curatedtravel

[curatedtravel]

Announcing the Curated Travel Mediterranean Cruise with Azaramara Club Class-Join Us!

I have an exciting announcement! Curated Travel sets sail on the azure blue Mediterranean seas with Azamara Club Cruises September 28th-October 5th, 2019. Ports of call include Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Sicily, Amalfi Coast and Rome on this 7-night cruise. Scott and I are thrilled to offer this hand-selected itinerary in a boutique sized ship of just 600+ passengers. The experience is like a boutique style hotel on the water!

Book with us soon to receive a double upgrade to a Club Verandah stateroom plus Virtuoso perks and VIP amenities. We can hardly wait to set sail and would love to have you join us on this bucket list itinerary. Contact us below for more details and to book your double upgrade today.

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here.

Curated Travel Cruises the Mediterranean and

YOU are invited!

September 28th-October 5th, 2019

Escape to the azure blue Mediterranean with us on an 

 Azamara Club Cruise!

  Venice.Slovenia.Croatia.Montenegro.Corfu.Sicily.Amalfi.Rome

  7-NIGHT DALMATIAN & AMALFI COASTS VOYAGE

Ship: Azamara Pursuit

Where better to begin than in romantic and beautiful Venice? Spend a day strolling scenic cobblestone streets, overarching bridges, and world-famous canals before we cross the Adriatic to Rijeka, a fascinating city perched on Kvarner Bay in Croatia. Climb over 500 steps on the 16th century Petar Kruzic Stairway to the Church of Our Lady, or savor fresh seafood from the many shops and cafés along the harbor on Korzo Street.

» More Details

What do we love?  Small boutique style cruise ship (only 694 passengers), access to smaller ports, longer/late night stays for full enjoyment of destinations and tons of all-inclusive amenities. It's like a floating boutique hotel and unpacking only once!

  DEALS: Double Upgrade! Book a Club Verandah stateroom but pay the price of a Club Interior stateroom (we love a balcony, don't we?).

  Includes Virtuoso Voyages VIP amenities and perks!

Contact Curated Travel to Book

  If you would rather not receive these updates, please click this link and we will remove you from our list.

This email has been brought to you by: Curated Travel/LuxuryTravel Advisor 3275 Summit Ridge Terrace, 3275 Summit Ridge Terr 5302286191 curatedtravel1@gmail.com Heather Lindstrom

“Arrive early in Venice and be immersed in this scenic city of cobblestone streets, overarching bridges, and world-famous canals. After crossing the Adriatic to Koper, Slovenia for a late stay, discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skocjan Caves, home of the largest underground canyon in the world, and visit the Old Town, with historic sites like the Praetorian Palace and the beautiful square of Titov Trg.

In Sibenik, Croatia, a major wine-producing region, enjoy a local red babić and pair it with freshly caught Adriatic seafood. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, Kotor, Montenegro, is our next destination, then it’s on to the Greek Island of Corfu, home to turquoise blue waters and gorgeous sandy beaches. In Giardini Naxos and Taormina, Sicily, stroll the Corso Umberto for amazing shopping, and climb to the Teatro Greco, a Roman arena with breathtaking views of the sea.

The next day in Amalfi, savor some chilled limoncello, explore its popular beaches, and be amazed by this steep, picturesque town. Where better to conclude than the Eternal City? We debark in Rome, where there are enough landmarks, shopping and incredible cuisine to last a few more days—if not a lifetime!” - Azamara Cruises

[curatedtravel]

A Postcard from Sun-Splashed Tuscany

It’s early morning in Tuscany and the sun is just waking up the autumn hued hills. There is faint citrus scented breeze and a lavender mist winding over the distant mountains. The birds, who believe they are the kings of the castel, are twirping. Tuscany is pretty perfect in fall. Cool mornings and sun-drenched golden days are on the calendar. The evening sunsets are spectacular!

Mr. C.T. and I are having a fantastic time exploring the best of Tuscany and revisiting some old favorite spots. For my travel clients in Tuscany now, and those arriving soon, this will be an unforgettable trip Italiano for you. If you are interested in learning more about travel to Italy contact me at Curated Travel.

