- Page 5 of 8

By Amy Zhang September 5, 2018 in Travel 1 Comment

Things To Do in Mallorca

The last destination of our summer trip that I’m recapping is actually the first one we visited – Mallorca! I’ve been dying to visit the Balearic Islands for years, and this year we finally made it to Mallorca and Ibiza. To be honest, I debated whether it was worth going to both since they’re so close and similar. If you’re asking yourself the same question, I would say absolutely YES, both are worth visiting as they are so different and special in their own unique ways. As tempting as it is to cram a million destinations into an overseas trip, the older I get, the more I appreciate taking things slowly.

My travel preferences have definitely changed over the years, and I’m so much more about stopping to smell the roses than I was in the past. Mallorca was such an incredibly beautiful island that I highly recommend visiting if you haven’t yet. It’s an easy flight from Spain or other parts of Europe and just absolutely stunning. During the week it didn’t feel so crowded, but on the weekend it started to feel more chaotic. Luckily, we got out then!

There are so many different sides to the island, it really has it all! It just depends on what you’re looking for. We stayed in Palma, and despite my initial hesitations, I ended up being extremely happy we stayed in the old town. However, if you’re looking for something more secluded or romantic, the coasts and northern part of the island may suit you better.

We had almost a full week on the island, and here are the things I would recommend most from our time on the island.

Things to do in Mallorca

+ Beaches

Beach days are the best days on Mallorca! The island is filled with calas, or coves that are just waiting for you to discover them. They get incredibly busy in the summer because of high season, but some of them are so beautiful it’s worth making the trek anyway! The further away from Palma you get, the quieter and more secluded the calas will be. Calo des Moro was the most stunning beach, but very packed. Be sure to get there early, or go slightly off season.

The northeastern side of the island has beautiful, quiet coves. Cala Ratjada, Cala Millor, and Cala Murta were highly recommend. I personally loved the northwestern side of the island. Must sees include Cala Tuent, Sa Calobra, and Cala Deia. If you’re looking for a more private and tailored experience, I really recommend checking out Mezzo Magic private boat tours – just be sure to book way in advance.

If you want to earn your meal, be sure to hike down to Ca’s Patro March for some of the best sangria and paella on the island. You can only reach the restaurant by boat or by hiking down. So, I tricked my boyfriend into walking 10 miles one day by promising him the best paella ever!

+ Explore the island via car

Although we made Palma our home base, a rental car came in extremely handy as it allowed us to explore the car and take several day trips. Note – the default car rental has a stick shift, so if you don’t know how to drive a stick, be sure to request a manual car. We drove up to Deia and Soller, stopping along the way for wine and tapas. The countryside is absolutely breathtaking, and feels much more tranquil and private than Palma. If I were to visit Mallorca again, I would consider staying in Deia or Soller.

+ Dining

I’ve always loved Spanish cuisine, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the food in Mallorca! There are several Michelin starred restaurants on the island. We dined at Zaranda (which is located at the most stunning castle, Castell Son Claret deep in the countryside). It was honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

Our favorite tapas restaurant in Palma was Tast Club. We went several evenings in a row to enjoy a nightcap and small bites.

If you’re staying in Palma, be sure to walk slightly west and grab a drink or dinner in Santa Catalina. The prices are cheaper and the vibe is much younger and hipper. We loved walking around after the sun went down and exploring the neighborhood.

That’s not all there is to do in Mallorca. There’s shopping, plenty of casual restaurants, beach clubs, and more. We saw so many families, couples, groups of friends on holiday, bachelorette parties – there really is something on the island for everyone!

Have you been to Mallorca? What would you recommend? xx

Map provided by Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

By Amy Zhang August 26, 2018 in Travel 7 Comments

Travel Diary: 72 Hours in Milan

Despite what some people may say, Milan is not a city that should be missed! Yes, its city center is smaller than other big cities, and there are not as many tourist attractions, but to me that is a huge part of its charm. I certainly did not get the sense that it was like “any other big city” – although to be fair, I do love big cities. We personally loved the metropolitan feel of Milan and, thanks to a good friend, had wonderful recommendations on where to stay, what to do and see, and (very importantly) what to eat. Although we only spent a few (much needed) relaxing days in Milan, I’m already looking forward to my next visit back. Honestly, any excuse to go shopping in Milan…

72 Hours in Milan: What to Do and See

How to Get There:

Milan is easy to get to from the states, as the main airport in Milan is a popular entry/exit point for Italy. Once you’re in Europe, it’s even easier to get to Milan by plane or train. Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily take a taxi or bus into the city center.

When to Visit:

Although I was concerned Milan would be extremely hot in July (don’t get me wrong, it was definitely hot out!), I didn’t find the heat to be unbearable. Yes, the buildings seem to trap the heat more than when you’re by the coast, but I personally enjoyed the sun and prefer fewer people. I’ve been told the city is lovely in spring and fall, and can get cold during the winter.

Where to Stay:

We absolutely adored the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, which was conveniently right across the street from the train station, towards the northern tip of the city center. If you’d prefer to stay closer to the Duomo (center of the city), we also heard great things about the Westin, Armani Hotel, and Bvlgari Hotel.

What to Do (& Eat):

I could have easily spent another week in Milan, leisurely exploring the art galleries and boutiques, and spending afternoons at the many cafes. We got so many wonderful recommendations for Milan that made it incredibly easy to fall in love with the city.

+ Shopping:

When in Italy, shop Italian designers! They will be cheaper, and you can convince yourself they will make a convincing souvenir to take home ; ).

+ Cafes:

Every day began with a daily espresso run at Pave. Wes Anderson designed Bar Luce is perfect for an espresso, pastry, and Instagram moment.

+ Galleries:

Milan has an incredibly vibrant style and architecture scene. Fondazione Prada, Camparino in Galleria, Villa Necchi Campiglio, Galleria Carla Sozzani were just a few that came highly recommended. You can’t go wrong with any of the exhibits or galleries.

+ Aperitivo:

not just happy hour, but rather a way of life in Italy. Visit Ceresio7 or 10 Corso Como (anything along Corso Como, really) for a peak at Milan’s fashion crowd. It will inspire you to up your style game. Luckily, the boutiques are not so far away! For a beautiful sunset along the canals of Milan, walk to Naviglio Grande and sit outside for a cocktail. I could have easily spent every single night at Mag Cafe.

+ Eat:

We didn’t have a bad meal in Milan, but we especially loved Da Giacomo (best seafood pasta), Bice, and Cantina Della Vetra for dinner. If you’re looking for traditional Milanese fare, be sure to try the veal Milanese, osso bucco, and saffron risotto. Note – these dishes are on the heavier side, but worth trying at least once! We ate pasta every day in Italy (and we were there for a week), and I had zero regrets. I’m convinced the ingredients are so much higher in quality and the portions are small enough (especially if you split a dish), and honestly did not gain any weight.

Oh, and the gelato at Il Massimo del Gelato is not to be missed! (Hint: more kinds of chocolate gelato than you can count. You’re welcome). If you have time, I would also check out some of the street food vendors in Chinatown – they’re absolutely delicious, and much easier on the wallet.

wearing the julia dress by realisation par

What are your favorite spots in Milan? xx

Map from Wanderlog, a road trip planner on iOS and Android

By Amy Zhang July 30, 2018 in Travel 2 Comments

Travel Diary: 72 Hours in Florence

It’s hard to believe I’ve been back in LA for over a week already…. every trip abroad is always incredible, but this last trip in Europe was one of my favorite trips to date. Every destination was incredibly magical, and the trip could not have come at a better time. I came back from two weeks abroad feeling so energized, refreshed, and inspired. I’ve been a little MIA on the blog because I actually started a new job last month! I’ve been putting most of my time and energy there (it feels so good to start something new that excites you!), but I wanted to recap all of the destinations we visited on our trip.

