09/05/2024
Amsterdam's hotels are blooming with botanically inspired suites, showcasing the city's natural beauty and creativity.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/these-new-hotel-suites-showcase-amsterdam-in-bloom
I explore the world to perfectly pair your passions with experiences that are meaningful & authentic! Explore destinations accompanied by the best guides.
When you plan a trip with me, your Virtuoso travel advisor, you’re unlocking a world of in-the-know expertise, unbelievable travel perks, and access to a well-edited portfolio of the best brands in the business. Take advantage of my personal connections and access to a global network of travel partners enabling me to secure complimentary perks and VIP treatment for you. Handpicked, they reveal a l
ocal's daily life, informed by decades — if not a lifetime — of firsthand experience. They can take you beyond the guidebook and behind the scenes, and in to the heart of authentic experiences!
Amsterdam's hotels are blooming with botanically inspired suites, showcasing the city's natural beauty and creativity.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/these-new-hotel-suites-showcase-amsterdam-in-bloom
Ride like a gaucho in Uruguay at Estancia Vik, with pauses at Fasano Punta del Este, art centers, wine lodges, and museums.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/saddle-up-to-see-what-uruguay-travel-is-all-about
Image: Korena Bolding
Sirmione is a gem on the shores of Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. Walk through the charming little cobble stone streets, take a boat ride, swim in the thermal pools by the lake, wander through the 2,000 years old ruins, have a lovely dinner at one of the lively restaurants by the lake at sunset…I might want to return here again one day.
Welcome, September! Every year, this is the time when I embark on a birthday trip exploring new & inspiring places.
As designing wonderful itineraries for my clients is my specialty, I usually have a pretty good plan and a packed itinerary for my trip, too.
This year, the trip is to the lakes in Lombardy (Northern Italy).
And for various reasons, I am leaving without a plan!
Well, sort of…😌 Certainly, I’ve booked my hotels far in advance. (This one is a must, especially in Italy!) I picked 3 beautiful areas I would explore: Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
But that’s about it.
Initially, I felt stressed about it. 🤦♀️
But then I thought: I have been to Italy so many times, why don’t I simply practice what the locals are famous for:
dolce far niente (literally, the “sweet doing of nothing”)!
I will let you know how it goes. 😎
P.S. La Compagnie, a French all-Business class airline, flies non-stop from Newark to Milan Malpensa since 2022. Great service, comfortable flat bed-seats, and great value for money compared to the other airlines.
🇨🇮 Ciao Italia! 🇨🇮
This San Diego landmark is freshening up. Discover why the Hotel del Coronado remains a favorite, with five highlights like stunning beachside scenery.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-hotel-del-coronado
This San Diego landmark is freshening up. Discover why the Hotel del Coronado is a favorite, with five highlights, including stunning beachside scenery.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-hotel-del-coronado
As one of the most exciting luxury hotel cities, London has a hotel for every type of traveler—from book lovers and Bond nerds to royal obsessives.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/in-london-theres-a-luxury-hotel-for-every-mood
Image: Jack Hardy
Explore Stockholm's unique design scene! Read more about how bold patterns and riotous colors redefine interiors in the Swedish capital.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/swedish-decor-embraces-the-eccentric
Image: Simon Bajada
Spend an evening exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town’s best bottle lists.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/where-to-drink-croatian-wine-in-dubrovnik
Image: M'arden
Fall for Marseille’s charm! Here's how to spend a port call exploring, savoring the local cuisine, and shopping in France's most Mediterranean city.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/how-to-spend-a-port-call-in-marseille
Image: Anthony Lanneretonne
Unwind in style at The Setai, Miami Beach. Savor a cocktail on a private beach with the soundtrack of soothing waves. Discover the top five reasons you'll love this hotel.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-the-setai-miami-beach
These laid-back Tico experiences are perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace over high-energy adventures in Costa Rica.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/a-slow-travelers-guide-to-thrill-seeking-in-costa-rica
Farm-to-table dining is blooming in Kyoto. Learn how Kentaro Suzuki supplies the city’s fine dining restaurants with fresh ingredients.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/peek-inside-kyotos-blooming-farm-to-table-scene
Image: Andrew Faulk
Did you know you could hang ten with some of Costa Rica’s coolest athletes? Read more about SurfX, the women-run surf school, at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/meet-costa-ricas-new-generation-of-surfers