Follow the latest of our travels on Curated Travel Instagram:

[curatedtravel]

Curated Hotels: An Idyllic Stay at Montage Los Cabos

My recent trip to Los Cabos was filled to the brim with visits to luxury resorts, a gourmet dinner on the beach and spa treatments thanks to Journese, Los Cabos Tourism and my travel agency, CADENCE. I was also pleased to see that the itinerary included a stay at the luxurious Montage Los Cabos, and for 24 hours or so, everything slowed down to a relaxing vibe Montage style.

From the moment we arrived at Montage Los Cabos we were treated with an elevated level of service. From scented cool towelettes to a signature cocktail, to personalized lounge style check-ins, our every need seemed to be anticipated by the welcoming staff. As you can see, there is an air of relaxed luxury to this desert oasis on Santa Maria Bay. The stunning architecture sets the backdrop for a truly memorable stay.

Within a few minutes of our arrival I was introduced to my lovely guide, Karina, and was whisked away to my suite.

Pinch me, I’m dreaming!!

My second floor suite was brilliant combination of natural wood elements, luxurious fabrics, authentic Mexican decor with a beachy vibe and all the comforts of home. The spacious balcony with views of the desert and sea was a true sanctuary. The oversized spa bathroom had me at ‘hello outdoor shower’. I always appreciate a luxurious bath and this one is my favorite. The outdoor shower is just plain sexy!

Enjoy this video tour of my suite!

"Perched upon the premier beachfront in all of Cabo and set within the renowned master planned community of Twin Dolphin, Montage Los Cabos features 122 expansive guestrooms, suites and casas along with 52 Montage Residences. Montage Los Cabos’ location, including 39 acres on the pristine and gentle waters of Santa Maria Bay, has spectacular views and unique in the Los Cabos region, features remarkable walk-in access to the finest swimming, snorkeling and diving in the region. "  -- Montage Los Cabos

The spa area is sublime. I enjoyed a 50 minute baja massage in one of the zen garden suites. I felt like a new woman after the treatment, I promise you. Afterwards, we were welcomed with prosecco and delicious bites at the relaxing spa pool area.

There are a variety of pool options at Montage including the cabana pool with private butler service which is exceptional. The beach is one of the few swimable beaches in Los Cabos which allows for a variety of water sports for the active traveler.

After our tour of the extraordinary private villas, we dined at Mezcal and enjoyed a true foodie experience.

I found these decadent little succulents - made of chocolate and creamy ganache - in my suite just before bedtime.

Talk about sweet dreams!

I highly recommend a stay at Montage Los Cabos for a romantic retreat (you may never leave that luscious spa suite with outdoor shower!), a girlfriends’ spa getaway, a couples’ trip or a destination wedding, celebration or family reunion in one of the original villas on property. This destination works equally well for a variety of travel experiences and it’s one of my favorite destinations in Los Cabos.

Contact me to book this memorable getaway and to upgrade you VIP style here.

If you prefer to book this (or other fabulous destinations) check out this link.

Many thanks to my team at CADENCE Travel, Montage Los Cabos and Cabo On Time Transfers for the luxury stay in Los Cabos.

[curatedtravel]

A Postcard from Sunny Los Cabos!

Hola! It's been a whirlwind week in Los Cabos. Four days of exploring luxury resorts with my travel agency team from CADENCE and 4 more celebrating my 18th wedding anniversary with Mr. C.T. who joined me for the last phase of my trip. As you can see, I've had made the most of my time in Los Cabos. 

I'm looking forward to sharing more on the luxury resorts I visited and my experiences in sunny Los Cabos. I always love to learn about new options for my travel clients. For now it's a colorful postcard but there is more to come!

If you are considering a beach getaway for your upcoming travels? I have some wonderful recommendations for you as well as perks and upgrades. Contact me and let's make your travel dreams come true!

Contact Curated Travel

[curatedtravel]

Until Further Notice... Celebrate Everything (especially love)!

At the risk of sounding downright sappy, I must confess I have romance on my mind today. With several of my client couples traveling to Italy this summer we are feeling the love la dolce vita style around here. This image above was sent to me by a a dear client couple enjoying a fabulous three weeks in Italia.

Clearly, it's a trip of a lifetime and just what I hoped for them. Can you tell I LOVE my career in travel?

I emailed one of my travel clients today to see if they were celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a special occasion on their upcoming trip to Italy. She responded, "Just celebrating love." She embellished her sentence with a red hot, red heart emoji. Her response made me smile. I know they have so much to look forward to on this very first trip to Italy and with that mindset, it will be celebratory indeed!

