Ah, Paris. No matter how many times I visit, I am always just as excited to be back. It serves the same kind of energy as New York – you feel inspired and energized just by being there – the quaint little cafés spilling onto cobblestone streets, art woven into the fabric of daily life. Paris has a way of making everything feel a little more magical, a little more cinematic. Somehow the city makes even the most mundane moments feel poetic. Every time I go I find a new spot to love and add it to my list of recs. So here we go below:
Stay: Charming AirBnB Studio In Montmarte
If you’re heading to Paris, this Airbnb is such a great find. It’s cozy, cute, and perfectly tucked away, giving you a genuine Parisian vibe. The decor is simple but stylish, and the location couldn’t be better—quiet enough to relax, but close to all the action. Estelle, the host, is so lovely and has thought of everything to make the space more than comfortable. Whether you’re traveling solo or as a couple, this spot is definitely worth saving for your next trip to Paris.
This brasserie in the 5th is all about the scene, not the food. It’s where locals gather, so grab a seat outside, order a coffee or glass of wine, and enjoy some top-tier people-watching. It’s Paris at its most relaxed.
Prescription Cocktail Club
Just a short walk from La Palette, this cocktail spot is chic and intimate. The vibe is cool, the lighting’s low, and the cocktails are some of the best in the city. Perfect for a post-dinner drink.
Lolo Cave à Manger
In the 9th, this organic wine bar serves up amazing small share plates. It’s got a trendy, “cool kids” feel without being pretentious. Come here for a glass of wine and stay for the effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Le Progrès Marais
This hipster brasserie in Le Marais is a go-to for a casual hangout. The local vibe makes it great for a mid-day break with coffee or wine. Ideal for people-watching and soaking in that Parisian charm.
Carboni’s
If you’re craving Italian, Carboni’s has you. It’s intimate, cozy, and serves up great pasta. Perfect for a date night or when you just need a break from all the French cuisine.
La Petite Place
This cute boutique restaurant is one of my favorite date night spots in Paris. The ambiance is intimate, the food’s delicious, and it has that tucked-away vibe that makes you feel like you’ve found a hidden gem.
Chez Julian
Featured in Emily in Paris, this place is still under the radar (thankfully). It’s classic Paris—elegant, cozy, and with delicious French fare. Great for a fine dining experience without being overly formal.
Peppe Pizzeria Martyrs
If you’re in Pigalle, this is where you go for pizza. The lines are long, but the pizza is worth it. Casual, delicious, and a great stop after wandering the neighborhood.
Bouillon Pigalle
A super French spot known for steak and fries, but be prepared for a wait since they don’t take reservations. It’s worth it if you can get in—authentic French food in a lively atmosphere.
Dirty Dick
This cocktail bar in Pigalle has a fun tiki vibe. It’s a bit quirky but in the best way. The drinks are strong, the crowd is lively, and it’s just a great time.
Right across from Dirty Dick, Le Lipstick is another Pigalle spot that’s perfect for cocktails. It’s more low-key but has that same fun, energetic vibe. Ideal for a night of bar-hopping.
Bonus Coffee & Bakery Recs:
KB Café is my favorite coffee spot in Paris. Chill atmosphere, amazing coffee. A few steps away, Babka Zana has the best babka, and Mamiche—just up the street—might be the best bakery in town. Expect lines, but it’s worth the wait.
Alright, friends, if you find yourself cruising the French Riviera, Antibes should be on your hit list. It’s that perfect blend of sun, history, and that je ne sais quoi that makes you want to move there forever. I’ve gathered my thoughts, spilled some tea, and here’s what you need to know.
When it comes to a place to rest your sun-kissed head, Villa Fabulite is where you want to be. It’s cozy, it’s chic, and you’ll feel like you’re living in your own little Mediterranean oasis. Think laid-back luxury with all the character you want from a French stay. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hotel, it’s more of an experience, made so by the incredible staff and the intimate setting of twelve rooms, a communal pool and gorgeous little terrace for breakfast and lunch.
At the iconic Eden-Roc Hotel, this spot is everything. Yes, it’s pricey, and the dress code is real, but the views and vibes are totally worth it. Perfect for that sunset drink you romanticize. I of course didn’t take a single photo while we were there but thats always a sign of a great night for me.
