Discover the epitome of luxury at the Royal Mansour, a prestigious haven situated in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco. Indulge in unparalleled service and explore lush gardens that mirror the rich cultural heritage of Morocco.
An Unforgettable Experience at the W Hotel London | Extreme WOW Suite
The Exclusive Extreme WOW Suite in the Luxurious W Hotel London offers a one of a kind experience. Whether it's location, luxury amenities, or service you seek - this suite has it all!
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River Review
Get a glimpse of luxury accommodations in Bangkok with this review of the exquisite Four Seasons Hotel. Take a look at all that it has to offer and what makes it stand out from other hotels in the area.
Why Ischia Italy should be on your travel bucket list
Sitting off the coast of Naples and surrounded by picturesque hillsides and sandy beaches, this stunning island offers visitors a wealth of opportunities for exploration.
Happy 5th Anniversary and 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Hotel Parister Next Time You're in Paris
Hotel Parister celebrates its five year anniversary today and here are 5 reasons why you should consider staying here for your next visit to Paris.
Stay at The Palace of Versailles and Step Back in History
If you're looking for a luxurious escape, look no further than the Airelles Château de Versailles Le Grand Controle. This exquisite hotel is sure to make your vacation unforgettable. Planning to visit The Palace of Versailles? Why not STAY at The Palace of Versailles and step back in history to live life like royalty.
The Bloomsbury Hotel: Why You Should Stay Here in London
The Bloomsbury Hotel is a gem in the heart of London. Tucked away on a quiet street in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. From the outside, the hotel looks like an old Victorian building. But once you step inside, you'll be amazed by the modern and stylish interior design.
A Whimsical Stay at The Mayfair Townhouse in London
Step through the looking-glass and enter the world of The Mayfair Townhouse, an imaginative world of surprises, whimsical details, and curiosities with all the amenities of a luxury hotel.
5 Reasons Why You Should Skip Other Ride Share Apps and Use This Car Service Instead When Traveling
Ever had an Uber or Lyft that couldn’t fit all your luggage or parked over a block away and asked you to go to them instead?
Holiday Guide 2021 - All things to bring you joy this holiday season
Holiday shopping should be considered a sport at this point. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your friends, loved ones, or family members, it can be an overwhelming task. I’ve put together a list of my favorite things that have been my tried and true.
Enjoy this holiday season and happy shopping!
Always Pan
Photo Cred: Our Place
For those that have been following me, I became a fan of the brand during quarantine and it is not only versatile (it replaces 8 traditional pieces of cookware), it’s also gorgeous on your stovetop. They also came out with a new color Blanch, that has been sold out since it launched. My favorite is the lavender color. it brings joy to my kitchen!
Currently $99 from $145
Fable Home
Photo Cred: Fable Home
Minimal, elegant , sustainable and durable. Designed in Vancouver but thoughtfully made by Portuguese ceramicists in central Portugal. They use locally sourced recycled ceramics, and clay from just a few miles up the road, to create a product you can feel good about using every single day. I have the the dinnerware in the color Blush , serving plate in speckled white, and serving bowl in midnight blue. They are so elegant that you’d want these out on an open shelf in your kitchen for display.
They are currently running their BF sale. 10% off $0+ | 15% off $300+ | 20% off $600+
Flamingo Estate Rosé
Photo Cred: Flamingo Estate
If you are not familiar with Flamingo Estate, be ready to have this lifestyle wellness brand become your latest obsession. Meticulously curated and produced, and all products are produced using regenerative practices that nurture the ecosystem. My picks are the Rosé and their hot sauce.
20% off everything on their site for Black Friday currently
Laneige Gummy Bear Lip Mask
Photo Cred: Laneige
I’ve been using Laneige for over 10 years. They have the best sleeping mask on the market. The lip mask in the Gummy Bear scent is my ultimate favorite. I hope they release this in the sleeping face mask at some point as well. In the meantime, treat yourself to the lip sleeping mask and lip balm!