One of my favorite things about travel is the ability to leave our cares behind, have a bold adventure, shake up our reality, focus on each other more than real life often allows and let the romance flow. 

Until Further Notice Celebrate Everything....

especially LOVE!

A few of my favorite travel moments with Mr. C.T.!

Are you ready? Contact me to get started on your next getaway!

[curatedtravel]

Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know

Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming.  Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.

What to PACK:

*Carry on bag: I always include a swimsuit, coverup (if headed to a beach vacation), thongs, beauty essentials like the Nars Mulitple Stick, toothbrush/paste, deoderant, moisturizer, a brush and at least a couple pair of undies. I hope you never understand the importance of this but just in case your luggage is delayed or lost as mine was for 6 days in Italy.  Medications as needed. I pack a sleeping mask and a few melatonin tablets to help me sleep on a red-eye flight.  I always take a wrap or pashmina to double as a scarf or a pillow on the plane. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! I use disinfectant wipes to wipe down the tray table, armrests, buttons, etc.

*A crossbody bag or document carrier to wear under clothing. The last thing you want to have happen is a stolen bag or wallet on vacation. Pick pockets are a real thing so never leave your wallet in your back pocket, gents!

*Technology: Phone charge booster, ear buds, phone (check with your carrier for international plans), kindle app for reading, entertainment app recommended by my flight carrier. Download music, movies, TV shows and a splitter for earbuds if you plan to watch with a fellow traveler.

FOR YOUR DESTINATION: 

Download a language translation app like TripLingo for communicating with the locals on your vacation. This will make your ease of travel much improved and you will likely impress the locals, even make some new friends.

Adapters for electrical plugs as needed based on the country of your destination. Guide with details. To buy universal adapters.

DO take business cards, or, at the very least, plan to share your Facebook profile with travelers and locals you meet along the way. Our travels are often greatly enriched by the friends we make along the journey. With the dawn of Facebook, it is super easy to keep in touch upon your return home. Follow Curated Travel here.

International travel documents: what to bring and how to keep them safe

• Your passport. This is the big one. Make sure it hasn't expired and is within six months of being expired. And don’t forget passports for your kid(s)!

• Any visas that can be acquired in advance, including those for countries you’ll only be traveling through. If you can’t get a visa in advance, bring the letter from the consulate stating that your visa will be granted upon your arrival (the UAE and Oman are two countries that don’t issue visas outside their countries, for example).

• A copy of the picture page of your passport, and extra passport photos.

• Your airline miles card

• A copy of your itinerary and any e-docs or e-tickets

• Originals and paper copies of your tickets (plane, train, bus, etc.) and confirmation numbers (hotel reservations, car rental, etc.) and all contact info for these companies. ��� Travel insurance card and accompanying information

• Guidebook for the countries you are visiting and maps of your driving route — plus discreet city maps if you’ll be exploring a new city

• Your international driver’s license if you plan to drive.  Italy requires an International Driving Permit in addition to home country license. Can be picked up at AAA for $20. Good for one year Link to the app is here.  The document also lists countries that require this.  Or you can order your International Driving permit online here. 

• If you use traveler’s checks, bring a copy of your check register. (Tip: Ask your bank if you can use your US debit card at cash machines in the country you are visiting. In some cases, withdrawing cash may be easier and less expensive than cashing traveler’s checks.)

• Contact info for all the people you would want/need to contact in case of an emergency (including me!). Don’t forget the numbers of the consulates where you’ll be staying. All these numbers can be stored in your phone, as well — simply designate a consistent label for them (like “France 2017”) for easy access, and they can be easily deleted when your trip is done.

• Copies — front and back — of any credit cards you’ll be taking with you.

When you’ve assembled all the essential documents/copies, the first thing you should do is check to make sure your name appears the same on all documents. This may seem like a small thing, but it can be a big hassle during travel if your names don’t match. Next, scan the papers and send them in an email to yourself and to your emergency contact(s). In addition, you can carry a USB card with encrypted copies of all these images — so even if it gets stolen, no one could access the documents without the master password. You can keep this USB card in a tiny, discreet pocket, along with some extra cash — an absolute last resort in the extremely rare event that you lose everything. Choose a family member or close friend who will be your representative while you’re away and who can have access to major accounts if needed. This way, you have a trustworthy contact available any time, and there is someone who always knows where you are. Store copies of your major travel documents (passports, tickets, reservations, etc.) in a waterproof plastic zip bag and in a separate piece of luggage from the originals. It’s stressful enough to have your passport stolen — but having it stolen from the same bag where all the copies are is even worse. When you’re out sightseeing, always carry the essential documents on your person, ideally in a waterproof carrier that can be worn under your clothing. Once you get all this info in order, you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered in the event of the unexpected. And — bonus! — you’ll have laid the groundwork for future trips.

