Milan: Modern, Vibrant and Stylish (with Classic Soul)
The first stop on my long-awaited return trip to Italy, for a luxury travel event, was Milan. Though I have traveled through Milan, with stops at Malpensa airport and the train station, I have never ventured out to explore the heart of the city. On this trip, I blocked out time to recover from jet lag and acquaint myself with this vibrant city for a couple of days. And yes, on this trip my luggage arrived with me!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan
The first stop on my long-awaited return trip to Italy, for a luxury travel event, was Milan. Though I have traveled through Milan, with stops at Malpensa airport and the train station, I have never ventured out to explore the heart of the city. On this trip, I blocked out time to recover from jet lag and acquaint myself with this vibrant city for a couple of days. And yes, on this trip, my luggage arrived with me!
My Fitbit celebrated the 16,000+ steps in one day (not my norm!) which is proof there is much to see in this historical city.
Milan is a delicious and fashionable mix of modern design and classic charm.
My Stay: The iconic Grand Hotel et de Milan. They had me at prosecco and potato chips (a delicious pairing!) in my suite upon arrival. What could be wrong?
Located in the historic city center, between the Duomo and the shopping district, it couldn’t be more convenient for exploring. This luxurious property Is steeped in history and has been owned by the same family since 1863.
Visit: Piazza del Duomo, The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro Alla Scala (theater), Brera District, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for high end shopping.
A number of movie stars, legendary opera singers and lauded authors have lived at the Grand Hotel et de Milan with suites named in their honor. The most famous of these is opera legend Verdi who was in residence for years and passed away in his suite at the hotel.
My thanks to Andrea, Laura and the staff at Grand Hotel et de Milan for a lovely stay, tour and treats. I’m looking forward to my clients enjoying this fabulous property in the heart of Milan. Contact me to learn more.
Up next: Lake Garda, Venice, Naples, the island of Ischia!
Thanks for following along!
Ciao!
Heather
Bravo! Italy is finally back on my horizon!
After numerous canceled trips over the last 2 1/2 years, Italy is finally back on my horizon! I’m beyond excited to be invited to attend Travelux, a fully hosted luxury travel event in Venice, hosted by Nebe Club. If you’ve followed this blog for several years you may remember that I attended this same event at Lake Como in 2018. Yes, that’s the one where I had all the fancy events and my luggage didn’t arrive for 6 full days! Travelux is an exceptional experience and I found it to be a life-changer for my travel business.
After numerous canceled trips over the last 2 1/2 years, Italy is finally back on my horizon! I’m beyond excited to be invited to attend Travelux, a fully hosted luxury travel event in Venice, by Nebe Club. If you’ve followed this blog for several years you may remember that I attended this same event at Lake Como in 2018. Yes, that’s the one where I had all the fancy events and my luggage didn’t arrive for 6 full days! Travelux is an exceptional experience and I found it to be a life-changer for my travel business.
ON THE ITINERARY:
2 nights in Milan at the Grand Hotel et Milan.
Next, I’m off to catch a private transfer to Lake Garda for a few days of luxury, charm, and exploration at the Villa Cortine Palace Hotel in Sirmione.
Another private transfer and I’m off to Venice and a stay at the Venetian classic beauty of Baglioni Hotel Luna for the three full days of Travelux events.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the location for the official Travelux event. I will meet with international luxury travel partners and brands, a few of whom I already partner with for Curated Travel clients. As opposed to my first Travelux event at Lake Como, I now have friends and colleagues who will also be attending and that makes it infinitely more fun. On the menu are one-to-one meetings, gourmet meals, cocktail parties, a villa garden tour, boat rides around the islands and so much more.
Following Travelux I’ll train to Naples for a post-Travelux event starting with a stay at The Britannique Naples, a walking street food tour, a tour of the ruins of Pompei, seaside dining (to include the famous pizza Napoletana to be sure).