La Mer Crème de la Mer
Photo Cred: La Mer
This is one cream I will always have in my skincare routine. It’s either a love it or hate it product. Many people have said it’s basically Nivea Cream, but I actually tested that theory and it is definitely not the same. Find a texture that is best suited for your skin type.
You can use my code CAMERON10 to get 10% off the entire Bluemercury site
Amorepacific Time Response Skin Reserve Night Elixir 16-Piece Collection
Photo Cred: AMOREPACIFIC
For the ultimate skincare lovers, this is one of the most luxurious treatments for that someone special in your life or simply get this to treat yourself. This powerful night treatment is powered by AMOREPACIFIC's green tea seed oil, available once every 730 days that contains micro-sized pure gold powder for youthful-looking skin.
The Nue Co Skin Filter
Photo Cred: Nue Co
There are numerous skincare supplements on the market. This is one that I’ve true seen a difference in my skin. I’ve gotten many of my friends on this and everyone of them said it has made a noticeable difference in their skin. I highly recommend this!
Currently 30% off entire site with code BF2021
SKII Treatment Essence
Photo Cred: SKII
There are many treatment essences on the market. This is one of my favorite ones alongside the Vintage Single Extract Essence from AMOREPACIFIC. This one will brighten your overall skincare and gives you almost that translucent look to your skin. It’s wildly popular amongst Asian skincare lovers before it became popular in the US.
Dyson Supersonic™ Limited Edition Set
Photo Cred: Dyson
This is the only hairdryer I would use now. The new color is stunning and this limited set comes with a travel case as well.
Anima Mundi Organic Rose Powder Heart Opener
One of my favorite herbal supplement brands on the market. I have purchased nearly everything they have. All of their products contain zero fillers, binders or flow agents. Lab tested for purity and efficiency. Packaged in recyclable glass, or biodegradable bags. I use the rose powder for my lattes and teas. It’s a beautiful addition to your pantry.
Currently 25% off entire site with code HOLIDAYSALE21
Why You Need to Book a Trip to Sandals South Coast
Few years ago when I did my first stay with Sandals Royal Barbados, a few people asked me “Is it really luxury?” I am here to tell you, 100% yes.
I was in Jamaica for 10 days and whenever I asked a local or a driver what is the best luxury resort on the island, everyone said “Sandals”. Sandals started in Jamaica and they have continued to reinvent what it means to be “all-inclusive” and every few years they refurbish older properties to add exciting new elements and that’s what I got to experience at Sandals South Coast.
Check-in Process
I was at the new Swim-Up Rondovals (which they completed in 2020, such a smart move to use the down time during the pandemic to reinvent the property), the Swim-up Ronovals fall under the Love Nest Luxury Suites category, which comes with butler service, private transfer from the airport, and many other elements that are well worth the price tag. The check-in process was super easy and at this level, you’re able to do the check in process at the comfort of your suite with your butler.
The Suite
Each suite features zero-entry swim up access, a private plunge pool, an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. The suites are situated on the longest swim-up pool in the western hemisphere at 17,040 sq. ft. The suite comes with your dedicated butlers that caters to all your needs throughout your entire stay from setting up your dinner reservations to setting up your beach lounge chairs in the morning. If you’re booking Sandals for the first time, I highly suggest booking a suite that comes with butler service, it really makes the experience.
Dining
Sandals is one of the few resorts I know that really cares about the quality of their food. I considered myself a foodie when I travel and I’ve never been disappointed by the food options at any Sandals Resorts. There are 9 restaurants on property. My favorite is always the sushi restaurant and I was able to try multiple restaurants at once at the comfort of my own suite with the butler service. When you have butler service, you’re not tied down to just the in-room dining menu, your butler can source food from all the restaurants on property.
Entertainment and activities
There are multiple pools and water activities for guests. I tend to like to lay out and enjoy the beach and Sandals South Coast’s beach stretches about 2 miles long so it never feels crowded. The best part of the beach is the part past the over-the-water bungalows. The water there is super clear and it’s very private and quiet on that part of the beach. There’s an over-the-water bar with hammocks, which is a great spot to watch the sun go down.