Trip Details - Use an app to gather all of your information in one place. I like the Tripit app for storing trip info - flights, hotels, transportation. For my travel clients I use a sophisticated, highly detailed Umapped app to organize their travel information at every step of the way.

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1529603491726?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

To start planning your trip today, contact me by clicking here. I look forward to hearing from you!

[curatedtravel]

An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

Following our final event at Lake Como for Travelux 2018,  our driver swung back to the hotel where I was finally reunited with my luggage, on day 6 of my trip to Italy. The pickup was successful and our driver headed east towards Venice to the Grand Hotel in Abano. It was a cold and rainy day but our welcome at the Abano Grand couldn't have been warmer or more welcoming at this luxury spa resort.

As I was introduced to my spacious 'Panorama View' suite I was captivated by the view and the welcoming fruit basket and bottle of chilled prosecco. It felt wonderful to have my suitcase and belongings. I was finally able to unpack, for the first time on this trip, day 7! I informed my traveling companions, now friends, who knew all about my lost luggage, that I would likely change outfits three times a day just because I finally had options again. 

Our itinerary at the Abano Grand included several complimentary spa treatments, a tour of the premises/additional local properties as well as semi-formal cocktails and dinners each evening. There was also free time to enjoy the thermal pools, both inside and out. On this stormy day, I took a swim in the expansive outdoor pool. Lost in the steamy waters and relaxing my cares away, snowflakes started to fall. It was truly a sensory experience (catching snowflakes on my tongue) that I'll never forget. 

"For your Italian vacation under the banner of wellness and relaxation, choose the exclusive GB Thermae Hotels in the heart of Abano Terme, the largest thermal waters area of Europe located in the vicinity of Venice. All GB luxury hotels offer large thermal indoor pools connected to the outdoor, large parks for relaxing walks and exclusive SPAS with sources of healing waters, where to take good care of yourself thanks to the numerous beneficial properties of mud therapy. "  -- GB Thermae Hotels

The spa treatment regimen began with a 60-minute evaluation performed by a spa physician to assess wellness. Based on my specific profile, I was prescribed a unique set of treatments. My program included a mud bath (You can't be modest for this one ;), a 90-minute hydrating facial, and a 60-minute lymphatic drainage massage. Each treatment left me feeling relaxed and renewed. Adding in water treatments from the thermal pools, steam room, sauna, circulation pools circuits to the spa time enhances the health benefits of the treatments. The physician told me that Italians will typically stay at the health spa for a week at a time for daily treatments to achieve the maximum wellness benefits.

Though I finally had my luggage and 9 days worth of unworn clothing, I discovered it is essential to wear the white fluffy robes, and slippers, from one stop to another at the spa resort. I can definitely get behind this kind of relaxing environment and attire while on a luxury travel tour. 

Our tour of the hotels one afternoon revealed the diverse style of the GB Hotels brand. While some properties cater to the classic, Italian decor and spa style, other hotels had contemporary decor and a fresh, stylish vibe at the spa. With 5 spa hotels in the GB Hotels brand, it is easy to find the perfect fit for those seeking a preferred spa resort experience. 

While days were spent in fluffy robes, reveling in the spa, our evenings were filled with semi-formal cocktail parties with our hosts and fellow travel professionals. Meals were elegant, tasty menus created by the chef from regional cuisine with impeccable service from the staff. The hotel even provided entertainment which made a spontaneous dance party,  Italian style, a must. 

Our one trip away from the spa hotel was a lovely afternoon visit to the jewel of a city, Padua. I'll share more on my discoveries in Padua in an upcoming post.

Following a few days in San Remo on the Italian Riviera, 3 days at Lake Como for Travelux 2018, the luxury travel event, enjoying 3 days at an Italian Spa resort was perfect planning. I highly recommend a stay at any of the GB Thermae Hotels in Abano. This spa retreat could be a short getaway after touring Italy or even a destination following a stay in Venice. It would also make a wonderful girlfriends' group getaway.

