My Top Ten Travel Destinations
A list of my ten favourite places to put on your bucket list!
When I’m feeling a little flat in the creativity department, there’s nothing better than a quick trip away to recharge and evoke a surge of design inspiration! I have put together a list of my absolute favorite places to holiday & explore. From busy cities with amazing design cultures to tranquil remote beaches, I hope this gives you a little insight into what these top destinations have on offer!
1. Island of Vis, Croatia
This place took my breath away- so much so that when my (now) husband said the words to me “Will you marry me”, he immediately followed it up with “let’s get married on Vis!” With that proposal it didn’t take much for me to say “yes and yes!” Vis has the clearest, cleanest water in the Adriatic. The fresh seafood on every restaurant menu is consistently outstanding, it has the most picturesque sunsets, amazing sailing, grottos, beaches and vineyards! Its off the beaten track and you really get an authentic experience there. I really should be keeping it a secret! Oh and we did get married there! See pics from our wedding here.
Restaurant recommendations:
Restoran Pojoda; Address: Ul. don Cvjetka Marasovića 8, 21480, Vis, Croatia (no website)
2. Tulum, Mexico
I guess the first and most important thing would be to try and keep things simple and not over complicate the design. Originality just for its own sake can be very distracting. Good design is usually the simplest and most elegant solution to a problem. Don’t try too hard!
Ahh Tulum. Even just saying the name relaxes me. The white sand beaches, the unbelievably turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the underwater caves, called cenotes buzzing with colorful fish, margaritas galore and delicious restaurants run by New York restauranteurs! What more could you want?
Restaurant recommendations:
3. Marrakesh, Morocco
It’s been over 10 years since I visited Morocco but it lives within me. Smells of amazing open grills in the night markets, colors of the spices, amazing crockery I will have for life, smiles on the faces of children, Camel rides in the Sahara desert at night. Morocco, I dream of the day I shall return to you!
No restaurants to recommend. I recommend eating under the stars in the Sahara desert!
4. Palm Springs, California
When the warmer months arrive in LA and the sun is shining, there is nowhere better I like to go than Palm Springs. The energy of that looming mountain, the mid-century architecture & rich history telling stories of American stars of years gone by all culminate to make you feel that merely by being there, you’re a part of something special. Days are spent chilling poolside, and the main drag of Palm Springs comes alive when you’re ready to hit the town for dinner & a cocktail! I especially love the Colony Palms hotel or just vrbo’ing a house with a pool for the weekend!
Restaurant recommendations:
Breakfast: Elmers
Dinner: Workshop Kitchen and Bar
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
This place stole a little piece of my heart all those years ago. Amazing people, waters edge beauty, dynamic culture and great food- this place is my design mecca.
No restaurant recommendations: I’d recommend befriending a nice Dane who will cook an authentic meal for you!
6. Aspen, Colorado
I lived in Aspen a couple of times in the ski seasons during my university years, and boy were they some of the best times of my youth. Aspen embraced me so much so that I almost put down roots- but not quite. First and foremost- I love skiing in Aspen above any other resort in the world. I love the old school huts on the mountain where you stop for lunch. I love the friendly locals, and I love the charm of the this small country town, especially when its covered in snow. In my opinion, Aspen has some of the best nightlife/ après ski you can find! I can’t wait for winter to roll around again so I can get my ski legs up that mountain!
Restaurant recommendations:
On the mountain: Bonnies
In the town: Betula
7. New York, New York
Ok this ones a bit obvious- everyone loves New York! But it must be mentioned. New York has to be recognized for its food- above and beyond some of the best food available to man! But for me- its the caliber of design aesthetic you see everywhere you go- and the fact that its so condensed in this one city that really blows me away. The design stores are top notch. Antiques, furniture, lighting, they have it all, from off the shelf to custom whatever you want. The creative juices in New York are palatable and I just can’t ever seem to get enough. New York always calls me back for more no matter how many blisters I get from pounding its pavements!
Restaurant recommendations:
8. Portofino, Italy
Ok I knew this place was going to be good, but I wasn’t prepared to lose my marbles here when I visited with 3 awesome girlfriends! We ate fish ceviche and mussels until our hearts were content! One day I’ll go back there- this time not on a ferry but on a ridiculous yacht with the same three girlfriends and do it all again!
Restaurant recommendations:
“Lo Stella” Portofino (no website)
9. Berlin, Germany
This place is design and funk heaven! Couldn’t get me in a cab for one second! I just wanted to walk those streets forever and soak up all the town’s creative window displays, graffiti, and street art. Love love loved Berlin, take me back!
Restaurant recommendations:
10. Bali, Indonesia
How I love Bali- I’ve been there 10 times. No kidding. It’s the friendly people, going everywhere on a scooter, the warm air, Bintangs and seriously delicious fresh tropical foods that keep me coming back time after time. Oh and the daily cheap spa treatments! I must confess I’ve toyed with the idea of moving here a few times- but I seem to have a habit of saying I’m moving to any place where I’m holidaying!
Restaurant recommendations:
