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Marie Cousty is, by far, Paris' top aesthetician. A true magician when it comes to taking tired, sagging skin and sculpting it back into shape - Marie has been working with the brand Biologique Recherche for years. Marie is an expert at analyzing skin at first sight, and coming up with treatment solutions that can cure everything from jet-lagged skin, to problematic inflamed skin. I was a recent client of hers on a trip to Paris and was thoroughly impressed with not only her kindness, but ability to transform my face - making it look fresh after a 7-hour, relatively sleepless overnight flight. Walking into Marie's sanctuary, you'd never know it was there unless you knew exactly where you were headed. Tucked away within a pretty, quiet courtyard in Paris' 17th Arrondissement, Marie greets clients at the door with a big smile and welcomes you into her home away from home. Candles are lit and everything, including the treatment table and products, are placed perfectly in their spot - nothing out of place. You feel a world away though you are right in the center of Paris. I had just gotten off an international flight and had all of 2.5 hours of sleep - and my face looked it. My mug had fallen and I needed a little pep to help me lookmy best throughout a planned weekend of non-stop meetings and activities. Biologique Recherche is Marie's product line of choice, and it is my absolute favorite in terms of efficacy and long-term benefits. Whenever I see professionals opting to use this brand, I immediately have a level of trust in them that I place in no one else. Marie greeted me and quickly I was on her table for a 90-minute treatment. She looked over my face and noticed spots of dryness, loss of firmness and elasticity, and other issues - but knew exactly how to handle it. She went through, step-by-step, cleansing and exfoliating my face, drying it to work-in serums, moisturizers, and more. But, throughout the treatment, she used her hands to apply firm pressure and sculpting movements to help my muscles "remember" how to stay up, close to my facial structure combatting the "saggy" took. Oftentimes, Biologique Recherche practitioners use a combination of their hands and a micro-current machine to achieve these results, but Marie only uses her hands. And, the results she achieved on me with her hands were unreal. By the end of the treatment, she had completely drained my face of puffiness, excess fluid, and slowly sculpted my muscles around my jawline and cheekbones - creating a firm and snatched look that is typically seen after a heavy-duty treatment in a dermatologists office. Marie literally performed a miracle. My eyes were open again, and I, quite honestly, looked great. After our time together was complete, Marie showed me my face in a mirror and I was stunned. I looked as if I had a full night's rest, but for seven days in a row. I couldn't believe it. I have had these facials all over the world, but never with the results like I saw with Marie. She puts her heart into her work and you feel it with every movement and word. She's as kind as she is talented - which makes the entire experience even better. For anyone in Paris for the Olympic Games, or any other vacation, fashion week, or even a family visit - you must make an appointment with Marie.

Chelsea Frames is a jaggernaut of framing located on 9th Avenue in the heart of New York's Chelsea neighborhood. An institution called-upon by residents of the city and further afield, from all over the world, and even by some of the country's top gallerists and museums - this operation has earned a reputation of being the go-to for anyone looking for truly unique and custom framing. We have worked with Chelsea Frames for years and called upon them recently to help us with the framing of a an antique Guinean food storage door, as well as a collection of personal polaroid photos taken at an event in Ireland. Not only did they do the job, as expected, but went above and beyond to be sure the final result was out of this world. One of the projects at hand was to frame a collection of polaroid photographs taken at an event at Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Ireland. Polaroids, no matter how interesting the content, could be framed in a very boring, nondescript way. But, Chelsea Frames enlisted one of their top framing consultants who helped formulate the idea to place them in various positions to create a more randomized look, and wrapped the design with a glossy black frame with just enough thickness to give the photos room to breathe. The final result was beautiful and attention-grabbing, and was hung just below a framed installation of the deconstructed invitation that was sent for the event - marrying everything beautifully The second project was to frame a 120-year-old door that was obtained through an antique dealer in the West African nation of Guinea. The door is old and dry, making it very delicate. In Guinea, especially in the mountain communities, these doors were used to cover holes dug in the ground to keep perishable food safe and cool away from the sun. Chelsea Frames evaluated the piece and chose a method of framing that would allow the door to hang, but in a "floating" way - appearing as if it were just suspended in air inside the frame covered with non-reflective museum glass. Brilliant! The team was incredibly careful not to damage the piece, and it was hung in the dining area of the space. Every detail of both projects were looked after meticulously by the company and its employees. After the framing was complete, we spoke with co-owner and framing expert Daniel Beauchemin about Chelsea Frames plans for the future. IC: Chelsea Frames has been a staple in the New York City art world for many years. What is new and interesting about the operation we can share with our readers for 2024? DB: We just turned 40 last year - July 1983 !! 