My Invitation to a Luxury Travel Event in Italy + New Posts on Curated Travel
I’m jetting off for a fully hosted, luxury travel event in Italy and I couldn’t be more excited. From the Italian Riviera to Lake Como to spa hotels near Venice, this is truly a dream come true for me and my Curated Travel business.
I'm jetting off for a fully hosted, luxury travel event in Italy and I couldn't be more excited. From the Italian Riviera to Lake Como to spa hotels near Venice, this is truly a dream come true for me and my Curated Travel business.
Read the post on my new Curated Travel blog and follow along on Curated Travel Instagram.
BLOG Post my new Curated Travel Blog
Images: Classic Vacations
An Invitation to a Hosted Luxury Travel Event in Italy (Bonus: Sneak Peek)
On Tuesday I will touch down in Nice, France, and be whisked away to the elegant and luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera. I will receive a 2-night stay, a foodie tour of San Remo and a range of spa treatments at the hotel. This sounds like the perfect way to relax and adjust to the time difference in Italy before I head to Lake Como for the luxury travel event. I feel honored to attend as a hosted travel buyer for my Curated Travel business.
Just last month I received an invitation that made me want to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. The email popped up in my phone notifications at 3:00 am because it was sent from Italy. It was an invitation to attend a fully-hosted luxury travel event at Lake Como, Italy, in mid-March. Stick with me and I'll show you why this invitation is a dream come true for me.
On Tuesday I will touch down in Nice, France, and be whisked away to the elegant and luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera. I will receive a 2-night stay, a foodie tour of San Remo and a range of spa treatments at the hotel. This sounds like the perfect way to relax and adjust to the time difference in Italy, before I head to Lake Como for the luxury travel event. I am honored to attend as a hosted travel buyer for my Curated Travel business.
Enjoy this sneak peek:
Photo Credits: [Royal Hotel San Remo]
Up next on the itinerary will be three hosted days at Lake Como, based in Cernobbia, on the western shore of this iconic lake. The event, hosted by the esteemed Nebe Club, at Villa d'Este and Villa Erba, will be filled with 1:1 meet-ups with luxury brands, immersive travel experiences, combined with relationship building over elegant cocktail and dinner parties. Yes, there will be wining and dining, yes, there will be fireworks and, yes, there will be red Ferraris (for those of you who helped me make my selection of preferred excursions).
This is the video Nebe Club created from this spectacular event last year. Enjoy!
The final part of my trip will be another hosted stay with GB Hotels in Abano Bagno, the thermal spa region near Venice, for three days of spa treatments and relaxation Italian style. This gallery is a glimpse of the spa hotels offered by the GB brand. I love the classic Italian aesthetic with the modern, cool spa vibe.
[Photo Credits: GB Hotels Abano]
I've been asked a number of times if my favorite travel companion, Mr. C.T., will be joining me on the trip. Yes, he was invited to join me, however, the timing is such that he has previous commitments in California at the very same time. Though I wish Mr. C.T. were going to share this luxurious travel experience, there is part of me that looks forward to stretching my travel wings, and challenging myself to solo international travel for the first time.
By the way, I can't promise that George Clooney will make an appearance at the lake this month but his villa is just up the road a bit in Laglio.
I hope you will follow along with me on Instagram as I share glimpses of these iconic destinations and my Italian style travel adventure.
Ciao!
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My personal Instagram at Style*Mind*Chic
Cruising the Caribbean (Plus the Biggest Surprise!)
Last month Mr. C.T. and I cruised the Eastern Caribbean on the Crown Princess with my best friend from 4th grade, Deb, and her husband, Bruce. I chose this itinerary since it included several islands we had not visited on previous destination trips to the Caribbean. We set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Thomas/St. John, Turks and Caicos on this 8-day cruise.
Last month Mr. C.T. and I cruised the Eastern Caribbean on the Crown Princess with my best friend from 4th grade, Deb, and her husband, Bruce. I chose this itinerary since it included several islands we had not visited on previous destination trips to the Caribbean. We set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Thomas/St. John, Turks and Caicos on this 8-day cruise.
Can you tell we are just a bit excited at the Sail Away party on the top deck?