Now, why should you book Sandals South Coast? Here are just some reasons-
Considered the most luxurious resort in Jamaica, even by locals
2 miles of white sand beach so it’s never crowded
It has the world’s first swim-up Rondoval suites
Butler Service
The food is actually good
Seamless airport transfer for arrival and departure
Very Friendly staff
Gay-friendly
Book your reservation here- sandals.com/south-coast/
The Best K Beauty Facial Cleanser You Need Right Now
Many of you don’t know that I used to have a moderately successful skincare blog where I reviewed luxury skincare products. I had to stop doing it when I got a job doing PR for a luxury retailer where I couldn’t discuss or talk/review brands we carried.
Skincare has always been a passion of mine as I used to suffer from acne. I was set on trying everything possible on the market to get healthy glowy looking skin. With that said, let’s get to the product review!
What is it:
Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser
Description (from their site):
A transformative powder to foam daily exfoliating cleanser with green tea probiotic-derived enzymes and hyaluronic acid that purifies, hydrates and helps to strengthen the moisture barrier.
Take skin from dull to radiant with this hydrating, exfoliating, powder to foam cleanser. The hyaluronic acid infused formula hydrates skin while effectively eliminating pore clogging debris, dead skin cells & excess sebum with green tea probiotic-derived enzymes. The non-abrasive formula is gentle enough to be used up to twice daily as part of any cleansing routine.
My take:
First off, AmorePacific is the gold standard in K Beauty skincare. They’ve been in the industry for years. For full disclosure, I received the product from them, but they didn’t ask me to do a review on my site. I wanted to. I have been using their products for over 10 years. The same company also owns Laneige, Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, Mamonde, Primera and IOPE.
The cleanser is powder to foam, meaning once it comes with contact with water, you rub it between your hands, transforming it into a foam texture. It is formulated with green tea enzymes, which helps to gently exfoliate the skin and hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep your skin hydrated .
It is very gentle on the skin and doesn’t make your face dry after cleansing. Skin feels supple and clean immediately after.
Final Thoughts:
It is a very gentle cleanser. I love the whole powder to foam idea. I use it along with the Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser. I use that during the day and the Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser at night. It’s perfect for all skin types and like most of their products, they are even great for sensitive skin types.
Price: US $68
Worth it: YES!
Where to get it: You can buy it by clicking here.
Black Friday Deals I'm Looking At That You Should Too
I don’t normally do these shopping guides/lists, but I know everyone loves a good deal and people have been asking me about some of the products I’ve posted on my instagram stories so I thought it would be easier to pull together all the deals that are catching my eye. These are some of my favorite products from brands I love. Enjoy!
Vinta
Deal: Up to 40% off
Code: No code
What to get: TYPE-II: CHARCOAL BACKPACK
Herbivore
Deal: 25% off sitewide
Code:HOLIDAY25
What you should get:
Description from their site: Derived from the Ayurvedic Babchi plant, Bakuchiol Serum is a 100% natural treatment to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while sealing in hydration.
Photo Cred: Herbivore
Description from their site: A jelly-textured, potent blend of 20% fruit-based AHA‚ and 5% Willow Bark-based BHA in an exfoliating rinse-off weekly facial that naturally transforms skin from dull to radiant and glowing in only 10 minutes.
Photo Cred: Herbivore
Description from their site: Lapis Lazuli, a favorite stone of ancient Egypt, is known for its gorgeous deep blue color. Lapis Facial Oil is named for the precious blue oil it contains, Blue Tansy. This oil holds a component called Azulene which aids in soothing dry irritated skin, reducing the appearance of redness and balancing skin. Formulated for combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin types or any skin in need of balancing hydration.
Photo Cred: Herbivore
Tatcha
Deal: 20% off sitewide
Code: BF20
What you should get-
Violet-C Radiance Vitamin C Mask
Product Description from their site: A creamy, hydrating vitamin C mask that prevents the signs of premature aging. Packed with Japanese beautyberry, two types of vitamin C and 10% AHAs from seven fruit extracts to improve skin texture, brighten skin tone, and unveil a soft, dewy glow.