19 years on 8th avenue at 21st and now almost 22 years on 9th avenue, and we have just renewed our lease for another 10 years and hope to secure another 3500 square feet in our building in the coming year. Our design team has never been stronger - we've recently added two experienced designers that really round out the team with their experitise. We also are about to have 5 veteran framing technicians sit their Professional Framer exams. We have been part of this group for almost as long as we exist and boasted the only accredited Professional Framer in NYC. We will be adding 5 to that, which really distinguishes us. Being an educator myself in the framing Industry for the past 20 years - I teach and lecture and write articles. I am finally embarking on completing two books which I hope will be completed by 2025-2026. In that role I continue also my consulting work to the large manufactures on design trends and needs for the industry. We have also added an in-house conservation specialist for works on canvas or board. This broadens the services we offer. IC: How is working with Chelsea Frames different than working with another framing outfit in the city? DB: I could give the true easy answer and just say its because we really care. That is the bottom line. Our mission clearly states that we must find the "best framing solutions for every piece that is brought to our studio". It's not the cost - it's not trying to be clever - it's finding the BEST SOLUTION. In some cases - its cost - or design or any other concerns but our mission is to find solutions! There are enough complicated things in life - framing should not be one of them. Our team also works closely together to ensure that at any moment any question that arises can de handled. Our work is also guaranteed for life - that's how much we believe in ourselves and our work. IC: How do you and your team approach each framing project, such as choosing frame materials, color, style, and other elements? DB: We always start by asking the client - what are your thoughts? Where will the piece live? is it part of a grouping that will impact the design process. Once we have those elements - we look at what is best for the art and design the work. One design principle we adhere to is that the art is the star - our frames serve a physical need to protect the art and enhance it, but never overpower it. The frame should never be telling its own story - it is the punctuation to to the story the art is presenting to us. When presented with historic work - we pour knowledge of furniture and art periods to help enhance our choices. IC: You have your own woodworking shop located in your storefront, which is rare. This allows for precise customization. How custom can customers expect their framing to be by utilizing this service? DB: We are indeed privileged to have our workshop on the premises. The artwork never leaves our studio, which is a safety factor. We are also able to produce rush items - having a stock of raw wood with which to work. Besides thousands of factory made frames (which can all be modified if needed) we are able to work from raw wood and match finishes, sizes and copy any frame that exists. I proudly tell our clients - if I can draw this - we can make it. IC: Chelsea Frames does a lot of incredible work in the local community. Are there any projects or goals you're spearheading this year? DB: Our philanthropic work is of the utmost importance. We not only support our local community - including schools and local charities or institutions but work with a number of NYC institutions making sure we help in preserving art.  We also have plans to host lectures this year with the two top paper conservators with whom I have worked the last 30 plus years to deepen our knowledge and product awareness. IC: What has been one of the most exciting projects you've worked on over the past year that you can share with us? DB: Every project makes us happy - every project teaches us something. We have recently been able to restore some oil paintings and reframe them - they were quite damaged and the client had no expectations - but we were able to repair tears and touch up after cleaning - the results were spectacular. We also had the privilege of reframing an extensive collection of late 19th early 20th century works - keeping a reference of the period but helping relocate these works from a Manhattan Townhouse to a Hamptons beach house. Respecting the art - the final results were breathtaking in their modernity - yet nod to the past. Many of these will soon be featured on our social media.

Simon’s Windows is New York’s top professional window cleaning service in the New York area for 2024. True experts at cleaning hard to reach places and unique crevices that come with windows structure in New York, Simon’s Windows uses years and years of experience to help bring New York’s windows back to life. Living in New York City it’s easy to see why windows are such an integral part of our daily lives. They are the eyes to your apartment or place of work and allow you the opportunity to see what is happening on the busy streets and in the rarely-found quiet corners of the city. But, if they are dirty, which they often are, this diminishes your view and overall positive feeling of the space in which you are in. We called on Simon’s Windows to help get six very dirty windows in an elegant New York City loft sparkling clean. The loft, located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, boasts an all-white interior and is very bright and airy. But, the windows, which face a busy street, easily collect dirt, dust and rain water that make them appear absolutely dreadful if they are not looked after. The crew from Simon’s Windows arrived on-time for their 9:00 a.m. appointment, ready to go. The two gentlemen were dressed for the job and made a quick assessment, confidently tackling the job at hand. With a snap of a finger the technicians got to work, from the inside of the building, removing the windows from their casings and scrubbing them down with a safe and gentle cleaner to effectively remove dirt and grime. The sponges and other devices used were carefully chosen and cleaned between each pass over the window. It was clear that the experience they have is used in the most straight forward and conscious way. The two gentlemen were in the loft for less that an hour and had the six windows absolutely flawless before leaving. No streaks, no residue, no marks or fingerprints – just clean glass. Their professionalism and kindness was evident and that made their presence in the space comfortable. For anyone in the New York area looking for the best in window cleaning, you will not beat Simon’s Windows.

