MILAN

WHERE TO STAY

Milan is a city most known for its incredible fashion. The Bulgari family, most known for their exquisite jewelry, opened this boutique hotel in private residence area only blocks away from the busy city. This hotel is one of my favorite hotels in the world due to its lush gardens.  In these gardens, guest are allowed to enjoy their morning coffee with a novel or they can enjoy a bellini, a classic Italian cocktail, before dinner. Besides the gardens, I love to use the spa to relax and unwind from such a long flight. The spa is built to resemble the ancient aqueducts, making it the perfect facility to mediate and relax.

Bulgari Hotel Milan

Via Privata F.lil Gabba, 7b

+39 02 805 8051

www.bulgarihotels.com/en-us/milan/

WHERE TO EAT

One of the best meals of my life was at a hole in the wall restaurant in Milan named Nabucco. Nabucco’s chef is known for making classic Italian dishes with a twist. In my opinion, Nabucco’s osso buco with saffron risotto is the best in the world.  And not to forget, Nabucco makes the best homemade pasta; my personal favorite is their gambelli with pesto sauce. When I travel to Milan, I always make Nabucco my first stop.

Nabucco Ristorante

Via Fiori Chiari, 10

+39 02 860663

www.nabucco.it/

WHERE TO DRINK

For drinks and dancing, Just Cavalli is the hottest spot in Milan. To avoid paying pricy cover fees, I suggest going there for a late dinner or drink before the real crowd comes in to dance. Once inside, take advantage of the knowledgeable bartenders and mixologist. I would suggest telling them what you like and they can craft you a drink based of your favorite type of liquor.

Just Cavalli Hollywood Club

Via Luigi Camoens

+39 02 311817

www.justcavallihollywood.it/

WHAT TO SEE

La Scala is one of Milan’s biggest attractions. Being able to attend an opera at La Scala is magical and has been occupied by many of the greatest artists in the world, generation after generation. I was lucky enough to see the ballet, Swan Lake and the opera, Lohengrin on my latest visit. Both of these performances blew me away. The Milanese make sure everyone can attend performance at La Scala. Students and teachers receive special discounts if they show proper identification.

Teatro alla Scala

Via Filodrammatici, 2

+39 02 7200 3744

www.teatroallascala.org/en/

PALM BEACH

WHERE TO STAY

Tucked away behind tall walls of ivy, The Colony Hotel is a one of the best-kept secrets for the perfect beach getaway. Once inside the compound, guest can choose from a variation of room sizes, most of which have an ocean view. The most popular room during the winter months are the two bedroom villas located either with direct pool access or beach access.  The villas are ideal for a family or a group of couples or friends. The location of this hotel is what keeps the guest coming back. Guest can walk out the back gate of the hotel and walk across the street direct to the beach, where a cabana boy with set you up with a chair and umbrella.

The Colony Hotel

155 Hammon Ave

(561) 655-5430

www.thecolonypalmbeach.com

WHERE TO EAT

For 30 years, this upscale restaurant has served everyone from socialites like the Hilton sisters to royalty like Prince William.  The food here is absolutely exquisite and the wine list is what sets this restaurant apart from the many other restaurants in Palm Beach. Café L’Europe is fairly pricey, but what many don’t know is that they have a prefix lunch menu for $25 and a bring your own wine Wednesdays!

Café L’Europe

331 S County Rd

(561) 655-4020

www.cafeleurope.com

WHERE TO DRINK

Nick & Johnnie’s is a great patio lounge that often has live music on the weekends and drink specials during the week. I would suggest going to Nick & Johnnie’s for happy hour or an after dinner drink. The bartenders make great sangria and cosmopolitans.

Nick & Johnnie’s

207 Royal Poinciana Way

(561) 655-3319

nickandjohnniespb.com/

WHERE TO SHOP

Calypso, originally from St. Barth, sells eclectic women’s clothing that is ideal for a tropical beach location, like Palm Beach. My favorite pieces from Calypso are their linen beach tunics that come in every color imaginable. I also adore their soft cotton scarves and t-shirts. After every season, the store has a huge sale, usually up to 70% off, making it the perfect time to stock up on these items.

Calypso

247 Worth Ave

(561) 832-5006

www.calypsostbarth.com/boutiques/florida/palm-beach

PARIS

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Particulier Montmartre is a very rare property in Paris. In 2007, the old historic mansion on this property was turned into a five-bedroom luxury boutique hotel. The property is landscaped with six exquisite gardens, perfect for afternoon cup of tea or stargazing at night. My favorite part of the hotel is the library, which is filled with antique novels and games, such as, backgammon and chess. I would highly suggest staying at this property for an experience that a guest cannot feel at any of the other fancy hotels.

Hotel Particulier Montmartre

23, Avenue Junot

Pavillon D

8e

+33 1 53 41 81 40

http://hotel-particulier-montmartre.com/fr

WHERE TO EAT

Jean-George is one of my favorite chefs in the world. Every meal at one of Jean-George’s restaurant is special and Market, his restaurant in Paris, is one of his masterpieces. Market serves traditional French cuisine with an Asian flare of spices and seasonings. The almond-caramelized duck breast with amaretto jus, a French classic, is by far the best duck I’ve ever had in my life. I would also suggest ordering the creamy onion tart for anyone who loves onion rings.

Market

15, Avenue Matignon 8e

+33 1 56 43 40 90

www.jean-georges.com

WHERE TO DRINK

Located inside the Pershing Hall Hotel, the patio garden designed by Partick Blanc, is one of the best spots in Paris to enjoy a cocktail and music. The ambiance of the patio is perfect for a drink any night of the week and turns into a club around 11. Pershing Hall is known to fly in famous deejays from around the world to perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

Pershing Hall

49 Rue Pierre Charron

75008

+33 1 58 36 58 00

http://www.pershinghall.com/pages/restaurant.html

WHERE TO SHOP

Over the past year, Maje, the brand, was introduced to retail stores in the United States like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales. This Parisian based brand is one of my favorites because it is reasonably priced and has a style unlike any American clothing company. In Paris, I like to visit their boutique on Rue Montmarte. This store is perfecting for picking up a statement piece to add to your wardrobe or a small accessory to spice up an old outfit.  

Maje Boutique

16 Rue Montmarte

+33 1 42 36 36 75

www.maje-paris.fr