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Imagine a service that takes your biggest culinary dreams, your hopes and desires when it comes to French food with a tropical twist, and delivers them to your doorstep, beachside or bedside on a daily basis. This is what Chefs X.O. specializes in. When you’re on vacation, who wants to cook? Not me. I want to experience the best any destination has to offer in terms of food, but it’s nice to be shown by locals – especially locals with discerning taste. I met the team behind Chefs X.O. in St. Barths when they organized a private lunch for me on Plage du Gouverneur – my favorite beach on the island. I was brought in to the beach by boat, wading in waist-deep water from where we anchored up onto the sand. When we anchored I could make out two umbrellas set up for me and two guys waving me ashore. As I approached I saw a beautiful table set up, a bottle of Laurent-Perrier freshly opened and containers full of fresh salad, fruit, fish and other snacks. The sandwiches were incredibly crisp and the flavors delicious and intense. I sat on the beach for two hours snacking away, trying my best to soak-in every moment. Chefs X.O. can create dinner parties for you, deliver meals to your door, picnics on the beach or any other culinary moment you could wish for. This team are experts in food, and they will deliver St. Barths to you, time and time again, right on your plate.

Trancoso, Brazil isn’t a place that is unknown – but it’s not on everyone’s map. A stunning, well-preserved fishing village in the Northern Brazilian state of Bahia, this town is Brazil’s answer to St. Tropez and is much loved by Brazilians, “in-the-know” Americans and Europeans, as well as a few celebrities, like Anderson Cooper, who has a home here. There are many hotels in the area, stretching along the beach and into the farmlands and jungle – but Etnia Pousada takes the prize as the best luxury garden hotel. Located a short walk into town, this hotel unfolds behind gates that open off the cobblestone street. A path leads you down to a private pool area, where guests a spend the day sunning under dappled light, gazing-up at the towering palms and sipping fresh coconut water. There are no “rooms” in sight, but homes, or small villas that blend into the jungle. These little pousadas are designed beautifully and are the perfect respite for those who need to seriously unplug. Decorated with Bahian treasures, using rich fabrics, rugs, textiles and furnishings – you can’t help but be inspired by your surroundings. The homes are large and can host anything from a couple to a large family. The pousadas are outfitted with everything from towels, luxe bedding, full-sized kitchens, libraries and more. You can literally walk-in to this place, drop your bags and feel right at home, never needing to leave. But, that would be criminal in Trancoso. My pousada offered a large dining tabel, perfect for dinner parties or intimate dinners with newfound friends. I loved that the staff had fresh candles in every room so they could be lit at night. The pousada featured an outdoor terrace on the ground floor, as well as one on the top floor – with views over the property. I often walked into town a picked-up a few bottles of wine, snacks and fruit to keep in the kitchen. Etnia Pousada offers a full breakfast – which is delicious. But, for those who want to just snack at home – that’s easily done. I don’t think I’ve ever slept better. Each night, after coming home from a night in the quadrado, I found my bed turned-down, mosquito net up and wooden shades drawn, the perfect sleep environment. I have to say that is there were ever a picture of peace, it’s here. The staff are there for your convenience – but aren’t obtrusive. Etnia Pousada is a place to be comfortable, relax and just chill. Have dinner by the pool one night – a delicious journey through traditional Bahian cooking. I can’t wait to return.

Sprawling green lawns lead straight to the beach at Villas de Trancoso – the town’s top beachside hotel. As the gates open and the staff come to welcome you into their paradise, it’s evident you’re somewhere special – somewhere you’ll never want to leave. I stayed here for three nights recently and absolutely fell in love with the charm, atmosphere and ambiance this place offers. Guests reserve private homes on the property, which are serviced and treated as such. Privacy is key here and everything is effortless. The hotel was full when I was staying, yet I seemed to never see anyone around. There is a good amount of space to get lost, explore and relax in. I spent most of my time taking beach walks on the powdered, creamy sand in front of the hotel. My villa here was large and offered two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was cozy, plush and very comfortable. I constantly fought with myself in the evenings as to whether it was better to stay in with a glass of wine and television, or step-out onto the town for a bite to eat. Both options were good, but that’s how happy I was here. Villas are done with local materials – even sinks and fixtures are hand-carved out of native wood. Flower gardens surround each villa and you can see hummingbirds and other creatures perusing about them early in the morning. Breakfast at Villas de Trancoso is served buffet-style and everything is homemade. Of course, you can order eggs a-la-carte, but the table is stocked with fresh Brazilian cheeses, cakes, pastries, fruit and more. Breakfast is my favorite meal – and I looked forward to it every morning. As soon as breakfast ended, I headed straight for the sand. Afternoons were perfect by the pool. For anyone searching for the perfect spot in Trancoso to enjoy the town, but locate yourself right on the beach – look no further. You’ve found bliss.