Etnia Casa Hotel, tucked into a forested plot of land along Brazil's Bahian coastline, is a refuge for peace and solitude that just so happens to sit a stone's throw from the center of Trancoso. For those of you not familiar with Trancoso, it is Brazil's answer to the French Riviera, The Hamptons, or St. Barth - but much more naturally chic and wild. A favorite vacation and second home spot of Brazilian celebrities, and international figures like Anderson Cooper, Trancoso mixes elevated culinary offerings, absolutely stunning beaches, wild rainforest, fantastic shopping, and beautiful weather nearly year-round. I was a recent guest at Etnia Casa Hotel, and fell in love with not only it's privacy and discretion, but its almost country-club-like atmosphere punctuated with phenomenal design. Arriving Etnia Casa Hotel isn't easy, but that's part of the allure. Despite it's fame, Trancoso is fairly difficult to get to if you're not coming from within Brazil. It requires a flight to Sao Paulo, usually, followed by another flight to the port town of Porto Seguro, South of Salvador, and about an hour's drive along dirt roads. But, the drive is beautiful and, once you arrive, the place opens-up to a true oasis that you may just never want to leave. Etnia is one of the original establishments in the area and maintains its draw by offering a small experience in private homes that guests have all to themselves. This is not mass tourism, but the complete opposite - a place that has worked hard to maintain its authenticity. Etnia Casa Hotel boasts private homes of varying sizes to accommodate everyone from couples, to families, or groups traveling together. The homes are all designed and put together by Italian-Brazilian mastermind, Andrea, who founded the concept years ago. Items in the homes are local and some brought from Italy, making for a visually interesting array of sights that add to the grandeur of it all. It's a nature and design-lover's paradise. I stayed in two villas on-property during my time at Etnia - with each villa holding an indigenous name. The villas have their own unique character and both were equally attractive. The homes at Etnia are scattered along a lush green hillside where Birds of Paradise seem to jut-out from every slope. All of it surrounds a huge swimming pool flanked by an open-air cabana where a daily, typical Bahian breakfast is served in the morning. Staying at Etnia affords you access to all the insider information any visitor would want. The owner, Andrea, and fantastic General Manager, Felipe, do everything in their power to assist with restaurant recommendations, bookings, activity bookings, shopping tips, and more. Trancoso is everybody's paradise because it has something for every traveling personality type. You can lounge by the pool or beach all day, or get in your vehicle and explore the coastline. You can kayak down the Trancoso river, or shop for indigenous art in the local markets. The staff at Etnia can organize any experience you would want to have while in town. The villas at Etnia offer various catering options. You can have the entire place stocked for you upon arrival with everything from food to alcohol. Or, you can go out on your own and shop for groceries and bring them back to make your own meals. The team can also help you find a local chef to aid in preparing meals, or you can take advantage of wonderful food on-site and have it delivered to your house daily. There are ample spaces indoors and outdoors to lounge, or relax with family. The homes are set up to have grand living rooms, open kitchens, and large bedrooms that are all air conditioned and very comfortable. To me, as a design lover, I was truly fascinated by every item I saw in each villa. I would wake up every morning seem to discover something new to look at. I would have a coffee and walk down to the breakfast cabana where I was greeted with a smile and a table full of the most beautiful and delicious food. Etnia offers you not only a vacation but a place to really settle-in, stop, and take-in all the beauty life can offer.

