Reflecting on 2025 + a Big Announcement!
2025 turned out to be an unforgettable year of travel—three trips to Europe in just six months! That was a first for me, and what a whirlwind it was. Scott and I kicked off the year sailing through the Caribbean on Explora I, easing into January with sunshine, sea breezes, and that signature Explora luxury experience.
Reflecting on 2025
2025 turned out to be an unforgettable year of travel—three trips to Europe in just six months! That was a first for me, and what a whirlwind it was. Scott and I kicked off the year sailing through the Caribbean on Explora I, easing into January with sunshine, sea breezes, and that signature Explora luxury experience.
By May, it was time for our annual Cadence Connects at the newly reimagined Hotel del Coronado—always fabulous, and even more magical with its refreshed look. Then June swept me off to Spain for the Emotions Travel Show, where I finally had the chance to explore both Madrid and Toledo for the very first time. Two cities, two completely different energies, and both absolutely captivating.
September brought one of my favorite traditions: our Fourth Curated Travel Group Cruise. Embarking from Barcelona, we had a fantastic group—many dear friends and repeat cruisers—and the itinerary along the coasts of Spain, France, and Italy was pure Mediterranean bliss. Explora Journeys was a star once again, and sharing those experiences together made it even more special. After we disembarked, Scott and I slipped away to Hotel Belles Rives in Antibes to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, French Riviera style.
Curated Travel Group Cruise on Explora II 2025!
Three weeks later, I returned to France for a hosted week in Provence with our French partner, Andy Swann Voyage, exploring the very best of Provence and the Côte d’Azur alongside a lovely group of Cadence friends. From there, I headed to Paris for DUCO France— it was an honor to attend and a dream to spend a week immersed in the city’s finest hotels, meeting with partners, and even enjoying a couple of solo days to wander, savor, and soak it all in.
Every stamp in my passport this year brought new knowledge, deeper relationships, and richer inspiration for crafting exceptional journeys for my clients. Truly a win‑win!
And 2026 is already shaping up beautifully. Scott and I will begin the year by hosting a Virtuoso Voyage in the Caribbean with Explora Journeys, with more European adventures shimmering on the horizon.
We are already looking ahead to 2027 with a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
We will embark on the Explora II from Athens on September 20-27.
Duration: 7 Nights · 7 Ports · 3 Countries
Dates: 20–27 September 2027
Piraeus (Athens), Greece – Departure from historic Athens
Paros – Cycladic charm and breezy beaches
Rhodes – Medieval allure and legendary tales
Corfu – Venetian elegance and lush landscapes
Dubrovnik – Secrets behind ancient walls
Hvar – Radiant island vibes
Venice (Fusina), Italy – Artistic finale in canal-lined beauty
Info on the Explora Cruise and Itinerary HERE
The link on my website, Curated Travel, to register and sign up for the cruise HERE
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!
Heather
Journey to White island Bohemia & Italian Riviera Romance on Explora II - Cruise with Us!
Join us as we embark on our fourth Curated Travel group cruise—an exquisite journey of breathtaking vistas, immersive cultural discoveries, and pure indulgence at sea. From September 22 to 29, 2025, prepare to sail in style, where every moment is designed for chic elegance and unforgettable experiences through Spain, France, and Italy.
An unforgettable voyage through the Mediterranean!
Join us as we embark on our fourth Curated Travel group cruise—an exquisite journey of breathtaking vistas, immersive cultural discoveries, and pure indulgence at sea. From September 22 to 29, 2025, prepare to sail in style, where every moment is designed for chic elegance and unforgettable experiences through Spain, France, and Italy. Just a few suites left!
Barcelona - Ibiza - Marseille - Villefranche Sur Mer - Genoa - Portofino - Porto Santo Stefano - Rome
“Free-spirited Balearic summer nights slip into French chic as we stroll the Cote d’Azur. Genoa surprises with its Renzo Piano-designed port, medieval old town, and 100 palazzi, before Portofino’s inimitable elegance, pastel-colored houses, sun-warmed waters, and superb restaurants. Lean into la dolce vita as we weave Tuscany’s islands amid pristine blues to its stylish hideaway on Monte Argentario, arriving at the Eternal City at sunrise.
