Tag: travel

Anguilla

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Discovering the Magic of Anguilla: A Paradise of Food, Fun, and Fabulous Beaches


If you’re dreaming of pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and a laid-back island vibe, Anguilla is the destination that delivers it all. Nestled in the Eastern Caribbean, this gem of an island is small but mighty when it comes to offering incredible experiences. From world-class dining to adventurous activities, here’s how to make the most of your Anguilla getaway.


Beach Bliss Like No Other
Anguilla is home to some of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever set foot on. Picture-perfect spots like Shoal Bay, Meads Bay, and Rendezvous Bay offer soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging with a good book.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun at Shoal Bay or strolling along Meads Bay during sunset, the tranquility of Anguilla’s beaches will leave you in awe. For a livelier vibe, visit Sandy Ground, where beach bars and music add a fun twist to your island day.

Lunch by the Sea: Casual Eats with Stunning Views
Lunch in Anguilla is all about beachfront charm and fresh flavors.

Straw Hat: Located on Meads Bay, this spot is perfect for a relaxed lunch with your toes in the sand. Their fish tacos are a must-try, and the rum punch pairs beautifully with the ocean breeze.
Sunshine Shack: Over on Rendezvous Bay, this laid-back shack serves up grilled lobster and BBQ chicken that you can enjoy while taking in the views of St. Martin in the distance.
Blanchards Beach Shack: For a casual yet delicious option, head to this beachfront gem on Meads Bay. Their jerk chicken wrap and frozen mojitos are crowd favorites.
Dinner: A Culinary Experience to Remember
Anguilla takes dining seriously, and its dinner spots are nothing short of spectacular.

Blanchards: An iconic restaurant that delivers a fine dining experience in a beautiful garden setting. Their lobster risotto and coconut curry are worth the visit alone.
Veya: Hidden in the trees, this romantic spot serves elevated Caribbean cuisine with dishes like spiced tuna tartare and grilled crayfish. The live music adds a magical touch to the evening.
Island Adventures: Things to Do in Anguilla
While the beaches might tempt you to stay put, there’s so much more to explore on this charming island.

Rent a Moke: These colorful, open-air cars are the best way to explore the island. Cruise through the scenic roads, stop at hidden beaches, and feel the breeze in your hair.
Charter a Private Boat: Head out for a day on the water to explore the surrounding cays. Sandy Island and Prickly Pear offer secluded beaches and incredible snorkeling. Plus, there’s nothing like sipping champagne on a boat with the sun setting behind you.
Explore Local Culture: Visit the Heritage Collection Museum or catch a local festival to immerse yourself in Anguilla’s rich history and culture.
Why Anguilla Stands Out
Anguilla’s charm lies in its perfect blend of luxury and laid-back vibes. Whether you’re indulging in gourmet meals, discovering secret beaches, or mingling with the warm and welcoming locals, you’ll feel like you’ve found your own slice of paradise.

So pack your swimsuits, grab your sunnies, and get ready for a trip filled with unforgettable memories. Anguilla is waiting to welcome you with open arms—and trust me, once you visit, you’ll already be planning your return!

Florence

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Florence

Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is a city that has captured the hearts of countless travelers for centuries. Its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class art, and delectable cuisine make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of Italy’s cultural treasures. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Florence, highlighting some of its most iconic attractions and experiences.

  1. Meeting Michelangelo’s David

Our journey begins with a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to one of the most famous sculptures in the world – Michelangelo’s David. As you stand before this 17-foot marble masterpiece, you can’t help but be in awe of the craftsmanship and detail that went into creating this symbol of human potential. The Galleria also houses other notable works by Michelangelo and Renaissance artists, offering a profound immersion into the art of the era.

  1. The Artistic Oasis

Florence is a veritable playground for art enthusiasts. The Uffizi Gallery, located just a stone’s throw from the Ponte Vecchio, is a treasure trove of Renaissance art. Be prepared to lose yourself in rooms filled with masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and more. To fully appreciate the artistry, consider hiring a guide (we did!) who can provide insights into the history and significance of each piece.

  1. Climbing the Duomo

No visit to Florence is complete without conquering the iconic Florence Cathedral, or Il Duomo di Firenze. The climb to the top of the cathedral offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan hills. As you ascend the 463 steps, you’ll also have the chance to admire the intricate frescoes inside the dome. It’s a challenging climb, but the breathtaking vistas make it entirely worth the effort.

TIP: go early! Crowds form later in the day and the winding staircase up to the top gets hot/crowded. Also – if you are claustrophobic, or afraid of heights, I’d perhaps recommend skipping this one. When you are almost to the top, you have to traverse around half of the dome with only a clear gate between you and the floor – wayyyy below. BUT: the view at the top was incredible and worth it.

  1. Retail Therapy and Fashion Finesse

Florence is a shopper’s paradise, known for its high-quality leather goods, fine jewelry, and exquisite clothing. Stroll along the bustling streets and discover artisan boutiques and shops offering handcrafted products. The San Lorenzo Market is an excellent place to find leather bags, belts, and wallets.