Teeth can make or break you - both in health and looks, so having a dentist who not only maintains your smile, but proactively works with patients to combat any issues or potential future issues is key. Most dentists look for cavities and help correct problems that already exist due to aging teeth, poor hygiene, or genetic issues. Dr. Lowenbery from Lowenberg, Lituchy, and Kator is the opposite. Being at the forefront of dental medicine for decades and pioneering a well-regarded name for himself in New York, domestically, and internationally - Dr. Lowenberg approaches each patient with the intent to enhance everything about their mouth’s experience and help them navigate their future through pointed and precise dental projects.  I have seen Dr. Lowenberg for quite a while and feel most comfortable in his hands. His approach is friendly, casual, yet all-knowing in that you immediately trust what he tells you and take it seriously. When he told me I needed a nighttime mouthguard because there was evidence I was grinding and gritting my teeth together while sleeping, I sat up. Offering me a custom-fit durable nightguard would protect my teeth from future issues like breakage, gum recession, and more - and I’ve worn it every night since. If you’re in the market for veneers or want to embark on a cosmetic-leaning endeavor, the team has their own lab in-office that will literally help create the new “you”, tooth by tooth -  steps away from your dental chair. This is a rarity in New York or in any dental office for that matter.  With each encounter it’s clear that both he and his team are invested in preserving what you have inside your mouth and monitoring it in a way that addresses the issues of dental health and the longevity of your smile. I absolutely love this approach.  I spoke with Dr. Lowenberg about his passion and why his practice continues to be on top in the crowded world of dentistry, despite competition in the world of dentistry.  ‍ IC: LLK has been regarded as one of the premiere dental practices in New York City for years, what keeps you at the top of the dental game? DL: I was at the forefront of a cosmetic dental revolution, which started in the 80s. In the early years, the majority of patients that underwent cosmetic dentistry were actors, singers or artists. Thanks to the media, everyone was educated as to what could be done to improve your smile – porcelain veneers. As a result, over the last several decades, our practice has grown to treating people from all over the world who come to New York to seek that LLK smile makeover. Having the internationally renowned ceramist Jason Kim in our office has afforded us the ability to make beautiful smiles in a short period of time, and have a more customized approach to each individual. But aside from the technical aspect of our business, what keeps us at the top of the dental game is our genuine concern for always doing the right thing for our patients – their satisfaction and gratitude is what sets us apart from other practices.  ‍ IC: What is new and interesting in the practice for 2024? What can patients expect who are looking for a fully-realized dental practice that offers both medical and top-notch cosmetic services? DL: I’m always asked “what’s new?” or “what’s on the horizon?” and often times things are not new, but just reinvented. That said, with the advent of AI and digital dentistry, each day brings new techniques and creative solutions to cosmetic and general dentistry. Scanners, 3D printers and computerized treatment plans have already started the new wave of dentistry. IC: LLK is comprised of three doctors, Dr. Lowenberg, Dr. Lituchy, and Dr. Kantor. How do the doctors work together to help patients achieve their full smile potential?  DL: We each have our own patients, but we enjoy each other’s opinions and creative visions, so often times we discuss the smile design together and assist each other in creating the new smile. Two sets of eyes are better than one, but three sets of eyes is perfection. ‍ IC: For patients looking to emphasize cosmetic services and transform their smile, how is working with LLK different from other dental practices in New York? DL: LLK specializes in cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers. When considering veneers, you should go to someone who’s very artistic, as well as technically a good practitioner. The artistry is what makes your teeth look much more life-like and natural. Artistic talent plays a great part in creating beautiful smiles and that is what makes us great at what we do. It is not just the technical aspect of dentistry but also requires an artistic eye – that’s why we call this practice “THE ART OF THE SMILE.” It is art! When we create a new smile, we don’t just look at teeth: we analyze the face and determine what will look good on each individual. It is always different for different people and you need a good aesthetic eye to see what will flatter each person. We have our own veneer lab in our office, captained by the world renowned ceramist Jason Kim, who actually sculpts each and every tooth by hand like an artist. ‍ IC: What new dental devices or technologies would you suggest patients invest in to upkeep the look of their smile and health of their mouth between appointments with LLK? DL: I usually recommend electric toothbrushes that have built-in timers that buzz when the 2 minutes are up, which ensures that the proper amount of time was spent brushing. Sonicare has a Flexcare brush which is really nice because it has a timer, different settings and a UV light that can disinfect bacteria. I recommend the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected. It has all of the features of the other Sonicare toothbrushes, such as the Sonicare technology, which can remove up to 4 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush. As you brush, a 3D map of your mouth shows which teeth you are brushing and tells you if you are brushing too much or too little. The app also warns you if you’re using too much pressure or scrubbing too hard, and shows if you missed any spots while brushing. Additionally, it provides progress reports, which lets you set goals and allows you to send the reports directly to your dentist. It also notifies you when to replace the brush heads. In general, any toothbrush that people are excited to use is beneficial because they will be more inclined to use it. Quip, Burst and Goby are all reasonably-priced electric toothbrushes that are simple to use and effectively clean teeth. They offer a subscription service where a new head is sent every few weeks, which makes it easy for people to keep up with a healthy oral care routine.

