Truth? Adventure is not my gig.

I’m the luxury guy. On a perfectly fabulous day, I’d rather spend hours poolside in a cabana sipping frosty cold cocktails, with intermittent visits to a spa, than hike to a waterfall. True story.

For me, the up close and personal beauty of nature is most often best viewed through the lens of National Geographic or Bear Grylls. And yet, I am commonly called upon to detour from those activities to which I am naturally inclined in order to truly experience the heart and soul of a destination. It’s part of the job (and for the record, I’m not complaining because I am well aware that exploring the world and sharing my insights about it isn’t exactly the most taxing of professions).

Lately, my more exotic excursions have taken place at the side of YouTuber Davey Wavey, my great friend and travel compatriot, who unfortunately, not only fails to share my affection for the luxe life, but insists on drawing me out of it. Here again, I would complain but the reality is that, difficult as it is to admit, I always walk away from my adventures with Davey having done some memorable, perspective-shifting thing that I would otherwise never have done left to my own devices. And that can’t be a bad thing, right?

Take for example our most recent visit to Curaçao, the splendidly sunny and diverse Eden that along with Aruba and Bonnaire comprise the Dutch Caribbean trifecta known as the ABC Islands. Now, in the past, I have visited many Caribbean hotspots from Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas to St. John and St. Bart, always with an eye toward escape and doing as little as possible.

However, such was not to be the case on this trip. Quelle surprise!

Rather than kicking back for a few days, Davey had, in tandem with the Curaçao Tourism Board, arranged for us to partake in an Amazing Race-like escapade that would carry us to just about every corner of the island’s 171 square miles.

Did I mention that I have issues with adventure?

The escapade began sedately enough with check-in at the Floris Suite Hotel, a tropical adults-only, all-suite resort of the billowing white curtains and plush white sofa variety that would be just as at home on South Beach or in the Florida Keys. With beyond spacious accommodations, a private beach club called Moomba, a spa and ample poolside cabanas, I began to get a very good feeling about this trip.

However, when I was later introduced to the Floris Hotel’s Ocean Front Spazio Suite (in which I was not accommodated for the record) my spirits soared even higher. The 650-sq. ft. modular, luxury designer suite with its own private beach looking out over the Caribbean Sea and high-end amenities including butler service and upscale Italian designed furniture spoke fervently to me.

I wanted to stay. But, alas there was no time for dithering. There was a race to be run.

The first leg of our journey into the unknown kicked off approximately 10 minutes away from the hotel in Willemstad, the island’s capital city and thriving heartbeat. As we descended into the epicenter of activity on the colorful and vibrant island, the uniqueness of Curaçao relative to its neighbors immediately struck me – as did the famous breezes for which the isle is known.

Kome, a popular restaurant packed with a mix of locals and tourists in the trendy Pietermaai district, was where we would get our first challenge but not before sampling the eatery’s largely locally sourced, island-inspired menu and getting an introduction to the island from a few well-informed locals. Again, this didn’t seem like such a bad start to things. That is, of course, until our hosts turned the conversation to the next day’s challenges.

Why oh why couldn’t I just sleep in? There was a perfectly lovely suite with a terrace and all the fruity cocktails I could consume awaiting me but here I was being forced to do things.

Our first challenge called upon us to locate Willemstad’s famous Floating Market, track down a Venezuelan banana and sample it, while our second required us to partake in a local delicacy — a whole fish fried from gills to tail.

Okay, it’s just food. I can probably do this, I thought to myself.

Skipping a nightcap at Luke’s, another trendy Pietermaai favorite, we turned in early to prep for the day that lay ahead. The next morning, I was up bright and early ready to take on the first challenge.

I mean…that is to say…I would be ready after tucking into a spot of breakfast, of course. After all, one needs nutritional fortification for adventure and ours came via a sampling of arepas stuffed with chicken and crab salad, omelets and smoothies at the friendly and inviting Willemstad-based Chilean bistro with the French name known as La Boheme.

Hunger sated and armed with the help of a guide (nothing about the rules precluded us from obtaining assistance), we wandered around the colorful buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage site that is Willemstad taking in the town for the first time in daylight. Along the way, we explored the brightly hued Governor’s Mansion as well as the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge designed to swing its entire length parallel to the shore (a feat that makes it more than merely functional in terms of the fact that it connects the Punda and Otrobanda sides of Willemstad, but also a must-see attraction for tourists).

With little actual assistance we finally stumbled upon the Floating Market, which would be pretty difficult to miss given its location in the heart of the city. That said, the name of this popular destination is a bit of a misnomer because the market itself does not float. Instead colorful boats filled with fruits, vegetables and seafood dock in the center of town, set up stalls and offer the bounty of Venezuela, Columbia and other nearby locales to residents of Curaçao and tourists alike. Among this panoply of vendors, it didn’t take long for us to find and sample a “Venezuelan banana” which is essentially what we know as a plantain and a proper staple consumed with nearly every meal served on the island. Who knew?

Challenge 1 of 5 complete.

A bit more meandering around town and then it was off to our next stop, Saltwater Rif Terrace, for the whole fried fish challenge. Essentially, Salt Water is an open-air, waterside shack serving freshly caught seafood alongside regional favorites. I was immediately so taken by the clearly local and totally unpretentious vibe of this off the beaten path spot, that my initial anxiety about the challenge faded.