Although we ended our trip in Florence, it was definitely a highlight of our vacation. Florence is beyond picturesque and romantic, there is so much history and culture in the city, and the food (and wine!) is just to die for. We went for the wedding of one of my close friends from college (which was absolutely stunning, at the beautiful Villa Gamberaia outside the city! – see photos below), but fell in love with the city at the same time.

Here’s a quick snapshot of our 72 hours in Florence.

How to get there:

Florence can be a little tricky to get to – but it’s oh so worth it. There aren’t direct flights into Firenze but you can fly into one of Europe’s larger airports and then take a connecting flight. If you’re already in Italy, there are plenty of high speed trains that will take you to the city. We took a quick 2 hour train from Milan to Florence – the experience couldn’t have been better!

When to visit:

You can’t go wrong any time of year! The summers can be a little hot, so the most popular months to visit are May, June, September, and October. Apparently it’s lovely over the holidays as well. We were only in the city for 3 days but are already planning our next trip back. We fell in love with the charming town instantly, despite how many tourists there are. It still manages to feel quaint and filled with hidden gems. If you have more time, I would suggest staying longer. There are so many little day trips you can take from Florence – or if you’re up for it, you can rent a car and drive around Tuscany, exploring all of the little villages and towns. This is next on our list!

Where to stay:

We stayed at a hotel in the middle of the city a block away from the Duomo, but there are so many quaint (and affordable) Airbnbs in the city. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, there are many luxury hotels in the city.

What to do:

Despite being an extremely manageable city in terms of size, there is SO much to do in Florence. The city is filled with museums, art, shopping, food, culture – in fact, so many of my friends studied abroad in Florence or have spent extended time in the city, we couldn’t get through even half of all of the recommendations we received.

+ Sightseeing – Florence is filled with incredible architecture and art. The Duomo and Uffizi Gallery are musts, but if you have more time you need to see Accademia Gallery, Basilica di Santa Croce, and Museo Nazionale del Bargello. You could easily spend a week in Florence visiting all of the museums and galleries.

+ Walk everywhere – One thing I really loved about the city is how walkable it is – it only took about 30 minutes to walk from one end of the city to another. If you’re looking for a small hike, be sure to catch the views from Piazza Michelangelo. There are taxis available, but the streets are narrow and you’ll honestly get there faster by walking. Plus, you’ll want to burn off some of the amazing food you’re eating (more on that later).

+ Shopping – I’ll go into this in my next post, but the shopping in Florence was amazing. If you’re a non EU citizen, you can get the value added tax – VAT – back as a refund when you leave the EU. If you’ve never done it before, it can be a little complicated – I’ll go over the details in my next post. But if you’re looking to do some shopping, Italy is not a bad place to do it!

+ Aperitivo – be sure to catch the sunset from one of the rooftop bars in Florence (the view from the Westin is unreal) or any of the little aperitivo spots along the narrow streets. One of my favorites was the spritz at La Menagere.

+ Eat! When I’m in Italy, all bets are off. The word “diet” doesn’t exist, and I enjoyed pasta and wine every. single. day. It was so worth it, and I’ve sworn off all pasta in LA for the foreseeable future. See below for some of the best meals I had in Florence.

Where to eat

+ Gusta Pizza – for 7 euros or less, you can get your own personal neopolitan pizza. This is the real deal. They even make the pizzas in a heart shape, which is just the absolute cutest.

+ Il Profeta – come here for pasta – specifically, the “John Travolta” pasta. Think – vodka sauce on crack.

+ Cantinetta Antinori – this was a girlfriend’s recommendation and it could not have been a more lovely spot. Filled with locals and regulars, we felt so at home. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the fresh local vegetables were a much needed change from all of the carbs (why does everything taste better in Europe?!)

+ Trattoria da Mario – another recommendation from a friend. Come here hungry and ready to eat meat! They’re known for their Florentine steak. Best to brush up on your Italian a bit before you come as well – the menu is hand written every day in Italian. They’re open for lunch only, so try to get there before they open or expect to wait.