”
Here we are aboard the exquisite Explora I in February. We set sail through the Caribbean, indulging in an extraordinary voyage that offered a captivating preview of this unparalleled new cruise brand. Departing from Miami in elegant tandem with Explora II (our ship for September!), our journey was a seamless blend of sophistication and adventure—an enticing glimpse into the experience that awaits us on our September sailing.
We had the pleasure of meeting Captain Pietro Sinisi (image above), who will also be at the helm for our September group cruise on the Explora II!
As we prepare for our fourth Curated Travel Group Cruise, we’re assembling an incredible group—talk about the ultimate bon voyage! 🌟✨ A few terrace suites (and one penthouse) remain available for our September 22-29, 2025 sailing.
View the details below to secure your spot on this fabulous journey.
The details of our specialized group pricing
Learn more about Explora Journeys and the brand new Explora II
To register your interest in cruising with us, please complete this form
Bon Voyage!
Heather & Scott
One of my favorite stops - Portofino on the Italian Riviera!
Exciting News! We Will be Hosting A Virtuoso Voyage with Seabourn Ultra Luxury Cruises - Monte Carlo to Barcelona - October 2023 - Join Us!
How does frolicking on the French Riviera sound about now?
In October, Scott and I plan to set sail on the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn from Monte Carlo to Barcelona on a 10-day cruise with stops in Elba, Amalfi, and Taormina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), St. Tropez and La Ciotat (France), as well as Palamos (Spain) before disembarking in Barcelona on this spectacular itinerary.
“Picture calm cerulean waters, stunning beaches, traditional fishing villages, and family-run wineries — not to mention megalithic temples, ancient Pompeii’s ruins, and the world’s oldest underground necropolis.”
How does frolicking on the French Riviera sound about now?
In October, Scott and I will set sail on the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn from Monte Carlo (Monaco) to Barcelona on a 10-day cruise with stops in Elba, Amalfi, and Taormina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), St. Tropez and La Ciotat (France), as well as Palamos (Spain) before disembarking in Barcelona on this spectacular itinerary. We have been invited to host the Virtuoso Voyages clients aboard who will receive specialized VIP amenities.
View destinations in the gallery below:
What we love: Seabourn provides all-inclusive, luxury cruising, refined to its purest form. Hand-selected itineraries transport you to unique ports beyond the reach of larger ships.
• Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
• One of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry
• The youngest and most modern fleet in the industry
A culinary partnership with famed chef Thomas Keller.
Virtuoso Hosted Voyages Perks:
As Curated Travel clients, you will receive these added benefits of the Virtuoso Voyages program when you book with us:
Dedicated onboard hosts (That’s US! - Heather & Scott Lindstrom from Curated Travel)
Private welcome cocktail party/reception
Exclusive shore excursions, from VIP tours to outings with a private car and driver (see below for a special experience on October 13)
Shipboard credits and specialty dining options
On this cruise, you also receive an Enhanced cruise experience for Virtuoso Voyages clients - October 13, 2023 - in Palomos, Spain:
“VIP Virtuoso Voyages Discover Palamos, one of Spain's most prominent ports. The day begins with a drive from Palamos to beautiful and ancient Gerona, a city in the northeast of Spain on the Costa Brava that boasts Roman-era walls and contains the most valuable heritage sites in the Catalonian region. The tour takes guests into the medieval city located on the banks of the river Onyar, where guests will see the famed “Tapestry of Creation” in Gerona’s 12th-13th century Cathedral and visit the nearby Bonastruc Jewish Center which chronicles the history of the Jews that lived in this city during the Middle Ages. Guests will also learn how the “Aljama”, or self-governing communities of Moors and Jews living under Spanish Christian rule functioned, and their traditions. After the visit, it will be time for a wonderful luncheon of delicious Catalonian specialties complimented by local wines at Restaurant Cal Ros. Guests will have some time at leisure to stroll the narrow, picturesque streets of the medieval village of Palsand and browse its many colorful shops.”
Learn more about the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta Cruise
and contact us to book.
Current Promotion: Receive up to $ 2,000 USD Air Credit per Person, a Two-Category Suite Upgrade with a Reduced 10% Deposit.
OR-
Is Alaska more your style??
In addition to the October cruise, we will also be hosting a Virtuoso Voyage for Seabourn to Alaska in July 2023! 7-Day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage July 7-14. 2023. Departs Juneau, Alaska, and arrives in Vancouver, BC. Contact us to learn more and to book.
