Where to Stay in Porto and Douro Valley

We stayed in the Portobay Teatro Hotel, an upscale, recently renovated building covered in a glass facade.  It is conveniently located in the center of Porto; we did a walking tour of the city that kicked off just outside our hotel! We got ready for the day over a luxurious breakfast with fresh juices, a spread of fresh fruits, eggs made to order, granola and yogurt bowls, and freshly made loaves of bread served with jams, butter, and cheeses. Plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants are also within walking distance, and you are within 90 minutes of Douro Valley, so you can do multiple days of wine-tasting day trips to the vineyards. 

What to Do

Walking tour of Porto: A walking tour of Porto is a great way to get an orientation of the city. Walk along the many alleys that showcase its stunning architectural treasures. From the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to the colorful Ribeira district, you’ll discover hidden gems and historical narratives that bus tours simply miss.

Visit the wineries in Douro Valley! Since we were staying in Porto proper, we took a tour of local wineries starting at 9:00 am because it takes over an hour to get to the wineries in the valley. Here’s where we went: 

• D’Origem: We kicked off our tour with a visit to this winery, where we were treated to a tour of the facility and learned about the Portuguese grapes and wine-making process. From there, we went to the deck where we sampled a series of wines, olive oils, honey, and bread,  all while admiring the breathtaking views of the Douro Valley. We were enamored with the rose and ordered a case for delivery back to the United States.

• Quinta do Bomfim: Next, we visited this vineyard, which specializes in Ports – the sweet, fortified wines that the Douro Vally and Porto are famous for. Dating back to the 1800s, this is one of the oldest port houses in the world. We enjoyed an informative tour, and then a fun tasting. 

Douro Valley Picnic + Boat Cruise: A great way to see Porto and Douro Valley is by water! The tour company arranged a picnic after the wine tasting for us, complete with stunning vantage points of the Douro Valley and plenty of wine, followed by a boat ride on the water, of course with more wine. It was unreal. Being surrounded by the water and the mountains and the rows and rows of grapevines – it doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. 

Where to Eat

After each day of activities, we enjoyed dinner in the city at one of the following spots:  

Jardineiro: As the name implies, this garden-inspired restaurant offers an idyllic green space for dining on exquisite fare. The cuisine is local and seasonal, and offers gems like mushroom skewers served with a bold garlic sauce, mushroom risotto, cannelloni with a tomato ragu, and, for dessert, crepes suzette with a super cool mint ice cream. Don’t skip the cocktails – the tropical gin and passion fruit concoction is perfection, and the colada punch will make sure you know you’re on vacation. 

Esencia: With dishes like Caesar salad croquettes, portobello carpaccio, and pasta in a sundried tomato pesto, we loved the innovative approach of this restaurant that serves vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Porto and Douro Valley: The Verdict

Porto and the Douro Valley offer an exceptional, immersive journey to those who love food and wine. The vibrant city of Porto, with its historic charm, seamlessly blends into the stunning, vineyard-laden landscapes of the Douro Valley. Here, world-class Port and local flavors combine with breathtaking views, creating a truly memorable Portuguese adventure. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply seeking a picturesque getaway, Porto and the Douro Valley promise a magical experience.

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Sintra for the History Buffs

Sintra, a thirty-minute drive or train trip from Portugal’s capital, is a must-see with its idyllic castles and picturesque scenery of forest and sea, started as a refuge for royalty. Sintra has an old town and a new town, and the old town is a UNESCO heritage site. We highly recommend a visit; it is easy to access, utterly charming, and full of history.

What to see in Sintra

Pena Palace: Built in the Middle Ages, this gorgeous castle is colorful and dramatic, located on the top of a hill with spectacular views of lakes, mountains, and forests. Various Portuguese royals used the palace as a summer residence, and the artifacts they left behind are a treat to peruse, as are the palace interior and the surrounding gardens of the castle. The best way to get there is to park in the historic center of Sintra and hike up the Villa Sassetti Trail, but there are also shuttles and drivers to take you to the top. The trail takes you through the Loureiros Forest, which is lush and worth a visit on its own if you’re more of a nature lover. Inside tip: Note that parking is limited, and you must arrive early to avoid lines! If you’re looking for days trips from Lisbon, a visit to Pena Palace is a must.

Castelo dos Mouros: Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, this Moorish Castle’s walls are still standing today. You can walk along them and take gorgeous pictures of the view.

Quinta da Regaleira: This 20th-century mansion is known for its neo-gothic architecture, gardens, and grotto. Its romantic and mysterious atmosphere begs for exploration.

Where to Eat in Sintra

Take a break from all your sightseeing to grab a bite at a small cafe in the historical center of Sintra. You really can’t go wrong, but don’t forget to try a ‘pasteis de nata.’ Portugal’s egg custard pasty is famous for a reason!