My thanks to the team at GB Thermae Hotels, especially Chiara Borile, Daria, Paolo, Simone and Carlo for your gracious hospitality, luxury suite, spa treatments and lovely spa products. Thank you to Nebe Club and Travelux 2018 for creating this memorable luxury travel opportunity. 

GB Thermae Hotels

To book a visit to a GB Spa Hotels or to create a group spa trip, contact me at Curated Travel. 

[curatedtravel]

A Sunny Visit to the City of Flowers, San Remo, on the Italian Riviera

The first stop on my trip to Italy was an invitation to the Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera, just 10 miles east of the French border in west Liguria.  Following a red-eye flight from San Francisco, I arrived at the airport in Nice, France, and was driven to the elegant and classic  Royal Hotel San Remo. I was introduced to my luxurious suite and joined the formal dinner in progress where I met a wonderful group of fellow travelers from the luxury travel industry.

The next day dawned bright and clear with stunning sea views beckoning on the balcony of my suite. Following a leisurely breakfast, our group was invited to a food & wine walking tour of San Remo. Vibrant flowers were everywhere and showcased the iconic beauty of the sun-splashed Italian Riviera. 

Espresso, gelato and a local wine tasting followed our walking tour. Next, we headed back to the hotel for a 2-hour, 4-course lunch. #livingladolcevita

The dining options at Royal Hotel San Remo are impressive. Each lunch and dinner brought multiple courses of fresh salads and vegetables, fish, unique pasta creations and meats dishes. The flavor combinations are a nod to local Northern Italian cuisine. Many of the plates were adorned with edible flowers from the region. Prosecco toasts kicked off each meal and wait staff kept our glasses topped off with local white and red wines. Service was always impeccable in the dining room by the handsome Italian wait staff.

Even a glass of wine to the suite was served with potato chips ( a lovely combination as it turns out) and the handsome smile was a bonus.

As you may already know, my luggage did not arrive with me at the airport in Nice. This was a bit of a panic, knowing I was scheduled for business events and 9 nights of cocktail attire for formal dinners and parties during my trip. I'll share more on how I handled 6 days without luggage in an upcoming post. Let's just say, I was happy to see that track pants are chic in Italy since they were the only pants I had with me when I arrived from the airport.

My thanks to the Royal Hotel San Remo managers and staff for the beautiful suite, gourmet dining, spa treatment, food and wine tour and hospitality during my visit. 

First stop, the Italian Riviera, next up ---- Lake Como.

Ciao!

Heather

For more on the luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo. If you are considering a trip to the colorful Italian Riviera, contact me to get started today. 

  !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1522773607165?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

Follow CURATED TRAVEL on Instagram

[curatedtravel]

Postcard from Italy! xx, Curated Travel

Ciao!! I've just arrived home from a 9-day trip to Northern Italy. My jetlagged brain is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors, the sparkle of chandeliers, water views, prosecco toasts and the delectable flavors of Northern Italian cuisine. Over the next several weeks I'll be posting on the eye-catching stops on my trip here on Curated Travel. This is simply a postcard glimpse of some of my favorite views. To say I was 'wowed' by this trip is an understatement. Enjoy!

[curatedtravel]

  I’m jetting off for a fully hosted, luxury travel event in Italy and I couldn’t be more excited. From the Italian Riviera to Lake Como to spa hotels near Venice, this is truly a dream come true for me and my Curated Travel business.

  Read the post on my new Curated Travel blog and follow along on Curated Travel Instagram.

CURATED TRAVEL BLOG

    Ciao!!

Images: Classic Vacations

  My Invitation to a Luxury Travel Event in Italy I'm jetting off for a fully hosted, luxury travel event in Italy and I couldn't be more excited.

[curatedtravel]

An Invitation to a Hosted Luxury Travel Event in Italy (PLUS A SNEAK PEEK)

Just last month I received an invitation that made me want to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. The email popped up in my phone notifications at 3:00 am because it was sent from Italy. It was an invitation to attend a fully-hosted luxury travel event at Lake Como, Italy, in mid-March. Stick with me and I'll show you why this invitation is a dream come true for me.