Though I've booked a number of luxurious looking cruises for my travel clients, I've only been on one cruise prior to this one. Mr. C.T. and I were never "cruise people" preferring to plant ourselves at a beach resort on some tropical island. We were hesitant to give up our early morning sunrise on the balcony, sunsets on the beach, a midnight stroll after a luxurious 2-hour dinner, and feeling like a local for that moment in time. The last thing we want on vacation is a rigorous schedule and too much structure.
As you can see, a cruise can be pretty chill, as it turns out. The island stops and excursions were sublime. Though we didn't have any overnighters on the islands, we did have beach time at Jolly Beach, Antigua, on Pinney Beach, Nevis and on magical Trunk Bay on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
I felt those sublime moments of pure relaxation, as I floated in the aqua waters of the Caribbean watching the clouds go by above me.
The most surprising thing about a cruise vacation is just how much I enjoyed Time on this luxurious ship.
Princess has blended a refined, elegant, yet modern approach to cruising. Voted the 'Best Large-Ship' by Fodor's and housing just over 3,000 guests I can imagine how it could feel claustrophobic, yet Princess has gone to great lengths to assure you never feel like one of the herd. With dining in elegant, full-service restaurants, specialty restaurants, like classic Italian at Sabatinos, and the Piazza with quick bites and wine tastings, the dining options are extensive. I've reconfirmed that I'm not a huge fan of dining buffet style (especially during flu season) but there are so many dining options that you never need to enter a buffet unless you choose. Even with buffet dining Princess has created intimate dining spaces and wait service so the experience is more refined than most. We had two formal nights on the cruise and it was fun to invite Bruce and Deb to our stateroom for canapes and sips, all dressed up, before our dinner reservation.
The Crown Princess itinerary included three days of, as we soon discovered, blissful days at sea. These days could be packed full of activities, from art auctions (the highest bid I heard was $40,000 for an original Peter Max!), singing competitions, drum lessons, on board book club meetings, wine tastings OR you could luxuriate on the balcony of your stateroom and finish that book you've been reading. Room service lunch? A spot of tea or a glass of wine? It's all at the touch of a button for those that enjoy stateroom time.
Wellness and relaxation is also a theme from Princess with the promise to "Come Back New". The Sanctuary offers adult guests a relaxing, intimate space to enjoy the serenity of the sea as well as a wide-range of spa treatments.
Our stateroom felt like a cozy cocoon with luxurious linens, a dreamy bed, an extra large balcony, spacious closet and dressing area with expansive sea views from our spacious triangular shaped balcony (one of three on the ship). We are not prone to motion sickness and found the rhythm of the waves rocked us to a deep sleep each night. It was not lost on me that you could order room service 24-hours a day without ever getting out of bed if you choose.
Our butler, Jacqueline, spoiled us with top-notch service and extra amenities. Due to my travel adviser status, and being a member of the 'Commodore Club' Captain's Circle, we received priority embarkation lounges, upgraded linens and towels, free daily laundry and dry cleaning, free WiFi, canapes before dinner, cocktails with Captain Vincenzo Lubrano and more. As expected, it is wonderful to visit 6 distinct islands without having to unpack more than once.
On this cruise, I was reassured that whether by beach resort, cruise ship or sailboat, the Caribbean remains a magical destination. As it turns out, I am a fan of cruising and can hardly wait to book our next one. We are thinking perhaps a group river cruise in Europe is next. Want to join us?
Thank you to Princess Cruises for making this a wonderful travel experience. Learn more about Princess Cruises here and the Caribbean Itineraries. Contact me to book an unforgettable cruise or inspiring getaway for you.
Ciao!
Packing a Bag for CURATED TRAVEL!
I'm excited to welcome you to my new blog site at Curated Travel. If you haven't followed me over on Style*Mind*Chic, let me introduce myself. I'm Heather Lindstrom, passport stamp collector, mermaid wannabe, Italy aficionado and luxury travel expert. I've written the lifestyle blog, Style*Mind*Chic, for six years and have recently launched a dedicated home here on the web for my Curated Travel services.
