Can I tell you about ... Jodhpur

STAY

Live like Indian royalty for a few days and stay at the Umaid Bhawan. This Art Deco style golden-yellow sandstone palace is one of the most majestic and largest private residences in the world. The Maharajah and his family still reside in a section of the palace while the majority of this 26 acre property has been turned into a luxury hotel. The variety of activities range from watching a polo match on the palace grounds, taking an evening dip in the subterranean pool or having high tea by the veranda while enjoying an unobstructed view of the Mehrangarh Fort in the distance.
 

DO

Go shopping at the Sojati Gate Market. This bazaar is lined with shops selling everything from bright and embellished saris, mirrored jewelry, jodhpur trousers, traditional mojaris (Rajasthani footwear) and colorful tie-dyed clothing called Bandhani. Each store is packed with merchandise and the shopkeepers expect to haggle.
 

EAT

Have cocktails and dinner at Indique, a hot spot resto-lounge at the rooftop of the Pal Haveli hotel. The terrace boasts the best views of the blue city; the lit-up Mehrangarh Fort, the Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Clock Tower.
 

MUST SEE

Perched 400 feet above Jodhpur city is the Meharangah Fort, one of the best-preserved forts in Rajasthan. Once inside you can imagine a different world filled with magnificent rooms, screened balconies, colored glass windows, intricately detailed elephant howdahs (seats) and royal palanquins.
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

As you drive up to the Mehrangarh Fort you'll see why Jodhpur is also called the "Blue City". The blue-painted houses all clustered together span the horizon and are a breathtaking view to behold. I found Jodhpur inspiring and magical, rich with history, tradition, craft and splendor.

Can I tell you about ... Capri

STAY

J.K. Place Capri is the chicest boutique hotel in Capri, bar none. It's away from the hustle and bustle of the Marina Grande and Piazza Umberto. It's like staying at a private villa complete with a spa and a pool. All the rooms are elegantly furnished with antiques and art, plus have sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.
 

DO

Rent a private boat to take you around the island, go through the Faraglioni then Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. If the sea isn't rough, go in the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto). You'll have to transfer to a smaller boat because the entrance is so miniscule that you'll have to lie down in the boat just to get in. You'll never forget the color of the turquoise waters once you're inside. It's surreal!
 

EAT

Paolino! This Caprese institution lives up to its reputation for traditional Italian cuisine infused with hints of lemon. I love dining al fresco under an arbor of lemon trees. Everything is simply prepared and molto molto buono!
 

MUST SEE

See a quieter side of Capri, head to Anacapri on the other side of the island. It's quaint, relaxed and down to earth. If you're lucky you can flag the only red vintage Fiat Cabrio taxi driving around the island. You'll feel like you're really living La Dolce Vita!
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

Capri is a contradiction of high octane glamour and rustic charm at the same time. There is so much to do and see; from hiking down perilous limestone cliffs to having lunch overlooking the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. It's such an inspirational destination. It's no wonder why stylish women like Jackie O and Sophia Loren kept coming back for years.

Can I tell you about ... Lisbon

STAY

Bairro Alto Hotel, a chic boutique hotel located in the heart of Barrio Alto. Sip sunset cocktails on their rooftop terrace and mingle with the locals.
 

DO

Get lost in Alfama. This postcard perfect neighborhood has a trapped-in-time quality and is said to be the inspiration of Fado songs and poetry alike. Work your way up the castle and catch a spectacular sunset.
 

EAT

Antiqu Confeitaria de Belem. This 171 year old bakery makes the best Pasteis de Belem (egg custard) in the city. Be prepared to wait in line, they're worth it!
 

MUST SEE

Igreja de Sao Roque, from the outside it seems unassuming but upon entry you'll instantly realize what a Baroque masterpiece this place of worship is. Ivory, lapis lazuli, gold and silver were used to adorn its' interiors.
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

Lisbon is so picturesque that almost every corner and side street is a photo shoot waiting to happen. It is a city filled with bold color, decaying Art Deco and Art Nouveau reliefs found on buildings rich with history and character. You can feel the energy of this emerging city just by walking the streets of Barrio Alto and Chiado.

Can I tell you about ... Bali

I go to Bali to recharge, reflect and relax. Every time I go I find something new to do and my friends there always bring me to their favorite spots. It's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
 

STAY

The Alila Villas in Uluwatu is a must if you're in Bali. The view, the service, the location and the design of the property...you almost never want to leave.
 

DO

Take a hike up Mt. Batur at dawn. The view is spectacular especially as the sun rises. Just be careful not to feed the monkeys! Spend the night at Lakeview Hotel they will arrange a guide to take you up the mountain. So worth the trek.
 

EAT

I love suckling pig and one of the best places to have it is from Ibu Oka in Ubud. Order the Babi Guling special, a coconut, sit down cross-legged on a straw mat and pig-out!
 