On Tuesday I will touch down in Nice, France, and be whisked away to the elegant and luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera. I will receive a 2 night stay, a foodie  tour of San Remo and a range of spa treatments at the hotel. This sounds like the perfect way to relax and adjust to the time difference in Italy, before I head to Lake Como for the luxury travel event. I am honored to attend as a hosted travel buyer for my Curated Travel business.

Enjoy this sneak peek:

Photo Credits:  [Royal Hotel San Remo]

 Up next on the itinerary will be three hosted days at Lake Como, based in Cernobbia, on the western shore of this iconic lake. The event, hosted by the esteemed Nebe Club, at Villa d'Este and Villa Erba, will be filled with 1:1 meet-ups with luxury brands, immersive travel experiences, combined with relationship building over elegant cocktail and dinner parties.  Yes, there will be "wine-ing" and dining, yes, there will be fireworks and, yes, there will be red Ferraris (for those of you who helped me make my selection of preferred excursions). 

This is the video Nebe Club created from this spectacular event last year. Enjoy!

  The final part of my trip will be another hosted stay with GB Hotels in Abano Bagno, the thermal spa region near Venice, for three days of spa treatments and relaxation Italian style. This gallery is a glimpse of the spa hotels offered by the GB brand. I love the classic Italian aesthetic with the modern, cool spa vibe. 

  [Photo Credits: GB Hotels Abano]

I've been asked a number of times if my favorite travel companion, Mr. C.T., will be joining me on the trip. Yes, he was invited to join me, however, the timing is such that he has previous commitments in California at the very same time. Though I wish Mr. C.T. were going to share this luxurious travel experience, there is part of me that looks forward to stretching my travel wings,  and challenging myself to solo international travel for the first time.

By the way, I can't promise that George Clooney will make an appearance at the lake this month but his villa is just up the road a bit in Laglio.

I hope you will follow along with me on Instagram as I share glimpses of these iconic destinations and my Italian style travel adventure. 

 Ciao! 

 CURATED TRAVEL on Instagram

My personal  Instagram at Style*Mind*Chic 

[curatedtravel]

Cruising the Caribbean (Plus the Biggest Surprise!)

Earlier this month Mr. C.T. and I cruised the Eastern Caribbean on the Crown Princess with my best friend from 4th grade, Deb, and her husband, Bruce. I chose this itinerary since it included several islands we had not visited on previous destination trips to the Caribbean. We set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Thomas/St. John, Turks and Caicos on this 8-day cruise.

Can you tell we are just a bit excited at the Sail Away party on the top deck?

Though I've booked a number of luxurious looking cruises for my travel clients, I've only been on one cruise prior to this one. Mr. C.T. and I were never "cruise people" preferring to plant ourselves at a beach resort on some tropical island.  We were hesitant to give up our early morning sunrise on the balcony, sunsets on the beach, a midnight stroll after a luxurious 2-hour dinner, and feeling like a local for that moment in time.  The last thing we want on vacation is a rigorous schedule and too much structure.

As you can see, a cruise can be pretty chill, as it turns out. The island stops and excursions were sublime. Though we didn't have any overnighters on the islands, we did have beach time at Jolley Beach, Antigua, on Pinney Beach, Nevis and on magical Trunk Bay on the island of St. John. 

I felt those moments of pure relaxation, as I floated in the aqua waters of the Caribbean watching the clouds go by. 

  The most surprising thing about a cruise vacation is just how much I enjoyed being on this luxurious ship. Princess has blended a refined, elegant, yet modern approach to cruising. Voted the 'Best Large-Ship' by Fodor's and housing just over 3,000 guests I can imagine how it could feel claustrophobic. Princess has gone to great lengths to assure you never feel like one of the herd. With dining areas like elegant restaurants, specialty restaurants, like Sabatinos, and the Piazza with quick bites and wine tastings, the dining options are extensive. I've reconfirmed that I'm not a huge fan of dining buffet style (especially during flu season) but there are so many dining options that you never need to enter a buffet unless you chose. Even with buffet dining Princess has created intimate dining spaces and wait service so the experience is more refined than most.  We had two formal nights on the cruise and it was fun to invite Bruce and Deb to our stateroom for canapes and sips, all dressed up, before our dinner reservation. 

The Crown Princess itinerary included three days of, as we soon discovered, blissful days at sea. These days could be packed full of activities, from art auctions (the highest bid I heard was $40,000 for an original Peter Max!), singing competitions, drum lessons, onboard book club meetings, wine tastings OR you could luxuriate on the balcony of your stateroom and finish that book you've been reading. Room service lunch? A spot of tea or a glass of wine? It's all at the touch of a button for those that enjoy stateroom time. 