+ Gelateria Santa Trinita – I ate gelato every day (for the sake of “research”) and this spot was by far my favorite. It’s right across the bridge and always has a long line out the door. The black sesame gelato came highly recommended, but you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors.

+ Le Volpi e’Luva – the cutest wine bar with the most delicious crostinis and small bites. We loved stopping by and sampling local wines (they were so affordable as well!) and splitting a sausage & truffle crostini.

And of course, there’s nothing better than seeing one of your oldest friends so happy and in love, marrying her perfect match. Congratulations Felicia!!

By Amy Zhang February 22, 2018 in Travel 6 Comments

Travel Diary: 72 Hours in San Diego

One of my favorite things about living in California is how many options there are for weekend getaways. As much as I love flying somewhere new and exciting, there’s something easy and relaxing about exploring your own backyard. That’s why I was so excited about the opportunity to partner with San Diego Tourism to get out of town and share some of the highlights of this SoCal city. San Diego is about a three hour drive from Los Angeles (with gorgeous coastline views for the second half!), but despite how close the two cities are, they feel completely different. San Diego was a perfect and much needed long weekend escape from the city.

Travel Diary: 72 Hours in San Diego

To be honest, I could easily spend over 72 hours in San Diego. The city has so much to offer, and truly has something for everyone. My boyfriend and I made the drive down with our pup. San Diego definitely gets bonus points for being a super dog friendly city!). Then we got straight to exploring.

What I really loved about the city was how unique every neighborhood is. We explored the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Sunset Cliffs, Little Italy, and more. We stayed in North Park and it was just so charming. It had the best neighborhood vibes and was about a twenty minute drive to everything we wanted to do.

Some of my favorite spots in North Park:

+ Coffee, coffee, coffee.

There was no shortage of good coffee and Instagram-able coffee shops in the neighborhood. Naturally, I was extremely well caffeinated for the duration of my trip. Some of the standouts in the neighborhood: Holsem Coffee (the banana bread cold brew is a MUST, trust me), Communal Coffee (best lattes and happens to share a space with The Native Poppy – THE cutest flower shop), Young Hickory (serves Bird Rock coffee!), and Dark Horse (go for the espresso).

+ Shopping – if you’re not sure where to begin, start on University Ave and walk around, checking out the various vintage shops. Some of my favorite boutiques: Pigment (quite possibly the most Instagram-able store ever), Sage Sisters, and Artelexia.

+ Burritos at Lucha Libre or The Taco Stand

Because you can’t come to San Diego without having a California burrito (or two)! Which brings me to my next point… food.

I love eating my way through a city when I travel – I can’t leave without getting to know the food scene intimately! We couldn’t eat our way through the entire city over the course of a weekend, but we did our best. My favorite brunch spot? The Little Lion Cafe in Point Loma – you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Everything is seasonal, local, and fresh!

My favorite dinner we had was at Juniper & Ivy – former Top Chef winner Richard Blais’ restaurant in Little Italy (next door is his famous Crack Shack, which we did not have a chance to try, but bookmarked for next time!). Other Little Italy joints that came highly recommended to us – Craft & Commerce, Kettner Exchange, Herb & Wood, and Cloak & Petal.

And of course, you can’t visit San Diego without mentioning all of the different craft breweries – admittedly one of the most popular weekend activities we saw. We saved the brewery visits for our next trip down since we had our dog with us, and opted instead for outdoor activities that allowed us to bring him along (I know, total dog parents over here). This visit, we opted to spend as much time as possible outside, particularly by the beach.

Dog friendly beaches are hard to come by in LA, so we were excited to bring our favorite boy along with us to Ocean Beach, which happens to be dog friendly and centrally located in the city. Needless to say, he had a blast.

Balboa Park

We also brought him along with us to Balboa Park – usually I try to avoid overly touristy spots, but I could spend all day at Balboa Park. I love visiting all of the different museums and just walking through the grounds, people watching and admiring the architecture. It’s a must visit, especially if you love museums and are looking to add a more cultural aspect to your trip.