Then out came the fish and it wasn’t nearly as imposing as expected. It was a completely manageable size. I’d dare say it was almost cute until I recalled we were expected to eat the whole thing, including the tongue, which is apparently quite revered for its flavor by Curaçaoans.

I took the lead here and ate the tongue, attacking the head with fervor, while Davey tucked into the body. We finished the fish and with it the second challenge. And you know what? I loved it.

Not only did I enjoy the crispy, salty fried fish and Salt Water’s freshly made hot sauce (a revelation in and of itself), but I loved the place and the experience. But for the race, I might have missed this hidden gem. Thankfully I didn’t as it was one of the highlights of our visit.

After lunch, and to my surprise, there was another surprise. Yet another challenge.

I suspected the challenges would escalate and it was at this moment they did.  Our next trial would involve an underwater excursion called Aquafari and, judging from the name alone, I was pretty sure this might be the challenge that would break me.

But, surprisingly, it didn’t.

Despite my apprehension, a few shaky moments and a general lack of understanding about the technology behind the adventure, I found Aquafari to be quite fun. It’s basically like scuba diving or snorkeling on an underwater motor scooter. Best of all, from my perspective, aside from swimming out to the scooter, there wasn’t really much physical exertion involved making it my favorite kind of adventure.

With the Aquafari teammates as guides, all we had to do was rev our engines, steer through the cool depths of the Caribbean Sea, marvel at the schools of crayon-colored tropical fish, the colorful coral reef, and other residents of the crystal clear deep-sea underworld and basically enjoy the ride. Easy.

As the journey came to an end, I reflected that the experience was one for the bucket list. I had always wanted to go scuba diving, but had no desire to go through the training. This was probably as close as I would ever get and I was good with that.

I was also happy that Challenge 3 was completed.

Unsurprisingly, our next challenge involved yet another beach. It’s interesting to note here that Curaçao is not blessed with long stretches of white sandy beaches like some of the other ABC islands. It is however blessed with these extraordinary coves and smaller beaches with the clearest waters lapping their shores. They feel like a well-kept secret and that is their charm. One such beach is Playa Knip on the west side of the island, which was where our next challenge was to take place.

Somewhere on the beach, there was a bracelet that we were charged with finding. Sounds simple enough but though Playa Knip isn’t exactly expansive, it isn’t exactly small either. As we searched the beach, taking breathers to enjoy the environs, I just couldn’t stop looking out at the sea.

No matter how many times I see the turquoise-colored waters of the Caribbean, I can’t help but be a little in awe and those surrounding Curaçao are among the most spectacular I have seen. Thankfully, my daydreaming and distraction proved useful because as I stared out at the waves, I spotted what looked to be a bracelet in a cove just off the beach.  As Davey is the better swimmer among us, he swam out to the rocks in the cove and to both our great delight, my eyesight hadn’t failed me – there was indeed a bracelet in that cove.

Crushed it! Another challenge done and dusted.

While visiting that side of the island, we stopped in for lunch at the Cactus Café in Christoffel National Park, where another quirky aspect of Curaçao’s topography was revealed – cacti. On the west side of the island, cacti is ubiquitous and the dry, dusty landscape is more reminiscent of the desert than a tropical island. It was very similar to the kind of dichotomy in terms of geography that you might see in the Canary Islands. But, I digress. There was still another beach to explore and a final challenge to be completed.

Our final stop was Playa Piskado, where we were to engage in a SeaBob Excursion. Now the SeaBob is billed as a jet powered personal submarine. No disrespect, but when I think of submarines, I think of an enclosed underwater vehicle and this was anything but.

Despite a concerted effort – that included promises of mind-blowing sightings of sea turtles and more of those awesome colorful schools of fish – I could not be convinced to change my mind about engaging in this particular activity. Davey was on his own for this one.

So, while he explored the depths of the sea in his personal submarine, I enjoyed the views of Playa Piskado…from the air-conditioned confines of our transport. In the final analysis, however, my resistance to the submarine outing didn’t matter much because Davey loved it, we still got our bracelet for the challenge and I got a nap. Everyone was happy. I call that winning.

To celebrate completing the race and all five of its associated challenges, we booked in for dinner at Oporto, a swank steak and seafood house located in one of the trendiest venues in Curaçao. At this point, by my estimation, we certainly deserved a little pampering after all that activity and that is precisely what we got at this upscale boite. Perched at the apex of fine-dining on the island, Oporto specializes in a continental menu that includes oodles of tantalizing options ranging from Red Snapper Fillet a la Meuniere and Seafood Stew to Queen Rack of Lamb and Fillet Mignon Tournedos. It was the perfect place to wind down with a glass of wine or three after a few very busy (and very fun) days.

At this point, the only thing missing was our prize. What exactly had our mad dash exploits across Curaçao earned us?

The next morning, we awoke to just that. We both received massages in the spa at the Floris Hotel, and they were heaven.

All’s well that ends well, as they say.

Listen, I’m still not the adventure guy and I probably never will be. But getting in touch with my inner Bear Grylls in Curaçao helped me to discover a side of the island that I wouldn’t normally see while holed up inside a resort and it gave me a whole different perspective to share. And I still managed to squeeze in a fair amount of pampering. How fab is that?

So if you, like me, find yourself wary of adventure on holiday, I say don’t be scared, be inspired my journey.