Photo Cred: Tatcha
The Nue Co
Deal: 30% off Sitewide
Code: Auto applied at checkout
What to get: Skin Filter
Description from their site: Skin Filter is a skincare supplement designed to improve sun damage, pigmentation, breakouts and blur impurities in just sixty days. Tested in France under dermatological control, the patented blend of Vitamin C, Zinc, Champagne Grape Seed and Melon is clinically proven to improve skin luminosity, pigmentation, blemishes and elasticity.
Photo Cred: Nue Co
Photo Cred: Liquid IV
Fitness Accounts You Can Follow to Keep Your Fitness On While Traveling ( or at home)
One of the most challenging things to keep up while traveling is your workout routine. Not all hotels have good gyms and let’s be honest, it’s hard to make the time to go to the gym when you have a full itinerary.
Here are some great fitness gurus on instagram that have consistently push out great workout content and they have all stepped up during the self quarantine era to help everyone at home get a decent work out. Check out their highlights for some pre-released workout content!
Damon Bell
This is the one to follow for all your at home workout needs. He often post workouts that you don’t need equipments for and they are super easy to follow. You can do this at home, or inside a hotel room.
Nathan McCallum
He usually post workouts you can do at the gym, but during this WFH period, he’s pushed out quite a few workouts you can do at home.
Brian DeCosta
His account is a bit more intense but he has put out some great workouts during the quarantine period. I discovered his account during this time and they are definitely serious workouts geared towards bodybuilders or frequent gym-goers.
All the Essential Immunity Boosters You Need During This Time
Needless to say, 2020 has already been a wild ride and we are only in March. COVID-19 is just starting to take a hold of the US with over 300 deaths to-date of this blog and we haven’t hit our peak yet before it dies down.
My parents split time between Taiwan and the US, so our family has been following the spread of the virus since last December. I got the flu last December and I was bed-ridden for 4 weeks with cough, fever, and body aches. I went to 4 different doctors and was tested positive for influenza at last. I was on tamiflu that eventually helped me kick the nasty flu. When coronavirus got serious here, I made sure to do everything I can to keep my immune system up. Here are some essential immunity boosters that I always have with me that have saved me from getting sick multiple times or shorten the duration of the cold or flu. I am not a doctor, so please consult your physicians on whether of not these are right for you to take before you start taking any supplements! Stay well and wash your hands.
Sovereign Silver
If you are going to buy one thing on this list, I highly recommend you getting colloidal silver. It’s the holy grail of immunity booster. Colloidal silver can boost your immune system, fighting bacteria and viruses, and treating cancer, HIV/AIDS, shingles, herpes, eye ailments and prostatitis. It’s helped me through many colds and flus, and i’ve also used it to treat eye stye in the past as well and it made it disappear after one day. I always travel with this and when I’m in a different country, I make sure to do a few sprays daily to keep my immune system up. You can get it on amazon here.
Host Defense: Turkey Tail Immune Support
Studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms can have significant benefits through the support they provide to the body’s immune system. The immune-boosting power of turkey tail mushrooms has made them a useful and popular tool in the fight against cancer. I take mine from the brand Host Defense, It’s one of the most trusted brands when it comes to mushroom supplements. Read the reviews on amazon, a lot of cancer patients are recommended by their doctors to take this to keep their systems up. You can get Turkey Tail here.
Source Natural: Wellness Formula
Wellness Formula has been a gold standard in the wellness industry for awhile. The best time to take this is at the early signs of an imbalance or one tablet everyday to keep your immune system up. It’s packed with so many great herbs. I find the tablets are better than the capsules but the tablets are pretty big and can be hard to swallow for some people. I don’t recommend taking it on an empty stomach if you’re sensitive to supplements. It’s a great daily supplement during this time. You can get it here .
Quantum Health Super Lysine
This was recommended to me by my good friend Nina when I was very sick. It’s a super blend of 6 KEY INGREDIENTS IN STRATEGIC DOSES - L-Lysine, Vitamin C, Propolis, Garlic Bulb, Echinacea, and Licorice Root. Many people take this for cold sores, but this is a tried and true formulation of some of the six most well researched immune health nutrients. They have over 2500 reviews on Amazon and close to a 5 star rating. You can get it here.