Medival Sights at Óbidos

About an hour’s drive from Lisbon, slightly farther north than Sintra, lies the medieval walled town of Obidos. The town was originally gifted to Queen Isabel of Portugal in 1282. This is a must for those looking for scenic day trips from Lisbon. Built on a hill, it is truly a delight to wander through the winding cobblestone streets within the walled city. Admire the traditional homes, visit the picturesque church, the Igreja de Santa Maria, sample local goods at the small shops like the local cherry liquor called ‘Ginjinha,’ and marvel at the Castelo de Óbidos.

Estoril and Cascais for the Beach Bums

These two glorious beach towns exist in a part of Portugal known as the Portuguese Riviera. Located just a thirty-minute drive or train trip from Lisbon, they offer the perfect opportunity to visit Portugal’s stunning beaches. The convenience can’t be beat. Hop on a train to spend the day in Cascais or Estoril, then return to your base in Lisbon without ever having to pack or change hotels.

What to See

Start off by arriving in Cascais and walk along the town streets. Delight in the unique architecture of Cascais and its homes. Then, choose from one of the many Cascais beaches. You can rent a few beach chairs and towels at the beach. Be sure to do so with Aperol spritz in your hand and take in the view! The water is clear, the sand is perfectly soft, and the vibe is one of relaxation and indulgence. When the sun starts going down, walk along the boardwalk that connects Cascais and Estoril. You will marvel at the beachfront properties in this resort town and should test your luck at Estoril’s famous casino.

Take in the Surf at Nazare

Two hours north of Lisbon is a former fishing town called Nazare. Small and sweet, this town has gorgeous beaches and is one of Europe’s most famous surfing spots. The North Beach is world-renowned for its stunning waves, which are supposed to be the largest on the planet that can actually be surfed. In fact, one can spend a whole day here just watching the surfers.

FOR FOODIES :
After your exciting day trips, return to Lisbon to dine at one of these spectacular destinations:

Arkhe: The small, charming dining room at Arkhe is as delightful as the food and service. The incredibly creative and seasonal menu offers dishes like a kimchi cannelloni served with a mushroom terrine and drizzled with a duo of carrot sauces: one with cream and turmeric and the other with orange. Beautifully presented, each dish has sublime textures and flavors.

Encanto: For the most divine vegetarian dining experience, visit Encanto. The restaurant is cozy and warm, and the plant-based cuisine is just irresistible. We relished the mushroom rice with a mushroom “scallop,” inhaled the hummus with dried flowers, marveled at the vegetable stew, and nearly cried over the summer tomatoes. This was our best dining experience in Portugal.

Afterwards, head to Lisbon’s famous pink street for a post-dinner drink (or drinks). All the bars that line Calle Rosa de Lisboa are full of fun and energy.

The Verdict

Make sure to add some day trips from Lisbon to your Portugal adventure! There is something for everyone to enjoy and indulge in, whether you’re an amateur archeologist or a professional beach bum. Be sure to give yourself enough time to soak it all in!

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Recently, I wrote about an extraordinary experience visiting Botswana, where my husband and I went on a safari and spent several days admiring the most spectacular wildlife we could ever imagine. From there, we took a trip to Victoria Falls, where we spent a few days visiting the Falls in Zimbabwe and the Zambezi River in Zambia. The tour company that arranged our stay in Botswana transported us from Botswana to Zimbabwe, and we found our time in Zimbabwe and Zambia to be as magical as our time in Botswana. All about our trip:

Where to Stay

528 Victoria Falls: This charming bed and breakfast has all the amenities you need for a memorable trip to Victoria Falls. The spacious home has eight rooms, each one with large windows and a bathroom. The elegantly decorated venue has several rooms for relaxing, a garden and pool, and a large dining room for breakfast, although I recommend eating on the patio where you can enjoy the gorgeous green garden. The venue also hosts a rooftop bar which is a great spot to grab a drink at any time of day, but best during sunset because of the view of Victoria Falls town.

What to Do During Your Trip To Victoria Falls

Visit the Falls! I highly recommend hiring a tour guide to lead you through the falls. They can help you navigate all the vista points and share the history of the falls. As one of the largest waterfalls in the world, the sight of the Falls is truly spectacular. The volume of rushing water, the sight of the rainbows that form in the mist, and the deafening sound of the falls culminate into an experience that you will never forget.

Cruise the Zambezi River: A cruise on the Zambezi River is an idyllic experience and one not to be missed. The river is the fourth longest river in Africa, beginning in Zambia and flowing all the way to the Indian Ocean. If you are staying in Victoria Falls, as we did, you can arrange a cruise with a tour guide who will pick you up and take you to the river. You will begin the cruise in Zimbabwe and will also go into Zambia. Once in Zambia, you will see loads of the country’s famous hippos, sometimes almost completely submerged, and many on the banks of the river as well. The evening cruise includes beverages and heaps of snacks and offers the opportunity not only to enjoy the river and hippos, but also a chance to see birds, crocodiles, and whatever wildlife happens to be enjoying a drink from the river.

