Alyssa Donato is an astral guide using astrogeography and astrology to help thousands of people reconnect to their sense of home and where they are most energetically aligned to live, travel, elope, and frequent on holiday. 

Through her website, The Astral Academy, Alyssa’s offerings are based on astral awareness through spiritual exploration and the tool of astrology. She has also hosted spiritual retreats throughout the U.S. and shares valuable mindfulness tips and wellness information on her various social platforms.

Alyssa has spent her life living all over the East and West Coasts, calling places from San Diego to Philadelphia home. She now resides in Portland, OR, though she continues to be an active global traveler.

Some of Alyssa’s travel highlights include driving Iceland’s 825-mile Ring Road in the dead of winter, traveling to almost all 50 states (only Alaska, Louisiana, and the Dakotas left to go), sailing for weeks around the Greek isles, and visiting the culturally-rich city of Todos Santos, Mexico. 

Alyssa loves Todos Santos for its relaxed yet vibrant way of life, strong connection with nature, and unique art scene (among other things). Read on for her personal recs for the best things to do in Todos Santos!

Where to Stay in Todos Santos

What are your top three hotels in Todos Santos?

Hotel Casa Tota is a small, modern boutique hotel that’s perfect for those popping into town for a few days after getting out of Cabo. By preserving the original building, they have maintained a historic and charming feel. This hotel is located downtown, making it easy to walk or do most things in the center. 

Hotel San Cristóbal is effortlessly the cool kids club – beachfront, with the smell of copal and sea water, and the most expansive views of the ocean. It’s decorated everywhere with natural fibers and is impeccably clean. The property is also at the end of a dirt road, and there’s a great hike just behind the hotel.

Paradero Todos Santos is total luxury in the high desert of Baja, but still within walking distance to the beach. It feels like a complete nervous system reset – no wires or phones, just a deep rest in nature. It’s full of mindfulness activities, too: sweat lodge, sound bath, yoga, etc. The half moon pool is so refreshing and deeply nourishing and the all-day ambient spa music is incredibly relaxing. To connect with the land they are tending on this property is a very immersive experience. 

Where to Eat & Drink in Todos Santos

Where are your go-to spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Todos Santos? 

Breakfast

For breakfast, Jazamango Café or La Esquina. Both places have some of the best pancakes in town, but at Jazamango you can also get a good coconut matcha to accompany your sweet-corn pancakes. 

Lunch

For lunch, Pacifica Fish Market. This is a place I will return to again and again. The staff are fun and helpful, the ingredients are fresh, and the portions are fit for surfers. It’s the perfect spot to stop after a surf or swim, and maybe my favorite place to eat in Todos Santos. The owner is great and you can really feel the love for the ocean here. I get the fish taco trio and a lemonade!

Also, OG Tacos has the best $1.50 tacos you can get – complete with a toppings bar full of amazing salsa options. Their burrito is also top notch. 

Dinner

For dinner, try the wood-fired pizza at Jazamango Café. Really, you can’t go wrong with anything as their menu was put together by famous chef Javier Plascencia. Their produce is also all grown right on site, so don’t forget to grab a glass of wine and tour the gardens before dinner. 

At 5 Tacos & Beers, let them pick the tacos for you – some of the absolute best street tacos! It’s a good place to grab a quick bite or a late-night snack, and they also deliver if you don’t have the energy to go out. If I’m starving, the hamburguesia is my second choice. The vibe here is super laid back, like you’re eating in a friend’s front yard – great for those traveling alone.

La Morena is a good place for vegans and vegetarians, and can be a nice change of pace when you’ve been eating fish tacos 24/7. Same with Pizzeria RomAntica.

Oystera is a newer spot, definitely upscale and popular with the art community of Todos Santos. We always get the oysters raw or rockefeller. Also, always check what’s on special, it’s usually something caught that day. The cocktails here are definitely the best we had in T.S., and it’s easily walkable from town.

Is there anywhere you’d recommend for a great solo dinner?

Treat yourself at Oystera, and be sure to sit at the bar – this place is bustling so you’ll never really feel like you’re dining alone. 

Coffee

What’s your favorite coffee shop in Todos Santos?

Agricole Cooperativa (even if it’s technically a grocer). It’s the perfect place to stop if you are heading to Cerritos to surf. Their pastries are SO DECADENT. I typically go for a frio Americano con leche and a chocolate concha. 

Shop

What’s your favorite type of shopping to do in Todos Santos?

Homegoods and sustainable goods.

Where do you go for the best of the above?