The final stop on my trip to Italy is the island of Ischia. Ischia has long been near the top of my wander list for Italy so I’m excited to visit for a few days and explore. Following a short ferry ride from Naples, my stay at Hotel Regina Isabella will include alfresco sea-side dinners, cocktails on the terrace, spa treatments, visits to the beach club, and even a vintage tour of Ischia in a Piaggio Ape car (Mr. C.T. will be jealous of this one!;).
This and that:
My Trip to Travelux at Lake Como 2018 (Start Here)
For this trip, I’ll be packing much smarter with a ‘capsule collection’ of necessities and multi-use items in my carry-on bag. To learn more about having no luggage for six days: How I Survived Without My Luggage for Six Days on a Luxury Trip to Italy
A few notes on Prepping for an International Getaway
FOLLOW ALONG on INSTAGRAM:
Curated Travel
At Curated Travel we have so many clients headed to Europe in 2022! I’m excited to be the first to lead the way for my clients traveling to the British Isles (for an epic 79-day trip!), to Italy, France, Scandinavia, Portugal, and Greece this season.
By the way, we still have space available for you to join us on the Greek Islands Cruise in October. Learn more here.
Until next time. Ciao!
Heather
Reflecting on Travel 2021 plus a hopeful horizon for 2022!
I realize it’s already mid-January but it’s never too late to wish you a happy new year - in fact - how about a happier new year? Whether you experienced some sort of travel in 2021, or are waiting for calmer seas in the new year, I can report that travel is on the horizon for 2022 in a big way. Our clients are booking and keeping us very busy here at Curated Travel. Europe is a smoking hot destination for 2022 with much pent-up demand after the last two years of more local travel. In 2021 our clients safely traveled to Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Maui, Florida, and California.
I realize it’s already mid-January but it’s never too late to wish you a happy new year - in fact - how about a happier new year for 2022? Whether you experienced some sort of travel in 2021, or are waiting for calmer seas in the new year, I can report that travel is on the horizon for 2022 in a big way. Our clients are booking and keeping us very busy here at Curated Travel. Europe is a smoking hot destination for 2022 with much pent-up demand after the last two years of more local travel. In 2021 our clients safely traveled to Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Maui, Florida, and all around California.
Looking back on 2021, fully vaccinated, following all safety protocols and watching the numbers, Scott and I stayed healthy and traveled to a number of destinations including French Polynesia, Los Cabos and Riviera Maya. A few of our favorite local travels in California included Healdsburg & Sonoma Valley, Palm Springs & La Quinta, Santa Barbara & Ojai, Carmel, San Francisco, and classic Lake Tahoe. Travel 2021 was all about savoring the long-anticipated experiences and I expect more of the same for 2022.
What’s next on your wander list?
Reflecting on Travel 2021
For the latest from Curated Travel follow on Instagram
By the way, if you have a craving for the Greek Isles we still have a few staterooms available in our small group block for the October 15th sailing and we would love to have you join us! See details Azamara Greece Group Cruise and contact us to book.
Be Well! Ciao!
Heather
Announcing: Our Third Curated Travel Group Cruise Setting sail in Oct 2022 (Greece is the Word!)
In 2019 we set sail on our second Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean/Adriatic on Azamara. We enjoyed ourselves, our fellow cruisers, and the fabulous destinations more than we ever imagined. Though we had to postpone for 2021, we are happy to announce that we are doing it again in 2022. This time, Greece is the word, and we would love for you to join us. Bon Voyage!
In 2019 we set sail on our second Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean/Adriatic on Azamara. We enjoyed ourselves, our fellow cruisers, and the fabulous destinations more than we ever imagined. Though we had to postpone for 2021, we are happy to announce that we are doing it again in 2022. This time, Greece is the word, and we would love for you to join us!
Itinerary: Greece Intensive Oct. 15-22, 2022
(8 Days/7 nights)
Sailing on the Azamara Quest (small-mid size 686 passengers)
Athens to Athens
Athens - Tinos - Mykonos - Ephesus - Rhodes - Crete - Santorini - Athens
Club Ocean View Stateroom - *$2,599 per person - double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).