We would love to have you join us on either or both cruises!
Contact us to learn more.
Bon Voyage!
Heather & Scott
All images are shared with direct permission from Seabourn.
A Walk Down Memory Lane in Barcelona at Azul-Tierra
It was one of those moments, and I can still see it in my mind’s eye: moody lighting, rich, warm, worldly scents, flickering candles and eye-catching objects of desire. I return to that moment often in my mind, it’s the perfect escape. Have you ever visited a place that just sticks with you in a completely sensory way? If you close your eyes you can conjure up the fragrance, the quality of light, the sultry temperature, the whole mood of a place.
A walk down memory Lane
It was one of those moments, and I can still see it in my mind's eye: moody lighting, rich, warm, worldly scents, flickering candles and eye-catching objects of desire. I return to that moment often in my mind, it's the perfect escape. Have you ever visited a place that just sticks with you in a completely sensory way? If you close your eyes you can conjure up the fragrance, the quality of light, the sultry temperature, the whole mood of a place.
During our first trip to Barcelona in 2006, Scott and I were on one of our meandering city walks. We happened upon an open doorway where over-sized sculptural plants stood guard. A peek inside revealed moody lighting, burning candles, a woodsy-citrus fragrance and magnificent floral arrangements. As we entered and our eyes adjusted to the dim light, we felt as though we were transported to another place in time. I remember feeling like it was a mood I wanted to bottle and take home with me. After absorbing the ambient beauty and pouring over the wares, we chose a silver salt-cellar to remember the moment.
Our salt cellar...the perfect souvenir of our trip.
Years later, while rummaging through my stack of business cards, I was happy to find that I had picked up one that day. I hadn't been able to recall the name of the place and had exhausted my best guesses on Google. Finally, I was able to revisit my sensory experience in Barcelona, online, at Azul-Tierra.
Fast forward to last summer... Scott and I ended our trip to Portugal and Spain with a few days in Barcelona. We had hoped to revisit Azul-Tierra and bring home another memento. We set out in our rental car, loaded with GPS, but couldn't find it. Scott refused to give up, which surprised me, and eventually he found it on his mobile with a new address! We again arrived on foot, but at the new location. It was larger,with more of an interior design studio feel, still having the same global, ambient vibe and fragrance.
As we nosed around, I was again seeking a memento of our trip. I was browsing through the candle collection when a gentleman asked if I needed help. I turned and recognized him from the website as the owner and creator of Azul-Tierra, Tony Espuch. How fun that upon my return, eight years later, I would meet the mastermind of Azul-Tierra as he was offering me a candle!
Tony's lovely assistant, Maribel, showed me some of the recent projects completed by Tony and his team. They are captivating. He has designed hotels, restaurants, shops and private homes in Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Tunisia. His motivation "...the challenge of creating other worlds." Tony, you had me at my first step through the doorway in 2006. I felt transported to another world and came back for more.
Enter
Azul-Tierra
"Hey there, gorgeous! Wanna hang-out?"
(at least I think that's what he's saying)
For more on our travel to Lisbon, Algarve, Seville, San Sebastian and Barcelona.
There is something satisfying about reliving a sensory memory.
When was the last time you retraced your steps with a walk down memory lane?
My Spa Day at La Perla in San Sebastian, Spain
A Spa Day in Spain
For months I've meant to share the story of my spa day in Spain. With over two weeks of travel, through Portugal and Spain, under our belts, spa time was needed to work out the kinks, and soften the edges. The La Perla Spa was located just a few steps down the promenade from our Hotel Niza, in San Sebastian. I had seen the glowing locals leave the spa, as they paraded down the promenade, and thought that would be the perfect way to spend my birthday. When we stopped in to make our reservation, Scott and I looked over the menu with assistance from two beautiful, Spanish women, in stylish black uniforms. They were professional, enthusiastic, and glowing. It was one of those "I'll have what she's having" kind of moments. After some consideration, we selected the seaweed scrub and mud wrap special, based on their recommendations.
I've had a number of massages, many while traveling abroad, but I've never booked a scrub and a mud wrap. Somehow the process seemed a little too intimate, with all the scrubbing and wrapping. Do they scrub and wrap ALL the parts? In the luxurious comfort of the La Perla Spa spa concierge desk, I threw caution to the wind. In my mind, I had the impression that these two lovely, professional women would be performing my treatments. THAT was where my logic went wrong!