Berlin isn't the first city that comes to mind when you think of a place to go for fabulous beauty treatments, but Inanna Medical Spa challenges that thought for any traveler who loves a little self-care moment while on the road. Recently, while in Berlin, I visited the spa for a custom Biologique Recherche facial. Biologique Recherche is my absolute favorite skincare regimen. It hails from France and is deeply rooted in science - proving to offer real results time and time again. When I landed in Berlin, with only two full days on the ground, my face was in need of a serious jet-lag cure, and Inanna was the place to go. I was searching for a facial that would not only clean, but lift, tone, tighten, and oxygenate my skin back to life - a true challenge for even the most experienced aesthetician. Inanna Medical Spa is located not far from the historical "Checkpoint Charlie", once the most frequented crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Now a major tourist site, the area is busy and lively - and Inanna is tucked into a peaceful corner all to itself, a sanctuary of quiet and calm in this ever-growing city. I arrived in an Uber from my stunning hotel, Orania Berlin , and was warmly greeted by the staff who made sure I was comfortable and assisted me in filling out an intake form. The spa is luxurious yet comfortable and as soon as I stepped-in, I was taken back to a treatment room where I could undress and slip under sheets onto a warm bed, preparing myself for a relaxing and rejuvenating facial. My aesthetician came into the room and introduced herself, speaking to me about what type of facial I was looking for and what my goals were for the particular treatment. Of course I was very honest and feverishly made sure she was aware that my main objective was to lift my tired face back into place. The Biologique Recherche treatments are very custom and each product is selected to help address certain issues your skin may be facing. In my case, it was dryness, lack of oxygen, collagen stimulation, and firming. Each cleanser, serum, and moisturizer helped bring my skin back to life and, over the 60-minute treatment, ayers of product were methodically layered with intention and purpose. But, one of my favorite parts of a Biologique Recherche treatment, which Inanna specializes in, is the use of the proprietary microcurrent machine. This machine was developed decades ago and sends waves of microcurrent, at a professional grade, deep into your muscles and tissue to stimulate them, resulting in a tightened, firmed, and sculpted appearance. Wow! What a difference. My short time at Inanna Medical Spa in Berlin was truly special and effective, and a welcoming part of my quick stay. I found my favorite beauty spot in the city and will absolutely return in the future to experience one of their other signature services - like a body treatment, or maybe something more permanent like injectables or microneedling. I would tell any traveler visiting Berlin to make Inanna a priority on your to-do list. Your face will tank you for it.

Level Airlines , based in Barcelona, Spain, is expanding and is offering stellar and affordable options to travelers looking to get to Europe without blowing their budget on the flight. Resting the total cost of a flight in passengers' hands, the airline flies by the philosophy that people should be at the helm of the decision-making when it comes to paying for things that are important to them up in the air. I flew them recently from New York's JFK airport to Barcelona and was thoroughly impressed with their new aircrafts, on-board service, overall flying experience, and even their branding. Flying can be enjoyable or rough, depending on your airline of choice, destination of choice, time of year you're traveling, as well as the simple luck you have on any particular travel day. But, some experiences stand out as good - because they check all the boxes. Level is one of these experiences. I flew with the airline on a late-night flight, long-haul route, one of many they offer from the United States. Level flies from New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Boston to Barcelona - where you can enjoy one of Europe's most popular cities, or connect through their partner, Vueling, to a connecting flight in Europe. I checked-in at JFK airport's Terminal 8 seamlessly, collecting my boarding pass at the counter and moving straight to the gate. Level offers two cabins - Premium and Economy. I flew Premium, their answer to Premium Economy or Business Class, and absolutely found this cabin to be perfect for the 7-hour and 30-minute flight. Premium fliers are able to board first and can have a meal in-flight. In the seat, their was a plastic reusable water bottle waiting for me that was stuffed with an in-flight amenity kit of socks, ear plugs, a sleep mask, and other items to make my flight more comfortable. Water and juice were offered after boarding to Premium fliers, and the cabin was separated by a curtain and galley from the rest of the plane. This offered a very private and less noisy environment to fly in. What I like about Level's Premium seating is that it is tucked away, easy, and the seats recline quite a bit - making it actually very comfortable for sleeping. The entertainment screens are large and perfect for watching your shows or a movie before drifting off to sleep. Level's Economy cabin is actually very lovely. The seats are all comfortable and offer everything one may need for a well-connected flight. There's ample entertainment options, chargers, and a menu where passengers can order a-la-carte for food or drink items that may be of interest. This is phenomenal because it allows you to really decide if you want to eat or not. And, on such a late flight, some might choose not to eat - opting to simply focus on rest. There's WiFi on-board and the staff on this airline are impeccably trained. They are all kind, helpful, and interested in making your flight enjoyable. Boarding at JFK was easy and the flight was on-time. The airline operates Airbus A320, A321, and A330's - which are all large, new, and well-equipped. We took off and the flight went by very quickly. Most of the time, the lights were dimmed to allow passengers to rest. Those who ordered meals had them delivered and other passengers, with a-la-carte selections, had items delivered as well. This made everything very streamlined. At around 12:00 pm, we descended over sunny Barcelona. De-planing was quick and many passengers made their way through customs and on to connections from there. I left the airport and took a taxi into the center of the city, to my favorite property - Mandarin Oriental Barcelona. When you save on the flight, you can splurge on the hotel - and that's the point. For anyone looking for a really solid and thoroughly enjoyable way to Europe this year without spending a fortune - Level is it!