Club Veranda Stateroom - *$3,439 per person- double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).
This is also a Virtuoso Voyage available through Curated Travel: Virtuoso Guests booked in a Club Ocean View or higher category will enjoy an additional $100 USD shipboard credit per person.
Contact us to add your name to our group and reserve your stateroom.
View Cruise Details
We would love to have you join us (the second one was EPIC!).
Excited? Invite a friend to join our group! (Only fun travelers allowed.)
Bon Voyage!
Καλό ταξίδι
Heather & Scott Lindstrom,
Curated Travel
FAQ:
What are the all-inclusive amenities included for all guests?
Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines
Gratuities
Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas
Self-service laundry
Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
Does Azamara require vaccinations?
Currently, Azamara requires travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Revisiting Los Cabos for 2021 (plus a chic stay at Viceroy Los Cabos)
Hola Los Cabos, we missed you!! As I shared in a previous postcard here on the blog we flew to the desert meets the sea mecca of Los Cabos last May. The first several days we stayed at the chic, design crush Viceroy Los Cabos where we enjoyed stunning views, stellar service, sunsets from the rooftop deck, and PURE relaxation. As one of our Curated Travel preferred partners, it was exciting to experience this fabulous resort, on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, firsthand.
Hola Los Cabos, we missed you!! As I shared in a previous postcard here on the blog we flew to the desert meets the sea mecca of Los Cabos last May. The first several days we stayed at the chic, design crush Viceroy Los Cabos where we enjoyed stunning views, stellar service, sunsets from the rooftop deck, and PURE relaxation. As one of our Curated Travel preferred partners, it was exciting to experience this fabulous resort, on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, firsthand.
A tour of our suite at Viceroy Los Cabos
(…and what’s not love about a bed and a bath on the balcony?)
Another of our preferred partners is the Auberge group and we thoroughly enjoyed our hosted visit to the iconic, sun-drenched Esperanza perched on the corridor near Cabo San Lucas.
On our itinerary was also a visit to the stylish and family friendly Chileno Bay, also an Auberge Resort.
Our beachside dinner at Sea Grill at Las Ventanas al Paraiso was a delicious treat.
A quick stop to check out the bougainvillea decked Mar del Cabo by Grand Velas Resorts.
A stop in San Jose del Cabo is a must when visiting the area of Los Cabos! Known as the slower-paced, artsier sister of the fishing village turned party scene turned luxury vibes of Cabo San Lucas. We love exploring the area around historic Plaza Mijares, the colorful streets, unique galleries, chic boutiques, and fabulous dining options in San Jose del Cabo.
Los Cabos at a Glance:
To Stay: Viceroy Los Cabos, Esperanza, Chileano Bay Resort & Residences, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Le Blanc, Montage Los Cabos and the chic boutique hotel Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts.
*Contact us to book with VIP perks and upgrades through Virtuoso
To Dine: Acre, Flora Farms, Cielo Rooftop at the Viceroy, Cocina del Mar (at Esperanza), 7 Seas Seafood Grill, El Farallon (at Waldorf Astoria Pedregal), French Riveria Restaurant, the Sea Grill at Las Ventanas and Choriarte in San Jose del Cabo.
To Do: Visit the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk (Thursday evenings November-June), hit up the taco stands in town, order ceviche, chips, and guacamole at the pool at noon, swim/water sports at Santa Maria Beach (in front of Montage), rent a car for a day for a spin along the coast to Todo Santos.
Our thanks to the Viceroy Los Cabos and the Auberge Hotels group for the lovely stays and visits.
Contact us to curate your next getaway here.
French Polynesia and the Breathtaking islands of Moorea & Bora Bora: A Visual Journal
When you dream of visiting a destination for your entire adult life you suspect it has the ability to take your breath away. In July, following a nearly year-long postponement, we were finally living this exact moment in French Polynesia, and we realized the beauty is absolutely as breathtaking as we had dreamed. I hope these images will speak for themselves of the tropical beauty we experienced on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora.