🔥TIP: If you are a non-EU resident and you spend more than 155€ at one point of sale in Italy, you are entitled to “value-added-tax” VAT refund (22% savings!!!). This applies for fashion, textiles, fashion, wines, and alcohol.

To get the refund, go to the top floor of the department store and present your passport. You must receive a stamped form.

  1. What Florence Is Known For

Florence is renowned for its contributions to art, architecture, and culture during the Renaissance period. It was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, a movement that transformed art, science, and politics in Europe. The city’s historic center, with its charming piazzas, historic palaces, and stunning churches, is a testament to this rich heritage. Florence is also famous for its delicious cuisine, including mouthwatering Tuscan dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and, of course, the city’s famous gelato.

Swimsuits Under $35 on Amazon!

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Finding the perfect swimsuit can often feel like an arduous task. We’ve all been there, scouring countless stores, trying on endless options, and still coming up empty-handed. But fear not, fellow beach enthusiasts! In the age of online shopping, discovering stylish and affordable swimwear has never been easier. Get ready to make a splash this summer without breaking the bank! We’ve curated a list of the best swimsuits available on Amazon, all under $35. So, get your sunscreen ready and prepare to dive into the sea of fantastic deals!

  1. The Honlyps Bikini with Knot-Tie is perfect for summer and comes in 22 different colors! At $25 you can get a few. The bikini is stretchy and supportive in all the right places and the high waist bottoms are perfect for running around the beach.
  2. The Cupshe Bowknot Front Bikini is your classic bikini with a cute belt detail on the bottoms that remind us of Bond girls from the 60’s! The suit comes in two classic colors – brown or black – and is perfect for the resort or lounging by the pool. $35.
  3. The NAFLEAP One-Shoulder Sport Bikini at $29 is a great option for a couple’s getaway or partying at the beach. A bit sexier than the other options, the one-shoulder with push up bra is the right amount of “revealing”.
  4. The MakeMeChic Women’s Cut-Out One Piece is $30 and a great option for those looking for a one-piece that is trendy and flattering. The bright blue and rust brown colors are our favorites!
  5. The Cupshe Sexy Scallop One-Piece Suit is $33 and is a must have in everyone’s beach bag this summer. The perfect “classic” yet sexy swimsuit for all occasions. We’ll wear this on family vacation.
  6. The Cupshe Women’s Ruffled One-Piece VNeck is $33 and has the most stretch of any of the suits mentioned here at 20% spandex. Perfect for those that want to emphasize their top half/bust versus their lower half and comes in 24 colors/designs.

Conclusion: Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to embark on a swimsuit shopping adventure. Thanks to Amazon’s incredible selection and unbeatable prices, finding your perfect swimwear is now easier than ever. Whether you’re looking for the latest trends, body-positive designs, or flexible options, our curated list of swimsuits under $35 has got you covered. So, grab your favorite towel and sunscreen and get ready to make waves with confidence and style this summer!

Venice: Exploring the Enchanting City of Canals

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Let me just start by saying…we almost skipped Venice on our Italy trip this year and I am SO grateful we decided to go!

Venice is dreamy 😍. There’s just something about arriving to your destination by boat, wind blowing through your hair and each twist and turn through the canals reveal another breathtaking architectural masterpiece.

View from breakfast at the St. Regis restaurant, Gios

After much research, we opted to stay at the gorgeous St. Regis Venice and used points to offset part of our stay. Check in was busy, so we grabbed a cocktail from the St. Regis bar and took in the spectacular views of the grand canal. 

Tip: a nightly Champagne sabering occurs at the St. Regis just before sunset. Be sure to witness the elegant bar staff expertly pop the bubbly and toast to another amazing day spent in Venice

After a small wait, our room was ready. To our delight, we were upgraded to a suite with a partial canal view (check out the instagram reel, below, which showcases the room/view) and beautiful sitting area. The plush carpeting, textured wallpaper and luxurious bed linens were not only beautiful but it was so quiet – which was lovely after a busy travel day. The oversized steam shower made us feel downright spoiled.

Situated right on the grand canal, St. Mark’s square and the Doge palace is an easy walk as is high-end shopping and delicious restaurants. Though the St. Mark’s area is very busy and touristy, the St. Regis is tucked far enough away that it feels residential.

 

“Champagne: in victory, one deserves it; in defeat, one needs it.”
  • Must do
    • Take a Food and Wine tour with an expert! Eatint cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and enjoying a sprtiz is the delightful way of life in Venice! Let a sommelier guide you to the best stops and pours
    • Two of the highlights:
      • Gellateria Gallonetto – true gelato made with the best ingredients. I chose the pistachio, with nuts fresh from Sicily.
        • Pro tip: seek gelaterias with muted colored gelato in deep freezers. The gelato should melt if sitting out. Stay away from shops with bright greens and fluorescent colors – these mean the gelato is heavy with preservatives
      • Trattoria Ca D’Oro
        • Order the meatballs and house red from the cicchetti.

“Our guide Loris was fantastic. From taking us to the best, local wine bars, picking a variety of fantatic proseccos, natural and red wines and teaching us all about cicchetti made our trip! We’ll definitely be utilizing Yourlocalvenice.com again!”