Make reservations for high-profile tables in Monaco, but don’t miss traditional Monégasque dishes that are still loved by locals.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/monacos-soulful-native-cuisine-is-worth-the-trip
Image: Clara Tuma
Here are four destinations to sail to when you think you’ve already seen it all.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/four-destination-dupes-for-some-of-the-worlds-most-popular-cruise-ports
Image: David Swanson
Explore Zagreb's top restaurants and bars for artisanal foods, house schnapps, and fresh roasts.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/to-find-croatias-best-restaurants-and-bars-head-to-the-capital
Image: J. Duval and Zagreb Tourist Board
With private guides, turn a few short days in Rome into the coolest trip ever.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/how-to-do-rome-the-right-way
Image: Abercrombie & Kent
From plant-based dining to health-focused hotels, find out how Manhattan transforms into a restful haven for wellness-seeking travelers.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/where-to-find-serenity-in-the-city-that-never-sleeps
Image: Ball & Albanese
Watch the new season of 'The Bear,' then add these standout Chicago restaurants to your must-visit list.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/watch-the-new-season-of-the-bear-then-add-these-chicago-restaurants-to-your-list
Image: Kelly Sandos
From a Loro Piana-bedecked beach club in France to Pucci-inspired cocktails in Monte Carlo, discover the high-style collaborations worth traveling for.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/the-fashion-houses-popping-up-at-luxe-hotels-this-summer
Immerse yourself in Delhi’s culturally rich history and make unforgettable family memories with this guide.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/an-essential-guide-to-visiting-old-delhi-with-a-toddler
Image: Atul Pratap Chauhan
Far-flung destinations, home-grown hospitality, and house concerts make the Faroe Islands a haven for slow travel enthusiasts.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/how-the-remote-faroe-islands-make-a-case-for-slow-travel
Image: Visit Faroe Islands
While in Vegas, uncover the off-the-menu margarita adored by over 1 million visitors for a truly unforgettable sip.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/drink-vegas-secret-100000-people
Image: Anthony Mair
Discover the serene beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast on an unhurried hike along the CAI-300.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/an-unhurried-hike-along-italys-amalfi-coast
Image: Anthony Lanneretonne
Dubai’s allure reaches new heights. From indie shops to beach clubs, here’s how to get the most from the city.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/city-guide-a-creative-turn-in-dubai
Image: Paul Thuysbaert
Trek to a gourmet picnic by a hot spring or enjoy a post-hike reflexology treatment beside a soothing waterfall at these properties.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/hike-sleep-repeat-at-these-trek-friendly-five-star-hotels
Image: Sensei Lanai
On these expedition cruises, you can access tropical islands, untamed coastlines, and wildlife-packed waters.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/heres-where-to-go-on-your-next-expedition-cruise
Image: Luis GarcÍa
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Oman, where you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality, taste the finest dates, and explore desert landscapes.
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/joysime02713/travel/articles/heres-how-to-spend-12-days-in-oman
Image: Paul Thuysbaert
Naples, FL
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A boat ride is an efficient way to explore the beautiful towns and villas on Lake Garda if you are in the area for a limited time. #joyworldtravels #italy #lakegarda #BertoldiBoats #lombardy #wonderful_places#beautifuldestinations #globetrotter #welltravelled #tasteintravel#worlderlust #wanderlust
Nothing like waking up with this view from my balcony: the beautiful Bulgarian Black Sea coast and Palace Spa Hotel (https://palace.sunnydaybg.com/bg/) #sunnydayresort #varna #stkonstantinandelena #bulgaria #joyworldtravels #beautifuldestination #beautifuldestinationsaroundworld
Regardless how many times I visit Rome, there’s is always more to explore! This visit, I took time to roam the streets of Trastevere - a bohemian neighborhood of Rome on the other side of the Tiber River. I was drawn in by the Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the oldest churches in Rome dating back to the 4th century. Its Byzantine style mosaics are particularly impressive! Talk about a dream location for a wedding ceremony! #rome_it #joyworldtravels #luxurytravel #luxurylifestyle #travelgram #wanderlust #travelphotography #instatravel #luxurylife #beautifuldestinations #traveltheworld #luxurytraveller #explore #traveling #summer #traveladdict