Following a light birthday breakfast at Hotel Niza, Scott and I made the short walk down the boardwalk to the spa. I love those moments of feeling like a local, and we were feeling it. Following our check-in, changes into comfy terry robes, we waited in the spa lounge sipping on citrus-cucumber water. This is the life! Suddenly, two young men entered the lounge. They were dressed in tight white t-shirts, tight white jeans (leggings?) and...get this...they were wearing plastic gloves. One was snapping the wristband, "Ready??"...snap, snap....I looked at my husband, in horror, and whispered, "Oh Sugar (or something like that)! I forgot to say I didn't want a man"...Snap, snap! Scott later describes these young gentlemen as the "lumberjack and the waiter". I considered my two options: running up those spa stairs to safety or putting on (taking off) my 'big girl' pants. In the end, the birthday girl decided to grin and bare it. After all, it was already paid for!
As the "waiter" stepped closer and said my name, I nodded. My cheeks were already burning. He led me to a private spa room where I noticed a shower, table, hoses, a vat of 'mud' but, unfortunately, a surprising lack of any sheets or towels. In America, and luxury resorts abroad, towels and sheets, are abundant. I especially appreciate those privacy sheets, designed to protect the eyes of your spa therapist, and your dignity. You know the ones? I didn't spot a single one. As my "waiter" handed me the teeniest, tiniest, paper string bikini bottom, I would have paid big money for a privacy towel about then. He pantomimed that I should take off all my clothes and get on the table on my stomach. I realized his English was sparse and wondered if that was a good or bad thing. The inner dialogue in my head was deafening, "He's young enough to be my son," "Poor kid, I hope this doesn't burn his eyes!" "Did I shave under my arms?" and "Maybe it's a scrub for the backside only, not the front?". I was wracking my brain to remember how much of the body they actually cover with a scrub and mud wrap. Clearly, he had given me no top to wear.
As I changed into my dental floss bikini bottom and laid face first on the table I felt very vulnerable. The European idea of nudity seems to be completely different than in the United States. I wondered why I felt so vulnerable, while some of the Europeans paraded confidently, and openly, around the pools, locker room, and beaches.
La Concha Beach San Sebastian Spain
I am no prude. I had my dalliances with tiny bikinis back in the day, skinny dipping, a French clothing optional beach on St. Martin, what have you. The idea of almost complete nudity, alone with a young Spanish man, covering my body with seaweed scrub and mud, was not on my radar for my birthday. Now that I think of it, what a decadent gift from my husband, right? LOL! My burning question, and pardon me but it's the truth, do they put mud on your boobs? There, I said it!
Back to that table, and the naked truth of my spa day in Spain. Turns out my "waiter" was adept at applying scrub all over my backside. The toughest moment was when he pantomimed for me to roll over on my back....ugh!! If I could have communicated in Spanish I might have said, "Just the backside is fine." Why was this so hard? If I had been 30 how would I have felt? It's a good thing he didn't speak English, because the stream of quips and jokes coming from my mouth, to break the tension, would have been endless. Instead, I steeled myself, and kept quiet, as I rolled over. Hello, glory! All the scrubbing, and eventually mud application, continued on the front side. In the end, I was relieved when he directed me to rinse my body off in the shower, alone. I'm happy to report that the boobs were left untouched...
Still, poor guy!
I remembered a moment, during our trip to St. Martin, when I saw this difference firsthand. Scott and I took a day trip to the island of St. Barth's on the ferry. We chatted it up with several German and American couples on the way. As we neared the island, the German women, still chatting, pulled their tops off and stowed them in their bags. The American men, including my husband, were suddenly speechless..... imagine! The topless women just kept on chatting. It was comical! I admired their confidence and non-nonchalance. They are just boobs after all. Maybe we treat them a bit too 'preciously', with all the nip-slips and such, here in America. It's definitely a cultural difference that intrigues me when traveling.
Men on the beach in San Sebastian Spain
These gentlemen at the beach, next door to La Perla Spa, have no problem letting it all hang out.
Guard my life in San Sebastian
A final "I'll have what she's having" moment.
Wait, is that my "waiter" moonlighting as a lifeguard?
