We have experienced yacht-infused opulence in the likes of St. Barths and Nantucket, but nothing compares to the unapologetic, flashy flair of Sardinia. Soren fell in love with mega-yachts (as distinct from super-yachts!), while Charlie declared he had the “best day of his life” cliff-jumping off the Maddalena islands.
Our days were filled with bustling Italian beach clubs, island hopping, and launching paddleboards and other toys into a sparkling aqua bathtub of a sea. We dined on malloreddus pasta, calamari fra diavolo, pizza, pecorino cheese, and copious amounts of nocciola gelato. In true Italian fashion, we stayed out late at charming street-side restaurants near lively piazzas, with live classical music performances filling the air and shops open well into the night.
A major takeaway: Sardinia is an extreme iteration of a destination that requires local intel to enjoy fully. We uncovered lesser-known villages, local beaches, and family-run restaurants, while also learning the ins and outs of timing, traffic, reservations, and transportation. Sardinia is gorgeous, complex, and best experienced when done “right.”
DESIGN-FORWARD DESTINATIONS
When Hilary at Travel Sommelier recently found herself pausing over her camera roll — she was reminded of how deeply design moves her when she travels. For her, the magic isn’t just in how a space looks, but in how it makes you feel: the way a courtyard can quiet your thoughts, the way a room’s light and color can lift your spirit, or the way a perfectly placed detail can surprise you or spark the imagination to recreate something similar at home. Those are the moments that make her stop, feel, and reach instinctively for her camera.
A hotel has never been simply a place to stay. It can be a catalyst for memory, emotion, and wonder. From Portugal’s untamed Alentejo coast to the effortless glamour of the French Riviera to South Africa’s striking architectural lodges, Hilary found herself capturing these design-forward escapes again and again — places that became destinations in their own right. Here, she shares snapshots of a few that moved her most.
AFRICAN ISLANDS RoundUp
The continental mainland of Africa is becoming increasingly well known, but what about the islands that frame her majestic coastline? In the realm of the undiscovered, off-the-beaten-path, unspoiled, destined-to-over-deliver, these islands reign supreme. From celebrated destinations like the Seychelles and Zanzibar to lesser-known gems such as Madagascar, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Benguerra, there exists a paradise to fulfill every travel wish list.
Adrenaline seekers and wildlife lovers will be thrilled by Madagascar and St. Helena. Honeymooners can savor the Robinson Crusoe–esque lifestyle found in Mozambique and the Seychelles. For those drawn to the esoteric, São Tomé and Príncipe is exotic and almost otherworldly, while Zanzibar shines as a true melting pot—a crossroads of Arabian, Eastern, European, and Swahili cultures.
These islands can easily be woven into mainland itineraries or savored as stand-alone destinations. They are my personal happy places, and I return to them as often as I can. I would cherish the opportunity to guide you in experiencing these enigmatic beauties through the eyes of an insider.
A NEW JOURNEY BEGINS
A big congratulations to our VP of Sales, Mike Abrahams, and his family on the arrival of Barrett “Bear” Jeffrey Abrahams. Big brother Casey is already by his side, helping him embark on life’s greatest adventure—the spirit of discovery.
We are so excited to welcome this little explorer to the world!