Étnica is my favorite shop in town because it focuses on local makers and female creators from Mexico. The shop is curated so beautifully that it’s hard not to leave with something. The pieces are definitely one-of-a-kind and come from amazing artisans all over Baja and other parts of Mexico. A lot of their makers and contributors also use sustainable farming and sewing practices, which makes it a win-win.

Culture

To get to know the culture of Todos Santos, are you drawn to the architecture, street art, museums, galleries, historical sites, or something else?

The culture here is so rich. Most people who come to Baja travel to Cabo and that’s it. These parts of the coast, however, have such rich landscapes and communities. It’s a small town but it’s full of amazing gardeners, artisans, chefs, surfers, entrepreneurs, and everything in between. The art of Baja is unique, as well, and really encompasses the desert landscape.

What else do you get from immersing yourself in the culture here?

Relaxation. It’s always a great reminder to slow down and savor every moment. You quickly get on “Baja time,” as they say. 

Workout

What’s your workout of choice in Todos Santos?

Swimming or yoga.

Where’s the best place to do it and why?

A lot of the beaches in this part of town have a shore break, so if you’re going to be out swimming, it’s probably best if you’re a strong swimmer. For yoga, go to Cuatro Vientos and take a class with Paulina. She’s the best!

Party

What’s your idea of a great night out in Todos Santos?

Dancing!

What’s the dress code? How late are we staying out? 

The dress code is very bright, fun dresses or skirts. But we aren’t staying out too late – the city gets quiet early.

R&R in Todos Santos

If we’re going for a full spa experience, where’s the place?

Head to the Ojo de Agua Spa & Wellness Center at the Paradero hotel.

If we want to see a specialist, who should we book ahead with?

Alejandra of Todos Santos Massage makes you feel like you’re melting in the best way possible. Her hands are like magic and she’ll come to you. After you arrive or during your trip, it’s great to give your body some extra attention. And if you’re swimming or surfing a lot, be sure to ask her for a cupping treatment. This was by far one of the best massage treatments I’ve ever had, and there have been many. 

What’s your idea of the most relaxing and restorative thing to do in Todos Santos?

For the most relaxing experience, go for the sound healing at Paradero. 

Work

To log-on for a Zoom meeting, or answer a few emails, where’s your go-to spot?

Coffee Las Tunas has a great outdoor space, it’s nicely decorated, and has great coffee.

If you have a full day at the laptop ahead, where’s the place to get your best work done in Todos Santos?

Since the weather is so nice, most hotels really go for curated outdoor spaces. It’s great to just walk outside and get to work in a beautiful environment beneath some shade.

Eco

Is there anything cool happening with a nod to the environment in Todos Santos?

Beach turtle season! There are conservation agencies all over, but Tortugueros Las Playitas releases hatchlings from December to April – such a great way to keep the turtle population thriving.

Are there any hotels you could recommend with great eco-credentials?

Paradero is definitely the most eco-friendly option I’ve found so far in Baja. When they built it they really considered the natural landscape, it’s practically invisible from the road. They really kept the integrity of the desert with the sand. There’s no grass, so no extra watering is needed. 

They don’t use any harsh chemicals to clean their rooms, either – which is incredibly hard to find. A lot of their dining is farm to table, and there aren’t any single-use plastics or disposable containers, which is SO refreshing coming from the U.S. Plus the landscape is full of native plants. I’d say these folks are doing something right, because it was the most relaxed I’ve felt in awhile. 

Are there any stores who are championing a more environmentally friendly outlook that we should know about?

Pura Vida! Best spot in town for sustainable goods all made by local artisans. They have a great bulk section, too that you can shop from if you’re staying for an extended period of time. 

For the best that nature has to offer, where should we go?

Walk Playa Los Mangos at sunset. 

Postcards from Todos Santos

Which locations in Todos Santos are going on your Instagram highlight reel?

The tide pools and surf breaks at Cerritos Beach, Agricole Cooperativa (my favorite market possibly ever), Paradero, and Jazamango Café.

Where’s the best backdrop for a picture that can be your new profile?

The beach at Playa Los Mangos.

Tips & Extras

What have we missed?

A day-trip option: Todos Santos is only ~1.5 hours north of Cabo, so if you’re wanting to get out on the water and do a day of ocean adventuring, go find Alexander Schmidt Márquez and join one of his Baja Safaris. You’ll see whales, turtles, dolphins, and so much more. The boat leaves from the marina in Cabo, which happens to be one of the best backdrops in Baja. 

What’s the one piece of essential info you need to know when planning a trip to Todos Santos?

It’s hot and you need a car, although the roads aren’t paved everywhere.

What’s the tip you tell everyone?

Go out with Alex on his boat.

What’s the tip you tell no-one?

A 4×4 can take you to some of the world’s most-beautiful beaches that you will have all to yourself, meaning nudity approved.

