Paw's Up: The Sceniest Resort in Montana

After attending a wedding in Montana, I decided to spend a few days at Paw’s Up resort to get a taste of the old west. While I did pause a moment at the staggering prices, I definitely underestimated the level of “scene” I was getting myself into.

On my first trail ride, I learned that Justin Beiber and Hailey had recently inhabited my room, as Hailey had been visiting for a photo shoot. Day 2’s 9AM cattle drive was delayed for two hours because a prominent Russian guest who wanted to attend was still enjoying his breakfast. And finally, at the weekly resort BBQ, I casually chatted with a fellow guest about the time his modest little record label signed Maroon Five.

In conclusion, bring your best pair of Levi’s because this is the perfect place to see and be seen while riding horses or fly fishing. But don’t worry if you forget to swap numbers with any fellow guests…..you’ll see them all next summer in The Hamptons. Happy trails!

The resort’s “Cattle Drive” excursion

Our cabin in the woods

Fly fishing in the river

Carefree in Carmel

Carmel is an ideal long weekend destination for basically any season. Your base will be the picturesque town of Carmel, where you can stroll charming streets, stepping into tasting rooms to sample local wines, and taking in spectacular sunsets from Carmel Beach. The standout dinner in town is La Bicyclette Restaurant (also apparently loved by Reese Witherspoon!).

Just a stone’s throw from the town of Carmel is so much amazingness to be explored. Drive inland to the mountains of Carmel Valley where you can visit charming wineries, or conquer the scenic 17 Mile Drive, stopping for lunch at The Bench, a casual-chic restaurant overlooking the 16th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Club.

For active types, the Garland Regional Park is a hiker’s paradise, and pet owners will be excited to know that dogs are allowed off-leash throughout the park!

If you have enough days (or if you’re visiting with children), wander into Monterey and check out the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Before you head out, make sure to do Sunday brunch at Mission Ranch! It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet with live music. Snag a seat outside so you can watch the sheep grazing as you feast.

Stay: L’Auberge Carmel

Wineries: Cowgirl Winery; Georis Winery; Holman Ranch

Do: 17 Mile Drive; Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand; Garland Ranch Regional Park; Bixby Creek Bridge; Monterey Bay Aquarium

Eat: The Bench; Mission Ranch; Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel; La Bicyclette Restaurant; Casanova

Charming shops throughout the sea-side town of Carmel

Carmel Beach at sunset

Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley

Inside at the Bench at Pebble Beach

A magical stop along the 17 Mile Drive

A beach along the 17 Mile Drive

A vista along the 17 Mile Drive

17 Mile Drive

View from an outdoor table at Mission Ranch

A beach in Big Sur

World's Top Hotels: Chevel Blanc in the Maldives

I was lucky enough to spend my honeymoon at this out-of-this-world hotel in the Maldives, and no vacation will ever be the same again. The hotel resides on its own island, every inch of which is visual perfection. Rooms are spacious, and luxuriously appointed, each with its own private pool on the sea, as well as its own private beach, ready at all times with the hotel’s signature plush towels and pillows. Each room comes with two white Cheval Blanc bikes that you can ride over to any of the hotel’s fabulous restaurants, bars or main pool. An old wooden boat takes guests to the Spa Island, where a full day is needed. We spent 7 nights here, and it was the perfect amount of time.

Guests arrive from the airport in the custom Cheval Blanc plane. Private changing room available at the main airport.

Room interior at Cheval Blanc

Private pool with our room

Custom Cheval Blanc Bikes come with every room for biking around the island

The private beach adjoining our room.

Tuna pizza and white wine at Deelani, the hotel’s Italian restaurant on the sea.

Walkway from our room to the main island

Sunset views from our room

Spotlight on: The Faena Hotel in Miami

I’ve been to Miami dozens of times, but I have never enjoyed a weekend so much as the weekend I spent at The Faena Hotel. In fact, it just might take a place in my top ten favorite hotels.

The decor is unusual and luxurious, the food is fantastic, and finally (and I never say this lightly) the staff is well-trained and competent.

Spend the day lounging in a beach cabana while your attentive server makes sure your glass never runs dry. Follow that with cocktails at the whimsical Tree of Life bar and dinner at Los Fuegos, the hotel’s impeccably decorated Argentine restaurant. If you’ve still got energy, catch a show at the hotel’s own private theater or have a nightcap at the plush Living Room.

Hang on to the weekend with some pool time before jetting back to the city. This is a weekend you will not regret.

Poolside churros at the Faena

A dinner show at The Faena Theater

Fall Into Paris

Fall is an unexpectedly perfect time to visit the City of Lights - the weather is still warm enough to stroll the streets comfortably, but the crisp, cool air makes those Parisian bars and cafes feel even cozier.

Stay at Le Bristol for the most romantic, authentic Parisian experience. Eat a leisurely and luxurious breakfast in their formal dining room, savoring the perfect croissant before your day of art museums and cafes.

Day 1 calls for a trip to the Louve, followed by lunch at the ever-so-chic Loulou (reservation required). If you can arrive a bit early to the Louvre, grab a coffee at Le Cafe Marly with spectacular views of the Louvre pyramid.

Day 2, visit the Picasso, Rodin Museum, or Musee Yves Saint Laurent Paris, all absolutely marvelous, followed by an al fresco lunch at the iconic Cafe de Flore. Prepare to see and be seen!

For dinner, treat yourself to the ever-so-decadent comfort food at Ferdi, or take in spectacular Eifle Tower views from Monsier Bleu. Another unmissable dinner is the classic Le Relais de L’Entrecote, where your waiter will make sure your plate never runs out of steak frites.

Follow dinner with soufle at hidden gem Le Recamier. If you’ve still got energy, head to the Ritz bar for a nightcap and some live piano music, or La Palette for a super-authentic outdoor cafe vibe, where you are sure to be chatted up by your neighbors over wine.

Stay: Le Bristol; Le Reserve Paris

Eat: Ferdi; Le Recamier; Girafe Restaurant; Le Prince Racine; Le Relais de L’Entrecote; Monsieur Bleu

Do: Picasso Museum; Rodin Museum; Musee Yves Saint Laurent Paris; Louvre; Louis Vuitton Foundation

Shop: Paris Flea; Le Bon Marche; Merci

Late-night: Ritz Bar; La Palette

Morning bread at Le Bristol

Breakfast at Le Bristol

Breakfast spread at Le Bristol

The Iconic Cafe de Flore

Soufle at Le Recamier

Afternoon break at Cafe Carrette