Trancoso is loaded with chic and fabulous restaurants to sample regional and international cuisine, but Maritaca is one of my favorites. A casual but elegant eatery located just off the quadrado, this place is somewhere to come with friends, grab a caipirinha and chill. The atmosphere at Maritaca is chic, warm and lovely. You’ll often see the owners walking from table to table speaking to guests, while the chefs in the back are flinging pizza dough for some of the best pizza you’ve ever tasted. Every touch in this restaurant is perfect, down to the decor on the cocktails. I ate here recently and indulged in Italian specialties like burrata with prosciutto, various pizzas and more. Fresh herbs from the garden decorate the pizza here, which are all homemade. The pasta is stellar as well. And, the seafood is fresh and inventive. For dessert, you can’t miss the homemade gelato and Brazilian specialties. You’ll never want to eat anywhere else.

Trancoso is full lf hidden places to relax and enjoy the day in – and Praia Tortuga is my favorite. A private beach that isn’t well known, this little paradise offers a cliffside grassy knoll where sun beds and tables await. Stoll down the dirt path and enter one of the most blissful places you’ll find in the area. There is a bar, wooden tables, sun beds and waiters that come to take your order. A caipirinha? Yes, please. Bahian seafood moqueca? It’s some of the best you’ll eat. And, all of it is served so effortlessly in an environment that looks like an editorial out of Vogue . It will cost a few dollars to enter this place, but it’s well worth it. With a cocktail in hand, after lunch, jump on the small tram that will take you down the cliff and to the most stunning beach. On the beach, you’ll find a a mobile bar, comfortable lounge chairs and the softest sand. I spent six hours here and could have stayed longer. To me, this Praia Tortuga is pure heaven.

GOL Airlines is a well-known carrier in Brazil. There are many carriers that can take you from point A to point B within this very vast and diverse country – but GOL is the best. I recently travelled with GOL from Rio de Janeiro to Porto Seguro, the main airport in Bahia that serves the chic beach town of Trancoso. I departed from Rio de Janeiro’s Santos Dumont Airport, the smaller domestic airport where many flights traveling within Brazil depart from. I made one stop in both directions in São Paulo, with a 45-minute connection. Traveling with GOL was easy, simple and pleasant. On-board, flight attendants were friendly, helpful and quick to serve snacks and drinks. I fell-in-love with my flight attendant from São Paulo to Porto Seguro because she was helping elderly passengers find their seats, welcoming guests on-board and making sure all systems were in-place before departure. She was like the mother of the airplane and never lost her temper once – she smiled and made the experience lovely for all of us travelers. GOL flies to many cities within Brazil, offering direct flights from major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Salvador, Manaus, Porto Alegre and others. Their planes are new, fresh and clean. I look forward to flying with them again.

Uxua is as well-known Internationally as it is in Trancoso. More of a lifestyle than it is a hotel or restaurant, this destination hotel and restaurant, right on Trancoso’s famous quadrado sets the tone and ambiance for a small village attracting jet-setters from around the globe. Located in a restored home of a fisherman and pushing far back into a jungle-like garden, the hotel is a private oasis so perfect, it inspired Anderson Cooper to purchase a home nearby and hire the founders behind Uxua to help him with renovating his home. There are only a few rooms, but everyone can enjoy the restaurant here – and its well-worth a stop. Sitting under the trees which are lit by paper and metal globes, you can’t help but be enchanted by your surroundings. The chefs in the kitchen churn-out Bahian food that is unlike any other, rich, flavorful and made with the freshest ingredients. On the menu, you’ll find everything from fish, seafood, chicken and different grains and vegetables that hail from different parts of the country. But, Bahia is rich in diverse ingredients and the African influence, which happened due to fingerprint of slaves that were brought from West Africa into the country hundreds of years ago, makes for the most interesting cuisine. The menu at Uxua is small, but each dish is delicious and you really can’t choose wrong. It’s ideal to come before dinner for a cocktail and peruse the hotel’s gift shop, which offers items from local artisans and tribes that live nearby. Don’t forget dessert, which you might have while chatting with one of the hotel’s owners, Bob. Spoonfuls of Brazilian brigadeiros in different flavors – yum! Uxua is the place to be.

There are some vodkas that stand out above the rest, some that live up to the hype around them and some that truly break the mold unlike any other in its category – Grey Goose does all three. Born in France and truly French in every way, Grey Goose has segmented every part of its creation and infiltrated it with such attention to detail, that only the best comes as a result. Grey Goose Cellar Master François Thibault tends to every detail of the vodka’s creation. The winter wheat that is used to make Grey Goose, which comes from three farms in Picardy, France, gives the soft flavor and floral aroma in the finished product. The spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue lends purity and cleanliness to the taste. Each ingredient chosen and worked with, Mr. Thibault chooses himself. With decades of experience and learning, he is equipped to offer the world something truly special. Grey Goose is known for its pure, original vodka. The nose of the vodka is fresh, clear with a floral aroma accented with subtle citrus notes. The palate is smooth and rounded, soft with a hint of almond. And the finish is fresh and bright – going down without burn and effortlessly – which is a good and bad thing all rolled into one. But, Grey Goose doesn’t just offer its original flavor. It has expanded to showcase flavored vodkas that highlight the best infusions and aromas for a discerning palate. La Poire blends the original vodka with the intense flavor of Anjou pears. Le Citron brings in the gorgeous flavor of fresh Menton lemons. Le Melon fills your mouth with bright Cavaillon melons – best served chilled. Fresh cherries and sweet red fruits and spice is what you’ll find in Cherry Noir. And, L’Orange is the zestiest and, to me, most delicious of the flavors – due to the crisp flavor of oranges bursting with every sip. What makes Grey Goose great is not just the vodka but what the brand stands for. The French are known for their attention to aroma and the relation of aroma to flavor – Grey Goose captures this perfectly. Yes, it has a perceived high-end value due to the marketing behind it, but, the product is actually superior. It truly is the world’s best tasting vodka.