For more Mexico inspo, check out Safara’s Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Tulum guides.

Jeff Aguero is a California native who spent a year living in New Orleans, Louisiana while undertaking the full renovation of a historic 1880s home in the Bywater Arts District. That beautifully redesigned Greek Revival mansion, The Mazant, now serves as an event venue and bed & breakfast. 

During his time in NOLA, Jeff dove headfirst into the nightlife, food, and culture of The Big Easy. Read on for Jeff’s personal recs for the best places to stay, eat & drink, workout, and party in New Orleans. 

Where to Stay

What are your top hotels in New Orleans?

Maison de la Luz is a high-end hotel in the Central Business District from the creators of the Ace Hotel. It’s got an appealing boutique style and has excellent service.

Hotel Peter & Paul is located in Marigny, close to a number of live music spots, but out of the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.

Eat & Drink

What are your go-to spots to eat & drink in New Orleans?

Given New Orleans has no shortage of phenomenal eateries, this could quickly become a daunting list. Here are a few of my favorites:

Herbsaint is a high-end establishment serving seasonal French-Southern cuisine that includes elements of rustic Italian cooking.

Shaya is a James Beard Award winner serving up traditional Israeli dishes with a mix of Southern flavors. The menu draws inspiration from North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Greece. 

Cochon is a meat-focused restaurant bringing in locally sourced pork, fresh produce, and seafood to create traditional Cajun Southern food with all the authentic flavors of Cajun country.

Pythian Market is an urban food collective celebrating New Orleans’ undeniable spirit and championing a number of local chefs.

Capulet is a newer space in Bywater with cocktails, music, and feel-good food. 

Coffee

What’s your favorite coffee shop in New Orleans?

French Truck Coffee is my favorite place for delicious, small-batch coffee. They’ve expanded a lot in recent years, now with six locations throughout the city.

Shop

If you’re going to do some shopping in New Orleans, where’s the place? 

I love Krewe Eyewear for stylish, handcrafted sunglasses. They have two locations: their flagship store on Royal Street and another location in the Garden District.

Culture

To get to know the culture of the place, what areas or attractions should we check out?

At its heart, New Orleans is a true live music/festival city. Here are some of the most-famous ones:

Mardi Gras is, of course, the big one!

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival runs for two weekends (usually the end of April and early May).

Krewe du Vieux is a smaller set of parades with a more local feeling and a lot of interesting floats – it typically goes on a couple of weeks before Mardi Gras.

French Quarter Fest is a free, annual music festival held in early April, which means excellent weather. This is a great place to find the city’s finest food and musicians.

Voodoo Fest is a multi-day music and arts festival held in City Park.

Beyond the music and dance, New Orleans is also a place that is rich with history. Here are some other sites worth checking out:

The National WWII Museum has a ton of cool exhibits and a great theater. Fun fact: New Orleans was home to Andrew Jackson Higgins, the founder of the company that built many of the boats used on D-Day. 

The Sazerac House is a museum dedicated solely to the famous drink. Cheers!

The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher in the French Quarter offering a variety of exhibits centered around the history and culture of the area.

Workout

What is your workout of choice while in New Orleans?

I enjoy running along the Mississippi River in Crescent Park. The New Orleans Athletic Club is also a great place to work up a sweat and is very centrally located.

Party

Where are we going to be partying in New Orleans?

In New Orleans, you never have to look far to find a great party. Here are a few of my favorites:

Tipitinas is a classic NOLA venue with dancing and a lively music scene that’s been around since the ‘70s.

The Spotted Cat is a classic jazz joint on Frenchmen Street.

Oz New Orleans is late-night gay club in the French Quarter with great DJs, drag shows, and go-go dancers.

R&R

If we’re going for the full spa experience, where’s the place?

I prefer to get out of the city for this. Abita Springs on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is a pretty funky/cool place to escape.

Eco

Where’s the best place to enjoy nature here? 

Barataria Preserve is about 30 minutes from the French Quarter and is part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Of the ~10 times I’ve been there, I’ve seen (luckily small!) alligators on the trail almost every time. 

Postcard

Which locations are going on your Instagram highlight reel?

Check out Jackson Square, a historic park in the French Quarter, which is very famous. You can also take a ferry boat down the Mississippi. And Bourbon Street is always a classic.

Greenville, South Carolina resident Jacqueline “Jac” Genova is the creator of the health and wellness blog WellnStrong and a certified holistic nutritionist. What started as an attempt to resolve some of her own health problems and help her mother battle cancer, evolved into an intense interest in holistic healing alternatives.

