Reviews Featured – D Travels 'Round

Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort

A look at Away Chiang Mai Thapae Gate vegetarian resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

There’s a calm as soon as you walk through the white archway of Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort. Off of the party street (and feeling an entire world away) sits the new vegetarian resort. For me, after spending two weeks living off of a bustling road, the resort tucked into a quiet, winding soi is aContinue reading “Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort”

Peace by the Ocean: Hofsas House

A look at the family-owned Hofsas House located at Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Every year, I head somewhere for my birthday. Or at least try to. It all started in 2009 when I was in Atlanta and working in PR. I took the first trip of my adult life — a two week excursion to Croatia — seven years after my first foray into solo travel, which nettedContinue reading “Peace by the Ocean: Hofsas House”

Getting Dreamy at Rivera del Rio in Puerto Vallarta

Hailed as the “house of dreams” by New York interior designer Billy Baldwin, the former home of “Silver” Maria Cortez is now open to house guests, thanks to the Alex Killen, who is the third generation owner of the mansion-turned-boutique Rivera del Rio hotel in Puerto Vallarta. Here, eclectic meets lavish meets indoor plunge poolContinue reading “Getting Dreamy at Rivera del Rio in Puerto Vallarta”

Quirk and Comfort: Garlands del Rio Boutique Hotel

There’s a big, black gate that marks the entrance to Garlands del Rio in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica. That’s it. To the left of the massive gate is a door bell. Buzz that and within seconds, a latch clicks and then the tiny door can be opened. On the other side ofContinue reading “Quirk and Comfort: Garlands del Rio Boutique Hotel”

Luna Liquida: A Look at the Boutique Hotel in Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a boutique hotel with a view of the city in Puerto Vallarta? Check out the lush Luna Liquida, located "up the hill" in Gringo Gulch.

Editor’s Note: I was a guest of Luna Liquida, a boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta. You can review my disclosure policy here. Tucked on a cobblestone street, perched on a steep slope, this boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta seems inconspicuous. If it wasn’t for a tiny sign hanging on the outside of the old buildingContinue reading “Luna Liquida: A Look at the Boutique Hotel in Puerto Vallarta”

Where mod meets pop culture: Brighton’s Hotel Pelirocco

Editor’s Note: I was a guest of Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton, England. If you have questions regarding this, please read my disclosure policy. Tucked into the posh Regent Square in the famous seashore of Brighton, England, is Hotel Pelirocco. This pink-halled 19-room hotel, dubbed “England’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel” isn’t just a place to sleep. The edgyContinue reading “Where mod meets pop culture: Brighton’s Hotel Pelirocco”

Gifts that give back: The feel good gift guide for travelers

‘Tis the season! This year, I did some research and dug up some of my favorite picks for the traveler in your life (or you!) with this handy gift guide. What makes this one different? This is a travel guide featuring sustainable gifts and ones that give back to local communities and foundations, perfect forContinue reading “Gifts that give back: The feel good gift guide for travelers”

Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour

The thick doors of St. Mark’s Basilica close behind us, shutting us off to the whir and clamor of the throngs of people in Venice and we step into the entryway of the historical and iconic St. Mark’s. Located in Piazzo San Marco and connected to the Doge’s Palace, in the most recognizable city in the worldContinue reading “Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour”

Group tours: are they worth it?

I’ve been on a few group tours in my day. During this most recent little jaunt from Thailand to Europe I went on three of these outings. The first was with Abraham Tours in Israel where we experienced Hebron and learned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The second and third were with Roundabout Tours in SloveniaContinue reading “Group tours: are they worth it?”

Behind bars in Ljubljana: Hostel Celica review

You’d think sleeping inside a former military prison would be creepy. I even ask the manager of the property as she guides me down the dark, damp stairs to where solitary confinement used to be, a stone cave-like basement, if it is haunted. She chuckles and responds with a simple “no.” In fact, other thanContinue reading “Behind bars in Ljubljana: Hostel Celica review”