Rio Exclusive is Rio de Janeiro’s premium service for luxury apartment rentals. Many flock to this city to experience the white sand beaches, incredible dining and pulsating nightlife, staying at one of the city’s fantastic hotels lining Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema beaches. But, for those in the know, and for those who have been to Rio many times, there comes a time when you need more space and want to experience the city like a local, a Carioca. Rio Exclusive offers countless options of private apartments for rent, ranging from small, cozy one bedrooms to sprawling penthouses around the city. I was a recent renter here and had heard about the service from a friend, an avid traveler who knows Brazil quite well. I come to the city often and myself have experienced almost every hotel property dotting the beaches and hills. This time was different. This time, I wanted to feel more integrated into the fabric of the city. I contacted Rio Exclusive and told them what I was looking for. I needed a four bedroom space that could house myself and my team, one that served as both a place to sleep, and also a place to relax, hold meetings and simply soak-up that Brazilian sun I’ve grown to love over the years. And, Rio Exclusive suggested just the place – Penthouse 132 , just off the beach, in exclusive Leblon. Located in a private building with doorman and secured elevator, the penthouse was exactly what I needed. I was set to stay five nights, and to bring my team from New York to experience the place and city as well. The owner was in France at the time we were in Rio, so Rio Exclusive set-up the rental – acting as a private concierge from start to finish. They offer everything from airport transfers to itinerary suggestions and reservations at some of the city’s best clubs and restaurants. The apartment featured four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a huge kitchen, living area, beautiful terrace, private pool and views over the entire city. Rio Exclusive suggested we hire someone to come-in for cleaning and cooking services. We hired a local woman, who was friendly, attentive and an excellent chef – whipping-up some of the best Brazilian tapioca crepes for breakfast that I’ve ever tasted. She maintained the kitchen, handled laundry and was sure to make our stay that much more lovely. The amazing perk to renting an apartment through Rio Exclusive instead of staying at a hotel is complete customization and privacy. There’s something to be said for not having to deal with other hotel guests, but being completely in your own space where anything and everything you want is at your fingertips. Penthouse 132 was the perfect venue. Everything about the aesthetic of the place was perfect – crisp, clean white sheets, walls and wooden accents placed around each room. The apartment was also a perfect place to have large dinners. In my case, I hosted dinner for my team. For those with friends and family, you’ll find Rio Exclusive’s apartments to be perfect for intimate dining experiences. I hired a chef from my absolute favorite restaurant in Rio, Capim Santo . Known for their delicious Brazilian fare hailing from the northern state of Bahia, Capim Santo’s catering services were just what we needed for such an event. They arrived promptly and took over the kitchen in a flash, bringing-in all their equipment and ingredients for the unbelievable dinner they had in store for us. I was contacted ahead of time by the director of operations who worked with me on creating a customized menu for us. They even made allowances for guests’ allergies and special requirements. A bar with fresh fruit was set-up in the living room. Caipirinhas were the star of the show – and the Capim Santo team offered traditional, cashew and passionfruit flavors. Brazil’s favorite cocktail was enjoyed thoroughly that evening. Capim Santo even provided glassware and utensils – everything down to napkins. Having a well-stocked bar in your private Rio de Janeiro penthouse is a dream for any traveler. The bartender was friendly, energetic and modified his masterpieces to our guests’ liking. What an absolute treat. And, then, the food arrived. Bahian cuisine is probably my favorite from all the regions of Brazil. We started with cassava balls stuffed with “Serra da Canastra” cheese. The fish satay in lemongrass root with green papaya salad was a hit. The food poured out of the kitchen effortlessly – it was hard to keep up. The traditional dish of Bahia is mocqueca. Capim Santo created a seafood moqueca and served it over rice in a coconut shell. One of my favorite dishes was the lemongrass blinis with smoked salmon and guacamole. Each morsel was perfection. We finished the night with an array of desserts, each one unique in flavor and texture. There was hot mango soup with ginger and ice cream as well as Brazilian truffles served on a spoon, the perfect bite-sized moment to end the meal. All of these experiences could really only be had if I rented a private apartment. I couldn’t have done this in a hotel. Rio Exclusive gave me access to options – which really is the ultimate luxury. Aside from our apartment, Penhouse 132 in Leblon, the Rio Exclusive offers places in Copacabana – like this one . Ipanema. Gavea. Flamengo. Gloria. (another rental in Leblon pictured below) Joa. Lagoa. Santa Teresa. Barra – and more. You won’t find a better service in the city. And four those looking to visit other areas of Brazil, Rio Exclusive offers homes, villas and other accommodations across the country.

The MGallery Santa Teresa Hote l, in Rio de Janeiro, is tucked serenely into the hills of one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. A treasure trove of colonial Portuguese architecture, and a superb spot to find fantastic restaurants, art galleries and small bars – this area really is where those “in the know” go to get away from it all. Perched on a cliff with views over the entire city, the MGallery Santa Teresa Hotel is a chic and sophisticated locale where you can get lost in secret gardens and indulge in a host of fantastic, homemade food. I recently stayed here while visiting the city and it quickly became one of my favorite hotels in the region. This former coffee farm now offers quaint and elegant rooms that are dark and cozy, with views onto the hillsides and into the gardens. Peer over roses or hibiscus flowers in full bloom while inhaling wafts of jasmine from trees nearby. As you walk the hallways here, you don’t hear or see anyone else. It seems you’ve stepped into a home of a friend who happens to be have incomparable taste in art and furnishings. Upon arrival, I was checked-in promptly and led to a beautiful room on the second floor. Fruit and water waiting my arrival, and so did fresh coffee and tea at the room’s mini bar. Bathrooms are ample and offer robes and great amenities. Outside, the sun drips light on the pool and fountains, and huge jungle-like palm leaves hide dark corners of the yard. One of my favorite meals at MGallery Santa Teresa Hotel is breakfast. There is a long table with an array of local Brazilian fruit, specialties and baked goods. There is also a menu with incredible egg dishes and, my favorite, tapioca crepes with various fillings. Cakes and breads here are sinful. A plate of fruit, a croissant and a few other goodies and you’re ready to take on the day. The staff at the hotel and at the restaurants are friendly and attentive. I indulged one night at the restaurant on site, Térèze , which is a magnificent eatery headed by Chef Esteban Mateau. The menu is Brazilian with international flavors. Food served at the restaurant is medium sized in portion, yet fills you up with flavor and innovation. You can have everything from deconstructed salads to seafood, pork, Brazilian beef and fish. The furnishings are sark and are made from local wood, dim and low-hanging lamps and lights make the atmosphere sexy, while breezes roll-in from the Atlantic Ocean. Rio’s lights sparkle below. What most impressed me about the restaurant is how beautiful each dish is served. Each dish arrives in pure perfection. The wine list is international, but leans heavily toward Chilean, Argentinian and Brazilian varieties. And, of course, dessert – with Brazilian chocolate is out of this world. You can’t miss the opportunity to eat or stay here – it’s a destination on to itself and one that mustn’t be forgotten.

