mindholiday: may edit
Things to do, places to see, meals to try...
Hello, hello, and welcome to the the monthly MindHoliday list, where I share my newest finds and favorites, what’s next on my list, and recent travel bookings.
Mark and I just got back from Ibiza and Barcelona, and while I originally planned on sharing our itinerary from this trip, I’ve decided not to, as the entire trip felt super insane, chaotic, and rushed. We keep planning these week long trips and going to multiple places instead of focusing on one location, because we always have this sense of impending doom because there’s SO much to see in the world and so little time. We’ve decided to steer away from this, as we have left the past few trips feeling like we never really get to know the place we’ve visited, and we’ve spent too much time on planes and in cars rather than just enjoying ourselves and taking it all in. Yes, there are places to go, but seeing a place for 2-3 days and not fully immersing ourselves in it isn’t doing us any justice!
I will say, we loved our time at the Six Senses Ibiza, as it was a gorgeous property with delicious food, but I’m not sure we’d stay there again, because it’s so remote from everything else on the island, so we spent a good amount of our time on Ibiza in the car. We didn’t feel like we could go out at night, because all of the parties were so far away. That said, this is a perfect hotel for those looking for a family trip to Ibiza. The entire property was super kid friendly!
This whole trip was a good reminder that not every vacation can be a home run, and we walked away with some key learnings, like setting intentions for trips and realizing what we want to get out of them (we wanted to party, and we failed!). We usually do this, but I’ve been so focused on planning trips for other people, that I got lazy this time around when it came to our travel. Live and learn!
Newest Finds and Favorites:
This Nikki Chasin tee that my friend Jenna gifted me, so I can feel like I am permanently on vacation when I’m really checking emails from the couch.
Art classes as an adult, specifically glass coaster making at Shiny Sparkle Labs. I am craving anything that sparks creativity and joy lately!
Mark and I took a day trip Formentera when we were in Ibiza, and loved it so much that we are trying to rearrange fall plans and plan a return trip to Ibiza and Formentera in September… And this time we will do it right :)
Cocktail hour at SAA, a member’s only club in Bushwick. I’m not a member, but Mark is, so I will be his +1 till the day I die. I can’t wait for their rooftop pool to open soon!
Montserrat, which was a fantastic day trip we took right outside of Barcelona. It’s super easy to get to, and there are so many stunning hikes to do! You get to take a cute cable car to the top, and there’s a gorgeous Monastery to visit. We went inside and walked into a lovely wedding. We also picked a 2.5 hour loop hike, and were blown away by the views and beauty.
Fort Greene’s new standout thai restaurant, SUKH. Designed to look like you’re eating in an old train car and has criminally cheap yet delicious lunch specials.
What’s Next on my List:
Pearl and the Beast — this is a cool shop in SoHo that allows you to pick out your own oyster, crack it open to discover pearls, and then use those to create your own jewelry! I’m going next week and I can’t wait.
I’m headed to France in August for a work trip, and I plan on making a side quest day trip to Monet’s garden in Giverny. It’s been on my list for so long!
I desparately want to do a BK/Greenpoint taco crawl to check out Taqueria Ramirez, Esse Taco, and Panzon…
I’m similarly on the hunt for the best burger in Brooklyn. The next spots I want to try are Swoony’s, The Long Island Bar, and Red Hook Tavern.
What I’ve Booked:
For me:
Our honeymoon! We are headed to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique this summer for 16 days. We will spend time in Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park for safaris, Victoria Falls, and we are ending the trip on Benguerra Island off the coast of Mozambique.
One and Only Cape Town is where we will start our adventure. Although I doubt we will be in the room much as we plan on exploring Cape Town as much as possible, I’ve heard very good things about the hotel and can’t wait to spend (some) time there.
Leeu House in the Winelands for some post-city exploration R&R.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge for (hopefully) seeing the big 5!
Victoria Falls River Lodge for some time on the Zambezi River and to see the mighty Victoria Falls.
&Beyond Benguerra Island for some much needed end of vacation rest! I’m so excited for this one, it’s supposed to be one of the best snorkeling sites in the world.
For Clients:
Borgo Pignano in Tuscany, for a client’s relaxed Italian holiday. I’m dreaming of that pool!
Rock House in the Turks and Caicos, for a friend’s upcoming anniversary. This has been on my list for forever, so I’m excited to hear how she likes it!
Pillows Amsterdam for a client’s vacation to the Netherlands. They were looking for something family friendly and on the quiet side, and this stunning hotel fit the bill.
This chateau in France! I rented out the whole thing for a client, but it’s technically a nine room hotel that anyone can stay in.
Ok, that’s it for now, see ya next week!
