Breakfast in Bed at Llangoed Hall

There is nothing that says vacation to me more then ordering breakfast in bed. So when I woke up to warm flakey biscuits, freshly brewed tea, local clotted cream, and all the jellies and preserves a girl could dream of… it felt like heaven on earth. 

This was honestly what I would imagine as I would sit around a table with my sister and our dolls pouring tea out of Fisher Price plastic cups! In my imagination as a child, I was in a big, comfy bed, with long flowing locks, devouring the best cakes and teas imaginable. 

So needless to say, I love taking this time in the morning to wake up, collect my thoughts, savor in the goodness of fresh baked goods, and play princess with my big squishy robe and elegant interiors. 

It’s sometimes so surreal to realize the silly things you imagined as a child can come true in your adult life. It’s times like these that you have to honor and cherish that simple, wild imagination you still have within you. Unabashedly listening to this inner voice allows you the freedom to manifest your dreams and make them a reality.

Where to Stay Spotlight: Under the Stars Luxury Apartments

“Don’t you ever get tired of it?” 

The worried faces of those who have been overwhelmed by being away from home due to long stints of travel, stare at me in disbelief as I explain my answer. Much to everyones surprise, traveling doesn’t get exhausting to me, and I don’t crave “my normal life/routine” after weeks on the road. This is not because I’m disconnected or completely delusional, it’s is because I have mastered the art of being away from home. 

There are two ways I avoid the headache of being on the road. The first is to try and infiltrate normal routines into my travel days that most people wouldn’t do. Trying to engage in “normal” activities which could range from joining a neighborhood yoga class to picking up a few things at a local farmers market. The second method to ease always being away, is to try and stay in places that are comfortable, convenient, and essentially feel like home. 

Under the Stars Luxury Apartments, in Boracay Philippines was one of those places for me. A comfortable living space that felt private, personalized, and not overly stuffy. The modern amenities, sprawling kitchen, and chic outdoor balcony overlooking the beach create a perfect landing pad for individuals, families, and couples alike. 

From the ceiling drawn rain showers to the in-bed televisions, there are plenty of thoughtful details and elements to pamper even the pickiest of travelers. Yet the location is slightly off the beaten path and really allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy parts of Boracay. 

There’s also an amazing option to hire a chef to take the feeling of home one step further, really easing your mind while taking the pressure off. There is something about home-cooked meals shared across a dining room table that helps bring continuity and familiarity to a vacation on a far off island. Under the Stars is the type of accommodation that allows you to work, live, and relax in an environment that truly feels like a home away from home.

Luxury Cruise Around The Seychelles

“You’ve NEVER been on a cruise before?!” 

A look of bewilderment crossed the captains face as he stared at me through his thin-rimmed glasses. It was a refreshing change of pace, being called out for something I’ve never done versus something crazy I had. Over a truffle-topped Wagyu steak at the captains dinner, I explained just how tainted I knew I would inevitably become, being that this luxury yacht in the Seychelles was my first real “cruise” experience. 

Visions of sunburnt tourists chain smoking, day drinking well cocktails, and gambling days away at sea flood my mind when I even hear the term cruise. Scarred by tales of inconvenient preplanned agendas, mindless lackluster buffets, and screaming children… it should come as no surprise why cruising was never high up on my bucketlist. 

However, a few days into my trip to the Seychelles with fellow travel blogger Kiersten Rich (The Blonde Abroad) she got a call from Crystal Cruises. Kiersten had previously been on a two-week cruise with them over New Years through Brazil, and they informed her that one of their newest yachts would be reaching the Seychelles that coming Saturday. Within the next few hours we were both changing our flights and extending our trip to board the Crystal Espirt yacht leaving out of Mahe Island. 

From the second I boarded the yacht, it was clear that this experience would be the perfect combination of modern luxury, premium hospitality, and fully curated experiences. Every room was ocean facing and came with your own personal butler. Nathaniel, my all-smiles butler (who was an absolutely dream, I literally locked myself out of my room like three times.. oops) was there to cater to my every need big or small. 

Everyday we woke in a new destination with plenty to explore. In the mornings we would sip mimosas, catch the rays, and plan out our excursions for the day. Afternoons spent jetskiing, snorkeling, hiking, and biking showed us the many sides to these magical islands that were all planned and done at our own pace. The yacht also has its very own 3-person submarine, allowing you to spy on fish and view the variety of corals and marine life all without even getting wet (so epic). Around sunset we would lift anchor and begin our journey onward to the next beautiful spot. We would watch the coastlines of tiny remote islands and inlets pass as the sun changed the sky just before it disappeared for the night. 

The food onboard was absolutely unbelievable. Sadly, I’m from New York, with a chef for a father… so it tends to take quite a lot to really impress me. I was completely blown away. A different gourmet menu every night, filled with local dishes, delicacies and the freshest fish caught same day (I mean whats not to love). There is also a gym onboard and daily fitness classes and activities from paddle-boarding pilates to cardio and ab classes, it was honestly the perfect way to make up for all the culinary indulgences explored the night prior. 

While this experience is far beyond what I could’ve ever imagined, and truly is the ultimate in luxury cruises… it is honestly a wonderful option for a big event, celebration, or just as a indulging splurge. They have multiple boats in their fleet going to a wide variety of destinations and is without a doubt the future of quality “cruise-culture.”