If Princess Diana chose #HotelArlbergLech for her ski vacation 4 years in a row, why wouldn’t you as well? What a magnificent hotel! Two days into our stay here and we already want to come back! ⛷️🎿 #Lech #goneskiing #skiinaustria #luxuryskihotel #SkiGetaway #Skifahren #LuxuryHotel #joyworldtravels
Along the Fairy Tale Road (die Märchenstrasse) in Germany 🫶. #wonderful_places #globetrotter #welltravelled #wanderlust #luxurytravel #travel #luxurylifestyle #adventuretravel #traveltheworld#luxurytravelblogger #luxurytraveladvisor #joyworldtravels
A great guide is essential when exploring a new destination! Here is how our Azerbaijani guide explains the intricacy of putting together a stunning traditional Shebaka window made from fragments of colored glass and hand-shaped wooden cross-pieces. #azerbaijan #sheki #bonvivantjourneys #instaazerbaijan
A great guide is essential when exploring a new destination! Here is how our Azerbaijani guide explains the concept of the Silk Road’s Karvan Saray. #joyworldtravels #azerbaijan #shekiazerbaijan
After a 9-hours drive on a challenging road, (in some areas even maneuvering between cows roaming freely on the street), we finally arrived in Sheki. The desert scenery of the area around Baku changed into beautiful views of the Caucasus mountain. The main attraction of this charming town is the exquisite Khan's Palace, adorned with detailed mosaics and Shebaka windows made from fragments of colored glass and hand-shaped wooden cross-pieces.A route from the Great Silk Road into Shaki helped the prosperity of the city in the Middle Ages. For centuries the city has been famous for various crafts. Since 2019, the historical center of Shaki and The Palace of the Shaki Khans are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. #joyworldtravels #azerbaijan #shekiazerbaijan
Traveling through Azerbaijan leaving modern Baku behind is a bit challenging due to the conditions of the roads. Nevertheless, I find so much authentic beauty all around this interesting country! #joyworldtravels #azerbaijan
5,000 yrs old petroglyphs and the Fire Mountain burning for thousands of years in Gobustan, Azerbaijan #joyworldtravels #azerbaijan #yanardag #gobustan #petroglyphs
The carpet is a symbol of Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijani culture, a carpet is not only an element of home decor, but also an integral part of all kinds of celebrations and ceremonies. There is no region in Azerbaijan where carpet weaving has not been wide-spread. Most of the families in this country are involved in this ancient tradition in one way or another. We dedicated an entire day in our itinerary in Azerbaijan to carpets: from visiting the impressive carpet museum in Baku to meeting with Vugar Dadashov, one of Azerbaijan’s most knowledgeable rug merchants. Vugar has started the project "Antique Rugs of the Future”, which involves re-establishing the traditional weaving of Caucasian collector rugs. He has assembled a group of local ladies in the village of Nardaran (the weavers of these rugs were always women) and has taught them the most prized traditional patterns. The threads are made of wool or silk and colored with natural plant dyes. The carpets we saw today and everywhere we traveled in Azerbaijan were a true feast for the eyes! 🫶 #joyworldtravels #azerbaijan #Azerbaijancarpets
There are several luxury hotel options in Baku. I chose Four Seasons for the excellent location - right by the Caspian Sea promenade and the Old City walls. What makes the hotel really great is the staff. One of the best breakfast service I have ever experienced: young people who really love what they do, explaining to newcomers like me what does a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast consist of, which of the local specialties go best with what condiment, being proactive and making sure we try all special dishes. #joyworldtravels #baku #FSBaku
A factory tour of the House of Waterford, observing with awe the complex and labor intensive process of creating the beautiful crystal items - produced here since 1783! #waterfordcrystal #joyworldtravels #ireland #waterford
Fun, fun, fun 😀. #ashfordcastleireland #ashfordcastle #virtuosotravel #joyworldtravels #irelandtravel #ireland
The best place to stay when visiting The Rock of Cashel in Ireland? The Cashel Palace! I was impressed not only by the stunning grounds of this recently renovated Relais & Chateau property, but also from the stellar service and well run organization! (The Rock of Cashel is a major archeological site. It is the place where St. Patrick baptized King Aengus, making him Ireland’s first Christian ruler in 450 AD) #joyworldtravels #CashelPalace #VirtuosoTravel #ireland
An adventurous & daring activity for truly brave souls that can be done only in Iceland: descend 120 meters (400 feet) into a volcano that erupted 4,000 years ago. What an exhilarating journey towards the center of the Earth, and a grand finale of my exploration of stunning Iceland! (The white spot you see above me is the earth opening through which they dropped 6 of us by an open lift platform. It took 6 minutes to reach the rocky & wet bottom at 120 m / 400 ft). #joyworldtravels #iceland #insidethevolcano #AdventureTravel #adventure #icelandadventure #virtuosotravel