As Jac discovered the power of holistic healing, food as medicine, and mindfulness practices through personal experience and research for her college thesis, she also became very passionate about sharing what she was learning with others. Now, she regularly shares research-based and inspirational content along with a range of useful wellness tips on her blog and Instagram.

After graduating from Babson College, Jac lived in Boston for another four years before deciding to venture south. She had heard about Greenville, SC from a friend, visited on a whim, and was immediately captivated by this beautiful small city. Jac describes Greenville as a hidden gem, and with its delicious food and many natural wonders, one she is grateful to call her home.

Read on for Jac’s personal guide to Greenville!

Where to Stay in Greenville

Where do you recommend staying?

The Grand Bohemian Lodge is new and absolutely stunning – it kind of reminds me of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It’s also in an incredible location, as it’s right in Falls Park on the Reedy River (a beautiful set of waterfalls just beyond downtown). Greenville is such a walkable city, and this hotel is also within walking distance of some of my favorite restaurants and picturesque sights and stops.

Where to Eat & Drink

What are your go-to spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Greenville?

For breakfast or brunch, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar or Green Fetish. At Tupelo Honey, I get the All I ‘Avo’ Wanted eggs benedict (poached eggs with avocado and hollandaise sauce). At Green Fetish, you can’t go wrong with literally any of their bowls – all amazing!

For dinner, Soby’s or The Lazy Goat. Soby’s Grilled 60 South Salmon is the best salmon I’ve ever had, plus it’s wild caught. Be sure to get that or the braised beef short ribs. At The Lazy Goat, I typically go for the Zarzuela de Mariscos or the grilled angus beef coulotte.

Note: Soby’s definitely stands out more for their food, while the Lazy Goat stands out for their location. Your call!

Is there anywhere you’d recommend for a great solo dinner? Why is it perfect for those traveling alone?

I’m all for enjoying a great solo dinner at Larkin’s. It’s more of a luxury, treat-yourself type of place – self-care at its finest. 

Coffee

What’s your favorite coffee shop in Greenville?

Hands down, Coffee Underground. They make awesome, smooth cold brew (I get mine with a splash of almond milk). Their location is also super cool and has a great vibe, considering it’s quite literally underground. 

Because I’m a wellness enthusiast, I also go crazy for any type of juice bar. From their tasty juices and smoothies to their pre-made healthy snacks and treats, I love everything about Southern Pressed Juicery. 

Culture

To get to know the culture of a place, are you drawn to the architecture, street art, museums, galleries, historical sites, or something else?

I’ve found that I get to know the culture of a place by simply walking around and observing. I do appreciate a city’s history (especially after living in Boston), and I enjoy learning about the architecture, as well as the past and future plans for a city’s development. 

I really enjoy visiting the Greenville Farmers Market during summer Saturdays as well. It’s a great place to meet local people and learn about and support small businesses within the community.

Workout

What’s your workout of choice in Greenville?

I discovered a love for hiking a few years ago that’s truly blossomed since I moved to Greenville, which isn’t far from the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. I also enjoy walking the stunning, 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail. It’s easy to be active in Greenville – on weekends, I usually hit 30k steps a day. 

If you’re more of a gym person, check out Swamp Rabbit Crossfit and book a training session with Maddy. 

Party

What’s your idea of a great night out in Greenville?

A great meal followed by some live music! UP on the Roof has one of the most beautiful views of the city, and Southernside Brewing Co. has great music!

What’s the dress code? 

The dress code is whatever you want it to be! For the most part, people tend to dress pretty casually.

R&R in Greenville

If we’re going for a full spa experience, where’s the place?

AO-The Space is a great, full-service day spa in Greenville offering everything from massages and skincare to hair and nails. While not technically in Greenville, I also have The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville on my bucket list. It’s world-renowned and only about an hour and 20 minutes away by car.

What’s your idea of the most-relaxing and restorative thing to do in Greenville?

Grabbing a smoothie and a book, sitting down by Falls Park on the Reedy, and enjoying the sounds of nature.

Working in Greenville

To log-on for a Zoom meeting, or answer a few emails, where’s your go-to spot?

Spill the Beans. It’s an ice cream/coffee shop that is also right by the Reedy River.

If you have a full day on your laptop ahead, where’s the place you get your best work done?

Coffee Underground. The vibe is awesome and always seems to make me more productive, which is probably why a lot of people come here to work. 

Rendezvous

Where in Greenville are you taking someone super special?

For a stroll over Liberty Bridge – the picturesque bridge that crosses the Reedy River above the waterfalls.

Tips & Extras

What’s the one piece of essential info you need to know when planning a trip to Greenville?

Bring sneakers! Also, try to plan for a fall trip when the weather isn’t as hot, as it does get pretty toasty in the summer.