Our Honeymoon: Borgo Santo Pietro

After a magical week celebrating our wedding in Paso Robles with our friends and family, we headed east to Europe for our honeymoon. The first stop - Italy. And not just anywhere in Italy, but the magical Relais Borgo Santo Pietro. I first read about Borgo on Cupcakes and Cashmere four years ago, and have been dreaming about visiting ever since. When we started tossing around honeymoon destinations and decided on Lake Como, I knew we had to spend a few extra days in Italy to visit Borgo. So after a long flight and a night in Florence we headed south through the winding countryside filled with excitement.

Tuscan Dreams

After almost three years to the day we will be returning to Italy, this time for our honeymoon! While we have sincerely loved every region of Italy that we've visited, Tuscany has a very special place in our hearts. During our five days in the countryside we said countless times how romantic it was, and how perfect it would be for a honeymoon. 

Our Honeymoon Plans Part II: Lake Como

Though we have spent several weeks in Italy, we have never been able to make it far enough north to visit Lake Como. The pristine lake has long been a favorite European holiday destination and has been featured in films such as Casino Royal, advertising campaigns, novels, and regularly by the media {thanks in part to George Clooney owning a famous villa there}. Over the years I have daydreamed about visiting {as evidenced by this blog post}, and in the back of my mind I kept telling myself to wait, and maybe, just maybe, we could go for our honeymoon. I'm absolutely thrilled to say we will be doing just that, and will be spending three days on Italy's most beautiful lake.

Our Honeymoon Plans Part I: Tuscany

While none of the wedding planning decisions have been easy for me {I have a very specific vision yet am also quite indecisive - a challenging combination}, choosing our honeymoon destination has been virtually a nine-month long debate. We bounced around staying in over-the-water bungalows in Bora Bora, going on a safari, relaxing in Hawaii, exploring Portugal, and even adventuring in Patagonia {which, I quickly found out, does not exactly have honeymoon weather in September}. However, from the get-go we just haven't been able to get Europe out of our minds, and the two destinations that we kept coming back to were Santorini and Lake Como {both on the very top of my bucket list}.

Travel Guide :: Val D'Orcia, Tuscany

There aren't many places that have captivated me more than the Val D'Orcia region of Tuscany.  Perhaps it's the fact that the rolling hillsides dotted with dancing cypress trees, grape vines, and clear blue skies make you feel like you've just stepped into an Impressionist painting.  Maybe it's the fact that some of the best wine in the world is just steps away from nearly everywhere you are.  It could be the pasta.  Or the incredibly kind people.  But whatever it is, I absolutely fell in love with this region and dream about the day I will return.

Travel Guide :: The Cinque Terre

I have a confession to make.  I'm going through a serious case of FOMO.  My mom and stepdad just left for a three week trip to Italy, one of my best friends is currently jet-setting in the Greek Isles, and two of my other friends are hopping through Europe.  As much as I love social media sometimes it does make you feel like everyone is off on fabulous adventures but you.  

Travel :: Capri, Italy

Ever since our trip to the beautiful Amalfi Coast two years ago I have been dying to go back.  There are some places you visit, love, and check off the list...and there are others that you know you will return to for the rest of your life.  For me, one of those places is the Amalfi Coast.  We stayed in Positano for five days and one of which took a day trip to Capri.  The mythical island was even more stunning than I could have imagined, and our one takeaway from the day is that we just HAVE to go back!  Next time however, I'd like to stay in Capri for at least 3-4 days so we could enjoy it's luxurious hotels, stunning sunsets, top-notch shopping, and fine restaurants.  

Travel :: Boccadasse, Italy

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a nice weekend.  We caught up with old friends and spent Sunday relaxing and reading.  I'm sorry that it has been pretty quiet in this neck of the woods over the past couple of weeks.  Life caught up to me and I have been struggling to find time to fit it all in!  But I have committed to invest in more "me time," which means bringing Dreams in HD back to where I want it to be!  And first things first, let's talk about travel.

In September of 2013 Ryan and I took a fantastic two and a half week trip to Italy.  We flew into Genoa and decided to spend the night there to give us a day to catch up to the time change and allow us to wake rested and refreshed for our train ride to the Cinque Terre.  We didn't have high expectations for Genoa - the guide book called it "dank, dark, and dangerous" {a winning combination}, but surprisingly found it to be quite enjoyable.

