Victoria Starr recently explored Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, sharing her firsthand experiences at some of the region’s most luxurious and unique properties. From hillside retreats to seaside hideaways, here’s her insider take on the best places to stay on your next Sicilian escape. Donna Carmela – A Hilltop Gem Between Catania and Taormina Donna […]
If wine, food, and stunning landscapes are on your travel wish list, Chile’s wine regions are calling. Recently, Victoria Starr explored Chile with DMC Vivaterra, immersing herself in vineyards, boutique hotels, and some of the country’s most celebrated wineries. Here’s her insider guide for travelers seeking a luxurious, immersive wine and culinary experience. Starting in […]
By Melanni Leary, Escape Artists Travel Designer Recently, I stayed at Appellation Healdsburg, the brand new flagship hotel from the Appellation brand, and it felt like discovering something truly special. It’s more than a place to rest: this property is a full immersion into Sonoma County’s offerings of food, wine and craft. Exciting news for […]
A new jewel is about to open in Kyoto: Capella Kyoto, Capella Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Japan. Slated to open in spring 2026, this 89-room sanctuary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be among the first to experience Kyoto’s refined heritage, where tradition, modern elegance, and serene luxury meet. Designed for travelers who want […]
A Luxury Olympic Winter Like No Other When the world turns its eyes to Italy in 2026, it won’t just be about gold medals, it’s about elevating the Winter Olympic experience to an art. The Milano‑Cortina Games offer a rare convergence: refined city glamour in Milan, paired with the soul-stirring alpine majesty of the Dolomites. […]
By Victoria Starr, Escape Artists Travel Designer Back in April, I traveled through India and I wanted to share a recap of the incredible hotels I stayed in and visited. Every property offered a unique perspective on India’s rich culture, design, and luxury hospitality. For those planning an Indian adventure, I hope this overview helps […]
Wiki: Mal d’Africa refers to the feeling of nostalgia of those who have visited Africa and want to go back (as saudade is the nostalgia of Brazil). So, I’m back. Well, at least physically. Emotionally a large part of me is still in Botswana, for after nine glorious days immersed in nature, off the grid […]
Luang Prabang, Laos About 35 minutes outside of Luang Prabang, down various dusty roads and nested along the shores of the Nam Kahn river, lies a very secluded, special place — Mandalao Elephant Conservatory. A sanctuary for rescued elephants, Mandaloa’s philosophy, which includes no-riding, is both innovative & impressive. It is based on the following 5 […]
Galle, Sri Lanka Amazing what one can see when we look beyond the traffic, peer through the chaos, tune out the cacophony, all while entrusting our life to a stranger driving a motorbike with a shell on it (aka tut tuk) as he darts through traffic as we make our way north from Galle to […]