Where to Eat

Of course, we have to share where we ate during our trip to Victoria Falls. We ate at several places, and here are some of our favorites:

Reynardo’s: For a casual lunch, stop by Reynardo’s, which is across the street from the 528 Inn. Here, you can indulge in snacks, a cheesy pizza, a sandwich, or a hearty salad. The freshly squeezed juices are great in the hottest hours of the day, and don’t miss out on a cup of coffee made with local beans to start or end your day in Victoria Falls.

The Three Monkeys: If you are looking for a fun dining location during your trip to Victoria Falls, the Three Monkeys is your spot. Buzzing with locals and tourists alike, the mostly open-air venue has bar snacks for sharing, like spring rolls and bruschetta, as well as fantastic wood-fired pizza. The romangola (flatbread) is great, with spinach, feta, and roasted garlic, and the quatro fromaggio is a real indulgence. The beer list is extensive; be sure to sample one of the several they have on tap from the thriving local Zimbabwean craft brewery scene!

The Lookout Café: After visiting Victoria Falls, stop by the iconic Lookout Café for an outdoor meal where you can enjoy views of the Batoga Gorge. The Gorge starts at the base of the falls and is a stunning vista point. Dining at this restaurant is a special experience because of the views, but don’t miss the paintings, statuettes, and wooden sculptures in the adjoining gallery, which specializes in contemporary artists from the region. For food, I recommend one of their warm ‘toasties’ with melted cheese; for something more substantial, there are burgers and sandwiches, as well as traditional local dishes.

Cassia Restaurant: For an upscale meal, visit this sensational dining establishment in the Ilala Lodge Hotel. Ask for one of the outdoor tables that overlooks the sprawling gardens and offers the the sound of falling water in the background. Kick off your meal with a glass of wine and the tomato and mozzarella panzerotti, an Italian empanada where a deep-fried pocket is stuffed with melted cheese and sweet tomatoes. For your entrée, the choices are endless. Roasted cauliflower steaks served with a creamy yogurt and dill sauce, mushroom and spinach cannelloni smothered in a decadent bechamel sauce, crispy pumpkin, and lentil phyllo parcels, the list goes on. Desserts are just as tempting; I highly recommend the apple tart with tahini ice cream or the baked cheesecake with sweet marshmallow crème and refreshing coconut sorbet.

The Verdict

Our trip to Botswana was enriched by a trip to Victoria Falls, straddling the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The sight of the Zambezi River cascading powerfully into the gorge was not just a visual treat but a vivid reminder of nature’s raw force. Unlike the chill atmosphere of our safari, the falls added a dynamic contrast to our African journey. This detour was undoubtedly worthwhile, offering a unique perspective on the continent’s diverse landscape. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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In 2023, my husband and I decided to take an epic vacation that we had been dreaming about for years: a trip to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The itinerary included a safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana, a cruise down the Zambezi River in Zambia, and a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Read all about our magical trip to help you plan your own grand escape to this amazing part of the world. This post covers Botswana, with a separate post on the Zambia and Zimbabwe portions of our experience!

Where to Stay During Our Safari in Chobe National Park

Ngoma Safari Lodge is located in the Chobe Forest Reserve in western Botswana. We chose this location for two reasons: first, Chobe is known for its incredible wildlife, especially elephants, and second, the experience of seeing animals swimming and crossing the Chobe River is exceptional; the river draws animals to it all day long which allows for opportunities to see animals more frequently and in a unique setting than in other places in Africa. It is difficult to get to – we flew from DC to Nairobi, and landed in Zambia, but totally worth it. The lodge arranged for transportation for us, so that made it quite easy.

We chose the safari in Chobe National Park because of the location, and Ngoma Safari Lodge turned out to be one of the most spectacular places I have ever stayed. Each luxury suite is situated separately around the property, surrounded by trees and the stunning flora and fauna of the Chobe Forest. Each suite is complete with a gorgeous plunge pool, an indoor and outdoor shower, a luxurious soaking tub, and a cozy bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows. There is nothing quite as surreal as watching giraffes and zebras from your own plunge pool!

It’s a short walk from each suite to the main lodge, which is an open-air, rustic building that includes a bar, restaurant, shop, and more unreal views of the Chobe plains and river, with waterholes where animals come to drink from at all hours of the day.

Service is impeccable – the team at the lodge is warm, friendly, and kind and will assist with anything you need!

The Activities at Ngoma Safari Lodge

Safari in Chobe National Park: Each morning and evening, guests are invited to go on a safari into the depths of the Chobe forest to see the animals of Botswana. As the sun rose, we boarded our open-air jeep, complete with blankets and water bottles, to watch lions stroll, roar, and groom each other, herds of elephants ambling along the Chobe River, giraffes snacking on leaves and herbs, and dazzles of zebras nibbling on grass. We saw birds and alligators and antelopes and prairie dogs and wild dogs and the most beautiful small leopard I could ever imagine. During the evening safari, we stopped in a clearing for happy hour, where our amazing driver made us cocktails while we soaked in views of the sun setting over the Chobe River. It was quite the dream.