Black Elderberry - Nature’s Way and Sambucus
eas and syrups made from the elderberry plant have been commonly used to fight upper respiratory infections and boost immunity for hundreds of years. There’s been a lot of studies and researches done on the effects of elderberry helping to reduce the duration of a cold and flu. I feel like it’s helped me more during a cold than a flu, but as always you should talk to your doctor before taking any natural supplements. You can get elderberry products here.
GOLI
Apple cider vinegar has various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. As functional medicine practitioner Will Cole, D.C., IFMCP, explains, "apple cider vinegar has also been shown to have antiviral and anti-yeast and antifungal benefits, all helpful in supporting microbiome and overall immune balance." I used to take apple cider vinegar every morning to help with weight loss, but honestly i couldn’t bare to continue because of the taste. I discovered Goli last year, they make ACV gummies that taste AMAZING and still has all the benefits of the ACV. The ingredients are clean and more importantly, it’s makes taking ACV easy. If you want to try it, you can use promo code THECAMERONLEE to get a discount. You can get it here.
Unforgettable holiday trip to Chicago with Choose Chicago
Who knew Chicago would be such a festive place to be around the holidays? I recently did a media trip to Chicago to experience what the city has to offer during the holiday season, and it surpassed all my wildest expectations. From indulging on deep dish pizza to visiting the largest Starbucks in the world to seeing the city in a glass box from 1,353 feet above, Chicago has everything to offer and then some.
I’ve never been a fan of domestic travel as I am always looking outside of the US for new experiences, but Chicago has shown me some incredible experiences that really changed the way I see what the US has to offer.
If you are ever planning a trip around the holidays, definitely put Chicago on your list. The city is decked out for the holidays with all kinds of activations and festivities. Here you will find a list of city’s musts along with some highlights from my trip.
The Skydeck
You’ve seen it all over social media, but it is a whole different experience to be here in person. This is a definitely must on your Chicago list. We were treated to a special breakfast at Skydeck where the whole place was shut down for just our group to enjoy and take photos. This is the place to visit to get that photo moment from Chicago for all your social media outlets!
https://theskydeck.com/
Chicago Helicopter Experience
This was hands down one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve had on a trip. Words cannot describe the astonishing view from above. For those of you that are looking to get the perfect shot with the helicopter, they’ve got you covered. They have staff there to take photos of you before you get on the helicopter so don’t worry about taking your own photos. This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience that I recommend for anyone looking to see the city in a special way.
https://www.chicagohelicopterexperience.com/
Tilt at 360 Chicago
If you are looking for a thrill, look no further than the Tilt at 360 Chicago. The Tilt is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. The platform tilts outward generating a downward-facing view of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile.
https://360chicago.com/tilt/
106th Annual Christmas Tree lighting Ceremony
If you are visiting Chicago around November, try to plan it around the tree lighting. The entire city comes together with performances and fireworks. If you’re looking for a clean shot with the tree, the best time to take a photo with the tree is right before the park closes on a weeknight.
Festival of Lights Christmas Parade
I had the honor of riding in Choose Chicago’s float this year going down The Magnificent Mile. It was one of the major highlights of the trip being part of a parade and seeing the whole city come together to celebrate the holidays.
Holiday train
Now this is something I’ve never seen before. Chicago Transit Authority decorates one of its trains, inside and out, with twinkling lights and festive decorations. There is Santa waving to boarding passengers from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar with elves serenading riders between stops. You would think you’ve walked into a scene from the movie Elf, but in real life. If you’re in Chicago around the holidays, look up the train schedule to make sure you don’t miss this experience!
https://www.transitchicago.com/holidayfleet/
Sofitel Chicago
I stayed at the Sofitel Chicago during my trip and it was conveniently located in downtown within walking distance to Michigan Avenue. If you are staying here, make sure you make a reservation at their restaurant CDA, it was one of the best meals I had in Chicago. Make sure you order the paella!
https://www.sofitel-chicago.com/
Cloud Gate aka the “bean”
Lastly, your visit to Chicago is not complete without a visit to the “bean”. Many people know the sculpture as the “bean”, but its official title is ‘Cloud Gate’ since 80% of its surface reflects the sky and bends the reflection down into a gate shape. It is actually designed by London-based artist, Anish Kapoor and was poorly received by the city initially during construction, but it now serves as a symbol of Chicago.