Houston is having a moment, and 2024 is the perfect year to take some time to explore The Bayou City. The city offers many hotels to choose from - with options ranging from gracious old restored mansions, to cute little inns that are tucked into cute residential neighborhoods. But, with all of these being great options, one property, which belongs to an international chain, happens to stand out in location, service, and convenience - The Hyatt Regency Houston .  With 995 rooms, my initial expectation wouldn’t be that this hotel would be service oriented, but I was wrong. I happened to be at the hotel over a very busy weekend, when Beyoncé herself had taken over Houston, and every hotel, with her massively successful Renaissance tour. The hotel was packed and the entire lobby was a glittering sea of silver as soon as I entered after my uber pulled-up from the airport. I checked-in and was welcomed with a smile, bottled water, a room upgrade, and a thorough explanation of what the hotel had on offer. Despite how busy it was, The Hyatt Regency staff made the time to make my check-in experience personal. Einstein Bagels has an outpost off the lobby, which is a perfect place for a quick breakfast sandwich or salad to go. The lobby is a massive open atrium where glass elevators shoot up and down at top speed. At the center of the lobby is a bar/restaurant, “LobbiBar”, serving casual, good food like burgers and steak, and delicious cocktails. I found the margarita to be quite a good one. After receiving my keys, I made my way over the the elevators and shot up to the 14th floor where I exited and found my room, a “High Floor Double”. The Hyatt Regency offers different categories of rooms and suites here, and some have fabulous views over downtown Houston and beyond. The VIP Grand Suite offers over 1,400 square feet of living space, and feels almost like your own urban apartment at the center of the city.  In my room, I found two cozy double beds, a desk, a large flat screen television, charging station everywhere, which is always convenient, and a large bathroom. The bathroom was bigger than expected and made it comfortable for someone like me, who takes a long time to get ready, to feel right at home. In my entryway, there was a mini bar and coffee station for the morning. The coffee is replenished daily and the fridge is a perfect spot for storing a bottle of wine to sip while getting ready for the evening.  I checked-in for two nights and was excited to explore town. The Hyatt Regency staff are great with offering recommendations of what to see or where to eat. Within the hotel, steak lovers can enjoy an outpost of Shula’s Steak House, but I wanted to check out what was further afield so I explored some of the more local spots. The staff here also recommended some sites to see and do such as ATV tours, The Museum of Fine Arts, and even a food walking tour. The front desk was always happy to replenish me with fresh bottled water when I entered the hotel or upon request in my room.  The Hyatt Regency is so well located that you can actually walk around, in a city that is mainly geared towards driving. Nearby you’ll find cute coffee houses, shopping, convenience stores, and more. Being so large, there are rooms for meetings and conventions, but The Hyatt Regency Houston has mastered the art of offering small scale, personalized service and attention - but in a big way. This is not common and this was my big takeaway here. If you are traveling to Houston in 2024, stay here and be delighted by all that this property has to offer.