And for inspiring this new inflection point in my travels, I say ‘Hoorah for Curaçao’.

To watch Davey’s take on our exploits in Curaçao watch below:

The LivingWells List Curaçao:

Stay

Floris Suite Hotel – Spa & Beach Club
Piscadera Bay
Willemstad, Curaçao
Phone: +599 9462 6111

Play

Aquafari
Piscaderaweg
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9513 2625

Seabob
Tugboat Beach (at Caracas Bay)
Curaçao, Curaçao
+599 9510 8800

Eat

La Bohème Curaçao
Columbusstraat 4
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9465 1966

Kome
6 Johan van Walbeeckplein
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9465 0413

Oporto
C.C. Renasseince shopping mall, unit 213
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9465 6605

Saltwater Rif Terrace
John f kennedy blv z/n (Koredor)
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9462 6660

For more information about Curaçao, click here.

To read this article on the Huffington Post, click here.

The post Curaçao: Color and Character in the Caribbean appeared first on .

“I can’t see anything,” I shouted to a kayak disappearing into darkness on an especially black night. On the horizon, lightning shattered from storm clouds gathered over the Gulf of Mexico. It was the Night of the New Moon that would usher in “Día de los Muertos” – All Souls Day. There was something spiritual – ghostly even – on the sea at that late hour.  I felt excitement with a twinge of trepidation. About a half-mile offshore I wondered quietly to myself if there were sharks in these waters.

Then, suddenly, “Put your hand in,” the kayak in front shouted back.

As I dipped my hand into the murky wake of the kayak it instantly lit the water on fire. Thousands of tiny sparklers like firecrackers bursting beneath the surface scattered around my hand rendering it awash in neon light. I reached further down. Thousands – millions perhaps – of tiny phosphorescent particles swarmed across my arm. What spirit had conjured this phenomenon, I wondered.

“This is the magic of Holbox,” said the guide.

Isla Holbox is perhaps most famous for a phenomenon called the “afuera aggregation” which, outside marine biology circles, refers to the largest migration of whale sharks anywhere in the world. In season, tour operators across the island organize trips by boat or kayak for visitors to swim with the largest fish in the sea. But, when I arrived, whale shark season was more than a month gone. That being the case, I was instead recommended to take a tour by kayak to experience another phenomenon unique to Holbox: the bioluminescence.

In the past I had heard stories of beaches in Puerto Rico or Thailand where one could see the bioluminescence― particles of shimmering, neon light that wash ashore but are quickly extinguished. Nobody I knew had actually witnessed this, however, so I assumed it was an urban travel legend. I therefore remained dubious as to what could actually be seen with the naked eye, having been tricked by lush photography of the aurora borealis in Iceland several years back. But, with an affable local guide named Arnoldo leading the way, we launched two kayaks into the warm ocean water under the cover of darkness and set out in search of the lights.

For a short while we paddled along the shore, bathed in the glow not of bioluminescence, but of the lights from the hotel properties that dotted the coast. As we pointed the kayaks due north – straight out into the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, I began to wonder if this was a good idea. We paddled for about 30 minutes even further into darkness. Arnoldo was several yards ahead and I feared I might lose him entirely as I squinted to make out his white polo shirt in the distance.

Finally, we arrived to a spot where Arnoldo suggested we park our kayaks and place our hands in the water. As I slid my fingers slowly into the sea they immediately sparkled a type of bright yellow light you might expect from thousands of miniscule fireflies jetting in all directions just below the surface.

At first, I was not quite sure what we were seeing. Arnoldo explained that the effect was caused by a unique variety of plankton that, when oxygenated through movement, created a temporary luminescent effect. If I  moved slowly, I could see the individual flagella appearing like bright embers no greater in size than the head of a pin. Rapid motions produced a blur of solid light that lasted for only a few seconds but contrasted sharply with the darkness of the night.

Arnoldo, to my surprise, hopped out of the kayak and it was then that I noticed we were in water only about waist-deep even though it seemed we were far offshore. We were hovering above a long sandbar spread out in the middle of the bay. As we jumped in, the bioluminescence took charge around our legs and feet. Fish swam by and they too became incandescent streams of light jetting through the void.

“This is incredible!” I yelled to Arnoldo.

“I don’t just take you to the bioluminescence, I take you in the bioluminescence,” he replied proudly.

We spent close to an hour just floating – looking at the effect from various angles above and below the water. We attempted to devise new ways to showcase the light show and made “bioluminescent sea angels” by lying in the water on our backs the way children play in snow drifts.

I looked up from the water and absorbed my surroundings. Something about the sea at night has always frightened me. The idea of being lost, floating on a life raft or clinging to a piece of debris through the long night as waves tossed about has always seemed to me to be the most terrifying prospect that could befall a man at sea. Yet somehow, here, I was unafraid. Quite the opposite – surrounded by the light I felt a sense of total peace.  It was more spiritual than anything I had ever experienced in a house of worship.

Arnoldo lit a smoke while we talked about life, nature and the changes that had come to Holbox in only the five years since he’s lived on the island. He fears for the future and what additional development and tourism might bring. Last year he helped organize one night – the first annual Bioluminescent Festival – where every hotel on the beach turned the lights off for an hour so everyone could partake in this wonder of nature.  With the wonder of social media, however, it had the unintended consequence of drawing out hundreds from the mainland who camped out on the beach in anticipation of the big event.