Wellness and relaxation was also a theme from Princess with the promise to "Come Back New". The Sanctuary offers adult guests a relaxing, intimate space to enjoy the serenity of the sea as well as a wide-range of spa treatments. 

Our stateroom felt like a cozy cocoon with luxurious linens, dreamy bed, an extra large balcony, spacious closet and dressing area and expansive sea views from our spacious triangular shaped balcony (one of three on the ship).  We are not prone to motion sickness and found the rhythm of the waves rocked us to a deep sleep each night. It was not lost on me that you could order room service 24-hours a day without ever getting out of bed if you choose.

Our butler, Jacqueline, spoiled us with top-notch service and extra amenities. Due to my travel adviser status, and being a member of the 'Commodore Club' Captain's Circle, we received priority embarkation lounges, upgraded linens and towels, daily laundry and dry cleaning, free WiFi, canapes before dinner, cocktails with Captain Vincenzo Lubrano and more.

On this cruise, I was reassured that whether by beach resort, cruise ship or sailboat, the Caribbean remains a magical destination.

Thank you to Princess Cruises for making this a wonderful travel experience. Learn more about Princess Cruises here and the Caribbean Itineraries. Contact me to book an unforgettable cruise or inspiring getaway for you. 

Ciao! 

Let's Get Started!

[curatedtravel]

Packing a Bag for CURATED TRAVEL!

I'm excited to welcome you to my new blog site at Curated Travel. If you haven't followed me over on Style*Mind*Chic, let me introduce myself. I'm Heather Lindstrom, passport stamp collector, mermaid wannabe, Italy aficionado and romance travel expert. I've written the lifestyle blog, Style*Mind*Chic, for six years and have recently launched a dedicated home here on the web for my Curated Travel services. My vision is to create a chic, modern space for travel inspiration, travel tips, travel stories and travel planning for my international clients. I will draw from the travel inspiration shared here and I hope you do too.  As a travel consultant creating unique, bespoke travels is a passion for me. I'd love to make your travel dreams come true. To get started visit here. 

If you've been a reader of Style*Mind*Chic over the last six years the travel destinations, travel tips and lifestyle posts will all still be available in the archives and linked to Curated Travel for easy reference. 

Capturing images of our travels is one of my favorite ways to bring memories home as souvenirs. I'm just back from a Caribbean cruise (that's me on the left!) and am looking forward to creating many posts on the tropical paradises we visited. I am already packing for what is sure to be one of the MOST exciting trips I've ever embarked on. Destination: Italy!!

                                                                                              Stay tuned for more and please do follow my travel adventures on Curated Travel Instagram:

                                                                                                                                                                                           Curated Travel on Instagram

                                                                                    Ciao!

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;} /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */

Get Curated Travel Blog Posts in My Inbox!

"And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end. "  -- Pico Iyer

A few favorite souvenir images from my travels.

[curatedtravel]

Launching My CURATED TRAVEL Website

Launching My CURATED TRAVEL Website

Image from the luxurious Four Seasons on our recent trip to Nevis

  Launching the CURATED TRAVEL Website

There have been some exciting developments behind the scenes lately and I’m happy to announce that I have just launched my new CURATED TRAVEL website.  If you have followed Style*Mind*Chic Life blog you know that my Curated Travel/Travel Designer business has been based on the same website.…

[curatedtravel]

Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean

This is just a peek of life on the Crown Princess sailing on the Eastern Caribbean. After 8 days floating on this stately cruise ship, I have a new appreciation for the fine art of cruising. The Caribbean is just as beautiful as ever with the shimmering turquoise waters, sugar sand beaches and beguiling breezes.

Sending sunshine to you today.

Wish you were here!

CURATED TRAVEL: Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean This is just a peek of life on the Crown Princess sailing on the Eastern Caribbean.

[curatedtravel]

Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean

Packing for a Cruise Vacation

  Are you a cruiser? I’ve only been on one cruise, nearly 20 years ago, so Scott (Mr. CT) and I are excited to embark on a Princess Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean in the very near future. The added bonus is that we will be cruising the high seas with my best friend since 4th gradeand her husband. I’m already picturing the fun we are going to have onboard the Crown…