Walking tends to be my go-to form of exercise when I go on vacation. To compromise for all of the food we eat! Luckily, San Diego is home to some breathtaking hiking trails. This trip, we spent half a day hiking the different trails at Torrey Pines. It gets busy, particularly on the weekends, but the views are well worth it.

We also headed to Sunset Cliffs to watch the sunset – this is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Every night, people come out to watch the sunset along the road or further down the rocky cliffs, and for good reason – the views are stunning. It was the perfect way to end each beautiful day.

* Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.

SaveSave

By Amy Zhang February 4, 2018 in Travel 7 Comments

Travel Diary: Snapshots From Sayulita & Punta Mita

We just came back from a long weekend in Punta Mita – it was the perfect dose of sunshine and relaxation before coming back to LA (and our pup!). Mexico has been one of my favorite long weekend destinations the past few years – I absolutely LOVED Tulum and Mexico City, and am dying to visit Cabo next. I heard about Sayulita shortly after visiting Tulum and knew I wanted to make my way to the sleepy, bohemian surf town I had heard so much about. We stayed in Punta Mita but spent a day in Sayulita. I would absolutely go back to both in a heartbeat – but if you’re trying to choose between the two, I would say it really depends on what you’re looking for!

Punta Mita vs. Sayulita

All of the big, more luxurious resorts are in Punta Mita – the Four Seasons, St. Regis, W, etc. Sayulita is a small, sleepy surf town. While it’s charming and bohemian and filled with adorable boutique hotels, it doesn’t scream posh or upscale. If you’re looking for a nice resort with amenities and do not want to have to travel too much off property, I would 100% recommend Punta Mita. If you want something a little more off the beaten path and more backpacker friendly, I would say you should check out Sayulita. No resorts or hotel chains here!

How to get there:

Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and take a private car or bus (~45 minutes to an hour).

Where to stay in Punta Mita:

+ Four Seasons Punta Mita – impeccable service and amenities, delicious food, pristine beach, and comfortable rooms.

+ St. Regis Punta Mita – borders the property of the Four Seasons. Another upscale resort, if you’re looking for something more luxe.

+ W Punta Mita – newer resort in Punta Mita. Smaller than the Four Seasons and a much more modern atmosphere (like most W’s around the world).

+ Airbnb – I always love checking out Airbnbs in new cities and countries. Something about staying in an apartment or house with a kitchen just makes me feel more at home!

Where to stay in Sayulita:

+ Petit Hotel d’Hafa – I fell in love with this charming boutique hotel. There are only 8 rooms, so expect a very intimate and unique experience!

+ Casa Love – steps above the beach and nestled above Pachamama (one of my favorite boutiques!). You can’t beat the view from the roof deck.

All of the hotels in Sayulita are small and intimate – and extremely affordable! Expect much lower rates than a resort.

What to do:

+ Surf. Sayulita is known its beaches and waves, so it’s not hard to see why surfers flock to this little town. Be sure to take a lesson if you’ve never gone before – it’s a great place to learn.

+ Yoga – you’ll find many yoga studios lined along the streets of Sayulita. What better place to deepen your practice than along the beach or in a quiet courtyard with the sound of waves behind you?

+ Eat! You won’t find many fancy restaurants in Sayulita (although there are some in Punta Mita). Grab tacos from one of the many stands along the road, or stop in Naty’s Cocina or ChocoBanana for breakfast or lunch. There’s also no shortage of little cafes serving juices, smoothies, and acai bowls if you’re looking for something lighter.

+ Shop – Evoke the Spirit was a personal favorite, but there are so many charming local shops selling clothing, decor, tequila, and more.

What I wore:

+ swimsuit: lovewave (top & bottom)

+ crochet dress: majorelle

+ belt: b-low the belt

+ tassel earrings: bauble bar

+ slip dress: reformation (similar)

SaveSave

Prev 1 … 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next Page 5 of 8