Tag: Beach destinations

  • Four Favorite Beaches

    Four Favorite Beaches

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My Favorite Beaches so far…

    I would love to live on a beach, on the water, steps from the ocean but because I don’t, I’ll take a beach destination vacation over any other.

    I grew up in a prairie city and spent most of my adult life in Vancouver, Canada and my view from my apartment on Beach Ave. was the Pacific Ocean and the mountains…loved it, miss it!  Being in Chicago, there were beaches on lake Michigan and now I reside near Door County, WI. and the lake life is now my home, but nothing beats the sand between your toes, the calming sound of the waves crashing into each other and the smell of the salty ocean air.

    I have travelled the world and have seen the black sand beaches of the Canary Islands, Iceland, Hawaii and Tahiti; the pink sand beaches in Bermuda but nothing beats the white sand and crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora & Tetiaroa in the French Polynesia, the picturesque beaches of Ibiza, Spain and those along the Cote d’Azure, France. I love them all for different reasons.

    When you fly over the French Polynesia you will understand why it is so breathtaking. To see the colors of the water change from deep dark blue, to sky blue, to turquoise into the clear water into sandy bottom…and then swim out from the softest sand through the turquoise, to sky blue, where you can see the tropical fish and coral reefs right under your toes. It almost seems surreal until you see for yourself.  Visit Bora Bora and the island of Tetiaroa for your next beach lovers vacation!

    Onto Ibiza, where some beaches remind me of Copacabana in Rio de Jannero.. more of a people watching/party scene compared to the tranquil hidden gems off the beaten path like in Tetiaroa.  But, my favorite days spent in Ibiza were beach hopping. We hit the shores of Aigues Blancques,  Calo d’En Serra, Platja Xarraca, Pou des Lleo, Cala Benirras, Ca Caleta and Playa d’en Bossa; some with emerald green water, others with lagoon blue turquoise waters… there is not one beach in Ibiza I wouldn’t spend my days or evenings. From the silent coves or the enchanting paths, or the essential “must sea” views of Las Salinas, if you are beach obsessed like me, put Ibiza on the top of your vacation spots to explore in your lifetime!

    Lastly, the beach club scene in the South of France is not to be missed, the chic French Riviera and the town of St. Tropez hosts Plage de Pampelonne, a long stretch of shore- line with posh private beach clubs that host trendy restaurants, cozy sun beds and parasols. Fun and leisure all mixed in one!

    I have met few beaches in my life that I have not loved. Take it all in, breathe it all in and don’t worry about the sand on your skin, in your hair and love this God given treasure of where the ocean cradles the surf and touches the sand. There is nothing like beach life, it is special for so many reasons… don’t get me started on the sunrises and sunsets, I will save that for another blog!!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1629295315256-14c700ff-c81c-4″ include=”1820,1818″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Discover Montauk

    Discover Montauk

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Spend a long weekend in Montauk, NY…to some it is a surf town, a fishing village, a romantic get-away or a family vacation. I assure you one thing. You will not be disappointed, keep reading for what do in Montauk for an extended weekend…

    Montauk is called “the end of the world” because it is the easternmost point of the island and NY state, it is about a 2.5-hour drive from JFK and I would highly recommended renting a car. Although Montauk is a small town; the resorts, parks, beaches, restaurants and day trips are between 10–30-minute drives apart.

    We stayed at Gurney’s Resort. Phenomenal location, stellar service and staff in addition to having a cool, hip vibe at their beach club and the outdoor lounge. I would suggest renting a cabana for one day if you are with a group of people. Or take long walks along the beach right in front of the resort and grab lounge chairs for the day.

    Here are the restaurants I would highly recommend.

    • Lunch (aka the Lobster Roll from the famous television series, the AFFAIR)
    • Scarpetta’s Beach inside Gurney’s Resort, outdoor seating and perfect views
    • Navy Beach freshest seafood and the best for sunsets
    • Duryeas for Lobster Salad with water views, sunset and boardwalk seating
    • Sel Rose hip,cool vibe and cuisine
    • Sisi just reopened along the water at EHP, it is in East Hampton but worth the drive
    • Tutto II Giorno in Sag Harbour, a quick 25 minute drive for some of the best Italian ever
    • TT’s in Montauk Harbor for taco’s & tequila after a day fishing or an evening casual bite
    • Surf Lodge is a MUST but make reservations and plan to stay into the night! Amazing sunset, amazing food, cocktails, vibe and scene if you like a dance party to some of the hottest dj’s and bands alike.

    Take a day trip to Sag Harbor and stroll Main Street for art galleries, unique clothing boutiques which are lined with restaurants and coffee houses. And if you have the time, take a walk around the marina and darling side streets.  End your day in Sag Harbor at Wolffer Estate winery. Their famous Summer in a Bottle and the Noblesse Oblige Rose are a must. The scenery and ambiance are divine and an absolute must in your weekend to relax, take in the beauty of this magical vineyard to “sip & snack”!

    For a spin out on the water, I had a blast on a half day private fishing charter out of the bay into the ocean. Seeing the Montauk Lighthouse from the boat and catching some sun and striped sea bass was awesome. We took our fish to a local hook and cook spot to grill up your catch of the day. Try Kenny at My Joyce Fishing Charters and he will take good care of you and your group!

    Our last day we spent 3 hours at Shadmoor State Park, this was an easy hike that leads you to the top of the buffs with Ditch Plains as your backdrop as you walk East.  There are also two “staircases”, that lead you down to the ocean. I would highly recommend this trail if you don’t have time to check out the other half dozen I wanted to! You can’t beat the scenery, the wildflowers and the coastline view.

    Spend time walking around the surf town of Montauk itself. Cute shops, coffee houses and a few local boutiques to check out. I suggest the perfectly curated Wyld Blue & Wyld Black.for upscale vintage, unique pieces, home décor, children’s clothes, jewelry, all decorated and hand selected by Sasha Benz.

    I wish I had more time in Montauk. Add it to your bucket list, “it is not the end” for me but just the first of many trips back![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1623788965165-8b450178-c8e5-0″ include=”1709,1710,1711,1712,1713″][/vc_column][/vc_row]