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Heli Air Monaco - 3 Getting to Monaco from Nice’s Côte d’Azur Airport is easy – but it’s easy and fabulous with Heli Air Monaco . Driving between Nice and the beautiful principality of Monaco takes roughly an hour but, with Heli Air Monaco, you can get there in just six minutes. The service not only takes the hassle out of driving, but adds a little bit of a James Bond moment to your arrival. Landing in Nice and clearing customs is easy. As a passenger of Heli Air Monaco you can easily walk a few feet from the baggage area to a small desk with the service’s branded logo and agents waiting to take your details. They collect your luggage and check-you-in for your connection, swiftly. Security is located next to the desk where you’re led through without problem, and taken to a waiting Mercedes mini-bus. Flying with Heli Air Monaco means you could be with other passengers or, if you’re lucky, get the entire ride to yourself. After a five minute ride to Nice Airport’s heliport, you’re greeted by a line of helicopters. Mine was red and white and I was immediately told to wait while my bags were loaded-on. Within two minutes I was in my seat and taking-off over the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea. For six minutes I watched the sea and took-in the breathtaking views of the nearby coast, only to land smoothly in Monaco mere minutes later. I was then whisked away and dropped-off at my hotel by the waiting transport. It couldn’t have been easier. Flying Heli Air Monaco is the only way to get to Monaco when you’re serious about arriving in style. It’s worth the average price of $150. The service can also fly you from Monaco to St. Tropez, Cannes or other villages along the French coastline. It’s truly an experience to remember.

Walking through the green meadows of Adelboden, you can’t help but notice the beautiful brown-spotted cows that graze on the dewy ground. Whether in a valley or on a hillside leading to a peak of one of the surrounding Alps, these cows provide the area residents and the international dairy industry with everything from cheese to yogurt and event meat. They’re majestic and friendly creatures that are not afraid to greet you with a hearty “Moo” or walk over to the fence and acknowledge your presence. Truthfully, these cows should be on the Switzerland license plates – due to the sheer number of them that grace the countryside. But the ones here, in Adelboden, have an extra special quality. They’re as pure as can be, they mean no harm and they provide incredible scenery while walking through this idyllic village.

Like a luxury cruise liner jutting-out into the sea, the glass-fronted Fairmont Monte-Carlo is an island of beauty and fun in the middle of it all. The famed Fairmont is in a privileged location, right at the base of the Place du Casino and directly on the bay. Visitors are put in the prime location to take-in all that the principality has to offer – making the most of their visit. Fairmont, globally, is known for their distinct and high level of service and operation, something guests have grown to count on while traveling. The Fairmont Monte-Carlo is no different. Of course it offers this packaged with an ever-so-enticing Monégasque flair, which is a good thing. You can feel, from the moment of arrival, that the Fairmont has thought through everything and that you are their main priority here. The lobby of the hotel is large and impressive – a reception and concierge desk greeting you upon check-in and a casino calling your name towards the rear of the space. Any time of the day you can try your luck in the casino and, if you win, upgrade yourself to one of the hotel’s impressive suites with commanding views of the blue sea. Rooms at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo are large and comfortable – each one of the 602 offered were recently refurbished in a multi-million dollar project. They house everything you need for an enjoyable stay, including Le Labo bath amenities, ample closets, wonderful entertainment and cozy beds. Bottles of Badoit and Evian greet you with a box of chocolate upon arrival – a nice touch. The Fairmont really is a haven unto itself for guests to enjoy. The two restaurants including my favorite, the rooftop “Horizon Deck”, offer incomparable cuisine influenced by the region and the sea with, of course, spectacular views from the top of the property. The Willow Stream Spa is a place for you to unwind and take-in countless services ranging from massage to facials. During summer months, Nikki Beach has an outpost at the pool – turning the Fairmont into an evening hot spot. Why not dine at Nobu on site and then enjoy a glass of champagne by the pool – a priceless experience. The Fairmont Monte-Carlo is unique. For such a large property, you are offered an incredibly intimate experience, which is not usual in hotels of this size. Somehow, their formula works and you find that you don’t need anything else to be content. I recommend a stay here because, in the end, Monte-Carlo is about enjoying the best. You just can’t get much better.

One of the “must do” activities on the island of Capri is to take a boat out on the crystal blue Mediterranean waters. There are many options offered to visitors with varying companies but, one of the most special experiences is with the De Martino family from the famed Da Paolino empire. The restaurant is known for it’s incredible food and atmosphere, which they deliver to visitors out on the open sea. Natives of Capri for generations, the family knows every face, rock and angle of the island and its surrounding waters. The patriarch of the family owns a beautiful wooden boat from the 1960s – an incredibly well-build piece of history which is fashionable, elegant and appropriate for a fabulous day on the water. In true Da Paolino and De Martino style, the family organizes a custom itinerary for visitors. You can depart Marina Grande whenever you’d like and they will take you out for a day of relaxation in the sun. A trip to the Blue Grotto? No problem. Do you want to circle the famed Faraglioni rocks and snap a few pictures? You’ve got it. There’s really nothing they can’t offer. The comfortable boat can hold more than 10 people – which doesn’t include a second boat, also available to visitors if groups are larger. Your trip will include a beautiful picnic lunch with a menu that might be composed of: Caprese salad, bread with homemade capers, seafood, fresh fruit, wine and, of course, homemade limoncello. It’s a true treat. The reason we love this experience is because it’s intimate and the De Martino family is incredibly knowledgeable about your surroundings, letting you in on little island secrets. There’s no cookie-cutter tour here. This experience is as authentic as you can get on the island.

Villa Jovis, or Villa of Jupiter in English, is a Roman palace on Capri built by emperor Tiberius and completed in AD 27. Tiberius mainly ruled ancient Rome from the palace until his death in AD 37. Today, the palace is in ruins and serves as the perfect point with incredible views to hike through the forests of the island – in an effort to get a little exercise as well as take-in a little bit of history. Villa Jovis is the largest of the twelve Tiberian villas on Capri mentioned by Tacitus. The entire complex, spanning several terraces, covers some 1.7 acres. While the remaining eight levels of walls and staircases only hint at the grandeur the building must have had in its time, recent reconstructions have shown the villa to be a remarkable testament to 1st-century Roman architecture. The villa is situated in the northeastern part of the island, atop Monte Tiberio. The mountains nearly 1000-foot elevation makes it the second-highest peak on Capri. The north wing of the building contained the living quarters, while the south wing saw administrative use. The east wing was meant for receptions, whereas the west wing featured an open-walled hall which offered a scenic view towards the islands higher town, Anacapri. As water was difficult to come by where the villa was built, Roman engineers constructed an intricate system for the collection of rainwater from the roofs and a large cistern that supplied the palace with fresh water, which was incredibly advanced for the time. Access to the complex is only possible on foot, and involves an uphill walk of about two kilometres from Capri town. But, as someone who has done it, I can tell you the peace and serenity of the walk and the incredible views from Villa Jovis are incomparable. You might even get to see some of the area’s mountain goats along the way.

Of All the European air carriers, the iconic Swiss International Airlines takes the number one spot for best business class in the sky. The Zurich-based airline has grown in the ranks to become an all-around beacon for comfort, luxury and service while flying in today’s hectic and busy skies. Standing proud at the end of jetways around the world, the clean body of the airline’s planes paired with the famed red crosses gracing their tails is a call to action for the airline’s employees to put the customer first, in every way. From the moment of check-in at a quiet and separate business-class dedicated counter at the airport, you can just feel that all is well and will be taken care of for you. Flying recently on a flight from New York’s JFK Airport to Zurich, SWISS welcomed me on-board into their spacious and well-designed business class cabin with warm smiles and a glass of champagne. The flight attendants calmly prepared for the 9:00 pm departure while other passengers found their seats. You’re instantly put at ease with the airline’s cool and zen color palette, soft grays, cream, white and a bit of red here and there. The business class seats are extraordinarily comfortable with plush pillow-tops, a full-sized pillow offered in-flight and a large and warm comforter to keep you toasty while sprawled-out in the 6-foot long flat bed which is converted from the standing seat with a touch of a button. The Swiss don’t joke around when it comes to designing things just-right, and that shows. Shortly after departure, the flight attendants made their way around the cabin to ensure everyone’s comfort. Wines from Switzerland were offered, more champagne, snacks and menus were handed-out to allow passengers time to choose their selection from the airline’s extensive menu. Flights departing from Switzerland experience the “Taste of Switzerland” which are menus designed by partner chefs with large followings and a great deal of respect in the culinary community. From America, I experienced “SWISS Traditions” which were flavors inspired by the Italian region of Switzerland, Tocino. Dinner selections were made and, shortly after, a parade of fantastic cuisine made an appearance. I selected an appetizer of smoked salmon with a beautiful salad. The main course was an elegantly served chicken with potatoes and a medley of vegetables. It was all fantastic. After dinner, dessert came with Nespresso coffee, tea and, of course, a smattering of Swiss chocolates which are presented to passengers in a gold box for their choosing. After tea and dessert, I slipped into bedtime mode. I prepared in the larger-than-normal bathroom with my amenity kit, washing my face and brushing my teeth in ease. I returned to my seat to sift through a variety of entertainment options. My flat screen was ample-sized and provided recent film releases to choose from. Selecting the Oscar-nominated “Cake” with Jennifer Aniston, I turned my seat into a bed within seconds and prepared for the remaining 5 hours. I fell asleep, not finishing the movie, and awoke with just 45 minutes left in-flight. Breakfast of eggs, yogurt and pastries was presented to give passengers a little something to get their energy up for the morning ahead. My flight on SWISS was seamless. Airlines, especially today, often put their attention on details but they are sometimes the wrong details. Things are overlooked and left neglected at the passengers’ discomfort, even within the luxury air travel market. But, SWISS has a different approach. They plan and plot intelligently, and that makes a difference. No stone is left untuned here. They expertly serve 104 destinations in 48 countries with non-stops to Zurich and Geneva from both JFK and Newark airports. From other locations in the United States, such as Los Angeles, Miami and more flights added in July 2015 from San Francisco, you can connect to anywhere in Europe, Asia and select destinations in Africa. SWISS cannot be beat in its markets – and that is not an easy thing to accomplish.