MUST SEE

A temple festival. Because there you can see the entire gamut of Balinese culture in action: the art, architecture (both permanent and temporary), music, dance, theatre, as well as communal bonding, life and the economy. And you have to see how the Balinese mix their prints!
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

What I love most about Bali is that it's a total package; the people, the varieties of activities, the temples, and the food! You have the beaches, the mountains, the lakes all within driving distance from each other. That's why I keep coming back.

Can I tell you about ... Block Island

I live for weekend getaways especially during the summer. On a recent holiday weekend my boyfriend and I decided to go to Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island. Block Island is full of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs that dot the shoreline.
 

STAY

The Atlantic Inn, a former boarding house built in 1879, is a quaint Victorian style bed and breakfast with a wraparound veranda offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean
 

DO

Rent a bike and take in the scenic views while pedaling around the island. 
 

EAT

The Oar, in New Harbor, is named after the hundreds of painted oars that hang from the ceiling and walls. It's a local favorite!
 

MUST SEE

Mohegan Bluffs. You must descend down 141 steep steps to reach the beach, where you will find a secluded spot for swimming, a favorite among surfers. You'll also find people engaging in DIY mud treatments using the damp clay within the beach's perimeter.
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

The laid back atmosphere. I could only imagine that if we stayed a bit longer we would get to know the locals by first name and they would know ours. We enjoyed our weekend so much we've decided to come back the same time next year!

Can I tell you about ... Amsterdam

Last Thanksgiving I decided to treat myself and go Dutch. I hopped on a plane and flew to the Venice of the North, Amsterdam.

STAY

Hotel Pulitzer offers stunning views of the canals and is in The Nine Streets, which is the most picturesque and charming part of the city. 

DO

Visit the Van Gogh museum. There are over 800 works by the artist. Seeing his paintings made me want to go to Provence. That's on my list for this year.

EAT

Amsterdam is a city for foodies. My favorite restaurant is De Kas; located about twenty minutes outside the city center in Frankendael Park. The restaurant grows their own vegetables, herbs and edible flowers which they grow in an old greenhouse that used to belong to the Municipal Nursery.

MUST SEE

Stroll through the streets in The Nine Streets area. There's a diverse selection of small boutiques, cafes and bars.

WHAT I LOVED MOST

The shopping. If you didn't already know this, I'm slightly addicted to vintage clothing and accessories. Fortunately, The Nine Streets neighborhood has a handful of unique shops that stock amazing pieces from the 50's to the 80's.

Can I Tell You about ... Sintra

After my first trip to Portugal several years ago I knew it wouldn't be long before I returned. Every local I had met in Lisbon said I must go to Sintra, so who was I to disagree. "Going to Sintra is like stepping into a fairy-tale!" my concierge exclaimed.
 

STAY

I stayed in a rented home on the outskirts of Sintra in a small town called Colares.
 

DO

The Pena Palace is definitely on top of my list. It's a fabulous pastiche of nineteenth century neo-moorish and neo-medieval styles; a great example of Portugese architecture during the Romantic period.
 

EAT

Buy food from the local farmers who set up roadside stalls selling produce fresh from their gardens. Everything tastes so good!
 

MUST SEE

Check out Boca do Inferno (literally Hell's Mouth). During high tide view the spectacle of the violent waves crashing on the rocks, you can see why this spot earned its name.
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

The collection of magnificent palaces, grand homes and gardens coupled with the narrow and winding streets which lives up to Sintra's mysterious, fairytale reputation.

Can I Tell You About ... Manila

STAY

I had the pleasure of staying at Shangri-La Makati. It is literally in the center of everything you could possibly want to get to, right in the heart of Makati. It's a hop and a skip to Rustan's Department Store (where they have a Rafe corner) and a few blocks away from Greenbelt 5 Mall where all the best boutiques, luxury labels and restaurants are.
 

DO

I love Carlos Celdran's Walk This Way walking tour of Intramuros (old Manila). He's funny, factual and flamboyant. I've learned more about our history in just a few hours with him than I ever did reading about it in school. He puts everything in context and doesn't mince words about our colorful colonial past. Next time I come back I'm going to take his Imelda Tour. I've heard it's hilarious and full of outrageous stories!
 

EAT

M Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants in Manila. You can't go wrong with their take on traditional Filipino cuisine, whether you're there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some of my favorites include Pansit Buko (coconut strip 'noodles'), Pansit Tinta (rice vermicelli with squid ink sauce), Halaan (clam soup) and desserts like Leche Flan Turon (fried banana spring rolls with custard filling) and Jackfruit Sans Rival. If M Cafe is too full, just go to their adjoining restaurant, Kabila, which literally means "other side".
 

MUST SEE

The Ayala Museum is a must if you're already in Manila. When I was a child I used to love going to see the dioramas they have depicting the history of the Philippines. One of the most inspiring exhibits I've seen at the museum was Gold of Ancestors: A staggering collection of pre-colonial gold objects and jewelry.
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

Manila is my second home! As soon as I land and text a friend, it turns into a domino effect! Before I know it my schedule is completely filled for breakfast, lunch and dinner with all of my friends. Every occasion revolves around food, especially all of the comfort food I can't seem to get enough of whenever I'm back - you'd think I was a starving orphan!