St. Barth is one of my favorite places in the world because it is, in fact, the perfect destination - and I always turn to WIMCO and their incredible array of luxury villa rentals to find the ideal accommodations for my stay. WIMCO is the top villa resource and service for securing villas on the island because, from start to finish, they make your trip as easy as humanly possible. I booked a 7-night stay at a stunning villa with them recently, Villa Voyage , in the area of the island called Colombier. Colombier is not only beautiful, with easy access to two of my favorite beaches, Plage Colombier and Plage des Flamands, but it is within a ten minute drive to charming Gustavia and the seaside village of St. Jean. From the time my stay at Villa Voyage was booked, the on-island team at WIMCO helped me organize my connection flights from nearby St. Maarten to St. Barth, assisted with my car rental booking, made restaurant reservations for myself and my guests, and even offered their services for pre-stocking the villa with food and beverages. WIMCO takes the idea of concierge to a different level when booking a villa through them. It's a full service option, and one where you don't have to think about a thing if you don't want to. Villa Voyage is a stunning, newly-renovated 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom villa owned by renowned travel journalist and filmmaker, Pierre Brouwers. A born traveler and documenter of places, cultures, and journeys - Mr. Brouwers has infused his love of the world and travel into the villa and its stunning gardens. Villa Voyage is striking and, unlike many of the other villas on the island, offers ample land and an easy driveway to navigate for those who choose to stay here.  It’s an ideal spot for a family stay, friends trip, or celebration. Driving through the red gate and into the large car park, the sight of the villa, grand in every way, with a peaceful infinity pool, is enough to take your breath away.  Villa Voyage offers an open layout with two large bedrooms on the upper level, one with a private terrace, open kitchen, dining area, living area, outdoor dining room, lower level with two bedrooms, and phenomenal infinity pool with views over the famous rock landing at St. Barth airport, and Gustavia in the distance. The villa has everything one would need for the perfect stay including a sound system that you can easily connect to with bluetooth, outdoor pingpong table, select gym equipment, and real privacy. Although there is so much to see and do on the island, it is hard to want to actually leave the villa considering how comfortable it is. Once I landed in St. Barth, I was met by my dedicated WIMCO concierge at the airport. He helped me with my car rental and I quickly followed him ten minutes up the road to Villa Voyage. He gave me a 30-minute orientation of the villa, including instructions on how to properly use everything from lighting to the sound system, WiFi to kitchen gadgets. Before he departed, he offered his WhatsApp number for easy communication and that is such a benefit, because it creates a direct line of access to someone who can help do everything from booking a private chef, to organizing massages. I quickly unpacked and settled-in for an afternoon of sunbathing by the pool before my other guests arrived later in the evening.  Villa Voyage is modern in style and decor, with large windows and doors to allow the natural daylight to bathe over its interiors. Though I spent many nights dining out at some of my favorite restaurants like Baz Bar and L’Isola , I stayed-in too, connecting my Netflix and Amazon accounts to the huge television in the living room and simply laying back to watch a few movies that had been on my list for a while. After all, that’s what vacation is all about, right? WIMCO stayed in touch with me daily to be sure my needs were met, from needing extra towels for the beach, to making sure we had all the supplies we needed for lunches made at home. We spent one morning on the sand at Plage Gouverneur and WIMCO set-up beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach for us before we arrived, to take the physical labor out of our beach experience. This made all the difference in the world that day - to allow us to just focus on the fun, instead of hauling chairs and umbrellas out on the sand.  As my 7-day trip was coming to a close I had really settled-in to Villa Voyage and, quite frankly, didn’t want to leave. The villa Mr. Brouwers owns and offers to select clientele is special in both its spot on the island, as well as the energy that it imparts on guests. There is an ease on-property and an air that this is your home while you are there - inviting you and your guests to enjoy warm nighttime swims in the pool, an impromptu game of ping pong, or simply having meaningful conversations on the terrace with a piña colada in-hand, while looking out over the horizon. This villa is one of the most unique the island has to offer.  On departure day, our WIMCO concierge arrived to help us load luggage into the cars and head towards the airport. He had printed our boarding passes for international flights, and made sure we got through immigration easily. WIMCO is all about details and these details can be the difference between a good trip, and a phenomenal trip. That is why they are always my personal choice when visiting this magical island is the Caribbean Sea.

Traveling to St. Barth isn't always easy - but it's always thrilling, both in excitement and in the infamous landing on one of the world's shortest, and most beautiful runways. I've done it dozens of times, and it still always makes my heart skip a beat. There are two ways, through commercial means, to enter the island and that is through a connecter plane from Puerto Rico, or, the more frequented and nearby, St. Maarten. Being that I live in New York, I always fly direct from New York to St. Maarten and then hop on my very favorite, St. Barth Commuter , for the ten minute flight over to paradise. St. Barth Commuter is the island's official airline and is owned by a family who have been there since nearly the beginning. The Grand Caravan planes are usually flown by two pilots and offer flights throughout the day to SXM airport, as well as the French side of St. Martin, to the Grand Case Airport. I have flown all these flights and I always choose St. Barth Commuter because of their friendly demeanor, ease of booking, and safety priority when transporting customers from point A to point B. They also offer charter flights and flights, on occasion, to nearby islands Guadeloupe and Antigua. Taking off from St. Maarten is easy. When you're connecting, the representatives from the airline typically meet the plane to help you seamlessly make your way through SXM airport to collect your boarding passes and get to the appropriate gate for departure. After only five minutes from takeoff, you can already see St. Barth appear in the distance - beckoning like a beacon of light, it's crystalline waters ready to welcome you. It's not uncommon throughout the journey to feel some bumps, jolts, or drops - but this is normal, and safe. Landing typically takes place as you feel the plane begin to slow down mid-air and drop-descend into position to glide over the hillside and smoothly onto the runway. It's absolutely a moment you'll not forget. And, St. Barth Commuter will soon be your favorite little airline to take you away.