Sitting in the middle of the idyllic town of Adelboden and marked with a large cow on its roof, the Käserei Schmid Cheese Shop stands as a mecca for dairy lovers and cheese connoisseurs who visit the village. Walking through the sliding glass doors, visitors are instantly taken by the fragrant smell of cheese varieties from across the country. Coolers, refrigerators and shelves are filled to the brim with beautiful hunks and slabs of cheese, from the most mild to the strongest and most aged varieties. Elderly women run about helping locals who are purchasing their selections for dinner parties or for a picnic in a nearby meadow with the family. The Käserei Schmid specializes in local products, so you will find mostly Swiss cheeses here, along with homemade yogurt, fresh milk, honeys, honeycomb, jams, fruit preserves, chutneys and handmade local spirits. What is so incredible about this small shop is that they have found a niche that makes sense for the area and have expanded it to the best of their abilities. You can stop and put together the perfect picnic lunch – cured meat, cheeses, beverages and Swiss chocolate, of course. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this shop first hand. If you’re in town longer than two days, you will probably return again and again. It truly personifies the definition of charming.

Located near the end of Avenue Princesse Grace in the neighborhood of Larvotto, The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort welcomes guests into the fold of a large and casual atmosphere perched right on the sea. Ladened with pools, a casino, a fantastic spa, beautiful rooms and multiple restaurants, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is a respite for those looking to get away from it all. 334 rooms are decorated in varied shades of color, all with their own unique bent. They feel calm, cool and welcoming, with soft mood lighting and marble accents. Many rooms have terraces, especially in the 22 suites, where guests can relax and look out over the mountains and city. Dining in the hotel is easy and options are limitless. You can choose between the Michelin-starred Blue Bay restaurant, L’Orange Vert – which is perfect for snacks like gelato and cappuccino, Las Brisas or Italian focused, Il Baretto. The hotel also has a nightclub, Le Blue Gin, where you can dance the night away after winning big in the casino. My favorite part of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel is their Paris Cinq Mondes Spa. What is wonderful about the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is the casual luxury which defines it. This isn’t a place where you need a suit and tie, but, instead, a place to relax and be yourself. For these reasons, this hotel is worth a long, leisurely stay.

