HNHO - The Inn at Mattei's Tavern | Highlight

WHERE TO NEXT?

Good morning Traveler,

This week we finally had a snow day because of.... a lot of snow! I immediately strapped on my snowshoes and my daughter, Tigger and I went out for a walk in the woods. It was magical! A freshly fallen coat of sparkly snow does wonders for a dreary, bare landscape. And active, outdoor adventures with your teens is a great way to connect.

There has been a lot going on in the travel world this week. As Valentine's Day is approaching, people are thinking of romantic getaways (yes it's a bit late, but good inspiration for future romantic trips).

Check out an article on "The Most Romantic Hotels in the World" below. I'm in agreement with their first pick - San Ysidro Ranch, where Jason and I went last summer (and I LOVE!). I always enjoy seeing what others put on their list of top places in any category. But the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino is definitely not on my list of romantic destinations. Clearly sometimes the choices may be swayed by product placements.

Which is why you have me - to help you sort through those.

This list from last year by Vogue is a better representation of my taste - The Most Romantic Hotels For an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Getaway (which also includes San Ysidro Ranch).

What else are you thinking about? Last minute spring break trips and summer adventures. And a few of you are planning ahead for next December. It is never too early!

What I love about planning trips with you is that you are all so different. Some of you have a bucket list and a mission to plan ahead to make each of your trips happen. Others of you are looking for some inspiration. To that end, I've been working on pages on my website that will help with giving you ideas for where to go each month. It's not fully ready for prime time yet - as I will be adding more details under each place, but I'll share it with you now in case you want some inspiration.

Where to Travel When?

Check it out to see suggestions by month for places to go. I'll be adding more in the months ahead. But for now, enjoy it for what it is!

This week I've decided to add in a new section to the newsletter, HOT New Hotel Openings. It will likely be on rotation with Where to Next (hotels our clients are traveling to). Expect to see some of the places I'm most excited about show up a couple of times a month.

And lastly, today I will be co-hosting a webinar - Live Well and Thrive - Bucket List Living. I am doing this in collaboration with a wealth advisor whom I share a philosophy of Your Life is the Sum of Your Experiences. The series is about how to live your best life by identifying what is still on your list to accomplish and taking action to make those things happen. Of course this session is on travel experiences. Here are the topics:

Travel trends
Hottest destinations to book well in advance
Once in a lifetime trips
Truly authentic cultural destinations
Favorite off the beaten path destinations
Multigenerational trips: what to consider
Favorite family destinations
Mimi's favorites

In addition I will be sharing 2 worksheets to takeaway:

Your Life is the Sum of Your Experiences - what's still on your list?
Intentional Travel Plan - brainstorming

I will check if I'm able to share a link to the webinar. If you're interested send me a note. If you'd like one of the above worksheets, I'm happy to send it to you.

Warmly,

Below:

This week's highlight - Civita di Bagnoregio
Hot New Hotel Opening - The Inn at Mattei's Tavern
Interesting Articles

CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO

Stunning hilltop village.

Yes please.

Americans have a love affair with Italy.

It's understandable.

The food, the people, the ruins, the art, the history, the islands, the artisans.

For a country smaller than the state of California, it packs a lot in.

Including stunning hilltop villages.

One of the most beautiful is

Civita di Bagnoregio

in the province of Lazio.

It can only be reached via a 1,000 foot suspension bridge connecting it with its neighboring town, Bagnoregio.

A visit will introduce you to a place oozing with

historical charm, flowery alleys and cobblestone streets.

And many authentic restaurants with outdoor seating, wine bars full of life and stunning views.

It is also known as a location where the miniseries Pinocchio was filmed.

This is a place to go sooner rather than later because the town has been declared

in danger of collapsing due to the rock supporting it that is subject to erosion.

This is why Civita di Bagnoregio is referred to as ‘the dying city.’

You will often find it on Italy's list of ‘Borghi piu’ belli d’Italia‘ (the most beautiful villages).

As you might imagine, in the peak summer season Civita di Bagnoregio gets a lot of visitors.

I would suggest a visit in the spring or fall for a more enjoyable experience.

Above you can see how spectacular it is lit up in the evening.

What else can you do nearby?

truffle hunting

soak in thermal springs

golf

take a cooking class

dine on the edge of Lago di Bolsena

walk a section of the Cammino dei Borghi Silenti

What hotels are nearby? Explore a few options HERE.

But there are so many more which we can consider when planning your trip to Italy.

🌟 In February a new, must visit hotel will open in Los Olivos, California. The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, an Auberge Resort Collection hotel, is a stunning new property set in Santa Barbara wine country. I was supposed to stay here last August, but construction delays postponed the opening (very typical these days). I am eager to visit on my next California trip.

Why should you visit this new hotel?

Mattei's Tavern combines old with new. The Tavern Building dates back to 1886 and the original cottages have been restored to preserve their unique details. New buildings sit alongside them to seamlessly blend in with the authentic structures. Choose from a multi-room cottage or a studio style room in the guest houses.
Mattei's will host live music each week bringing in popular local artists. Music will range from bluegrass and jazz to country, folk and pop.
Take a cooking class with their Executive Chef on the art of paella making. Enjoy your mastered paella with local wines and conversation around the communal table.
Mattei's Tavern is located steps away from the center of charming Los Olivos, with boutiques, quaint coffee shop and restaurants.
Explore the best sights and wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley through a leisurely bike tour. Take a scenic ride through stunning vineyards and ranchland as you leave the town of Los Olivos and journey to some of the region's local favorites.
Hike the nearby Lovers Loop trail. Jason and I did this last summer and the views are spectacular!

‼️ We expect you to be able to book this brand new, stunning property via Virtuoso with perks and upgrades very soon. Although we suggest you give it a good 6 months to get their service levels refined (or manage expectations going in).