Boat Rides: One of the special activities offered by the lodge is a boat ride on the Chobe River. From that vantage point, you can see dozens of elephants not only along the riverbed but also swimming and crossing the river! It was spectacular. A gorgeous sit-down lunch is provided on the riverboat, with the host setting a table that is brimming with local dishes like roasted butternut squash, a black eye pea salad with a spicy sauce, fresh bread, and more.

The Food

This wouldn’t be the Dining Traveler if we didn’t discuss the food! The majority of the meals are provided at the lodge and are quite delicious. A full breakfast is served when you return from your morning safari and includes fresh juice, eggs made to order, potatoes, plantains, cereals, cheeses, and fruit. Lunch is by menu with dishes like burgers (including a veggie burger!), and dinner, served a couple of hours after the evening safari is concluded, is a three-course meal with various options featuring local ingredients such as stuffed peppers in a coconut sauce or stacked roasted vegetables in a tomato sauce. Be sure to come to the lodge early for a cocktail to enjoy the views, and then stay after dinner by the firepit for a cozy after-dinner drink.

How Many Days Should You Plan for Your Safari?

In summary, four nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park offers the perfect balance for an unforgettable safari experience. We paid $500 per person per night, a significant investment, but the return is extraordinary. The inclusive package of food, accommodation, activities, and game drives provides ample opportunity to immerse in and appreciate the park’s majestic wildlife. Chombe National Park is not just a destination but a priceless experience worth every cent. If you want the ultimate bucket list experience, this is it!

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First Day Trip from Dubrovnik: Montenegro

With its gorgeous mountains and views of the Adriatic, you will delight in all that Montenegro has to offer.

What to See on a Daytrip to Montenegro:

• Ston: En route to Montenegro stop in Ston, a gorgeous town in southern Dalmatia. The town walls are longer than those in Dubrovnik, built in the 14th century, and the town has oyster beds that are said to produce the most delicious oysters in the world! A visit to this part of the Peljesac Peninsula is highly recommended.
• Perast: Upon entering Montenegro your breath will be taken away at the sight of the shimmering sea and majestic mountains. As you approach the Bay of Kotor, take the time to visit the small town of Perast. Home to a cathedral from the 15th century, a bell tower, and a square. You will also have the opportunity to take a short boat ride to the small island off the coast of Perast, called Our Lady of the Rocks which is home to a church and an adjacent museum. This is a must-do during your day trip from Dubrovnik.
• Kotor: Just beyond Perast, is the medieval port town in Montenegro called Kotor, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by fortified walls, you must make time to wander the winding cobblestone lanes of Kotor and admire the Romanesque churches and ancient buildings. Cat lovers, be sure to stop by the Kotor Cat Museum!

Where to Eat:

• Persat Lake Promenade: For coffee and a pastry!
• Marshall’s Gelato: For a delicious, sweet treat in Kotor
• Catovica Mlini: This is truly one of the most beautiful and charming restaurants I have ever visited. Just beyond Kotor, in a Montenegrin town called Morinj, is this family-owned venue that is over 200 years old and includes old flour mills, a gorgeous tavern, and outdoor dining space that is complete with gardens, ponds, streams, gazebos, and small bridges. It is romantic and elegant, with impeccable service. Treat yourself to an indulgent lunch with wine, cheese, bread, and dishes like pasta tossed with shards of zucchini and bathed in a saffron cream sauce.

• On your way to and from Ston you’ll see signs for oysters and other seafood; you can’t go wrong with a dozen fresh-shucked oysters or a pot of mussels at any of them.

Second Day Trip from Dubrovnik: Bosnia

With its multicultural heritage and medieval ambiance you will walk away from your trip to Bosnia feeling like you took a step back in time.

What to See in Bosnia:

• Kravica Waterfall: This gorgeous cascade should be your first stop when taking a day trip from Dubrvnik to Bosnia. Located in Herzegovina in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the Trebižat River, the waterfall pours into a gorgeous green pool where you can swim, soak or splash around.

• Mostar: There is much to see in this old town, including the famous Mostar Bridge, also called Stari Most, a 16th century bridge that was rebuilt after it collapsed due to shelling in 1993 during the Croat-Bosnian war. Views of the bridge from below and from the bridge overlooking the city are not to be missed. Next, visit the old town of Mostar, where you can peruse shops in the bazaar, wander the cobblestone streets, and take in sights like the Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque, a visually stunning 16th century mosque.

Where to Eat:

• Restoran Vodopad Kravice: Treat yourself to a cold beer at the waterfall adjacent café
• Restaurant Sadrvan: Located in the old town in Mostar this streetside café is perfect for both sampling Bosnian food and absorbing the local culture. Order lots of dishes to share so you can sample items like a platter of grilled mushrooms, zucchini and tomatoes smothered in cheese, potatoes roasted with herbs, creamy rice cooked with mushrooms, warm bread, baklava, and local tea and coffee.
• If you want a meal with a view, there are restaurants and bars with patio seating all along the Neretva River that runs through Mostar. Review your options from the bridge, and then stroll over there for a charming all-fresco lunch or dinner.