St. Barth’ glittering shores are forever alluring, and many hotels have sprung-up over the years, some independent, and some with large hotel groups behind them. It’s rare in this paradise for a hotel property, especially in a very enviable location, to be continually owned and operated privately and quietly by a family. But, this is the case with the ever-so-comfortable, and effortlessly chic, Le Village .  Atop a hill in beautiful St. Jean, in the heart of it all, the owner Ms. Catherine Charneau presides over the property that her father founded when the island first began to make way for visitors traveling here for the peace, quiet, and natural beauty. As she told me, “There wasn’t even electricity then!” Just a five minute jaunt from the airport and within walking distance to places like Nikki Beach, and luxury boutiques dotting the road, Le Village offers 25 cottages that are large, comfortable, and casual - truly spots that make you feel at home on the island. Driving up to reception you can easily and quickly check-in with the welcoming staff, and then head right over to your home away from home. I stayed at Le Village for one evening. I travel to the island often and knew of the hotel for years, but had never stayed here, so I was excited. I was welcomed warmly by a lovely woman at the front desk and explained everything from breakfast, to the gym facilities, to the pool area, and spa. Le Village serves a light breakfast in the morning and offers an ample gym, as well as a wonderful infinity edge pool. I was led to my cottage and, as the door swung open, was immediately impressed.  There are various categories of cottages here, some larger than others, and some that even offer private jacuzzis. Mine was beautiful. An open floor plan with a bed, half bathroom, large bathroom, two-sided open shower, and huge terrace/kitchen setup outdoors where I could easily prepare snacks, a meal, or even host a little wine night should I feel up to it. The entire vibe was cozy, comfortable and felt more like my own little private villa on the island than it did a hotel room. My immediate thought was that I wanted to extend my stay. After being shown my room, I quickly unpacked and got settled before heading to the pool to take my first dip on the island. Ms. Charneau is very involved with the property and you will see her around if you stay here. This is such a plus because she knows St. Barth better than anyone. She used to work with the island’s department of tourism and, as I mentioned before, is part of one of the pioneering families of modern-day St. Barth. She is kind and always willing to give her advice on local happenings, places to eat, or the hotel history. I learned that everyone from well-known French chefs to celebrities have stayed at Le Village, and the hotel even has a collection of books in the reception area that amass memories and the history of this place. It’s all very special.  I enjoyed my evening at Le Village very much. I enjoyed a glass of rosé and baguette and brie at sunset before preparing for dinner. And, a light breakfast of pastries and fruit before departing. I slept well. I felt at home. And, I realized that this is a place that attracts repeat guests over and over. Those who come here are not necessarily in St. Barth for the glitz, but for what the original travelers came here for; peace, quiet, discretion, and the ability to stay and be unbothered. I can’t wait until my next stay at Le Village.

Hertz , located on the sunny French island of St. Barth, Hetz is the top car rental service on the island this year. Located in the airport in Gustavia, just after customs, Hertz offers the area’s top vehicles, in stick and automatic, for those looking for their own transportation around the island. Anyone who has been to St. Barth knows that it’s small, but getting around without a vehicle can be difficult and costly. A simple taxi cab ride for ten minutes can run as much as 50 euros, and that’s just one way – if you have gone out and are looking for a late ride – expect to pay more. St. Barth is hilly and spread out, so walking isn’t ideal – you need a car to get yourself from Point A to Point B. We booked a vehicle through Hertz and it was seamless. In a quick three-and-a-half hours you can fly from New York to St. Maarten, and connect via small plane for a seven-minute flight to St. Barth. The airport is tiny and there are many car rental companies to choose from, but Hertz makes it all so easy. I arrived and was brought to the Hertz counter. They had my reservation ready, and all I had to do was show my drivers license and present a credit card for deposit. Within five minutes, I was taken to the back lot where my car was already running and cooled-down for myself and my guests. The entire process took me 15 minutes. Hertz offers maps, roadside assistance and support to help you along your journey. I needed none of these while I was on the island, but the vehicle got me around in no time. Returning the car was easy, a simple drop-off and signature – nothing more to do. For anyone visiting the island, Hertz is the only choice.