travel

Menorca, by a world traveler

Blanca P. is an NYC resident with a ceaseless passion for design, fashion, food, art, and most of all, travel. She channels her creative side into her Instagram page, which is dedicated to her jet-setting and eye for aesthetics.

Blanca lives for travel and adventure, and she prides herself on being a citizen of the world. When she’s creating unique travel experiences for herself and others, Blanca’s love of art, culture, fashion, and food always finds its way into her planning. When she travels, she strives for an all-encompassing experience – one that’s not just about where she is, but also where she’s staying, what she’s eating and drinking, and whom she is interacting with.

Blanca has fallen in love with many destinations around the world, one of which is Menorca. Read on for her insider tips on food, accommodation, nightlife, and more. 

What are your favorite hotels in Menorca?

Hotel Torralbenc is the best hotel on the island. If you’re planning on relaxing the whole time and not leaving your hotel, this is the perfect place for you! It’s virtually impossible not to take highly instagrammable photos here. And there is also a spa and a vineyard onsite that are worth a visit.

Tip: Even if you don’t plan on staying here, you can book a reservation for lunch or dinner. The food is great, but the ambiance, interiors, and views are even better!

Hotel Sa Barrera is the best place to stay if you’re planning to explore the island (this one is all about the location). Only a 5-10 minute walk from Cova d’en Xoroi and Cala’n Porter, this place also has amazing views (best enjoyed with breakfast), and it’s only a 15-minute drive from Hotel Torralbenc.

Eat & Drink

Where are your go-to spots to eat & drink in Menorca?

Breakfast: I typically have breakfast at the hotel since it’s usually included with my stay. I like to keep it light, that way I can indulge more for lunch and dinner. All you really need is a good cup of coffee and a view! 

Lunch: Ivette is not only beautiful (think all white interior, architectural details, and spectacular views of the blue Mediterranean sea), but it also provides direct access to Cala Morell! Try to get there early, though – it’s first come, first serve. 

Dinner: The restaurant in Hotel Torralbenc is the best, though more so for the ambiance than the food (the portions are a bit small, but the food is good and the presentation is stunning!). The restaurant is also outdoors, with views of the vineyard, garden, and pool. The vibe is calm and very relaxing – perfect for an intimate, romantic date night or a solo dinner under the stars. 

Tip: It’s quite popular, so I recommend making a reservation.

What do you order? 

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with Spanish cuisine! My favorites are: paella, fabada, pulpo, boquerones, melon con jamon, and patatas bravas – to name a few. The seafood in Menorca is also so fresh – it’s a must for every meal! 

Workout

What’s your workout of choice here?

The hikes to the Calas are well worth it! Stunning views and a great workout. Just don’t forget to bring water and to wear the right shoes. 

A swim or dip in the sea is also a must – it’s the most refreshing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are also lots of caves you can swim to and explore.

Party/Nightlife

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

A party in a cave… literally. Cova d’en Xoroi is the best club/bar in all of Menorca, and it’s got the best views of the Mediterranean! Arrive as the sun is setting and stay through the night.

Here you can find me sipping cava at sunset hour with one of my best friends, catching up on life and soaking in the unobstructed views of the Mediterranean. Then it’s time to dance, drink, take photos, meet someone (or maybe a few someones) new, and brush up on my Español. 

Cova D'en Xoroi Menorca
Cova D’en Xoroi Menorca

What’s the dress code?

I’m wearing either a dress from Alexis or a flowy top from Caroline Constas with Agolde denim shorts and lace-up sandals. 

Postcard

If there’s one shot that sums up Menorca, what is it?

Cala Macarelleta – take a picture on the cliff!

Cala Macarelleta Menorca
Cala Macarelleta

Tips & Extras

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

Go to the Calas! Cala Macarella and Macarelleta are my favorites. It’s quite a hike (literally!) and you might need a car, too, if your hotel isn’t close by, but it’s definitely worth the trip. I promise, you will have the best swim (or dip) of your life! And be sure to take lots of pictures (very Instagram worthy, no filter needed). 

Also, travel with someone who can drive and rent a car. And wake up and get on the road early – the Calas get packed quickly!