Day Trips From Dubrovnik: The Verdict

When visiting Croatia, take the time for these dreamy day trips from Dubrovnik. That’s one of the highlights of traveling to Eastern Europe: you can experience multiple countries in a short amount of time.

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Where to Stay When Visiting Dubrovnik

The Pucic Palace: We chose this historic hotel for a number of reasons, and we were thrilled with our choice. First of all, it is one of the very few hotels that is located right in the middle of the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town, so we were able to step out the door of our hotel and start exploring the historical part of the city and all that it has to offer without using any transportation. Second, it only has a handful of rooms, so it felt personal and cozy, unlike some of the huge resort-type hotels around Dubrovnik outside of the old town, which count dozens or even hundreds of rooms.

The Pucic Hotel also offers a wide variety of amenities, such as two restaurants, outdoor seating right next to the city’s lively daily farmer’s market, and a concierge who will assist you with suggestions and bookings for local restaurants and activities. Finally, the history of the hotel really added to our overall experience. Constructed in the 17th century as a palace for the Pucic family, it changed owners many times and survived an earthquake and two world wars. Eventually, it was fully restored, converted into a hotel, and opened to guests as the Pucic Palace in 2002.

What to Do

Tour the Old City of Dubrovnik: Walk along and atop the famed walls, visit the famous Pile Gate at the entrance to the old town, take pictures of the gorgeous Rector’s Palace, and take pictures of the cathedral you may recognize from Game of Thrones. You can spend hours wandering the old city, and we recommend doing it the day you arrive, to appreciate this historic city.

Take the Cable Car to Srd Hill: The cable car is affordable and fun–the views from the top of the hill are spectacular. You will revel in the sight of the gorgeous Adriatic Sea, the islands around Dubrovnik, and the walled city and surroundings of Dubrovnik. It’s the perfect low-key activity to do when visiting Dubrovnik.

Embark on a sunset cruise: We booked a boat tour with Explore Dubrovnik to watch the sunset, and it was truly spectacular. It was a private ride past old and new bridges, seaside towns, and summer villas and included a bottle of sparkling wine, blankets, and dreamy sunset views.

Where to Eat

Bowa: True to its name, the best place we dined while visiting Dubrovnik was easily Bowa (which stands for ‘Best of what’s around’). It is actually more of an experience than just a lunch! Through their website, you book an entire afternoon excursion. This includes pick up by speedboat from a small harbor called Brsecine, which we took an Uber to. Our VIP transport ferried us to a stunning bay called Vrbova, where we were escorted to our private open-air cabana, complete with a large dining table, chairs for sunbathing and lounging, and glasses of champagne. Our lunch consisted of several courses of food: fresh oysters, cheese and fruit platters, salads, marinated vegetables, fried tofu, and wine. In between courses, we walked down to the shore and swam in the warm waters, and enjoyed sweet, refreshing frozen pina coladas that were made to order even though we did not even have to order them. It was, quite honestly, the most perfect day.

Arsenal Restaurant: This picturesque restaurant in the old town serves gorgeous Mediterranean fare, including burrata with homemade pesto and greens, marinated zucchini drizzled in balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with hunks of tangy feta cheese and decadent truffle pasta drenched in a cream sauce.

Pizza Mirakul: For a casual pizza dinner while visiting Dubrovnik, stop by this spot in the old town. They have cheesy pizzas, baked lasagnas, fresh salads, and loads of Croatan wine.

Stara Loza: The salon at Stara Loza, also in the old town, has a gorgeous interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, an exquisite chandelier as the dining room focal point, a terrace, and equally stunning food. The views of the old town from the terrace are magnificent. For the food, indulge in items like tempura fried vegetables with savory bell pepper cream, spinach and ricotta gnocchi, local cheese, and delicious desserts.

Posat: For a fine dining experience outside of the old town, visit Posat. The elegant venue has a charming atmosphere and the most delicious Mediterranean dishes, including mushrooms au gratin, ravioli in an herb sauce,

Gelateria Dubrovnik: The perfect evening ends with a scoop of heavenly gelato from this family-owned business. The Toblerone flavor is magical, as is the white chocolate with biscuit and fig with hazelnuts.

Where to Drink

D’Vino Wine Bar: Stop by for a glass (or two!) or Croatian wine at this old-town wine bar.

Buza Bar: This charming cliffside bar in Old Town was our favorite; we stopped by several times for a beer or cocktail and views of the Adriatic. It’s literally built into the rocks below the fortified walls, so skip the high heels and enjoy the views!

Cave Bar: If you want to check out some of the surrounding areas while visiting Dubrovnik, visit the Cave Bar in Lapad, an upscale neighborhood that is full of resorts and restaurants. The Cave bar is glamorous and fun, with good spaces for Instagram-worthy pictures.

Visiting Dubrovnik: The Verdict

Dubrovnik is the perfect place to visit if you want to explore the streets of a historical city: indulge in copious amounts of fresh Mediterranean fare and marvel at the shimmering Adriatic sea.