My vision is to create a chic, modern, visual space for travel inspiration, travel tips, travel stories and travel planning resources. I'm hoping it will be a bit of eye candy inspiration with a global vibe. As a travel advisor, creating unique, bespoke travels for my international clients is a passion for me. I'd love to make your travel dreams come true. To get started visit here.
Welcome!
This was me capturing the Curated Travel vibe in Turks and Caicos earlier this month.
I'm excited to welcome you to my new blog site at Curated Travel. If you haven't followed me over on Style*Mind*Chic, let me introduce myself. I'm Heather Lindstrom, passport stamp collector, mermaid wannabe, Italy aficionado and luxury travel expert. I've written the lifestyle blog, Style*Mind*Chic, for six years and have recently launched a dedicated home here on the web for my Curated Travel services.
My vision is to create a chic, modern, visual space for travel inspiration, travel tips, travel stories and travel planning resources. I'm hoping it will be a bit of eye candy inspiration with a global vibe. As a travel advisor, creating unique, bespoke travels for my international clients is a passion for me. I'd love to make your travel dreams come true. To get started visit here.
If you've been a reader of Style*Mind*Chic over the last six years the travel destinations, travel tips and lifestyle posts will all still be available in the archives and linked to Curated Travel for easy reference.
Capturing images of our travels is one of my favorite ways to bring memories home as souvenirs. I'm just back from a Caribbean cruise (that's me on the left!) and am looking forward to creating many posts on the tropical paradises my husband, Scott (Mr. C.T.), and I visited. Oh, and I'm already packing for what is sure to be one of THE MOST exciting trips I've ever embarked on.
Destination: Italy!
Stay tuned for more and please do follow our travel adventures on Curated Travel Instagram:
Curated Travel on Instagram
Ciao!
“And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.
”
A few favorite souvenir images from my travels.
Launching My CURATED TRAVEL Website
There have been some exciting developments behind the scenes lately and I'm happy to announce that I have just launched my new CURATED TRAVEL website. If you have followed Style*Mind*Chic Life blog you know that my Curated Travel/Travel Designer business has been based on the same website. I've had the blog for 6 years and added my Curated Travel business 1 1/2 years ago. I think it's time for my CURATED TRAVEL to finally have its own space, a modern, visual destination on the web.
Launching the CURATED TRAVEL Website
There have been some exciting developments behind the scenes lately and I'm happy to announce that I have just launched my new CURATED TRAVEL website. If you have followed Style*Mind*Chic Life blog you know that my Curated Travel/Travel Designer business has been based on the same website. I've had the blog for 6 years and added my Curated Travel business 1 1/2 years ago. I think it's time for my CURATED TRAVEL to finally have its own space, a modern, visual destination on the web. For the time being, my Style*Mind*Chic blog archive will remain on this website. Both websites will link to each other for easy reference.
I'm excited that my family, friends, clients, and future clients, will now have a dedicated space to discover the latest in travel destinations, inspirations, trends, deals, and travel tips. I also include pages and links on the process of working together to create your unforgettable curated travels. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek. I look forward to connecting with you on the beauty and romance of travel on my new website.
Please bookmark it and feel free to share!
Welcome to your new travel destination on the web:
CURATED TRAVEL
Read all the new blog posts:
CURATED TRAVEL BLOG
Sign up for the CURATED TRAVEL Newsletter
CURATED TRAVEL: Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean
This is just a peek of life on the Crown Princess sailing on the Eastern Caribbean. After 8 days floating on this stately cruise ship, I have a new appreciation for the fine art of cruising. The Caribbean is just as beautiful as ever with the shimmering turquoise waters, sugar sand beaches and beguiling breezes.
Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean
This is just a peek of life on the Crown Princess sailing on the Eastern Caribbean. After 8 days floating on this stately cruise ship, I have a new appreciation for the fine art of cruising. The Caribbean is just as beautiful as ever with the shimmering turquoise waters, sugar sand beaches and beguiling breezes.
Sending sunshine your way today.
Wish you were here!
Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean
While packing is always a bit of a challenge for me, I'm realizing that packing for a cruise is a bit different than a resort getaway. On this cruise, there are two formal nights. While not exactly the ball gown type, I'm happy to throw on some pretty black pieces and a statement necklace with a stylish clutch. I'll pack several pairs of low sandals with non-skid soles, a gallon of sunscreen, several sarongs and swimsuits. I purchased a new hat, especially for shore excursions, as well as a waterproof bag to house camera and essentials for our shore excursions. My iPad is loaded with new reads and tunes.
Packing for a Cruise Vacation
Are you a cruiser? I've only been on one cruise, nearly 20 years ago, so Scott (Mr. CT) and I are excited to embark on a Princess Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean in the very near future. The added bonus is that we will be cruising the high seas with my best friend since 4th grade, Deb, and her husband, Bruce. I'm already picturing the fun we are going to have onboard the Crown Princess visiting destinations such as Turks and Caicos, Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. John and St. Thomas.
With this travel adventure on the horizon, I'm in packing mode. This is my color palette above from yesterday. Though packing the right clothing is important, in my opinion, the most important packing for a cruise vacation is the paperwork. A passport is a must, but so is the embarkation paperwork and boarding pass. Review all info carefully and remember that the names on passports and boarding passes must be the same or you will not be allowed to board. Look carefully at the FAQ and information specific to your cruise.
While packing is always a bit of a challenge for me, I'm realizing that packing for a cruise is a bit different than a resort getaway. On this cruise, there are two formal nights. While not exactly the ball gown type, I'm happy to throw on some pretty black pieces and a statement necklace with a stylish clutch. I'll pack several pairs of low sandals with non-skid soles, a gallon of sunscreen, several sarongs and swimsuits. I purchased a new hat, especially for shore excursions, as well as a waterproof bag to house camera and essentials for our shore excursions. My iPad is loaded with new reads and tunes.
You can see more of my packing vibe and follow along on our cruise on IG link below.
For more of my packing list:
I have a feeling I'm going to live in caftans on our cruise, especially on 'at sea' days -and I'm such a fan of Melissa Odabash here. A sarong, or three, is a must for my tropical vacation. I like this one. I often purchase a couple of sarongs while on vacation to take home with me.
I'm packing several sundresses like this from Trina Turk. For formal dinner one night I'm packing a one-shoulder blouse to wear with a skirt, like this one. It's dramatic in black but easy to wear. Of course, a few swimsuits are essential for a Caribbean cruise. I like a one piece, especially when sunbathing around other cruisers and beach goers here, here and here. I'm packing my Jack Rogers Thongs here. As well as a couple of pairs of slides like these. I'll be taking some very simple jewelry here and a couple of statement pieces here and here, wrapped up in this. I'll always take some pretty and protective lipstick here and a powerful sunscreen here.
You can follow our cruise experience on Instagram:
Finally-- the bags are packed, our housesitter is booked, the car is loaded and soon we will be on our way!
For more on packing tips.
For more on Princess Cruises to the Caribbean
here.
If you are considering a cruise, feel free to contact me at
I'll have up to date information for you on cruises around the world.
Bon Voyage for now!
Sure Fire Romance Inspiring Hotels to Ignite Your Spark
There is nothing quite like a romantic, or sexy, hotel to ignite the sparks for a romantic getaway. Several of my favorite destinations can be found in the Romance Collection 2018. Enjoy the visual inspiration to set the scene for a fine little romance.
romance-inspiring-hotels-curated-travel
ROMANCE INSPIRING HOTELS TO IGNITE YOUR SPARK
The holidays are packed away for another year and thoughts are turning towards a new month and the romantic promises of Valentine's Day. I can almost hear the champagne corks popping in anticipation. Can you?
There is nothing quite like a romantic, or sexy, hotel to ignite the sparks for a romantic getaway. Several of my favorite destinations can be found in the Romance Collection 2018. Enjoy the visual inspiration to set the scene for a fine little romance.
I'm pleased to see a number of my favorite destinations and resorts in this collection from Classic Vacations. I am also excited to see some destinations I'm currently booking for my clients. Those lucky honeymooners!
ROMANCE COLLECTION 2018
If you see any destinations that capture your eye, I can make that dream a reality for you.
A few of my favorite romantic destinations:
Tips on Romance:
