Five Paths to Bliss in Santa Barbara

A feeling of calm naturally washes over you in Santa Barbara, on California’s Central Coast, which has been dubbed The American Riviera® for its sparkling seas and breathtaking landscapes. In sync with the sun and the sea, life here moves at a slower rhythm. Days are spent exploring the coastline by boat, by bike, or on foot—with breaks to unwind at a spa sanctuary, on the beach, or by the pool. Whichever path you choose, they all lead to one state of mind. Here’s how to bliss out in Santa Barbara. ... (continue reading)

Essential Food and Wine Experiences in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara anchors a wine-growing region with one of California’s preeminent terroirs, thanks largely to the Santa Ynez Mountains, which run parallel to the Pacific Ocean. Not only do they make a dramatic backdrop for the city, but they also create microclimates where grapes thrive. As a result, touring area wineries is one of the highlights of any Santa Barbara getaway. But you don't need to travel far to get a taste of Santa Barbara’s vintages. Downtown is full of tasting rooms, working wineries, and wine bars, along with restaurants that have top-notch wine lists and serve up refined cuisine, too—entrées inspired by the seasons and featuring daily fresh-caught bounty from the sea. ... (continue reading)

Spa of the Week: T Spa Grand Hotel Tremezzo

It’s always a delight to see how luxury hotels set in some of the world’s most exceptional locations imbue the spa experience with a sense of place. What is a spa, after all, if not an extension of its environment?

At T Spa at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, panoramic views of Lake Como, Italy, are never far from sight and even appear in unexpected places, such as from the sauna in the spa’s immersive heat experience, which also features a Turkish bath, a Mediterranean steam room, cool showers, an ice fountain and a heated relaxation area finished in onyx stone. ... (continue reading)

How to Manage All of the Moms in Your Life While Planning Your Wedding

Wondering how to best navigate the uncharted territory that is wedding planning with many important women in your life? Rest assured, whether your parents are divorced and remarried, you're especially close with a grandmother or aunt, or have a future mother-in-law who wants to be involved in every decision, there's a way to make it all work. It starts with understanding what some of the traditional "mom roles" are, and then deciding how best to divvy these up based on your situation. It's your wedding after all, and that's what counts. These tips will help you manage every "mom" in your life like a pro. ... (continue reading)

Where to See the Out-of-This-World Glass Art of Dale Chihuly

With current exhibitions in New York, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and California—plus permanent collections on display at cultural institutions across the country—Chihuly’s prolific body of work has never been more accessible. ... (continue reading)

9 Ultra Chill Pool + Spa Escapes for Your Oh-So-Cool Bachelorette

While there are so many fab ways to throw a bachelorette party these days, a pool and spa weekend getaway is a classic bachelorette combo with good reason. Everyone in the bride's tribe will appreciate a little R&R; a more low-key pace means more quality hang time with the bride-to-be; and a gorgeous pool is always a solid choice for a bachelorette ensemble photo-op.

Atlanta, Napa, New Orleans, Vegas, D.C. — the following properties all have a few things in common, including an ultra-chill pool scene, some seriously bachelorette-worthy spa packages or fitness-focused activities, and are in some pretty sweet weekend getaway destinations. Time to let the inspiration flow like a newly uncorked bottle of Champagne... (continue reading)

Exploring Guadeloupe’s Treasures

An archipelago of five islands (Basse Terre, Grande Terre, Les Saintes, Marie Galante, and La Désirade) tucked away in the Lesser Antilles between Dominica and Antigua, Guadeloupe has long been popular with European travelers seeking sunnier climes, as the island nation is a French overseas territory. But now word is spreading. Thanks to seasonal nonstop flights between the States and Pointe-à-Pitre on Norwegian Air, it’s never been easier to discover the treasures of the “Pearl of the French-Caribbean” for yourself. Here’s where to begin. ... (continue reading)

How to Plan the Chicest Newport, Rhode Island Destination Wedding

Dreaming of a destination wedding that is equal parts elegance and grace, classic and modern, perhaps with a touch of historic or nautical charm? The seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island, has it all. Synonymous with family names like the Vanderbilts, the Astors, and the Kennedys—Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy famously married in Newport in September 1953, with an intimate church ceremony followed by a reception for 1,200 guests—Newport has long been a popular weekend getaway destination. ... (continue reading)

Get Off the Grid at This Caribbean Honeymoon Retreat in Martinique

With its innate natural beauty, turquoise waters and temperate climes, the island of Martinique has long been a popular Caribbean destination for European travelers in the know, as Martinique is a French overseas territory. But with limited direct flights, the Flower Island has flown under the radar for North American couples with their sights set on Caribbean honeymoon locales. The good news is that Norwegian Air is poised to change all of that. The airline will offer direct routes between Martinique and New York City, Providence, Rhode Island, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the upcoming peak Caribbean travel season this winter (November through March)—and fares start at a shockingly low rate of $79 one way, or $158 round trip.

So if your idea of a dream honeymoon is to completely unplug and unwind in a slice of Caribbean paradise with options for eco excursions aplenty, look no further than Martinique's protected Caravelle Peninsula, a designated nature reserve that extends into the Atlantic Ocean from the island's eastern shores and remains largely undeveloped other than its beach access points, hiking trials, historic monuments and a cluster of civilization around the fishing village of Tartane. Here's what else you need to know to plan a Caribbean honeymoon with plenty of authentic island charm. ... (continue reading)

8 Epic Bachelorette Party Retreats That Can Be All Yours

Whatever type of bachelorette party suits your fancy, the bottom line is that this special occasion should be about togetherness, good times, and great memories. And while we love the idea of everyone chipping in to stay at a super sweet crash pad together, vacation home rentals always come with a few extra rules and responsibilities—and just a few less VIP perks. Who's going to cook breakfast for you every morning, keep things tidy, or set up awesome activities, like private surf lessons or yoga sessions, wine tasting, spa time or dinner plans?

The good news is that you can have the best of both worlds: hotel comforts and 5-star services with all of the charms and perks of a vacation home rental, including cozy, extra large living spaces to call your own and outdoor amenities like fire pits, umbrellas and lounge chairs, an infinity pool with ocean views, and then some.

All of these wonderfully unique properties can be bought out for bachelorette groups of 8, 10, up to 12 guests, depending on the size of the property, and there are options for smaller groups, too. And when it comes to bachelorette-worthy perks? Oh yes, there are plenty. Ladies, let's just say these are some serious #squadgoals... (continue reading)

Start Planning This Bucket List Patagonia Honeymoon Now

Rugged, remote and breathtakingly beautiful, the Patagonia region of South America has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of must-see destinations for adventure seekers and nature lovers in general. And while you can camp and hike your way through different sections of Patagonia, which sprawls across large swaths of Chile and Argentina's southernmost territory, the good news is that you don't have to tent it on your honeymoon (unless, of course, you want to). Even better news: If Patagonia is a bucket list destination for both you and your fiancé, this spectacular corner of the world is more readily accessible than you might have imagined.

While Patagonia is closer to Antartica than just about anywhere else on the planet (yes, you might see penguins), some of the region's most famous treasures — including the glacial fjords of Chilean Patagonia and the craggy peaks and scenic vistas of Torres del Paine National Park — are now just a couple flights away, thanks to new connections between Santiago, Chile, and Puerto Natales, a small port town that's considered the gateway to Torres del Paine and a main departure point for Patagonia expeditions by land and sea. ... (continue reading)

Why a French Honeymoon Cruise Is a Très Chic Idea

There's something undeniably romantic about the idea of a honeymoon cruise. Without having to worry about any of the logistics, each day heralds new destinations and experiences, special moments that will in time become precious memories of some of your earliest days together as newlyweds. The question to ask is: What bucket-list honeymoon destinations have you and your fiancé always wanted to explore? If France tops the list, a honeymoon cruise along the River Seine will most definitely check off all the boxes. ... (continue reading)