If you are into history and architecture, I highly recommend going on Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. This relaxing 90-minute tour features both indoor and outdoor seating, a full-service bar and snack bar, and is consistently named by locals and visitors alike as the best way to see Chicago. You can book your ticket here- https://www.cruisechicago.com/tours/architecture-tour
Disclaimer: This trip was sponsored by Choose Chicago
Iconic Places to Visit in Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakech is one of the most visited cities in Morocco. It has been on my list for many years, but I could never find the right time to go. This wasn’t a place I was going to try to do solo and I knew i wanted to go with someone who has been there before. Finally this year a friend of mine was going back home to Marrakech for the summer and asked if I wanted to visit him while he’s there so he could take me around. I booked my tickets immediately and started planning my list of places to visit.
Below you will have a list places I visited during my trip to Marrakesh. I personally look for architecture, design and cultural experiences when I travel. I hope you enjoy this list as much as I did.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
This was the largest Islamic College in Morrocco and now a beautiful historic site with stunning architecture and design. Unfortunately, this was closed for construction when I was in Marrakesh so I didn’t get to visit.
Jardin Majorelle/Musee Yves Saint Laurent
I am combining these two places together because they are adjacent to each other on the same street, and I believe you can get a discount if you buy tickets to both places together. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the Jardin Majorelle in 1980 and saved it from falling victim to a real estate project and becoming a hotel complex. It served as an inspiration for many of his creations.
I suggest going to visit Jardin Majorelle as it get very crowded fairly quickly. If you’re looking to get a clean shot of the house, you’ll have to go right when they open. The YSL Museum has a steady flow throughout the museum and the main photo moment is the one by the entrance.
Marrakech Souks
Souks are the traditional marketplaces and are often divided into sections for the various trades. You'll see herbalists, spice sellers, metal workers, tanners, and food markets congregated on trade-specific streets. Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main town center and entrance to all the shops and alley ways. I would highly suggest going with a local that knows the area well to help you navigate the souks in Marrakech. I’ve heard very mixed experiences from my friends about their experience being at the souk, but ultimate if you stand out like a tourist, you become a target for many things, just keep that in mind.
Royal Mansour
You’ve seen this place everywhere on instagram and it is truly a stunning hotel that is worthy of a visit. Designed by King Mohammed VI with the idea of a “Médina within a Médina”. For the experience of living like a King, this is a must in Marrakech. The photo here you see is actually the spa of the hotel. It has been posted tirelessly by everyone on instagram, but it is truly stunning and other worldly in person.
La Mamounia
La Mamounia, another one of the most iconic hotels in Marrakech. They had this section of the hotel closed off for hotel guests only, so if you plan to get a shot here, you’ll need to be a guest of the hotel. I’m sure it’s due to the popularity of it being a photo spot, so plan accordingly. I had food inside the hotel and I wasn’t that impressed by the food. The inside of the hotel is actually really dark with jewel tones, completely different than this photo I took, which can be a bit misleading. However, it is one of the most iconic hotels in Marrakesh. I would say if you have to pick a place to visit between this and Royal Mansour, I would go to Royal Mansour.
Kasbah Tamadot
Tucked in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Richard Branson's Kasbah Tamadot Resort is about 27 miles outside of Marrakech. For those looking to be surrounded by nature away from the city. This is your spot. One of the most impressive resorts I’ve been to. If you're planning for a first trip to Morocco, I would say don't stay here, just visit, because it is close to an hour out side of Marrakech, so unless you have a driver that will drive you up and down the Atlas Mountains, this is more for a visit where you want to stay on property for your entire stay.