My spa day in Spain....revealing!
Is it just me? How would you feel about all that 'naked truth' at the spa?
To my European friends, any advice for getting through those revealing moments?
Curated Hotel: The Chic H-10 Port Vell in Barcelona
Our getaway to Barcelona was the last stop on our three-week vacation to Portugal and Spain. This was our second time visiting Barcelona, and though our time was short, Scott and I were looking forward to getting better acquainted with this culturally vibrant, sexy city.
Our getaway to Barcelona was the last stop on our three-week vacation to Portugal and Spain. This was our second time visiting Barcelona, and though our time was short, Scott and I were looking forward to getting better acquainted with this culturally vibrant, sexy city.
We were off to a good start as we arrived at the H10 Port Vell. We were warmly welcomed, with huge smiles and a glass of bubbly, by the handsome staff. Upon arriving at our suite we were happy to see a beautiful view of the harbor, and all the amenities weary travelers could hope for. A hip, modern suite with plush robes, luxury linens, an espresso machine, chocolates, a welcome note and a bottle of champagne.
We selected the H10 Port Vell, for several reasons. One is that I am a sucker for a rooftop lounge, especially one with a refreshing pool, like this one. I also love clean, modern furnishings and sleek design. The H10 brand has all the details in place to provide creature comforts to travelers with a fresh twist.
With a perfectly appointed suite, a bottle of bubbly and this view from the rooftop lounge, we considered staying 'in' for the rest of our holiday, but our adventurous spirit prevailed.
Another reason we chose the H10 Port Vell is that it's located right next door to the Gothic Quarter, Barri Gotic. On our previous visit to Barcelona, in 2006, we discovered Barri Gotic on our last evening. We were enamoured with the seductive labyrinth of walkways, ancient gothic architecture and quintessential tapas bars spilling out into the alley ways.
This is the perfect place to meander away from the boulevards and lose yourself. Brimming with boutiques, galleries, cafes and tapas bars around every turn, you are certain to find a hidden gem, or several.
We enjoyed Casa Pascual for cafe style tapas and friendly service. The bites and sangria were authentic and it was only steps from our hotel. The location is good for exploring both the harbor and Barri Gotic. On our previous visit we enjoyed an exquisite meal at Comerc 24 where we dined on gold dust, the first, and only, time in our lives (It's delicious!;).
Viewing the whimsical, organic architecture of Antoni Gaudi is a must in Barcelona. His use of natural forms, like stone and shades of color, with mosaic tiles, is legendary. A Gaudi walking tour from Trip Advisor, a definite must for our next visit to Barcelona here.
Another must see while in Spain is the Flamenco Dance.
Never before, or since, have we witnessed dance that exuded this much fiery passion: sexy, sultry and fluid. It will make you want to get up and dance, I promise. Not a bad way to spend a colorful night on the town in Barcelona.
If afternoons spent lollygagging around on the rooftop lounge, and nights at Flamenco, start to look too 'glamorous', I have the flip side of that perspective. Just moments after this photo of Scott and I was taken, at an outdoor tapas restaurant, I adjusted my chair backwards. The chair leg went into the flowerbed and I ended up falling backwards in the chair, flat on my back, with my legs in the air and my skirt over my head! That was way too much 'information' for the fellow diners to digest during lunch, and then, I couldn't stop laughing. Enough said. Travel isn't always as glamorous as it may appear, but it's always an adventure!
And more proof of why a rooftop lounge, with a pool, is one of the best inventions ever. These 'lounge lizard' images, taken at the B Hotel during our first stay in Barcelona, July of 2006. This was an unforgettable afternoon of relaxation during another busy travel itinerary.
Our three weeks of European travel came to a close and we were ready to be home.
Earlier posts on our trip to Portugal & Spain:
Getaway to San Sebastian, Spain
and How to Dress European Chic
Some of my favorite roof top terraces here.
Writing travel posts is one of my favorite themes of my Style*Mind*Chic Life.
I feel like I'm reliving our travels as I create each post.
Thank you for following along on this 'sunny escape' to one of my favorite places.
Have you ever visited beautiful Spain?
Traveling soon? Find hotel deals & read millions of traveler reviews on TripAdvisor!
*H10 Port Vell graciously provided an upgraded suite and bottle of champagne to sweeten our stay.
All opinions expressed are my own.
