Newport House – For The Traveller

Newport House – For The Traveller

by | Mar 9, 2018 | Travel

I’ve always identified myself as a traveler, craving the local scene over the guided tour. I want to understand a place and experience it as it’s own people do. This is what unites us as humans, seeing how others live and realizing that we are all the same. We eat different food, live in different terrains, speak different languages, but we all put our pants on one leg at a time. It has been a long time opinion of mine that traveling is a cure for misconception and the more ground I cover across this beautiful planet of ours, the more I consider the age old debate of traveler vs tourist.

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Newport House in Playa Del Carmen. If you’ve been to Playa you know how ‘touristy’ it can seem. Tons of people, night clubs, crowded beaches, large resorts. It’s easy to take it at face value but the city has another side, a vibrant soul and Newport House wants to help you find it.

“Live like a local” is their mantra and their specialty is creating “off the beaten track” itineraries so you can discover Playa in your own way. This is what I loved most about our stay – getting the insider info on local cuisine and secluded sites aka things you wont necessarily find on Google.

Newport House is made up of self sufficient apartments with a full kitchen (and laundry), so you can hit up the markets and cook your own dinner with all the local produce you’ll surely over buy. DAC Market, which I’ve included photos of in this post, is a local favourite for fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s about a 10 minute bike ride from Newport House and conveniently NH provides you with the bikes!

Some other things I loved about my experience at Newport House were:

  • The private rooftop, perfect for answering morning emails (they have outlets in the cabanas!) also perfect for watching the sunset over the city.
  • The welcome basket waiting for you in your room, filled fresh organic breakfast essentials – all locally sourced.
  • A list of local restaurants ‘gems’ including vegan/vegetarian options waiting for you in your room.
  • Full access to bikes and longboards to help you explore the city and cruise the beach.

So for all my fellow travelers, if you’re heading to the east coast of Mexico and in search of an authentic experience Newport House has you covered!

California Dreaming – L.A. Travel Guide

California Dreaming – L.A. Travel Guide

by | Nov 27, 2017 | Travel

When the East Coast settles into winter temperatures, there’s really only two ways to deal with it. Go into full-on hibernation mode, or pack a bag and make a run for it. If you’re following me on Social Media, you know by now that I chose the latter – and hopped on a plane to LAX (cue that Miley song).

The last and only time I visited LA was brief, so I was super happy to finally spend some quality time in the City of Angels – both for work and fun. I was determined to explore as many parts of the city as possible, and if I thought my social schedule’s survival was depending on transport in NY, Los Angeles was a whole other story. Getting around in Cali without a car is close to impossible – so Uber will be your best wingman.

Depending on your tolerance for heat (and crowds), LA is always a good idea.

March – May: Spring. Long sleeves morning and night, but most afternoons will be warm enough for the beach.

June – August: Summer is peak season, it’s hot and busy, but for good reason.

September – November: Similar temperatures to Spring, incredible sunsets.

December – Feb: “Winter” Hardly though. No parka needed.

 (this is how you schedule rides with Uber)

Malibu Farm 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy

Pizzana 3510 Sunset Boulevard

Republique 624 South La Brea

SUGARFISH (Sushi) multiple locations

Mixed Company 3903 W Sunset Blvd.

PYT (Vegetarian) 400 S. Main Street

Botanica 1620 Silver Lake Blvd

Pink Taco 88 Sunset Blvd.

Cafe Birdie 5631 N. Figueroa Street

Leona 123 Washington Boulevard

Beverly Hills Sixty Hotel (pictured above)

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Line Hotel

The Hollywood Roosevelt

ACE Hotel DTLA

Malibu Beach Inn

Nobu Ryokan

*This post is sponsored by Uber, but all opinions are my own.

Malibu Beach Inn

Malibu Beach Inn

by | Nov 24, 2017 | HOTEL & RESORT REVIEWS, Travel

Recently I had the pleasure of spending four days at the Malibu Beach Inn located on the charming shores of Carbon Beach, California. For me, being near the Ocean is a cure-all. I touched down from NYC, tired, overworked, annoyed that my flight was 11 and a half minutes late… but then my feet hit the sand. I felt the water on my toes and took my first breath of fresh air in what felt like weeks. Suddenly I was happy.

