It’s been a crazy month or so here in the studio: in the midst of deadlines, new projects, new classes and all sorts of exciting New York chaos, we’ve each been zipping off to exotic destinations for some much needed respite. I have just returned from a glorious trip to Byron Bay: hippy destination of Australia. Here are a few little peeks into my time there (you get the idea… food… beach… coffee… more food… more beach… it was rough).

I took a little trip to Rio last week- what fun I had!  The beaches were wonderful and sitting by the pool overlooking the water was divine.  The food, especially the fish, was delicious and fresh.  One restaurant I liked in particular was Satyricon. They had an amazing selection of fish, great service and an elegant atmosphere. Supposedly, this is where Madonna frequents when she is there…  I also have to mention the restaurant and pool at The Fasano.  Out of this world!

Hi All, it’s Julie here. I recently returned from a trip that took me on a flight literally over the top of the globe all the way to the Eastern world. The trip began in Phuket, Thailand and ended in Hong Kong, China. The traveling might of left me just slightly defeated, but in the end it was worth every airport lounge and plane ride. It was a truly amazing cultural experience full of inspirational ideas of which I snapped many pictures. The views were stunning, and there was LOTS of adventure. Everything from Thai cooking classes with my husband to high tea at the famed Peninsula Hotel in HK. Not to mention tranditional Thai yoga, scuba diving through coral reefs, elephant rides, lots of fresh mango and the most amazing views of the Andaman Sea right from our villa.

Are you looking to add a slightly exotic twist to your next vacation? Without a doubt in my mind I’d say try one of the stunning beaches and resort towns of Thailand. The people are over the top friendly, prices are squeal-worthy and the fresh produce is out of this world! “Sawatdee Kaa”.

It’s a rainy old day here in the big apple… the kind of day that leaves you staring out the window dreaming of sunshine and pretty umbrella-topped drinks. After returning from Italy however, my new go-to fantasy is this hotel: Il San Pietro. It’s located on the edge of a cliff between Praiano and Positano and it is simply divine.

I just returned from a completely amazing trip to Brazil to see my sister and her boyfriend who have recently moved to Rio. Far from being the relaxing beach holiday I imagined it would be; we spent a very happy two weeks climbing up mountains, seeing new and exciting animals (I loved the botanical gardens), riding up the most rickety tram to Saint Theresa (a beautiful part of town), dancing til the wee hours in Lapa and watching the sun set from the superb Ipanema beaches!

It’s no wonder emperors used to vacation here. Praiano (the lesser known but far more peaceful and family-friendly town, five minutes south of Positano) is paradise. I don’t quite know where to start… the people are just lovely, the water is perfection, the food is glorious, and the view…. bellissima! When you visit (which you must), be sure to eat here and here (you’ll thank me). Okay, la spiaggia is calling me! Baci!