Plage Keller Restaurant
So, I didn’t get a chance to try this one myself, but everyone in town raved about it. Beach club, restaurant, and the perfect day spot. Next time I’m in Antibes, I’ll be making a beeline here for a beach chair and rosé.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s summer house? Yes, please! It’s beautiful, it’s historic, and it’s right on the water’s edge. If you’re into old-world charm and imagining you’re living in a Gatsby novel, this is your place.
Le Cafe Brun
This little spot in the old town is perfect for an afternoon drink. Sit down, sip your Rosé and people watch for hours. Its also a very budget friendly spot compared to its counterpoints above.
Restaurant L’Arazur
Pro tip: Book in advance. I didn’t, so we didn’t get a table and I’m very disappointed in myself. Its another place that was recommended to us. It was also recommended that I book well in advance, but I never have listened to instructions well.
La Crique
This is a great little bar on the beach to watch the sunset from. It’s very relaxed, super easy on the wallet and filled mostly with locals.
Boulangerie Veziano
In my humble opinion, this is the best bakery in town and I do the leg work on bakery recommendations.
NOMADS Coffee The coffee is great and they don’t look like you’ve just personally offended them for ordering an Oat Latte.
Get up early and hit the markets. They’re open from 6 am every day except Monday, and they’re so worth the early start. Grab some fresh fruit, maybe a pastry (or three), and you’re set for a beach day.
Rue du Haut Castelet
One of the prettiest streets in town, and at golden hour it was made for Instagram.
Coastal Walks Around Cap d’Antibes
For my fellow walkers, Antibes has two coastal trails that are a must.
Sentier du Brigadiers: An easier walk with stunning views.
Sentier des Douaniers: A bit more challenging, but equally breathtaking. Perfect for when you need to soak in that Riviera beauty.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a picturesque medieval village perched on a hill in the Provence-Alpes-Côte – about a 45 minute drive from Antibes. It is incredibly cute with it’s narrow cobblestone streets and well preserved medieval-architecture. Picasso and Henri Matisse helped put Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the map as they were “inspired by its beauty and tranquil atmosphere”. Now-a-days it’s established as an important center for art and home to a ton of great little art galleries.
Visit Château Sainte Roseline
And pick up a large bottles of their Rosé. Château Sainte Roseline is a historic winery about an hours drive from Antibes. The estate itself is incredibly beautiful and the wine is elite. Sainte Roseline herself is still there too, enshrined in the chapel, which I get cause if I was her I’d never leave either.
Antibes is all about the perfect mix of laid-back luxury and historical charm, so whether you’re eating, drinking, walking, or just lounging by the sea, you’re going to want to savor every moment.
And so, the European Summer saga continues. This time, we’re headed to Antibes on the French Riviera. With so many of you also gallivanting across Europe right now, I thought I’d share my packing list as I put some real effort into the old suitcase filing this time around.
Packing for Antibes is all about blending elegance with ease and making the most out of a small suitcase! I’m excited to actually wear all of these pieces and show you guys how I style them. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram to view them in real time.
It’s official, I’m in my Euro Summer era. We recently returned from a trip to Malta and Croatia and honestly, everything you’ve heard is true, both places are magic. So here’s your ultimate guide to where we stayed, where we ate, and, for the sake of this conversation, what I wore.
Malta
Where we Stayed: The Phoenicia Malta (Valletta)
One thing about me is that I’m choosing old-world charm over modern luxury every time I book a hotel. I want character and history – an escape from the current day into a slower, more deliberate pace of life. Our home base in Malta was the Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta and it delivers just that. This place really is a gem that transports you to a time when attention to detail and an appreciation for the finer things in life were paramount. I felt nostalgic just walking through the halls and eating dinner on the back veranda. It makes you want to dress up and drink martinis. It makes you never want to leave.
We had an amazing dinner at Porticello, right on the water. The seafood was fresh and the ambiance was ambianc-ing. My diet was heavily anchored in Vongole throughout this trip and Porticello served up my favourite one. I am also convinced that all food tastes better when you can see the sea.
Beef Bar (St Paul’s Bay): This beach club/restaurant is absolutely stunning and worth the spend if you want a bougie day on the cocktails.
Strait Street (Valletta): An adorable little street packed with various bars. It’s perfect for bar hopping and experiencing the local nightlife.