This is the power of the ocean and when you pair it with the right resort experience you find your own little paradise. Welcome to the Malibu Beach Inn.

I knew I liked this place as soon as I walked into my room. I stepped onto the balcony and felt like I was hovering above the ocean *cue Titanic music*. It was late, so I propped the sliding door wide open, crawled into my king size bed and fell asleep listen to the waves.

10 hours later I arose from my sea air induced coma and was greeted by a soft pink sunrise, crystal blue waters and one simple thought…

I am definitely not in Kansas anymore.

THE RESORT

With just 47 rooms, MBI has a cozy beach-house vibe with a luxury service feel. The staff were like friends and their attention to detail was exceptional. Anything I needed help with was attended to – Paddle boarding lessons, special dietary needs, finding my flip flops.

THE FOOD

Food can make or break a holiday. I want good food, and lots of it. Everything I ate at MBI I wanted more of. The menu is seasonal, locally sourced and constantly being refreshed with new creations – seafood, avocado, house made granola, vibrant salads, crispy veggies – all of my favourite things.

I’ll also take a second to mention the signature cocktail ‘Playa Access’. Tequila, Cucumber and Love. It spoke to my soul.

THE BEACH

MBI is one of the only West Coast hotels who own their beach and can serve a full menu seaside. So, if you’re like me and prefer to eat your lunch from a horizontal position, while sipping Sav Blanc, MBI has you covered. White sand, perfect view of the Malibu Pier, dotted with Italian sun loungers. What a way to spend the day.

WHEN TO VISIT

June – August

Summer is peak season, the busiest time for obvious reasons.

September – November (when I visited)

The crowds have dispersed but being in Southern California the weather is still mint.

December – March

Offers the best rates of the year while you cozy up fireside with your favourite glass bottle of vino.

Malibu Beach Inn has mastered the art of the escape. So, if you’re looking to rest mind and body but reignite your soul, let me pass you a Playa Access and steer you on over to this West coast wonder.

Talk French To Me: How To Dress Like A French Woman

Talk French To Me: How To Dress Like A French Woman

by | Nov 20, 2017 | Collaboration, Outfits

Last week I was busy dreaming up a winter escape to Paris when the new Karl Lagerfeld Paris lookbook landed in my inbox for a shoot with Vogue (I say this casually as if it happens all the time, ha!). My daydreaming inspired my outfit selection, which included a beret and some leopard print loafers.

When it comes to style, no one does it like the French with their effortlessly chic, ‘I just threw it on and look this cool’ ability to style.

So what are the ‘rules’?

1. Don’t follow the trends. Keep it simple with solid staple pieces – a leather biker jacket, a casual white tee, skinny jeans, a red lip.

2. Investment pieces. Build your closet with timeless investment pieces that you can pair back with the above – a printed silk scarf, a leather quilted crossbody, statement shoes…

3. Bed head. Roll with it.

4. Keep it neutral. All black, creams, earth tones, basics…and buy a striped t-shirt.

5. Slouchy is good.

Check out the full collection here.

This post is in partnership with Karl Lagerfeld Paris

Hiding Out In My Hanes

Hiding Out In My Hanes

by | Nov 8, 2017 | Collaboration

I guess since we’ve decided to skip fall in New York the reality that it is in fact November has been rather comforting. But we all know what that means – tis the season to stay inside, inhale leftover Halloween candy and binge on Stranger Things.

Not to bore you with empty phrases, but when it comes to me lounging at home comfort truly is key. Most days I am barely adult enough to put on pants, which luckily is accpeted in my workplace aka my apartment.

Most of my favorite comfy items are from my friends at Hanes, and now that it’s getting chilly outside their sweaters, like my favorite Hanes Eco-Smart Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt, have become my main at-home companion (with my favorite Hanes Cool Comfort Underwear underneath). The best part? On the rare occasions I forgo Seamless and venture outside, I can easily layer them under my coat, put on some pants and give that whole adult thing another go.

**Thanks to Hanes for partnering with me on this post. All my opinions are my own.

Dinning Table : Wayfair

Dinning Chairs & Covers: CB2

© Laurie Ferraro 2018