides a crucial food source for all kinds of co-existing microbiology, including seabirds. And, for many foraging cultures around the globe, seaweeds are a cherished commodity for both gastronomy and wellbeing.
The Art & Science of Seaweed Foraging Read More »
Idyllic Québec City, often referred to as the birthplace of French America, is the capital of the Northeast Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1608, it is famous for its fortified Old Town (Vieux-Québec), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring European-style cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks at every turn. As one of the oldest cities on the continent, nautical Québec City played a major role in Canadian history, serving as a colonial capital for both the French and the British. Its preserved remains are a big part of the city’s charm and romance, making for an immersive, cinematic trip back in time, unique from other popular urban hubs of Canada.
Going Québécois: Un Petit Roundup of Québec City Read More »