Our favorite part of Genoa?  A small fisherman's village about 20 minutes outside of the city center called Boccadasse.  While asking our hotel's concierge for restaurant recommendations a fellow traveler mentioned that she spent the first 40 years of her life in Genoa and told us to take a bus to Boccadasse for dinner.  Not expecting much, we hopped out of the bus and were just able to catch the sunset over the sea.  After a five minute walk we stumbled upon the village, and we were absolutely awe-struck!  

Boccadasse is in a tiny cove surrounded by colorful little buildings built up on the rocks.  We wandered down to the beach and stopped at a little bar for happy hour and to drink a glass of wine sitting in the sand.  Afterwards we had a delicious seafood dinner under the stars.  But the best part of the night?  We were the only Americans there.  Boccadasse seemed absolutely untouched by tourism and felt totally, 100% authentic.  It reminded me of the Cinque Terre but without the crowds and the tours.  If you ever fly into Genoa I'd highly recommend staying a day to visit Boccadasse!

Art :: Gray Malin's 'La Dolce Vita'

Hooray for Friday!  I am so happy to be in Raleigh, North Carolina for the weekend visiting my bestie and am absolutely loving the mid-sixty degree weather {a welcome change from the months and months of cold we have had in the Midwest}.  Digging through my pictures from the Amalfi Coast for Tuesday's post reminded me of Gray Malin's beautiful 'La Dolce Vita' series, and I thought I would share with you today.  The photographer explains, "Documenting many of Italy’s most famous beaches on a 2,000 mile road trip, this series was inspired by the glamorous Italian Riviera lifestyle that mesmerized the world during the 1950s and ’60s. Focusing on the retro-vintage beach umbrellas that seem to have stood still in time, this series is meant to evoke the classic nostalgic opulence of what the Italian Riviera once represented."  You can buy Gray's work and live La Dolce Vita here.  Ciao!

Images via Maison Gray

Interiors :: Villa Passalacqua

I don't remember exactly what brought the idea of visiting Lake Como to my mind, but I know it has long been one of my top bucket list {and possible honeymoon} destinations.  The gorgeous, crystal clear Italian lake is speckled with some of the world's most luxurious villas and surrounded by picture-perfect views of the snow-capped Italian Alps.  Due to time and geography we have yet to have visited Lake Como, but to me it is just that much more of a reason to take another trip to Italy!

While most of the villas surrounding Lake Como are private {Hollywood dreamboat George Clooney is just one of the many VIP's who owns a home here}, there are numerous rental properties available across the lake.  Rentals range from small apartments to luxury villas, and when I came upon Villa Passalacqua I was absolutely blown away.  This gorgeous 18th century home can be rented out {"price upon request" of course!} for family reunions, events, or weddings.  Can you even imagine attending a wedding ceremony in the beautiful Italian gardens then heading inside for dinner and dancing under the ornately fresco'ed ceilings?  Pure magic.  Whose going with me?!

Travel :: A Day in Positano, Italy

It has been nearly two years since our trip to Positano, but I still find myself mentally visiting and revisiting the beautiful gem of the Amalfi Coast almost every day.  The five days we spent there were some of the most memorable of my life, filled with more *pinch me* moments than I could ever explain.  If you're planning a trip to Southern Italy I could not recommend enough making time to visit the stunning Amalfi Coast.  Positano would be my recommendation of places to stay, but Capri would also be quite wonderful!  Splurge for a sea-view room at your hotel {if you're feeling very luxurious, stay at the world-famous Le Sirenuse...and while you're at it, invite me to join you!} and wake up to the sky turning pink and purple over the Mediterranean.  And for the perfect day...

Travel :: Romance in Venice

Can you think of anything more romantic than spending Valentine's Day in Venice, Italy?  Ok, well maybe Paris {lucky Melinda will be doing just that!} but I have to tell you that the most romantic night of my life was spent in the beautiful Italian lagoon city of Venetia.  Ryan and I had just spent two and a half fantastic weeks making our way from the Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Florence and chose to spend our last two days in Italy in Venice.  To be honest, after hearing from multiple friends and fellow travelers, we were very, very hesitant about visiting due to the number of negative comments we received {"Venice is a tourist trap," "Venice is like Disneyworld for adults," "Venice is dead"}.  But, because it had always been on my bucket list we decided to give it a shot.  And can I just tell you that we were absolutely blown away by the architecture, the light, and the opulent elegance that is Venice.  It was pure magic.  For a perfect date night in Venetia...