Four Seasons Marrakesh
An urban oasis in the heart of Marrakesh. The location of the resort is perfect and close to all the major attractions of the Red City. The resort has two large pools, one of them is adults only, which is always a definite must for me when traveling to popular destinations. You can expect the same type of service and hospitality you get from Four Seasons, but do take time to explore the majestic grounds and have one of your dinners at the main restaurant here. The food is incredible. I stayed at a patio suite with a private pool, which I definitely took advantage of throughout my entire stay. The staff is incredibly attentive as you would expect and the spa is beautifully designed as well.
I would definitely stay here again and I highly recommend booking here if this is your first time visiting or coming back for a special occasion. I couldn’t stop talking about my stay for weeks after I left. Staying here really made my trip extra special.
Stay like a local at Hotel Parister in Paris
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. Often called the city of light or La Ville–Lumière due to the city being the center of education and progressive ideas during the Age of Enlightenment. It was also one of the first cities to install lighting in the street. Most of us might think of Paris as city of love from what we’ve read in literature and seen on film and television.
When I was planning my trip to Paris, I asked a friend of mine in Paris to send a list of hotels that are “on brand” for me and Hotel Parister was on the top of his list and he actually told me this is a hotel he would actually pay to stay as a local, and that is all I needed to hear!
The Hotel
The hotel’s mission is to provide guests with the experience of staying like a local. It is designed for active people, who enjoy daydreaming and having fun... basically everyone who enjoys life's true pleasures of body and soul. From an actual key to the open-air restaurant patio to your very own private terrace overlooking Parisian rooftops, it is everything you would want for a true partisan getaway.
The Neighborhood
The Parister hotel sits on this calm and quiet street hidden in the middle of the city.
Between Montmartre and the small shops in the Pigalle neighborhood in the North, the Galeries Lafayette and the Drouot auction rooms in the West; and the Vivienne and Palais Royal neighborhoods.
I find the location extremely convenient for everything I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to take photos at the Palais Royal and the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette, so this couldn’t have been a better location.
The Room
I stayed in the Deluxe Room with Terrace. The moment you step into the room it feels as if you’ve walked onto the set of Mad Men with its sleek Art Deco design. The bathroom is impeccably dressed with light teal tiles. It’s really a photographer’s dream. The private terrace is larger than I expected. If you have a chance to book a suite with a terrace, do it! They also have other rooms that feels like an actual home or a loft. Head over to their website to explore more.
Amenities
A stunning 24-hour indoor swimming poor. This is definitely a huge selling point for the hotel. The gym is on the smaller side, but they host classes here for guests.
Restaurant/bar
Open air patio get very crowded around dinner time till it closes. Very local crowd.
Beautiful design throughout the restaurant/bar area
Final thoughts
If you want to stay like a local with the amenities and the service of a 5 star hotel, this is your spot. The staff was personable, attentive, and professional. There are many hotels in Paris and often times you get great service from luxury hotels but they come off insincerely, but not here. I really had a great time talking to the staff here. it’s very small team, but everyone absolutely loves the property and what they do here. I highly recommend checking this place out if you’re looking to experience Paris like a local, not a like a tourist. I can’t wait to come back here in the future!
Address: 19 Rue Saulnier, 75009 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 80 50 91 91
www.paristerhotel.com/
Top Moments of 2018
Swimming in Multum-Ha Cenote
Three years ago, I saw a photo of a someone swimming in a cenote and right away I marked it down on my bucket list of places too travel. Earlier this year while traveling through the Western Caribbean, I was able to make a stop at Multum-Ha Cenote in Coba. There are three cenotes in Coba, and this is often called the best and the most serene out of the three cenotes due to its location being a little bit more out of the way. If you want to swim in a cenote that is less crowded, choose this one on your visit.
W London
For those that have been following me. I’ve been staying here every year for the past few years. It just feels like home. This year I stayed in the WOW Suite, which if you haven’t seen my stories, it’s up in my highlights. One of the photos I posted at the hotel this year got over 6k likes. The most likes I’ve ever received on a photo. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the team at the hotel and they are some of the coolest people ever. So grateful for everyone there for always being there for me and making me feel at home. I can’t wait to be back again verrry soon!