Irajá Gastrô , helmed by Chef Pedro de Artagão, is located on a seemingly residential street in the Botafogo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro – in a stately white home. The colonial appearance is deceiving, as, inside, modern expression takes over. Wafting palms and gleaming wood floors are a muted mood for the food, which will blow your mind. The menu changes frequently here, and reflects Brazil’s unending array of flavors. You will experience dishes with cassava, Brazilian cheeses, local pork ribs and more. Of course, fresh seafood makes an appearance. The fish here is outstanding…never plain, but served in an interesting manner that would delight anyone. The beef tartare was heavenly – and I am not a beef eater. The service at Irajá Gastrô was phenomenal – each need anticipated. In my group, I had two people with severe allergies, and they accommodated us perfectly. The desserts created by the chef cannot be compared. Chocolate, homemade ice creams, cakes and more all make appearances. This restaurant is a must for anyone who wants to experience new Brazilian cuisine by one of the cities most prominent chefs.

Hotel Emiliano , the new edition to Rio de Janeiro’s luxury hotel scene, is a gleaming white structure that will immediately strike you. Designed by renowned architecture firm,  Oppenheim Architecture and Studio Arthur Casas, the building itself is a marvel.You can’t help but notice the swiss cheese-like facade from any point on Avenida Atlantica. But, it’s what lies inside that will keep you coming back for more. A small and intimate lobby awaits, decorated in white, desaturated Earth and jewel tones. A small bar and reception area unfold to the back of the lobby and a bank of elevators wait at the furthest reaches. The smiling staff welcomed me and I was thrilled to be there after a 10-hour flight from New York City. But, I’m used to that flight as I come to Rio de Janeiro often. A bartender whipped-up a fresh caipirinha for me and I was immediately shown to my room. My room faced the Atlantic Ocean. It was to my surprise how large it was with a stunning marble bathroom in the entry and an open bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample closets, sitting area and gorgeous view. That swiss-cheese-like metal facing the building is really just sun protection and it opens, and slides to reveal a terrace with views for days. Brazilian sunsets and the buzzing beach below can all be viewed. In my room, I had built-in speakers where I could wirelessly connect my music (a favorite when it’s time to get ready for the evening), plush robes, branded Haviana flip-flops, a coffee machine, water and more. The shower, glass and huge, was probably one of the sexiest I’ve seen in a long while. I enjoyed every night of my stay in that heavenly bed. I loved the design features of the room, the color scheme in white and gold – with accents of marble. One of my favorite looks, and perfect for Rio. The Emiliano features a stunning spa, where massages are the signature treatment. I had one with one of the best masseurs I’ve met in a while. It’s small intimate and you feel like you’re all alone there – a truly personal experience. But, my favorite spot in this property is on the rooftop, in the infinity pool. Cocktails, food and sunscreen await at this little piece of heaven. I spent hours here, returned to my room for a nap, slept tight and woke up for a delicious breakfast in the jungle-like breakfast room. You simply can’t miss this hotel.