AROY-D (Three Cities): Located on the edge of the harbor, this spot is fantastic for food and Aperols. The setting is picturesque, making it a great place to unwind after a long day of walking.
Wuestenwinds Beach (Valletta): My favorite beach in Valletta is Wuestenwinds on the East side of town. It’s less crowded, has a local vibe, and has a cute little cafe where you can grab a cold beer and some snacks, which is my idea of a perfect afternoon. There is no sand, you simply lay out on the flat rock and listen to the waves rolling in..
Traditional Boat Ride from Valletta to Three Cities: Taking one of the traditional boats across to Three Cities is a must. The views are fantastic, and the boats themselves are super charming. The cost is around 4 euros each way.
Top Tip:
Blue Lagoon: While the Blue Lagoon is famously beautiful, it can be overwhelmingly busy during peak season, so it’s a hard maybe for me if you’re visiting during that time. The picture below looks serene but behind the camera was chaos.
We stayed at the Grand Park Hotel in Rovinj, and it was seriously amazing. My only critic would be that it’s a little soulless for my liking. Super modern design and over the top luxury, so its a ridiculous critic for me to have about such an incredible property, but I was just missing the nostalgia from above. If however you are into sleek, contemporary design, you will love this place. We were only here for two nights, so it was a quick stop over but we did get to eat in the hotels two-michelin star restaurant, Agli Amici, and that was an incredible experience.
In Hvar, we stayed at the iconic Palace Elisabeth and I was right back in my old-world charm. This is one of my favourite hotels that I’ve stayed in to date. It was in collaboration with Leading Hotels of the World so we did get, what can only be described as a princess suite, which certainly provided an exceptional stay, but every corner of the hotel is a stunning blend of historical grandeur and luxury. It was originally a Venetian Duke’s palace back in the 13th century and you can kind of feel this whispering through its walls (maybe that was the wine). At any rate I will one hundred percent be returning here.
One of the highlights of our trip was dining at Val Marina Restaurant in Hvar, another beautiful restaurant situated right on the harbor in the old town. They had this cute little ‘make your own bruschetta’ moment, and I don’t know if it was the sun or the glass of prosecco they hand you when you walk in but I had one of those “bury me here” moments. Chefs kiss.
Black Pepper Restaurant – I love this place for the ambiance. The veranda is covered in flowers or you can sit in on the steps of this adorable little side street and watch the world drift by.
San Marco Restaurant – This is the restaurant in Palace Elisabeth so we had breakfast and dinner here. The food is so fresh, you’re sat outside under this beautiful
What to Do in Hvar:
Explore Rovinj’s Old Town
Rovinj’s Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and charming squares. We spent hours wandering around, taste testing olive oil in the market, looking through local shops and happily getting lost in the tiny little streets that sporadically come to a dead end.
Beaches of Hvar
Hvar is known for its beautiful beaches, and crystal clear water which, in my opinion, will cure anything you got. We were up with the sun for our morning dip each day and surrounded by mostly locals, swimming with their pups and lounging on the rocks. It made me wish I was a local.
Walking into the lobby of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, you are immediately transported into a world of opulence. (I immediately regretted wearing track pants). This historical landmark, designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, is an ode to Boston’s rich history. It feels like an escape from real life, which is one of the things I love most about travel and entirely the point of a weekend getaway.
I always think there are two types of hotels – the one you justify with “whatever we won’t even really be in the room” and the one you cancel your dinner plans for to stay in and enjoy the escape.
Between the luxurious room and the having access to the Gold Lounge, Anni and I blissfully passed our Friday evening wrapped in terry-velour, sipping Savvy B and pretending like we totally belonged there, track pants aside.
My favourite part of the hotel is indisputably the lobby though the entire experience, from the charming demeanor of the employees to their passionate attention to detail, is highly noteworthy. We also found ourselves frequenting the Oak Long Bar + Kitchen, known for its Sunday brunch, but equally as popular during happy hour. It was a fun addition to the overall experience.
For the last couple years of my life I’ve spent more time on the road than I have at home. Travel to me has become the ultimate teacher. I’ve learned a lot about myself and a lot about the world – a world that really doesn’t seem that big anymore – but with this accessibility comes responsibility.
So what is sustainable tourism?