Media Mentions
I started photography less than 2 years ago. Before that, I’ve never worked with a professional camera. I’ve been very fortunate to have my photos picked up by various official tourism accounts in London, Paris, Los Angeles and some major fashion accounts such as Zac Posen, Dolce and Gabbana, Monique Lhuillier, and Zuhair Murad. This year my Paris photo was picked up by CNN Travel and my Portugal photo was picked up by Forbes Travel Guide, those were two major moments for me in 2018.
Barbados
This was one of my favorite trips of 2018. Mainly due to the fact that I had the pleasure of meeting so many great people on this trip. I stayed at Sandals Royal Barbados and it was the beginning of a great partnership with them. A little story behind this photo- It took two separate shoots to get the shots I wanted. The first time we shot it, there were too many people in the pool and any travel photographer knows the importance of getting a clean shot. We got up super early the next day and got the shots done before 8am. The shot I posted few months ago on my feed is one of my favorite shots of 2018.
This moment in Mahahual
This photo in particular is probably my favorite of 2018 in terms of mood and vibe. It was taken in Mahahual. We were supposed to have a day of snorkeling there, but it rained so hard that we ended up not being able to see much snorkeling. However, the clouds and the rain made the perfect canvas for this photo. I don’t always get to post darker, moodier photos on my feed because they just don’t do that well, but this photo here really represents what I would love to post more of it. Maybe for 2019!
What was your favorite moments of 2018?
7 Most Beautiful Restaurants/Bars in London
Sketch
Sketch has often been called the most beautiful restaurant in the world. If you only visit one spot on this list, Sketch should be the one. The Gallery is where you want to be at Sketch. Inside The Gallery, you are transported to a cotton candy dream surrounded by illustrations done by the brilliant visual artist, David Shrigley. Take a trip to the restroom where you will be ascending to a room full of alien looking “pods”, which function as individual bathroom stalls. Sketch is a design dream.
http://sketch.london/
Sketch London
9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG, UK
Gong at Shangri-la at The Shard
Where else can you get such a sweeping view of all of London? Located on the 52nd floor of Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard. If you’re thinking about buying a ticket to go to the top of The Shard, I say skip that and make a reservation here for drinks so you can relax and take in the view at your leisure. It’s one of my favorite spots in London. I suggest going during around sunset!
The Shard, Shangri-La Hotel, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, UK
http://www.gong-shangri-la.com/bar/
Elan Cafe
Elan Cafe has taken London by storm by appearing in every single blogger and influencer’s instagram page. The cafe itself is adorned with pink colored flowers throughout creating the perfect backdrop for photos. They also offer a variety of unique lattes and cakes along with a full menu to create the perfect photo moment. There are multiple locations throughout London, I suggest popping in if you happen to see one!
Mr. Fogg’s House of Botanicals
One of the many houses of Mr. Foggs, and perhaps my favorite. The vibe here is different from the other houses; it is bright and airy versus dark and moody. What I love most about all of Mr. Foggs houses is that every house is a different experience. All the cocktails and light bites here are inspired by strange and exotic botanicals and plantlife.
Peggy Porschen
One of the very first “pink” go to places in London. There’s always some sort of floral installation outside that speaks to the season. In this photograph, I caught it in October, hence the skulls and pumpkin design. During the summer, it’s always some pink floral arrangement that compliments the color of the bakery itself.
Dalloway Terrace
Dalloway Terrance transforms itself every season with its stunning floral display that sets the mood of the restaurant. It is tastefully done without trying too hard. The adult place to have the perfect brunch and maybe take a few photos! The current winter installation is breathtaking!
Aubaine at Selfridges
Tucked inside the second floor of Selfridges, this is a hidden oasis draped in wisteria. The stunning setting makes the perfect mid-shop stop for a cup of coffee or lunch. Highly suggest you make a reservation early if you want to get a great shot by the window!