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Where to Stay in Roatán

Ibagari Hotel: This hotel is one of the dreamiest places I have been lucky enough to visit. There is nowhere else I would recommend staying in Roatán. The reasons in favor of choosing Igabari are multi-faceted.

First, the rooms. The suites at Ibagari are huge, with private plunge pools, patios, and gorgeous showers. Our room featured a king bed with slide doors that opened up to a patio complete with a cool private pool, lush vegetation, lounge chairs, and a small dining table for in-suite snacks. We loved relaxing in our little pool with beers from our mini fridge and in our lounge chairs with coffee first thing in the morning.

Second, the amenities. Ibagari, a private beachfront hotel, has a gorgeous pool with a hot tub, an alfresco library for reading and lounging, and plenty of lounge chairs along the ocean where you can lay out and read a good book while listening to the sound of the waves crashing. A hotel gift shop has souvenirs and necessary items you may have forgotten at home, like sunscreen and painkillers.

Finally, the service. The staff is incredibly charming and offers extras like an evening champagne toast at sunset, live music at dinner time, and recommendations for cocktails. No request was too small for the friendly team at Igabari!

What to Do:

Explore the Barrier Reef: One of the main attractions of Roatán is that it features the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Which in turn, makes Ibagari an ideal venue for exploring Roatán because it includes an on-site scuba shop that offers scuba classes for certification and daily snorkeling tours. We decided to go on a snorkeling tour which was absolutely phenomenal. Our tour only included four people, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in educating us about what fish we would see. We made three stops and could see everything from luminous rainbow parrotfish, barracudas, angelfish, coral, turtles, and so much more. The team brought along a cooler of beer, water, and bubbles to enjoy on the boat in between stops and tasty snacks.

Take a Sunset Cruise: One evening, we took a private sunset cruise, complete with a cheese plate of local cheeses, fresh fruit, and sparkling wine. We admired the glistening water, the cool breeze, and the colorful sunset. It was a spectacular way to take in everything the Caribbean offers.

Visit the Spa: Ibagari Hotel has an excellent spa. I indulged in a super relaxing massage more than once!  

Walk the Island: From Igabari, you can walk along the ocean and visit other resorts and even get to the west end downtown area of Roatan, where they have shops and cafes.

What to Eat and Drink:

Luna Muna: The Ibagari hotel has a lovely on-site restaurant with a diverse menu. For breakfast, I recommend avocado toast with poached eggs, pancakes, or the caracola breakfast. Caracola refers to the local community, and so this breakfast is a great way to sample a traditional Honduran Bay breakfast. Eggs cooked to order are served with meaty red beans, fried plantains, local cheese, slice avocado, and a tomato dipping sauce. It is super hearty and flavorful. And DEFINITELY get the freshly squeezed juice of the day! We enjoyed watermelon juice one day, pineapple the next, and even a delicious cantaloupe juice. For lunch, try the lentils bowl with yuca fried bread and the pasta with freshly made pesto for dinner. Cocktails are made with fresh fruits grown in Roatán, and local beers are perfect as a poolside beverage. If you love the cocktails as much as we did, you can sign up for a cocktail-making class!

The Verdict:

Igabari gave us exactly what we needed: time outdoors, beautiful sunsets, pool and beach time, and the chance to slow down and enjoy life.

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THE HIGHLIGHTS

Acadia National Park

The highlight of glamping at Mount Desert Island is being at Acadia National Park. This massive national park encompasses mountains, trees, and stunning views of the Atlantic ocean. The combination is breathtaking. The best way to enjoy Acadia is to purchase a National Park Pass for the 27 mile Park Loop Road. From here, you can stop at vantage points for pictures, and jump off the loop to go on various hikes. Sites not to be missed include Cadillac Mountain for great views and the carriage roads for a lovely stroll.

Bar Harbor

While glamping at Mount Dessert Island, add Bar Harbor to your itinerary. The famed town of Bar Harbor offers many interesting opportunities for exploration. Take a cruise on the water to see bald eagles, whales, seals, and picturesque homes belonging to the Rockefellers and Sears family along the coast. Stroll the streets and drop into one of the many shops to peruse books, buy sailing-themed attire, and sample local specialties like a blueberry lemonade.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS

There are a variety of accommodations on Mount Desert Island, ranging from camping to high-end resorts in Bar Harbor. We aren’t really the camping type but didn’t want anything too touristy, so we found something in between that turned out to be perfect. Terramor Outdoor Resort is a new glamping venue in Mount Desert Island, Maine that just opened in 2020. The resort is stunning, with the main lodge for food, a heated pool, and a hot tub. The individual tents are situated in the dense, rustic woods of Desert Island. The tents are spacious and comfortable, with huge beds, elegant showers, and amenities like Chemex coffee makers and cozy robes. Each tent has a patio and fire pit, to give you space and the opportunity to enjoy the bucolic scenery.