“You can imagine the mess they left behind,” he said woefully.

At the same time, he spoke optimistically of the education and conservation efforts underway as well as the children he had introduced to the bioluminescence. “When they finally put down the glow of their smartphones and enter the glow of this water, they come alive again.”

Isla Holbox has the power to bring travelers back to life as well – but only for as long as it can hold onto its identity and nature. It has the power to heal and to transform. For adaptable travelers, now is the time to absorb its magic before it fades away like the ephemeral light of its bioluminescent sea.

Explorer of gastronomic and luxury hideaways, Marc Destito is an essayist, travel consultant and communications guru. He has represented leading global wine regions including the region of Champagne, France and has traveled extensively to premier destinations throughout Europe, Asia and North America.  Having previously lived in Washington, D.C. he is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. Follow Marc on Instagram @marcinmotion.

The post The Bioluminescent Lights of Isla Holbox appeared first on .

When most people think of Southern California, they immediately conjure up images of Los Angeles or San Diego or, perhaps, for the desert and Coachella lovers among us, Palm Springs. However, for real aficionados of the Southern California lifestyle, the aforementioned metropolitan hubs are merely promising previews of the treasures to be beheld in the southernmost territory of the Golden State. With that thought in mind, I set off on a quick tour of the islands of Southern California which may not be as flashy as their big city counterparts, but are no less stunning in their appeal. Nor are they in any way lacking in the qualities that make SoCal living so uncommonly exceptional.

Coronado Island

Even perched among all of Southern California’s many splendored assets, Coronado Island has a singular sparkle that sets it apart. A sunshine-drenched oasis located just across the bay from Downtown San Diego, Coronado is one of America’s most stunning beach communities. On the surface, it’s an upscale village dressed up in the allure of small-town America and bedazzled with spectacular beaches, near-perfect weather year-round and bewitching sunsets. However, at its core, there is a magic beyond the superficial about this little island just north of Mexico that lends itself to memory-making.

Whether being conveyed by gondola through the island’s scenic canals, shopping and dining at the multitude of hotspots along Orange Avenue (the town’s main thoroughfare), lolling about on any of the destination’s pristine, award-winning shores or spending a day sailing along the coast on a catamaran, Coronado unfolds a fairy-tale like experience that is almost Disney-esque in its charms. At the center of it all is the Hotel del Coronado, the island’s grande dame, the tale of which is so inextricably intertwined with the history of the destination that it is impossible to talk about one without discussing the other.

Debuting in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado, or The Del as it is affectionately known to locals and regular guests, sparked the initial development of the island at the turn of the century and throughout the years has attracted everyone from presidents to Hollywood superstars. Nowadays, The Del is a major tourist attraction draped in memorabilia and populated by an array of chic restaurants and boutiques. For first time visitors, a tour and a bite at any of the hotel’s many boites will suffice as a decent introduction, but in order to fully experience the real charm of the Hotel del Coronado (and indeed of Coronado itself) a stay at this uniquely Southern California property is a must.

While in the main resort building, the ocean view rooms headline the list of accommodations, from a pure luxury perspective, the property’s real stars are to be found in the relatively new and simply styled “Beach Village at The Del” – 78 amenities-laden, oceanfront guest rooms configured into one to three-bedroom suites. Wildly popular though it may be, the resort side of the property, for all its appeal, can at times become mildly overrun with tourists but such is never the case at Beach Village.

A separate valet entrance greets guests of the Village, along with a personal concierge, exclusive swimming pools and whirlpools and full access to the hotel’s Windsor Beach Club. Add to the above the fact that every suite in the Beach Village is situated right on the sand sans any barrier between guests, the beach and regularly jaw-dropping sunsets and you start to understand why this corner of paradise is among the most sought after on the island.

For more information about Coronado Island, click here.

Shelter Island

Nothing makes me happier than a wonderful surprise, which is exactly how I would describe Shelter Island. Also located on the outskirts of San Diego, Shelter Island is technically not so much an island as it is a part of the Point Loma Peninsula. However, technicalities aside, this wonderfully retro slice of Shangri-la very much evokes the feel of an isle, despite being connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.

Thanks in large part to its quirky history, the buildings on this man-made Island reference a Polynesian theme (circa 1950) as dictated by city code. Towering, swaying palm trees, marinas studded by an array of yachts and superyachts and a singular ribbon of Tiki Modern inspired hotels, clubs and resorts running along the island’s shores, lend a decidedly tropical air to the destination that is reminiscent of a ramshackle relation of Antigua or Mallorca. In fact, but for the skyscrapers of Downtown San Diego seductively beckoning across the Bay, it might be quite easy to forget that Southern California is even nearby once safely ensconced in the embrace of the island with the breeze at your back and a fruity cocktail in hand.

Just as Coronado has its grande dame, so does Shelter Island in the form of the Kona Kai Resort, a part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts Collection. Located at the very tip of the island, the recently renovated Kona Kai is a boutique property that has, throughout its many incarnations, managed to maintain the Polynesian flair of the original structure while simultaneously adding a healthy dose of modernity. As eclectic in its décor as it is practical in some of its more structural elements (the property’s impressive marina is the closest to San Diego Bay and counts among its many amenities over 500 boat slips as well as a private club membership for tenants), Kona Kai is perhaps most distinguished by the fact that it genuinely embraces the notion of escape.

