Waking up before the sunrise in LA is out of the question for me, as my view from my apartment isn’t anything spectacular. However, it was a breeze waking up at 6AM each morning at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. With the sunrise around 6:30AM, it gave me enough time to get my coffee, settle into our balcony, and watch the skies turn into shades of pink and orange. I couldn’t get enough of it and with the pond right below us, watching the swans and koi fish swimming around just put me in the best mood everyday. Then again, you’re in Kauai, so can you really complain about anything?

The best thing you can do for yourself is make yourself a priority, even just for a weekend. I promise you’ll feel much more focused, refreshed, and energized after a weekend away in Indian Wells at Miramonte Resort and Spa. Take a friend, a sister or your better half if you wish or just getaway on your own. It’s not only needed, but it is necessary.

The hotel itself blends design elements of rustic and elegance from the lobby to the rooms, beautiful interior selections and spacious rooms. However, with most boutique hotels, it isn’t a huge property and therefore, the one thing I believe they do need to improve upon is their staff.

Alongside our welcome tray was hand-written postcard from the front desk welcoming me. Sure, notes are standard for guests but this postcard also had little hand drawn graphics of all the places I visited on my last trip in Portland - places I blogged about in this post. I love when a hotel does their research and takes the time out to know who they are expecting, it shows that they really do care (and being a fan of my blog is a major plus!)

Punta Mita is a gated peninsula, secluded and protected by a security booth at the front of the entrance. Beyond these gates was our home for the four days, the Four Seasons. The drive through the peninsula was filled with palm trees and an amazing ocean view, which our driver paused briefly to allow us to admire it. Upon arriving at the hotel we were taken aback by how large the property really is. 

Pier Market is the first 100% SF green business certified restaurant and the first on the entire Fisherman's Wharf. They are 3rd generation family-owned, and the owner of the restaurant is the one who built Pier 39, which I found to be really cool. The seafood is 100% sustainable and delivered fresh every day. We were so impressed by these facts that we did hold some high expectations for our dining experience. 

Chef Peggy Tan and her staff curated a special tasting menu for us that evening, which showcased a few of their most popular dishes and a couple of unique staples like the hamachi shooters, that are given as starters. Throughout the night, each course became more engaging in flavors and presentation. No two dishes tasted the same and each one left us anxiously waiting to see what the Chef had up next.

While there are plenty of tricks on Youtube on methods of packing a carry-on, I decided to share my own tidbits and tips for a three-day, in addition to what the must-have outfits are for a getaway.

Have you ever stepped inside a hotel and have it take your breathe away? I never thought a hotel lobby could me leave speechless, but as soon as I walked into the Allegro in Chicago, I was at a loss for words.

Within the last few trips, I've further prolonged my return and while I always have a good time, let's be real. After 21, the fun and excitement of Las Vegas dwindled. In fact, since turning 30 (earlier this year), the very thought of Vegas had me exhausted. However, with this last trip, I had the pleasure of staying at the Palazzo and experienced the city on a whole new level. 

Ojai is a beautiful valley and what I consider a hidden gem, as I believe that it's often overlooked by many. Whenever I'm looking for a quiet getaway for the weekend, I always think of Ojai. Why? Well, aside from the breathtaking views, Ojai is simple in comparison to LA.

Had a long day at the office? Exhausted from working on back to back on projects, been on trips for so long that you come back completely burnt out? Need a day just to yourself and your significant other? Sure, you can go to dinner and/or head to the beach for some fun in the sun, but if you're really looking for the best way to unwind, I suggest spending the day at the Montage in Beverly Hills.

Just 20 minutes from the airport, the Andaz Scottsdale features 201 guest rooms with 8 styles to choose from. With gorgeous modern interior decor within the rooms and a stylish lobby featuring local artist's designs, you'll easily fall in love with the Andaz. 

Recently renovated, The Bristol Hotel located near Gaslamp in San Diego, has the most gorgeous suites featuring a great view, tech amenities for all your business needs, beautiful interior design, and are pet-friendly.

Located just 30 minutes outside of Cabo San Lucas is the Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Resort, which features a gorgeous infinity pool, several dining options, and of course, endless ocean views from your room.

Oahu may not be as peaceful and green as Maui, according to the locals, but it sure has some great food spots. You really cannot go wrong with where you decide to eat, but if you’re stumped (or lazy) on locating restaurants, here are my 7 favorite places in Oahu.

Long flights are never fun, especially if it’s over 6 hours (at least for me). Fortunately, if you are traveling to Europe with FinnAir, you have the option to give yourself a break with a Stopover in Finland. With available flights within the U.S. from San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, your next trip to Europe or Asia can be a lot less daunting with FinnAir's Stopover. 

Our final destination with FinnAir was Spain, specifically Sitges and Barcelona. We spent a night in Sitges and two nights in Barcelona, leaving us extremely sad to leave so soon, as we all fell in love with the country. What’s there not to love honestly? Beautiful beach views, gorgeous architecture, the best paella, plenty of shopping centers, fresh coffee, and so much more. In fact, I’m surprised at how much we were able to do in two nights and complied a list of recommended activities for your next stay in Barcelona.

To say that Hotel St. George is beautiful is an understatement, it is beyond gorgeous and the photos below are just a glimpse of what the hotel truly looks like in person.

Located between the Garraf Massif and the sea, and about an hour southwest of Barcelona, in Catalonia, is a town called Sitges. This beautiful place features breathtaking ocean views, many local shops and small markets, and the nicest people around. With 300 days of sunshine all year, there's a reason why everyone is so happy here.