The Capri Palace Hotel and Spa is the ultimate sanctuary for any discerning traveler who wants to relax on the beautiful and storied island of Capri in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Atop a hill and in the center of the action in the beautiful little village of Anacapri, this hotel is the epitome of luxury and service on the island. Renowned worldwide as the haunt for celebrities and jet-setters who make Capri their summer home-away-from-home, the Capri Palace has their formula down pat, and it’s been working for them since 1960. The 72 rooms and suites were remodeled in 2014 so the feel of the hotel is mid-century modern paired with classical touches one would expect in Italy. The white on white exterior and interior makes the perfect canvas to display the countless works of art hanging on the walls or adorning each corner of the hotel. You’ll find it to be a true museum which includes works by well-known Italian artists and even international artists like Keith Haring. Walking up the path from town and enveloping yourself in the scents of lemon and botanicals which float through the air from the hotel’s gardens, you can’t help but be mesmerized. The lobby feels light and airy, breezy fabrics flowing in the soft wind. You’ll notice candles dotting the space, a recpetion desk with well-heeled staff members and guests roaming about from recent days spent on the sea or shopping in the village. The beautiful tile work comes from traditional methods originating on the nearby Amalfi coast. Rooms at the Capri Palace are large and spacious – feeling more like a private studio or apartment. Mine had a fantastic view of the sea and across the property. The blue and white color palette was blindingly beautiful and appropriate for the location. Fabrics used on the beds and on hotel furniture have come from well-known Italian brand, Loro Piana. The textures of woven cottons and steamed linen are common in these parts. The rich tile work in the room was noteworthy and it carried on from the entry all the way into the large bathroom with tub, rain shower and dressing area. Upon welcome, guests might find a traditional chocolate and almond Caprese torte in their room, enjoying a slice while they sit and pour through fashion magazines and books on local culture which punctuate tabletops. These are the details that matter, and the attention to detail is evident throughout the hotel. You’ll find a Michelin-starred restaurant on property, L’Olivo, as well as the well-respected medical spa, “The Farm”. The Capri Palace is a haven that, quite frankly, you don’t need to leave. There is a beautiful central swimming pool for guests’ use as well as a beach club. Some private suites, like the Paltrow presidential suite, have their own pools. This particular suite is named after American actress Gwyneth Paltrow – who once stayed in the room. Ms. Paltrow’s face is painted on the bottom of the private pool in this suite. Concierge services have no limit with offers to organize private tours of the island, a boat trip, day trips to Positano and more. Staying at the Capri Palace is staying at the best – quite simply put. It’s the perfect spot on the island to just let go.

Villa sauber monaco - 1 In a principality full of museums it’s important to know that some of the best art and contemporary art exhibitions in the region are located inside Monaco’s New National Museum . The museum, housed in two locations, Villa Sauber and Villa Paloma, offers visitors a very well-curated look into contemporary art related to both Monaco and the international art scene. Here you will see individual pieces and exhibitions of a wide variety – from costumes to paintings, photographic installations and more. Villa Sauber is currently focusing on an exhibition called, “Construire une Collection” which features works by Mark Dion, Bertrand Lavier, Claire Fontaine and others. Villa Paloma is focusing on the works of Fausto Melotti, the Italian sculptor. But, as these exhibitions will eventually change, you can expect a melange of works at both locations that are a part of the permanent collection. This museum in an example of a space that is well-appointed, not overwhelming and one that keeps the focus on the art – easily accessible for both beginners and advanced lovers of various mediums. It’s a “must visit” while in town.

The central part of the village of Adelboden is probably the cutest place I’ve seen in a long time. The brown hued buildings, built over the past 300 years in traditional Swiss chalet style, welcome visitors in with cheese shops, ski shops, art galleries and more. There is a beautiful clock tower in the center of town and residential homes not far away. They all seem to cascade down the smaller slopes of the bases of the stunning Alps which surround the town. This village is the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping coffee in one of the bakeries or just observing local life.

Tucked away on the quiet but well-located street, Rue Frédéric Bastiat, Hotel Daniel is a place where you can hide away in luxury as a true Parisian. Just a stone’s throw from the lively Champs-Élysées and some of the best shopping on Rue Faubourg Saint Honoré, your home in Paris will allow you the ability to visit the important cultural attractions while still relishing in your proximity to neighborhood restaurants, pâtisseries and nightlife. As a  Relais & Châteaux property, you know there has been no detail overlooked. Upon entering, guests feel like they’ve stepped into someone’s well-appointed and private town home. You’re met by a discreet welcome where your check-in is expedited and you are shown to your room. The lobby stands as a social gathering place with elegant, classic furnishings, artwork and painted walls. Sitting just in the center of the room is a freshly baked tray of pastries for you to nibble-on while catching-up with email or reading the paper over tea. In the rooms (mine was deluxe) you find there to be large windows facing the streets, all with good light pouring through. Ceilings are high and the walls are papered with a Chinese motif. Throughout my room, I found a sitting area, the bedroom, a good sized bathroom and a welcome of two French financiaers (small almond cake). I was more than pleased as the rooms at Hotel Daniel are a good size – especially for Parisian standards. They are comfortable and inviting. The hotel offers a beautiful restaurant on site, Restaurant Daniel, and is headed by chef Jerome Bonnet. The kitchen features traditional gastronomic French fare, in a gourmet and elegant way. This, too, is where you may have breakfast. A dinner at the restaurant or even weekend brunch will allow you to engage with the staff and even learn their names through your decadent meal. They will personally escort you out of the hotel upon check-out, too, and send you off to your next destination with smiles and waves – as if they’ve been your friends for years. It is here where you can come and stay a while – in quiet, in solace, but with all that you need to make Paris yours.