A private sand beach (one of the few in California), a small but formidable spa, and a surprisingly delicious restaurant called Vessel, boasting gorgeous views of the marina along with a mouthwatering menu of “California Comfort Fare” highlighted by an otherworldly Lobster Mac n’ Cheese and an outstandingly flavorful and creative Porcini Crusted Sea Bass, all come together to create the kind of property that can be all things to all people. Whether you opt to walk along the marina, relax on the beach or by the pool, take an exercise class or have a workout at the gym, enjoy cocktails on the terrace of your room or nip into one of the live musical performances at Vessel, you’ll find that Kona Kai is one stop shop for escape.

That said, while you’re in the neighborhood, you might also want to stop in for a drink at the legendary Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn,  just down the street. An epic example of Tiki Modern architecture, the Half Moon Inn is also conveniently adjoined by the famed Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay outdoor music venue which is well-known for hosting a diverse line-up of acts ranging from Patti Labelle, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples and The Temptations to The Cult, Indigo Girls, Violent Femmes, Dave Koz and Culture Club.

For more information about Shelter Island, click here.

Catalina Island

I’ve written about Catalina Island often because I continue to believe it to be one of a handful of getaways bordering Los Angeles that never ceases to make for a fun day trip or a quick escape. Accessible by private boat, ferry or helicopter, Santa Catalina is a 21-mile island located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California (though psychologically it might as well be a world away).

Largely undeveloped save for Avalon Bay, the getaway’s most popular (and populous) destination, and Two Harbors, located on the more remote west end of the island, there are large swaths of Catalina around which wild buffalo still roam free in unspoiled environs ripe with opportunities for adventure and exploration. This scenic setting once made the island a popular backdrop for classic films like Treasure Island and Mutiny on the Bounty starring Clark Gable. However, nowadays this gem of an escape is primarily a laidback, attitude-free, beach town where cars are scarce, golf carts are plentiful and the scent of suntan lotion, sea and sand is pervasive. To be sure, the trifle shops and ice cream parlors along Avalon’s main drag fall are quite camp and touristy but then again that is part of the island’s easy-going, almost self-effacing charm.

When it comes to accommodations on Catalina, the premiere destination is the Mt. Ada Inn, a boutique property that was formerly the home of William Wrigley, Jr. (of the chewing gum fortune) and his wife Ada, after whom the property is named. Set high above the tiny metropolis below with its scores of tourists, the Mt. Ada is an old-school oasis of calm offering sweeping views of both the island and the Avalon Bay.

In addition to its six classically kitted out rooms ranging from a very grand, Grande Suite to a more rustic Garden Porch (“Sleeping Porch”), the Mt. Ada property claims among its many first-rate amenities:  Private transportation and luggage service from the island’s heliport; access to the tennis courts at the Catalina Country Club; complimentary green fees at the Catalina Island Golf Course; access to the Island Spa Catalina pool, hot tub, relaxation deck and fitness classes; and priority cabana and chaise lounge booking at Descanso Beach Club, the island’s swell private beach club (one of the best places to while away an afternoon in Avalon, particularly if a cabana and butler service are involved).

For more about Catalina Island, click here.

The post Summer, Sand, Sun: The Islands of Southern California appeared first on .

Costa del Sol literally means “Coast of the Sun”, a name which feels quite fitting after spending any time in Málaga, Marbella and Torremolinos, the most popular destinations in this sun-soaked paradise that might best be described as Spain’s answer to Côte d’Azur.

Noted for its temperate climate year-round, Andalusian charms and glamorous inhabitants, the Costa del Sol has become infamous as a playground for the rich and famous but let there be no doubt that it is in fact, first and foremost, a playground and one of the most vibrant and diverse destinations in Spain. From the beaches to the cuisine to the nightlife, Costa del Sol celebrates Spain at its luxuriously laidback best.

Stay

Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Pasillo Santa Isabel, 7- 29005
Málaga, Spain
T: +34 951 001 020
E: posadadelpatio@vinccihoteles.com
www.vincciposadadelpatio.com

Modern sophistication and history collide in the heart of Malaga at the chic Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio. Built atop the Old City Walls, the hotel is not only one of the few proper hotels in the historical center of Málaga, it is the only hotel to offer direct access to the aforementioned ancient ruins as an added bonus to a stay at this elegant space. Expect contemporary décor, attentive service, a stunning rooftop pool and proximity to the thriving center of Malaga where the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou are among the cultural highlights, while the city’s bustling tapas restaurants and scintillating nightlife options are but steps away. Finally, do be sure to dine at the hotel’s decidedly upscale Le Diner restaurant where classic Andalusian dishes are prepared with a showman’s sense of innovation and flair.

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa
Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe 29600
Marbella, Spain
T: +34 952 82 22 11
E: hotel@marbellaclub.com
www.marbellaclub.com

The Marbella Club hotel may, save for the stunning weather and natural accoutrements of its splendid location, be the single most important reason that the Costa del Sol grew from its former existence as a string of sleepy coastal towns into a playground for European royals and their über rich and fabulously famous friends. A clubby property with a noticeably “members only” vibe, this beachfront boutique resort on the Mediterranean boasts 37 guestrooms and 78 elegant suites all swathed in privacy and set in the jasmine-scented subtropical gardens that bear the signature of the hotel’s founder Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg. Tip: Brunch at the Marbella Club is a spectacular affair not to be missed.

Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Marbella
Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602
Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 82 09 00
E: hotel@puenteromano.com
www.puenteromano.com

Plunked down in the heart of Marbella’s Miracle Mile, the oceanfront Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Marbella deserves raves for both the caliber of its luxurious accommodations, which take inspiration from classic Andalusian villages, as well as its stunning beachfront Six Senses Spa complete with a wet area featuring a hydrotherapy pool, a cold plunge pool, heat and ice experience showers with different types of water flow and mood lighting, herbal steam room, sauna and hammam. Also of note are the property’s award-winning botanical gardens and Tennis Club, which has played host to the Nations Seniors Tennis Cup since 2004 in addition to doing double duty as a concert space that has hosted a veritable pantheon of music icons.

Villa Padierna Palace Hotel
Urbanización Los Flamingos Golf, Carretera de Cádiz, Km 166, 29679
Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 88 91 50
E: info@villapadiernapalacehotel.com
www.villapadiernapalacehotel.com

When First Lady Michelle Obama visited Marbella in 2010 amid much fanfare, she chose a stunning villa with 3 floors, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a private pool at the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel as her respite from the White House (See Villa “Obama”). And when Antonio Banderas and Eva Longoria teamed up to help showcase the celebrity of Marbella and the Costa del Sol via the annual Starlight Gala, the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel was the venue of choice for the first two editions of the event. In keeping with its name, the Villa Padierna is a grand and palatial property reminiscent of a Tuscan palace. There’s even a Roman amphitheater to compliment the golf courses which are among the hotel’s many selling points.

Play

Puerto Banús
Plaza Antonio Banderas s/n
29660 Puerto Banús, Malaga, Spain
T: +34 952 81 85 70
www.marbellaexclusive.com/puerto-banus

This popular enclave of exclusive shops and upscale eateries dotted around a port embellished with a staggering collection of luxury seafaring vessels is also the nightlife capitol of Marbella. Spend the afternoon lunching and shopping at Puerto Banús and then return after dinner to show off your newly purchased wares and twirl the night away in one of the many local nightspots.

Torremolinos
La Nogalera
Plaza de la Nogalera
Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
T: 34 952 37 19 09
www.ayto-torremolinos.org (Spanish)
www.visitcostadelsol.com/torremolinos (English)

A more relaxed and decidedly gayer atmosphere awaits in Torremolinos, which is home to a maze of bars and restaurants that have for decades been like mecca to partygoers from all across Europe. In particular, La Nogalera, located in the center of Torremonlinos, is where you’ll find a concentration of gay-friendly establishments like Eden where locals and tourists alike keep the party going well into the early morning hours.

For a sample of what Eden and Torremolinos nightlife  has to offer, see below:

https://youtu.be/BpeV4RAQziI

Eat

Skina
Calle de Adúar, 12
29801 Marbella, Málaga
T. +34 952 76 52 77
E: reservas@restauranteskina.com
restauranteskina.com

A tiny restaurant entrenched in the alleys of Old Town Marbella where Chef Jaume Puigdengolas is noted for infusing traditional Andalusian cuisine with a sense of the avant-garde.

Restaurante El Gran Gatsby
Edificio del Mar, Muelle de Honor, s/n, 29660
Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 951 77 87 97
www.elgrangatsby.com

Located in the iconic Tower at the tip of Puerto Banús, Restaurante El Gran Gatsby boasts extraordinary views of the Mediterranean Sea along with extraordinary outdoor spaces unlike any other in the neighborhood. Meanwhile the menu offers everything from Foie Gras and Lobster Salad to Wagyu Beef and an array of seafood offers, all of which are of course served in the most elegantly subdued environs.

Caléndula
Calle Skal, 6
29620 Torremolinos, Spain
T: +34 659 576 529

Relatively new, this wonderful little tapas restaurant is currently the talk of Torremolinos and rightfully so. Stop in, grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a selection of authentic Andalusian tapas along with many glasses of wine as a preamble to a night out in La Nogalera which is just a short walk away.

See

Centre Pompidou Málaga
Puerto de Málaga, Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, Muelle 1
29016 Málaga, Spain
T: +34 951 92 62 00
E: info.centrepompidou@malaga.eu
centrepompidou-malaga.eu

The only offshoot of the Paris’ famed Centre Pompidou to be opened outside of the City of Lights, the Centre Pompidou Málaga is a celebration of contemporary art wrapped in an eye-popping jeweled box designed by Alain Sebban. It is the perfect complement to Malaga’s already esteemed catalogue of museums.

Duane-Davey-Malaga

Duane-Davey-Malaga-TheDuaneWells.com

Centre-Pompidou-Malaga

Davey Taking in Puerto Banus

Malaga Historic Center

Malaga by Night

Old Town Marbella

Streets of Old Town Marbella

Old Town Marbella

Alcazaba Palace Ruins Malaga

Davey Wavey at Club Eden, Torremolinos

Explore

Picasso Museum Málaga
Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustín, 8
29015 Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 12 76 00
www.museopicassomalaga.org

It is only fitting that the birthplace of Pablo Picasso should also be the home of one of the most notable collections of his works. Considered one of the most important collections of Picasso’s work, this villa-like museum is, without exception, a must-see on any visit to Málaga.