DINING AND IMBIBING

Bangor

The Fiddlehead Restaurant: When you fly to Mount Desert Island the closest airport is in Bangor, which is a small town known for being the home of Stephen King. We left right away for our glamping adventure in Mount Desert Island, which is about an hour’s drive from Bangor, but not before stopping to dine at The Fiddlehead Restaurant. This charming restaurant is one of the best in the state; it has an impressive farm-to-table menu, featuring all the best of Maine’s produce. We indulged in crunchy roasted asparagus, smoky mushrooms enrobed in puffed pastry, grilled romaine, and roasted tomato salad, local cheeses, house-made bread, and ramp butter. It was the best meal of the trip.

Acadia

The Jordan Pond House: The only restaurant in Acadia, Jordan Pond is great for quick lunch of salads or sandwiches while you visit the park. Be sure to order a popover; these doughy rolls are exactly what you need after a long hike! I enjoyed mine with a glass of Champagne.

Bar Harbor

Copita: Our favorite spot to dine in Bar Harbor was Copita, a tiny Mediterranean restaurant located in northeast Bar Harbor. With dishes like pan-fried gnocchi, roasted sunchokes and Brussel sprouts, cauliflower piccata, and pasta with fresh pesto, the cuisine is fresh and delicious. Don’t skip their innovative cocktails, listed on a blackboard in the dining room, which are also made with local and seasonal ingredients.

Side Street Café: Maine is famous for several food items. Blueberries, coffee, beer, and as it turns out mac n cheese. This café is great for a quick bite if you are out and about in bar harbor. The menu includes burgers, tacos, and no less than a dozen different kinds of mac n cheese!

Jeannine’s Great Maine Breakfast: If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, look no further than Jeannine’s. From egg dishes to tofu scrambles to hot blueberry pancakes there is something for everyone. Coffee is plentiful and the blueberry pancake sauce is divine!

Terramor Resort Lodge

The Terramor Lodge serves breakfast and lunch to go, while dinner can be enjoyed at the lodge. I highly recommend snagging a spot by one of the fireplaces. The food is glamping fare at its best! Menu items include classic American fare like chowder and impossible burgers. You can get s’mores kits to go to enjoy at the fire pit at your tent. One of the highlights of glamping in Mount Dessert Island!

Atlantic Brewing Co: There are two locations of this, one close to Terramor and one in Bar Harbor. Stop by either one to sample a local beer!

THE VERDICT

Glamping in Maine was a grand adventure – one that I highly recommend! The trip included nature, good food, and relaxation all around.

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What is Vermont’s Inn to Inn Walking Tour

Vermont’s Inn to Inn Walking Tour is a four-day package featuring a walking tour in the south of Vermont, where guests stay at four different inns and spend the day hiking from one inn to the next!

What’s included

The Vermont Inn to Inn tour includes four nights in delightful southern Vermont bed and breakfasts, breakfast and dinner each day, snacks for each day’s walking tour, maps for each day’s hikes, and transportation of your luggage from each bed and breakfast to the next so you can hike without carrying all your luggage.

The Hotels

We loved each and every place we stayed in during our Vermont’s Inn to Inn tour. The Colonial House offers one of the best breakfasts in town, and the owners have the sweetest pets who will love to meet you! The Inn Victoria can only be described as elegant and relaxing, with a soaking tub in your room to relax in after hiking all day. The Golden Stage Inn includes fireplaces in each room for an extra layer of coziness and The Pettigrew Inn is classic and charming.

The Food

Our favorite meal of each day was the breakfasts, which included items like breakfast burritos, freshly basked muffins, pancakes and hot waffles served with the famous Vermont maple syrup. The meals are hearty and filling, enough to sustain you for each day’s lengthy walking tour! For dinner, we enjoyed home cooked meals with dishes like spaghetti in marinara sauce, enchiladas, and cauliflower steak with couscous.

The Hikes

The best part of this trip is the walking tour! The scenery in Vermont is simply spectacular. We went during fall when it was especially gorgeous. Each day’s hike is 10-15 miles. Along the way, stop at the General Store for a maple creamie, which is Vermont’s famous maple-flavored soft serve, or the Outer Limits Brewery for one of Vermont’s delicious craft beers. Fun fact: Vermont has the most number of breweries per capita of any state.

Recommendations

Practice walking in advance of our Vermont’s Inn to Inn Walking Tour! It sounds like a short distance but you WILL get sore. Wear good sneakers or hiking shoes, and stay hydrated. Soaking at the end of the day is helpful too. I also recommend stopping at a store to get a sandwich to go. Small snacks are provided by your bed and breakfasts, but I was happy to have a sandwich. I recommend bringing a small backpack to use while you hike for your camera, water, snacks, and extra layers in case you get cold. And finally, have fun!!! Cell phone service is limited which is the best part – you will truly get to enjoy the sensational nature that Vermont offers while on this walking tour.