French Polynesia: shimmering turquoise waters, fragrant tropical breezes, the shade of magnificent palms, glowing sherbet sunrises over the lagoon, all sprinkled with sugar-sand beaches.
When you dream of visiting a destination for your entire adult life you suspect it has the ability to take your breath away. In July, following a nearly year-long postponement, we were finally living this exact moment in French Polynesia, and we realized the beauty is absolutely as breathtaking as we had dreamed. I hope these images will speak for themselves of the tropical beauty we experienced on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora.
First stop: Moorea
(Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort)
Next Stop: Bora Bora
(Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Spa)
Arriving by plane and private boat to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
A peek at our luxurious Diamond Villa Otemanu (with sweeping views of Mount Otemanu) and a video tour.
We couldn’t resist a spa day, with a couple’s massage, at Deep Ocean Thalasso Spa.
I celebrated a ‘BIG’ milestone birthday in Bora Bora. Turns out it was completely painless in an overwater bungalow, with room service, views of Mount Otemanu, sunrise swims, and my sweet husband.
Thank you to the Hilton Moorea Lagoon & Spa Resort and the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa Resort for making our celebratory stays so memorable.
To learn more about travel to French Polynesia and/or to book your getaway to a true tropical paradise Contact Us at Curated Travel.
Curated Travel Bio is Featured on CADENCE Travel
It was an unexpected surprise to pop open Instagram and see my Curated Travel bio featured on the CADENCE Travel Blog earlier this week. Since I joined the luxury travel agency team, as an independent travel advisor back in 2018, I’ve received the warmest welcome, made invaluable international connections, and gained a wealth of resources to enhance the art of travel for my clients. Not to mention the amazing travel opportunities that have come my way in the last three years. Thank you to CADENCE for the lovely shoutout for my travel business and the entrepreneurial life.
Heather Lindstrom, Founder/Luxury Travel Advisor at Curated Travel
“ Sharing the gift of travel with my clients brings me true joy”
It was an unexpected surprise to pop open Instagram and see my Curated Travel bio featured on the CADENCE Travel Blog earlier this week. Since I joined the luxury travel agency team, as an independent travel advisor back in 2018, I’ve received the warmest welcome, made invaluable international connections, and gained a wealth of resources to enhance the art of travel for my clients. Not to mention the amazing travel opportunities that have come my way in the last three years. Thank you to CADENCE for the lovely shoutout for my travel business and the entrepreneurial life.
And yes, as the post mentions, we are headed to a bucket-list tropical destination in the very near future. Follow along with us on this ‘pandemic postponed’ milestone adventure on our Curated Travel Instagram.
Thanks for being here today,
Cheers! Heather
Postcard from a Southern California Road Trip
A postcard from the road typically means I'm typing out a quick post on my phone as I'm doing just now with a glorious sunrise view from our balcony at the Ojai Valley Inn. Though California is having an early season heatwave we’ve been staying cool poolside.
A postcard from the road typically means I'm typing out a quick post on my phone as I'm doing just now with a glorious sunrise view from our balcony at the Ojai Valley Inn. Though California is having an early season heatwave we’ve been staying cool poolside.
Our first stop on this SoCal road trip was the Belmond El Encanto where we enjoyed a stay a number of years ago. It was a lovely walk down memory lane and then it was off to Ojai and the fabulous Ojai Valley Inn to explore a new area for us. As you can see by the gallery below—we loved it!
Beautiful views at Ojai Valley Inn
I’ll look forward to sharing more about our recent travels in upcoming posts. By the way, a hot tip for your travel is to consider making a few dining reservations ahead. Vacation destinations are getting busy and many establishments are short-staffed creating long wait times without a reservation.
Both hotels we visited have space available for fall and holiday bookings so contact us to learn more and to make your bookings!
Happy Summer!
Ciao! Heather