The simple answer: A way of travelling to and exploring a destination while respecting its culture, environment, and people.
I’ll be the first to admit that when I started travelling, the impact my ‘trip’ had on my destination wasn’t something I really thought about. It wasn’t even something I thought I should be thinking about (there’s a sentence). But the more I travel, the more I’ve come to understand just how serious and lasting our choices as tourists and travellers are.
In 2018 the UN’s World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reported international tourist arrivals hit 1.4 billion. That is 1.4 billion people on the planet travelled by some means of transportation to a destination where they spent foreign currency, enjoyed local (or not so local) experiences, stayed in a resort, rented a car, indulged in heightened luxury, over ate, over slept, escaped “real life” for a period of time.
This article isn’t about shaming that experience – I mean, I love getting black-out on a beach while attempting to reach a shade of mahogany never before seen by mankind (kidding Mum, I wear SPF50…ish)
This is about responsibly seeking that experience in a way that minimizes negative impact on the environment and that maximizes the social and economic benefits for the local community. In other words, getting black-out on locally purchased tequila whilst sunbaking on a beach accessible to travellers and locals alike.
But aside from tequila choice, there’s a large list of things we can do as travelers to help protect travel as we know it.
Here are some of the biggest (not to mention easiest) ones:
Skip the Plane, Take the Train: When possible (say during your European summer) look into training between countries as opposed to cashing in on the old €14 Ryanair special. When it comes to air emissions from planes, cruising requires much less fuel than taking off and landing, so the longer the flight the more efficient it becomes.
I know what you’re probably thinking – “Lor, you’re on planes all the time”. True, and I will write a separate blog post on this discussing carbon offsets and efforts that can be made to help balance out time in the sky.
If you have the option to bike or walk instead of Uber-ing around your destination, thats an obvious one as well.
Research Your Accommodation: There are an increasing number of resorts making sustainable efforts which largely centre around their active role in the local community and eco-friendly practices i.e.
Buying locally (farm-to-table is a big one for resort restaurants)
Employing locally
Providing equal and fair work opportunities
Providing education to both guests and employees on local conservation projects
Using renewable energy sources like solar or wind
Linen reuse programs
Drought resistant local plants for landscaping
Energy efficient lighting
(to name a few)
So check to see if the resort/hotel (locally owned hostels are always a good option as well) is participating in the above.
If they’re not ticking any of the above boxes, reconsider your booking. Even if you the cost goes up, isn’t it more important that your grandkids be able to experience the same trip one day?
Act Like A Local: This is a big one for me. Respecting the local community is everything. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched some ignorant tourist make a scene over a minor inconvenience, or because of a sense of entitlement. Like, “I’m sorry Bret but YOUR AIRMILES DON’T WORK HERE.” Pull your head in, open your eyes and respect the people and culture around you by becoming a part of it. You’re missing out on a big part of the experience if you don’t.
Eat Like A Local: This is the best part of travelling if you ask me. You can eat all the hamburgers you like at home, so branch out and get involved in the local cuisine. Shop the local markets (make sure they’re actually local though) and seek out farm to table options.
Mind The Plastics: This one is SO easy, guys! The amount of plastic water bottles one encounters between the airport and resort alone is obnoxious. Just bring your own and fill it up with filtered water from the resort. If you’re out exploring ask for a top up from a restaurant. It’s really not hard.
Buy Locally: When it comes to souvenirs, clothing, food (as mentioned above) etc. avoid the tourist crap and large conglomerates and look for local vendors selling locally made/grown goods. They’re going to be better quality most of the time as well.
Research Your Tour Operator: A big part of travelling is touring your destination – diving tours, wild life tours, city tours etc. Check to see the company you choose is environmentally responsible and if possible choose a locally owned and operated company that employs it’s own local people. Most importantly here NEVER take part in tours that participate in animal cruelty i.e. Don’t ride the elephants!!
As I said, there are so many sustainable choices we can make as travellers, and the above names just a few. I know it can seem overwhelming and maybe you think, I am just one person and there is no way I can do all of these things all the time.
The important message here is that it’s ok if you can’t do ALL of them, but you can do SOME. We need to make an effort; we need to make a change and we need to make better choices.
Something I heard once that has stuck with me is that, “not everything depends on tourism, but tourism depends on almost everything.”