What’s the tip you tell everyone? 

Travel light, especially in Europe. I usually travel with just a carry-on – it’s doable, I promise!

For more from Blanca, check out her Insider Profile and follower her on IG.

Libby Rasmussen – Marketing Director, Content Creator, & Disco Dealer

Libby Rasmussen has a way of making a statement wherever she goes. She’s known for her iconic fashion sense that effortlessly captures her radiant, colorful nature, both literally and figuratively! Believe us when we say her Instagram feed speaks for itself (@libbylivingcolorfully). Libby was born and raised in America’s Dairyland – Oshkosh, Wisconsin. (Yes, this is also where bib overalls come from!)

Libby is the founder and owner of Living Colorfully Media, Inc., a boutique social media and marketing firm headquartered in D.C. More recently, she’s also earned the reputation as “D.C.’s Disco Dealer,” since establishing a disco ball business from her apartment during the pandemic. She was even featured in the New York Times for giving disco balls a second life after the 70’s! What better way to add some sparkle to your day-to-day? 

When Libby isn’t exuding iridescence or strategizing social media campaigns, she’s adventuring the world in style. Check out our Q&A below for her travel insight!

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

Complimentary slippers! I’m not a germaphobe, but walking around on hotel floors (typically carpets) in shoes then bare feet seriously grosses me out. It’s a major bonus if slippers are included. 

Do you have any favorite travel hacks?

I love to ship my outfits directly to my destination using Rent the Runway. This allows me to pack light for my trip but still have everything I need. When I’m ready to fly home, I simply ship everything back. I love it! 

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?

Aureta every time. Her iconic style is truly one of a kind! She’s quite literally always on vacation and her ‘fits are unmatched.

Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jetlag?

I highly recommend acquiring compression socks for the flight, hydrating with electrolyte packets, and doing a WTHN detox. I swear by this stuff! 

Also, don’t forget to stretch. Thank me later. 

Best travel advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?

Mother knows best. She taught me that no matter how lame it might feel, taking a quick bus tour when you arrive in a new city is key! Doing this will quickly help you get your bearings down and you’ll even learn a handful of fun history facts. Just do it –it’s definitely worthwhile. 

For more from Libby, check out her Chicago Guide and follow her on IG (@libbylivingcolorfully).

Tulum, by an interior designer

Olivia Stutz is an experienced world traveler and the founder of Olivia Stutz Design, a New York-based design studio specializing in luxury residential and commercial environments. With offices in NYC and Miami, her designs can be found nationwide. 

Among Oliva’s top travel highlights are glamorous getaways to France, Spain, Italy, The Bahamas, and many more of the world’s most sought-after destinations (you can read a bit about these experiences in her Insider Profile). Her eye for design and exquisite taste—in food, fashion, and accommodation—give her a unique and interesting perspective on one of her all time favorite destinations: Tulum, Mexico.

Read on for her insider tips on food, nightlife, R&R, and more. 

What are your top three hotels in Tulum?

Be Tulum – one of my favorite Tulum hotels and it’s located on the main road, so you don’t need a car, just your feet to walk everywhere. 

Casa Violetta – another favorite, also conveniently located on the main road, so no car needed. This is also one of the oldest hotels in Tulum – it’s a treasure. 

Hotel Esencia – this one is about 40 minutes away from Tulum. It’s a destination, and once you’re there, you’re not leaving. Which is incredibly relaxing to me!

What is it that you love about staying in Tulum?

When you’re there, you adopt a truly bohemian life. If you don’t bring shoes, that’s actually okay, they aren’t needed. The food is local and fresh. The water is beautifully turquoise. What else do you need? 

The jungle, too, is another major draw. And if you’re lucky, you will be able to smell the copal incense that most of the hotels burn each night around 7 p.m. 

Eat & Drink

Where are your go-to spots to eat & drink in Tulum?

Breakfast: I usually lean on the hotel I’m staying at for this. Just get some coffee, walk to the beach barefoot, and sip!

Lunch: Posada Margherita for the pasta or The Real Coconut Kitchen at the Sanara Hotel for some extremely yummy/vegan options.

