Where to Stay Spotlight: Zanzibar

After 38 grueling hours in transit, I stood in a stifling hotbox that smelled of musty sweat and stale armpits. With no air-conditioning or even ventilation to speak of, I stood miserably in line at the disaster, death-trap that was Zanzibar customs. 

My trip was put together rather last minute, and the travel agency who booked everything failed to mention the visa-upon-entry process. Which consisted of looking at a long list of countries taped to a wall, finding your countries relative fee, only to then stand in another line sandwiched between large, sweaty, aggressive tourists, and eventually pay by visa or cash for your entry visa. 

Once you have your receipt, you wait in another ridiculously slow moving line to drop off your passport, scan your fingertips, and give them your information. After this ENTIRELY exhausting process is complete… you sweat out any and all possible toxins in your body and mindlessly wait in the same sauna-of-a-room for the attendant to eventually yell “United States, Jordyn”. (My whole process was made even more dramatic by the fact that I’d somehow left my only visa credit card at Paul’s bakery back in the airport in Dubai and had no cash, forcing me to haphazardly sneak through customs to get cash from my driver). 

Needless to say this process was the biggest test for any sane persons patience and built up the perfect amount of angst, stress, and frustration before my journey to the resort. After a 45-minute journey across the island we arrived at Baraza Resort and everything in my body and mind began to melt away. With the chilled lemongrass towel over my face, I took in my first deep breath and allowed myself to willingly forget all that had just transpired. I checked into my two-bedroom villa, drank hibiscus tea, and thought about literally nothing else the rest of the afternoon. 

The Baraza Resort and Spa is an absolute oasis located along the Bwejuu – Paje beach and is everything you could ever want in an island getaway. It is this bright, sensual blend of French Moroccan decor with fresh tropical accents. Warm smiles of helpful staff welcome any question or need you may conjure up during your stay. 

This five-star resort also happens to be all-inclusive… where breakfast, lunch, and dinner is as thoughtfully prepared as it is delicious. With beautiful cocktail hours in the evenings, guests can chat and mingle as the live band serenades them under the stars. 

Each morning at sunrise, I would walk to the beach to take in the ever-changing pastel sky. I would follow it up with a morning run, swim, or kayaking session just off the coast. With help from the concierge, I organized a trip to Stone Town, swam with dolphins in the wild, and visited a local spice farm run entirely by locals who live on the property.

I walked down the beach to the sister resort Breezes and signed up to scuba dive for the day. After the reef dive, the instructor offered to take me on his moped to watch a local soccer match then we cruised over to a locals-only beach and drank Kilimanjaro beer as the sun set. 

Zanzibar is a tropical diamond in the rough. The island is rich in culture… from the music, cuisine, and local lifestyle to the strength and perseverance of a country that has overcome a difficult past. 

Getting Lost in the Jardin Majorelle

Amidst the chaotic and dusty streets filled with motorbikes, donkeys, and taxis overheating as they wait for their next fare… lies an herbaceous oasis calm enough to forget you’re in the middle of bustling Marrakech. 

The Jardin Majorelle is the perfect place to escape to during the prime heat of the day, with a plethora of botanic wonders to gawk at and plenty of shade to go around. It is located just outside the gated walls of the old town, and an eight minute drive from the Medina in a taxi. 

I went earlier on in the morning to take in all the beautiful foliage and succulents without the crowds that the mid-afternoon brings. Afterwards, I grabbed a lemon push-pop from a cart outside the garden and went shopping at one of, what I believe to be, the best collaborative design shops in Marrakech, 33 Rue Majorelle. 

From the wild plants to the shopping, this mini getaway is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon that offers both inspiration and beauty.

Sangria and Siestas in Madrid

Sometimes when I find myself in a new city, I feel an anxious urgency to discover, explore and see all there is to see. But on days like today, when the plane ride is gruesome, the weather is boiling, and the exhaustion is real... I take a full day to do almost nothing at all.

I have to remind myself that it's ok to find a calm terrace and just relax like a local with no agenda. To step back from the hustle and bustle and just be in a city. 

It's then, that you hear conversations between old friends, that you notice the bartender pull the wild strawberries from his farmers market tote for your fresh sangria, then that you smell the combination of herbs and leeks being prepared for the days Vichyssoise.

So today I did just that. I relaxed at Saporem, in the bustling center of Madrid. I sipped sangria, and eventually snuck upstairs to my bed at the Room007 Hostel for an authentic Spanish siesta. 

While it may not be very eventful, it was exactly what I needed to start my trip in Spain off right. 

Between the Sheets

Everyone loves the feeling of being on vacation, away from the real world... Far from the stresses and chaos of our daily lives.

However, even in this heightened state of bliss... Which can often seem insurmountable, I have found an even better solace that is often rolled out of and overlooked. 

My heavenly happy place while away is always the extremely plush hotel bed. This is my vacation within a vacation. The hazy view of the sun drenching the soft crinkled sheets, the feeling when you stretch and starfish diagonally across the California king... that's realistically the size of a standard NYC bedroom, and lay there lazily basking in the little haven that has been subtly created just for you.

Once I've fully relished in the space and comfort of my mini sanctuary, I'll quickly slip out... Make a cup of coffee, poke my head out to sneakily grab the papers in my skivvies, and leap straight back into bed.

I can spend hours leisurely perusing through the magazines I didn't have time to read on the plane, or browsing local headlines. I also give equal opportunity and concentration to the breakfast menu... Which, as you could have guessed, is best served right there in that luscious bed.

So no matter where your travels take you or why you may be away from home, remember to treasure those calm, beautiful moments in the morning that you may not get once you're back in the real world. 

Where to Stay Spotlight: Vieques

I recently ventured to the incredible island of Vieques, just a short flight (in which I flew in the copilot seat!) from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Within minutes of landing I was drinking a rum punch in the air conditioning of the W Hotel lounge at the airport, checking in and handing my luggage over to my driver.  

The resort was absolutely stunning, and very much my style. With bohemian, technicolor pods for sofas, a fresh juice bar, and panoramic views of the beach… I was in tropical heaven. My large studio room had an amazing balcony overlooking the pool and the ocean. I quickly threw down my suitcases, changed into my bikini and ran for the beach. 

After being escorted to the adult beach, as there is also a separate family one (thank goodness), I laid out, caught up on my reading and finally relaxed. Once I was in a full mediative state from the sounds of the ocean, a cool and cleansing swim, and a healthy dose of Vitamin D, I changed and went for Sunset Yoga. The instructor was very insightful, patient, and thorough… leading a mellow session on the pavilion overlooking the water.

I woke the next day, and got a red Jeep from the car rental company on property (which is extremely convenient for day rentals) and was off exploring the island. I went to Esperanza, which is on the southern part of the island and is filled with quaint seaside shops, restaurants, and bars. I spent the afternoon window-shopping, snacking, and relaxing with another fun dip into the ocean. When I arrived back at the hotel, the concierge had organized a night trip for me to the bioluminescent bay that Vieques is so famous for. I kayaked around the bay in complete shock as the water turned neon yellow and green with every stroke of my ore. It was one of the most incredible experiences in the world and I was still only five hours from NYC. 

The morning before I left, I indulged in their amazing breakfast menu. Ordering caramelized pineapple oatmeal, a fresh fruit bowl, and the smoothie of the day… I soaked in all the wonderful smells, and sights of the resort.

The W Hotel in Vieques is an amazingly modern yet beachy resort that is the perfect place to call home during your time on the island. Whether it was the relaxing yoga, their incredibly attentive staff, or sublime facilities… I had the most magical experience and will be returning to the island very soon. Xx