Marbella Old Town
Plaza De Los Naranjos, Marbella
29601, Málaga, Spain
www.visitcostadelsol.com/marbella-old-town

Before Marbella was a magnet for glamour and titled Europeans, it was essentially a simple fishing village. In the charming, winding corridors of Marbella’s Old Town the historical roots of the Costa del Sol come to life as old meets new. New boutiques and eateries pop up next to centuries old dwellings and religious iconography. The Plaza de Los Naranjos located in the center of town offers one of the best vantage points from which to people watch and enjoy Old Town so allotting time for a coffee or a cool beverage on the often packed terrace is a thing for which one would be highly advised to budget ample time.

Indulge

Doliva
Calle Nueva, 9
29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
T: +34 952 76 67 44
E: dg@dolivaonline.com
www.dolivaonline.com

Sample some of Spain’s finest and most rare olive oils in this veritable temple of olive oil tucked just a few feet away from the Plaza de Los Naranjos in the heart of Marbella’s Old Town.

More information:

www.visitcostadelsol.com

www.marbellaexclusive.com

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Paradise Beach Nevis | Charlestown, Nevis
Average January High Temperature: 83°F / 28°C

Snowbirds with a hankering for a healthy dose of Caribbean sun sans the flash and crush of St. Bart’s this winter, may find a tamer, yet equally luxurious alternative in the new Paradise Beach villa resort which will open its doors on the island of Nevis in January 2015. A collection of seven three and four bedroom beachfront villas comprised of two king bedrooms, one or two queen bedrooms, a full entertainment kitchen, open living space and outdoor showers, Paradise Beach promises the intimacy of a private home with all the perks of a five-star resort (butler and concierge included, of course).

Complementing each villa’s hand-woven thatched roof, 20-foot vaulted ceilings, privacy walls, outdoor dining pavilion and waterfall pool overlooking either the Caribbean or landscaped gardens is the resort’s stretch of white-sand beach and private beach bar. That all of these amenities are available as an addendum to access to just about every outdoor activity that winter prohibits elsewhere in the world is a given.

Plus, as an added bonus, St. Kitts is just a short ferry ride away should a surplus of natural beauty be required. – http://paradisebeachnevis.com

Gansevoort Playa Imbert | Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Average January High Temperature: 82°F / 28°C

January may generally be the coolest month of the year in the Dominican Republic, but an average high temperature of 82°F and an average low of 67°F, certify the Caribbean island’s reputation as a more than palatable option for escaping the doldrums of winter. The December 15th opening of the 48-suite Gansevoort Playa Imbert only further burnishes the isle’s credibility in that regard.

In sync with the level of luxe that is synonymous with the brand, the Gansevoort’s new Dominican Republic outpost promises one and two-bedroom lofts; three-bedroom apartments with private plunge pools and spacious terraces; and a collection of four-bedroom penthouses equipped with private rooftop Jacuzzis among other indulgent amenities. To round out the experience, the resort has already opened, Baia Lounge, a gourmet eatery showcasing Mediterranean specialties and Asian-inspired fare from Executive Chef Giancarlo Fiori, formerly of the Michelin 3-star El Bulli restaurant in San Sebastian Spain. Meanwhile plans are underway for a fitness center, a world-class day spa featuring a Hammam-style sauna, and a meditation and yoga garden. Bottom line: Paradise may well have found a new home. –www.gansevoortdominicanrepublic.com

Beach House Villas | Nassau, Bahamas
Average January High Temperature: 78°F / 26°C

Speaking of paradise…If you happen to be in the market to purchase a warm weather getaway this winter, Beach House Villas, a unique collection of state of the art private beachfront properties on Paradise Island offers a turnkey option unlike any other on the island of Nassau. Proximate to the sprawling mini-metropolis that is the Atlantis Resort, the five premium luxury villas that make up the Beach House Villas community are fully and elegantly furnished with staggering views of either the beach or the harbor. Completing the package that gives the island its name, each villa is equipped with the professional/private services of a chef, concierge, housekeeping, boat (with captain) plus dock, waterfront pool and gym and countless other perks. Price tag: $5.5 to $8M+. – http://www.beachhousevillasparadiseisland.com/

For a less permanent Nassau option, stay tuned for the opening of The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, a new $3.5 billion gaming resort slated to open in spring 2015 that will include a 1,000-room hotel and 100,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style casino, a 700-room Grand Hyatt, a 300-room SLS LUX, and a 200-room Rosewood Hotel property. – https://www.bahamar.com/

Amilla Fushi Resort | Maldives
Average January High Temperature: 81°F / 27°C

Can’t seem to warm up? Why not literally head to the equator?

Jolly old Saint Nick won’t be the only one spreading holiday cheer this month as the highly anticipated December 2014 arrival of the Amilla Fushii Resort invites glad tidings of its own. Located in the heart of the Maldives Islands on Baa Atoll, one of 26 natural atolls forming an archipelago at the equator in the Indian Ocean, the new 71-room luxury resort promises, not just another hotel experience, but an “island home” amid pristine crystal clear waters, white beaches and rich, lush vegetation.

Because “home” is a very individual concept, within its modest allotment of rooms, the Amilla offers an astonishing range of accommodations that includes five 2-bedroom Tree Houses, ten 2,000-plus square foot Lagoon Houses (the smallest offering) and four 30,000 square foot beach residences. Completing the scene at the fantastical new resort are two restaurants from acclaimed Australian chef and restaurateur, Luke Mangan, one of the largest pools in the Maldives, a spa retreat offering a menu of curated organic treatments from luxury spa provider Ila, and signature retail outlets. There’s even a ‘Kid’s Jungle’ for the little tykes. —http://www.amilla.mv/.