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Getting to Salar de Uyuni

After arriving in La Paz, where we spent two days becoming acclimated to the high altitude, we took a quick 45-minute flight to Uyuni, the small town where we would begin our Salar de Uyuni flat adventure. Note that you can take a treacherous, overnight bus to Uyuni but to save time and energy, we jumped on one of the daily La Paz- Uyuni flights, which was not only fast but inexpensive.

All the Sights to See

Upon arrival in Uyuni, we took to an airport taxi (really the only mode of transportation available to you!) and checked into our hotel. We had booked a tour with Ruta Verde Tours, in advance, and with them designed a three-day tour to visit the Salar de Uyuni flats and the surrounding areas. We chose the “comfortable” versus “basic” options, which allowed us to stay in hotels rather than hostels, and have a private car and driver, as there is quite a bit of travel involved and we didn’t want to be uncomfortable. Our driver, Rodrigo, picked us up the morning after we arrived in Uyuni and our adventure began!

Salar de Uyuni

After a good night’s sleep and a hot breakfast, the first day of our tour was spent touring the salt flats. Salt flats are lakes in a desert that have dried up. The salt and minerals in the dried-up lakes form a solid layer of salt when it rains, which also happens to create a mirror-like effect, which is stunningly beautiful. The salt flats are uninhabited and massive, spanning nearly 11, 000 sq-km.

The bright salt, when covered in water, reflects the surrounding sky and mountains, causing an effect where you can’t tell where the earth ends and the sky begins. It is the most magical, mind-blowing landscape I have ever laid my eyes on. We spent hours wandering around marveling at the landscape. Our guide set up a table in the middle of the salt flats for lunch, complete with Bolivian food and wine. We dined quite literally in the middle of nowhere.

Lagunas

On our second day, we drove from Salar de Uyuni along the Chile-Bolivian border through the Andean Altiplano and visited a series of lagoons, each one more beautiful than the last. There is the Laguna Hedionda, teeming with gorgeous pink and red and white flamingos, the Laguna Colorada which is a bright red, Laguna Verde which is a marvelous sea green, as well as Laguna Ramadita, Laguna Honda, and Laguna Negra.

Surrounded by the Andean mountains as well as volcanos, the lagunas are unbelievably picturesque. We also stopped at the Valley of Rocas, where we scrambled over a massive rock formation, developed over hundreds of years of volcanic activity and wind erosion.

Siloli Desert

On our third day, we woke up in the Siloli desert, which has a whopping 16,000 feet altitude. The terrain is sandy, beautiful, and full of sights to visit. We drove through different rock formations such as the Arbol de Piedra and Dali’s Desert and then stopped at the Termas de Polques, the most beautiful hot spring you could ever imagine. After three days visiting the Salar de Uyuni and the desert, which are extremely cold, there is nothing as divine as getting into the hot water while marveling at the mountains, volcanoes, and lagoons around you. It was truly breathtaking.

Where to Stay at Salar de Uyuni 

Luna Salada Hotel: The first two nights we stayed at this magnificent salt hotel. Located on a hill in the middle of the salt flats, it is constructed entirely of salt. The spacious venue has gorgeous rooms, where you can look out through huge windows at the flats, as well as large bathrooms and super cozy beds. The hotel has a spa, complete with a hot tub, as well as dozens of comfy pockets of indoor and outdoor seating where you can have a drink or a coca tea while enjoying the views. I booked a massage both nights! There is also a lovely bar where you can have a pre or post-dinner beverage.

Hotel Tayka del Desierto: The third night we stayed at this hotel in Potosi, Bolivia, one of the only hotels in the Siloli desert and the highest altitude hotel in the world! Keep in mind the altitude means less oxygen, so drink as much coca tea and water as you can to fight off fatigue, nausea, and headaches. The hotel has comfortable rooms, but electricity is turned off at 10pm. Don’t worry – you will be so tired you will be asleep before then!

What to Eat

Tanupa: While staying Luna Salada, we enjoyed breakfast and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Breakfast is a series of breads, spreads, eggs and fruit, while the buffet dinner offers a variety of dishes including eggplant baked with melted cheese, quinoa salad, veggie patties, rice, roasted tomatoes, and more. I highly recommend the soup, it was warm, creamy and exactly what you need after a long day of sightseeing.

Takya del Desierto Hotel Restaurant: Dinner at this restaurant includes a three-course meal, a warm fideo soup, followed by a baked vegetable and cheese dish, heaps of warm, freshly baked bread, and fresh fruit with chocolate for dessert. Breakfast included more fresh bread, as well as eggs and fruit, and api, a classic warm Bolivian breakfast drink made with purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves.

The Verdict

This was one of the most epic trips of my life. I will never forget the sights, which reminded me of how wondrous our planet can really be and how small I am in such a huge world. The best tips I can offer are to travel light but bring warm clothing, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure.  I always want to travel because it gives you the opportunity to truly marvel at something beyond what you see in your everyday life. In Salar de Uyuni, I marveled at the world we live in and was reminded of how truly lucky I really am to be able to see something this awe-inspiring.

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