|
|
| Away with Sir.J: Dolce Vita Style!
Sir.J here, still in bliss from not one but two trips to Italia last year. The sweet life it is... especially after a year hiatus, nothing was more dolce than the chance to return to Italy and most excitingly, to explore some new parts of the country I had yet to visit! Here's a little recap from my point of view: la vita è bella!!
| |
From North to South: starting out in Venice!
Yes, many were shocked to hear this, but I had never before visited Venice! Let's just say it left me wanting more and in huge thanks to the amazing team at Ca' di Dio who did nothing other than make me fall in love with this romantic destination. What is a city without an amazing hotel to call home and this newly-opened gem hit the mark. The property is still within walking distance of all the major attractions while being tucked away off the Grand Canal in a location that gives a serene feel with views to die for. The hotel features a beautiful bar with some fun gin concepts, created especially for the hotel (#jefflovesgin) and two dining options in addition to their courtyard/breakfast restaurant. Needless to say, I never went hungry throughout my stay!
| |
From top (left to right by row): suite living area , view from a Rooftop Terrace Suite, my bedroom!, with team Ca' di Dio in their lobby, library, fun with Marco in the bar!
| |
On The Isle of Capri...
Another first: Capri! It was worth the wait and lives up to the hype; most especially magical J.K. Place Capri. Perched on a hill overlooking clear blue waters, what a dream it was to wake up, open my balcony doors and see nothing but sea. The J.K. concept is one of my favorites: you feel as if you are staying in a fabulous friend's home with impeccable taste rather than a hotel: lots of cozy living spaces to relax, enjoy a drink or have a delicious meal. The pool is the largest on the island and the gym and spa are an impressive size for such an intimate hotel (have to work off all that pasta!).
| |
By row from left to right: J.K. Library, J.K. Living Room, the biggest pool on Capri!, breakfast with a view, team J.K. Place Capri!, J.MAK loves J.K!, a J.K. Moment (video)
| |
In Love with Lecce!
Thanks to my friends at Imago Artis Travel, after a swanky 5 hours via Mercedes across the boot, I arrived in Lecce and to La Fiermontina. If you enjoy a hotel with a story, this is it! Sister and brother team Antonia and Fouad have gone into hospitality with a purpose: honoring the story of their grandmother and the fascinating story of her life in the art world. Not only have they created the hotel, but also nearby M.A.M.A. museum which houses the family's artwork (a must visit as a part of the experience) and a stunning private residence Palazzo Bozzi Corso, complete with its own private spa. The family story continues in other destinations where the family has lived including their new La Fiermontina Vendôme residence in Paris right across from the Ritz and coming soon: a gorgeous new concept in Morocco!
| |
Left to right from top: La Fiermontina, Palazzo Bozzi Corso, dinner at M.A.M.A Museum: the best eggplant parm I've ever had!, livingroom in my room at La Fiermontina, team La Fiermontina
| |
| MO Italy, back to visit Milan!
| |
Trip number 2 to Italy commenced after ILTM and began with a visit to one of our newest additions: Mandarin Oriental Milano (sadly due to flight delays, my planned quick day tour of Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como which is closed for the season, will have to wait for next trip). I had only ever been to Milan for a quick over-nighter in the past and have to say I'm grateful I came back and stayed a couple nights (I mean great food and shopping: I'm onboard!). MO Milano couldn't be more perfectly situated in the city and it must be thought of more as an intimate boutique hotel with lots of Milanese style and a hint of some classic Mandarin elements (like a wonderful spa!).
| |
| Click below to tour the Presidential Suite!
| |
Left to right from top: Welcome to MO Milano!, with team MO Milano, MO Spa, Junior suite, Presidential tub!
| |
Magic in the mountains at Lefay Dolomiti
Anyone who has been to ILTM knows that it's an exhausting week of networking, so what better way to relax and unwind than at Lefay Dolomiti?! The hotel features 3 levels of spa: talk about a Sir.J Spa day...(more like weekend)! Not to mention, the property is set in the gorgeous Dolomites, only a few hours drive from Milan. Although I'm not a big skier, I can still appreciate some après ski and gorgeous snow capped mountains (nice change from all my Miami beach days lately!). The property has two main restaurants, one being more formal where I enjoyed a 5 course journey up a mountain in the form of foods from different mountain altitudes. And to top it all off, the property was beautifully decorated for Christmas and it really got me into the spirit being mid-December!
| |
From left to right from top row: Feeling festive, up in the VIP check in area, Sir.J spa weekend!, One of the spa pools, my room!, romantic and delicious dinner with M.FRE (Manola, Sales Director), a day up in the mountains with C.ROS (Carlotta, Sales Executive)
| |
| California Dreaming?! I am! If you are LA based, or will be out there, come join some of our J.MAK'ers and me!
| |
|
|
|