Take a gondola ride at twilight: Yes, it is expensive.  And yes, it does feel kind of touristy.  But a trip to Venice is not complete with a ride in one of its famed gondolas, which were the chief means of transportation in the Venetian Lagoon from the 14th century until fairly recently.  We found that the canals were much more peaceful in the evening {after the cruise ship tourists left} and the light at dusk is absolutely magical. Prices are regulated across the city so pick a gondolier who you click with.  We were so lucky to have found Fabio, an old fisherman who had been a gondolier for over 25 years.  He was the perfect combination of humor, history, and grace.  Although typically you have to pay a premium to have music on your gondola {hiring a singer and/or accordion player to ride with you}, Fabio quietly sang old Italian fishing songs for us.  We cuddled under a blanket and spent forty minutes floating along the tiny canals and watching our last Italian sunset.  It was truly an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, and I couldn't recommend it more.  At the end of your ride, have your gondolier drop you off for...

Dinner at The Gritti Palace: For the utmost luxury, head to this famous five-star hotel for a decadent dinner at Club del Dodge along the Grand Canal {be sure to make reservations and request a table with a view}.  Start with Bellinis at their Bar Longhi.  Afterwards the maitre d' will take you to your table along the water with a {hopefully} unobstructed view of the iconic church of Santa Maria della Salute.  The white table cloth service is professional and inviting.  Your meal {I'd recommend the Mezze Maniche Pasta with Pecorino, Black Pepper and Lemon to start followed by the Sole Filet with Almonds and Lemon} will be accompanied by a pianist playing classic Italian music on a Grand Piano.  Linger over your food and drinks enjoying the mild Venetian climate and the stunning views while watching the gondolas float alongside your table.  After dessert {you must get the Chocolate Souffle for two}, put on your comfortable shoes for some...

Dancing under the stars in Saint Marks Square: An absolutely magical tradition, every evening {weather permitting} orchestras set-up outside the famous cafes in Saint Marks Square and take turns playing music.  Patrons can either sit at one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy food and wine or stand behind the tables and wander across the square as the different bands play {we sat a Caffe Quadri one night and the other night just meandered around the square}.  Enjoy the beautiful ambiance and when one of your favorite songs is played grab your love and slow dance together under the stars.  Amore...

More romantic travel destinations: Villa Cicolina, The Amalfi Coast, Lucerne, Paris, The Gritti Palace

Travel :: Colorfully

{Saguaro Hotel}

Inspired by Kate Spade's "Live Colorfully" campaign, and the fact that we all need a little bit of color to brighten up a cold winter, this week will be filled with inspiration of the most colorful sort.  So first things first, travel.  Whenever I am traveling I feel like my senses are heightened and I find inspiration nearly everywhere I look.  I would love to visit any {or all} of these beautifully colorful places, especially the striped beach houses of Costa Nova do Prado and the rolling fields of lavender in the South of France.  Heading out for a colorful holiday?  Some of my favorite travel picks are below!

{Hearst Castle Roman Pool}

{Costa Nova do Prado, Portugal}

{Lavender Fields in Provence, France}

{Cinque Terre, Italy}

{Moroccan Bazaar}

{San Fransisco}

{Santorini, Greece}

{Burano, Italy} 

Images via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7}

Travel :: The Gritti Palace - Venice, Italy

As I mentioned last week, our last night in Venice was one of the most memorable of my life -- much because of our fantastic evening at Venice's most celebrated hotel, The Gritti Palace.  The five-star hotel, located along the prestigious Grand Canal, was first built as a royal residence in 1525 and converted to a hotel in 1948.  It has been a favorite of celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway and Peggy Guggenheim {both of which have glamorous suites named after them}, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.  The hotel recently underwent a $50 million dollar refurbishment and chose to restore rather than alter, housing sometimes upwards of 150 skilled artisans a day who painstakingly restored the hotel to historical context.  Everything from the art to the furniture to the textiles {reproduced from the hotels archives} were deliberately chosen to be true to the hotel's regal history.  And let me tell you, it was exactly how I imagined Venice -- elegant, opulent, romantic, and sumptuous.

The hotel houses 82 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant {we had the most amazing dinner there}, and an Epicurean School.  Rooms are filled with luxurious linens, Murano glass chandeliers, antique furniture, and offer stunning views of the Grand Canal and San Giorgio Maggiore.  The service was impeccable and the ambiance absolutely dreamy.  I can only hope that someday we will return to Venice and will be able to splurge on a couple of nights at the unforgettable Gritti Palace.