Dinner: Hartwood, Casa Jaguar, Kin Toh (more for the ambiance than the food), Arca, El Asadero (located in town), and Casa Violeta (they will make you dinner on the beach if you ask!)

Party

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

Gitano Jungle is always fun and has great mezcal, too! (Pro Tip: This is the original Gitano, there are locations in New York and Miami now, too.)

I’m wearing a dress from Caravana. I’m inviting all my friends and the yoga instructor from my class that morning. Nico Jaar is DJ-ing. We’re staying out until sunrise. My new friends are Tulum locals who will read the stars above your head, then tell you what it all means. 

R&R

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

Be Tulum’s in-house spa, Yäan Wellness. The atmosphere is top-notch and the entire staff is honestly great. 

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

Book a Temazcal—a traditional sweat lodge ceremony used for health and therapeutic benefits—and do it during the full moon.

Eco

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

So many hotels in Tulum still stay true to their initial eco-friendly ways from 30 years ago, letting a nice fan and the breeze from the ocean give you all the air-conditioning you need. 

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

Caravana and Hartwood. I don’t even think Hartwood owns a refrigerator! 

Also, Wai Açai and Los Bowls de Guadalupe are both owned and run by a group of amazing girls in Tulum. 

Casa Violeta and its owner, Karla Gutierrez, also really champion young, up-and-coming designers in a truly powerful way. 

Where is the innovative, sustainable architecture that stands out in Tulum? 

The Azulik Tulum, as well as the new structures at Be Tulum, and IK Lab’s “Guggenheim Treehouse.”

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

All of the cenotes in the area are amazing: Gran Cenote, Casa Tortuga, Dos Ojos, and Casa Cenote (which is the closest one to town).

Which locations are going on your Instagram highlight reel? 

  1. The kitchen at Hartwood
  2. The spa at Be Tulum
  3. A late-night dinner at the Azulik Treehouse
  4. The newly built Tulum Treehouse (a luxury five-bedroom rental house)

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

On the beach or in the turquoise water. Or maybe in front of some outrageous art piece at Casa Malca 🙂

If there’s one shot to take that sums up the place, what is it? 

This may seem weird, but the main road at the end of town is awfully stunning and bare—just one simple road lined with overgrown palm trees.

Any extra tips?

  • Get to know the locals. They might invite you to one of their infamous jungle raves.
  • Bring cash. There is only one working ATM on the entire road. 
  • Don’t overplan. All you need is to make the correct dinner reservations every night around 8 p.m. and you’re set. 
  • Even if the city did just allow Bagatelle to open on the beach (sad emoji face), I will always have a soft spot for Tulum. The real trick with Tulum is just finding your spot on the beach and looking at the beautiful water, that’s truly all you need. 

To learn more about Olivia, check out her insider profile and follow her on IG @oliviastutzdesign

Belinda Kraemer – Foodie & Blogger

Belinda Kraemer is a foodie with a knack for traveling to beautiful, adventurous destinations. She was born in Sweden and had the opportunity to explore the world with her family growing up. This fostered her love for seeing and experiencing new locations and cuisines. Some of her favorite destinations include The Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites, Munich, Ganeshpuri India, and Big Sur. She would also happily return to Hawaii every year if she could. (Same with us, Belinda.)

Food was always a highlight of the travel experience for Belinda and her family. They often traveled on a small budget and would make it a point to seek out the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in each new locale (something Belinda still makes sure to do everywhere she goes). This culinary exploration sparked a love of food from an early age. In college, Belinda also discovered her passion for cooking. Soon she started sharing her recipes through her blog, Beachside Kitchen. Beachside Kitchen focuses on healthy, gluten-free recipes and is an outlet for Belinda’s passion for sharing amazing restaurants and spots to stay around the globe.

In addition to running her blog, Belinda works as a life insurance advisor doing family planning for the ultra-affluent. She now calls San Diego home with her husband, Evan, and their dog, Woody.

Get to know Belinda Kraemer a little more with our Q&A filled with her favorite tips, tricks, and amenities. when she travels!

For more from Belinda, check out her Oahu guide and follow her on IG @beachsidekitchen

What is the most unique hotel amenity you have ever encountered?

My favorite hotel amenity would have to be the Grand Hotel Victoria Spa in Lake Como, Italy. The spa has three types of saunas, aromatherapy showers, and four different types of cold experiences. We spent a rainy day in Lake Como here and it was an absolute dream!

What hotel design element can you not live without?

Especially after long days of travel and fighting jet lag, I need to have black-out curtains and a perfectly comfy bed.

Do you have any favorite travel hacks?

A great-fitting sleeping eye mask is something I cannot travel without. Whether it’s for long plane rides or adjusting to time zone changes, this has been an absolute game-changer for me.

What do you always bring with you in your carry on?

My carry-on essentials include my 40oz Hydroflask, Cocokind sunscreen, LMNT electrolytes, and a good selection of books to read either on my Kindle or in paperback.

What is your favorite room service experience ever?

The best room service experience I ever had was in Lake Lugano, Italy at the ARIA Hotel and Wellness Spa. All of the food was delicious and insanely decedent, and you got to enjoy your meal overlooking the emerald lake from your room. It was magical!

Best travel advice you’ve ever received and from whom?

The best travel advice that I ever received was from my mom. She has always said that it is important to prioritize your comfort on your trip and that it’s worth spending the money to make it a better experience. Not that every meal needs to be over the top luxurious, but spending the extra dollars to avoid too many connecting flights, making sure your hotel is beautiful and comfortable, and doing the research to find delicious food makes a world of difference.

What’s your favorite travel book?

My favorite book to read while traveling is Shantaram. I have read it 4-5 times and always go back to it because it just takes me to another world.

Who is your dream travel partner?

Easy, my husband!

Mexico City: Five reasons to visit Roma, by a writer and photographer

Despite a surname that suggests otherwise, Eli London, is a New Yorker. He’s now based in the lively barrio of Roma, Mexico City (Vogue have called it ‘the Williamsburg of Mexico City’), and publishes a weekly roundup newsletter, The Breads. Oh, and he’s an awesome writer and photographer.

Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.

Read on for Eli’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Roma, Mexico City.

NameEli London

Home: Roma, Mexico City

From: New York

Job: Writer, photographer, and publisher of The Breads.

Five reasons to visit Roma, Mexico City

The food

Mexico City is full of delicious food, from street stalls to top-ranked restaurant in the world. Expendio de Maiz sin Nombre straddles that line perfectly. It’s next to super popular late-night spot Paramo, but is only open until late afternoon. When you arrive, you’ll find a kitchen completely open to the street and two large communal tables. There is no menu at all. You tell them what you’re allergic to and what you hate and the chefs send out corn-based dishes one at a time until you’re full. It’s high-end cuisine, without being stuffy or overly run by tourists. 

Colima Street

The store

On Colima Street, where countless vintage shops call home, Erre Vintage has a great selection of highly curated vintage clothing. Think band tees, sports jerseys, bad-ass jackets and more. It’s one of the rare vintage spots in Mexico City that has just as good of a selection of menswear as womenswear. Plus much better prices compared to what you would find for comparable items in US vintage hot spots like New York or LA. 

The nightlife

It’s only open on weekends, but Departamento is one of the best spots in the city to see DJ sets of all genres. It’s vibey, but not try-hard, and movers and shakers from the creative scene often find themselves at Departamento late night. Get there on the early side, because lines do happen. 

The hotel

A rather small hotel with less than a dozen rooms, Casa Goliana is perfectly located to easily get around La Roma and Condesa on foot, or quickly get to other parts of the city on the metro or in a car. The crowd is more vacationing couples and hipper business people than young party-goers, which is a good thing in my opinion. It’s impeccably decorated and cozy.

The bar

Bacal is a natural wine bar opened by a Frenchman in south Roma, with a large selection of wines from all over. It’s a rather unique experience because just like Expendio there is no set menu. It’s often just buffet-style healthy and nutritious foods, and pay what you want. However, on Saturdays they have guest chefs who plate out a set menu. The clientele is often a mix of ex-pat writers, creators, and entrepreneurs, with local Mexicans in the same circles mixed in. 

Read our full guide to Mexico City, here.

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