The Club at Kukui`ula | Poipu Beach, Kauai
Average January High Temperature: 78°F / 26°C

The Club at Kukui`ula is a private membership club set against a surreal postcard-perfect backdrop where luxury is delivered wrapped up in the laidback spirit of aloha. Fortunately, however, there is no need to sign a new mortgage in order access the privileges of The Club. The benefits of membership at Kukui`ula can instead be readily accessed via a stay at one of the property’s sumptuous two or three bedroom club cottages which can be arranged through the Parrish Collection, a local purveyor of vacation rentals across Kauai and the exclusive guest manager for Kukui`ula.

Each of the club cottages at Kukui`ula is a breathtaking new construction boasting a minimum of 2,000 square feet and bursting with all the luxuries of home, right down to wine coolers, state of the art gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and well-stocked fridges for those so inclined to request them in advance. A minimum of two master suites with king beds, walk-in-closets, outdoor lava rock garden showers and pedestal tubs, private backyards with gas lava rock fire pits, flat screen televisions throughout and spacious, open living and dining room plans, seal the proverbial deal.

Some of the cottages even have separate guest cottages with their own private lanais, while others have private pools and all are brimming with exquisite new furnishings, island antiques and objets d’art. If you can think of better way to say ‘aloha’ to winter, then you are a much better wordsmith than I. – http://kukuiula.com/the-club/

Like this article on the Huffington Post by clicking here.

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There is at least one place in Los Angeles County where cars are scarce, the pace is slow and wild buffalo, rather than paparazzi, roam free. It is about 22 miles off the coast of Southern California and accessible primarily by boat or ferry but it is indeed part and parcel of Los Angeles County. Of course, I am speaking here of Santa Catalina Island – known simply as Catalina in local parlance – the largely unspoiled 21-mile island that has been a favorite getaway for both famous and not-so-famous residents of Southern California for decades.

In the early heyday of Hollywood, while privacy craving stars like Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe were regularly kicking up their heels on the island and quietly mingling with the locals, the Chicago Cubs gathered on the island annually for spring training, a practice that lasted for over three decades. Simultaneously, Catalina became a popular backdrop for classic films including the likes of Treasure Island and Mutiny on the Bounty starring Clark Gable. Inevitably, the island eventually added to its allure by cultivating a whiff of scandal thanks to the murky circumstances surrounding the death of actress Natalie Wood who drowned off its coast back in 1981.

These days, as it has actually been for most of its modern existence, Catalina is primarily a laidback beachside resort town where rows of quaint cottages line the main streets of town and golf carts and bikes are the primary mode of transportation. Locals who have lived on the island all their lives, mix with families for whom the island has been a regular escape since its early beginnings. In season, tourists aplenty swell the ranks of the town and cover its beaches, but there can still be no denying that Santa Catalina Island feels a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles though the hum of the city buzzes just over an hour away.

For one of the best vantage points from which to appreciate Catalina’s charms, the Descanso Beach Club is without question the best venue. Tucked into the cove of one of the last private beaches with public access in California, the Descanso serves up picturesque views of both the Pacific and Catalina’s landmark Casino along with more than a few amenities that only serve to reassure its status as the premiere destination on the island.

Not only does the club boast the only seaside restaurant on the island, it also offers chaise lounge rentals and seventeen fantastically private cabanas, the reservation of which includes complimentary bottled water, smoothies upon arrival, chaise lounges, Wi-Fi and beach towels (massages and bottle service are extra but available). And, just in time for summer 2014, the Descanso added three new luxury cabanas that can accommodate up to six people and include all of the amenities of the smaller cabana as well as a waterfront deck and a personal beach butler. One of the more posh amenities the island offers, these cabanas are worth the splurge if only because even in the City of Angels, such treatment is hard to come by at any cost.

Apart from the beach and the town of Avalon, which serve as the sort of heartbeat of Catalina, the other eighty percent or so of the island remains largely undeveloped, which is where the buffalo come in. So the story goes, back in the 1920s a film company brought in 14 bison for use in a movie and when the filming was over, they gifted them to the island and the population has since grown to 200 under the guidance and management of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Speaking of the Conservancy, because so much of the island has been so well preserved, there is much natural beauty to take in on Catalina. You could hike parts or bike others but it is an exceptionally rocky island, so I recommend a bio-fueled Hummer off-road tour over Catalina’s scenic East End Trail. In just about two hours, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the island as you climb 1,684 feet to the summit of East Peak overlooking Avalon and with any luck along the way you’ll also manage sightings of all manner of wildlife including the indigenous Grey Fox and maybe even a bison or two.

The beauty of Catalina is that it’s easy. It’s an easy place to get to (Catalina Express ferries leave from Long Beach and Dana Point regularly) and it’s an easy place to be once you do.  And perhaps best of all, it’s an escape from Los Angeles without leaving Los Angeles and all the benefits of Southern California life and weather. Now, I ask you…how bad can that be?

Find out more about Catalina Island at www.visitcatalinaisland.com.

To read this article and more from my archive on the Huffington Post click here.

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