What to Do

Take in beautiful coastal views along the Road to Hana. Although the Gypsy Guide app makes it possible to drive without a guide, add Sandy Cheeks Tours to your phone STAT! Kyle will customize your tour to meet your road trip needs and desires. Not to mention he stocks the car with snacks and cold beverages.

The Haleakalā National Park sunrise tour and bike ride is impressive and worth the early wake up call. Consult your hotel concierge for specific guide recommendations.

Surfing is apart of the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle. Do as the locals do and take a surf lesson with Aloha Ocean Adventures Ikaika and Keoki run an awesome business and I cannot recommend this “surf school” enough! If Ikaika can get me and Jonathan to tandem surf on the first try, he can get anyone to stand up and ride the waves! Proof is in the pudding.

Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, chances are high you are accompanied by the sea turtles. These creatures are very sizable and it is fascinating to observe them in their natural habitat. Make a sunset trip to Tavares Beach for a turtle showcase!

Where to Eat

Y’all already know I looooove to EAT and there is no shortage of good food in Maui. Monkeypod Kitchen is known for its frothy Mai Tais, and they do NOT disappoint. The setting is electric and the menu is fairly diverse. I’m not a big fish eater (I never acquired the taste) but I was pleasantly surprised to find delicious fish-free food offerings. I mean Hawaii is the place to eat fresh fish! Believe it or not, the ramen noodles were divine. Full service is available at the bar, but make a reservation to spare yourself the hassle.

Mateo’s Osteria is home to delicious Italian cuisine. Sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than a big bowl of pasta or PIZZA. Did the pizza life chose you? I’m definitely one of the chosen ones! Anyway, we snacked on a flatbread and filled up on pasta.

Longhi’s is located in the outdoor mall and has a little something for everyone. I suggest lunching here during your shopping charades. Consider a Greek salad if you’re a light mid-day eater.

Ka’Ana Kitchen was our favorite meal by a long shot…and it’s on-site at the Andaz! Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!!! This farm to table concept restaurant takes all of your favorite flavors and concocts then into mouthwatering dishes. I’m talking watermelon “steak” drizzled in balsamic vinegar topped with creamy feta and Hawaiian sea salt. OH EM GEE. I could have lived off of this stuff. Fried chicken…who doesn’t love fried chicken?! Yeah no one…well, the master chefs served up chicken and waffles on a decadent syrup infused pancake instead and topped it with jalapeño sauce. Never mind the lemon butter cream sauce…drooling. We went back for seconds. But if red meat suits your fancy, indulge in the skirt steak (pictured here) and wash it down with a “creamy” moscow mule. The cocktails are inventive too – who knew coconut cream would be the perfect addition to a traditional moscow mule?!

P.S. Locals and tourists alike rave about Mama’s Fish House. Lesson learned: BOOK A RESERVATION SEVERAL DAYS IN ADVANCE!

Where to stay

This was our second trip to Maui, and specifically to the Wailea Area. We enjoyed our stay the first time around, but we really appreciated how easy everything was at Andaz. To name a few…the car service, 24 hour market, on-site Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and abundance of pools. Whether you’re going out to eat or hitting up the shops at Wailea, the complimentary car service will shuttle you to and fro in luxurious SUVs. The 24 hour market is simply genius and frankly every hotel property should have one. It was like a pimped out gift shop with all the beach wares, an ice cream stand, fresh pastries, beer and wine, as well as a plethora of hot food items. The breakfast burrito was a hot commodity.

Resort fees are a doozy, but they hurt less at Andaz. High speed wifi, paddle board rentals, guided canoe tours, snorkel equipment, GoPro rentals, etc.,  are covered. In a nutshell, stuff you actually want to take advantage of!

Now I could go on and on about the lush landscapes, sunsets, and private beach, but pictures speak louder than words! Mahalo for reading.

Shop my resort wear:

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Your Colombia Travel Guide to Bogota, Medellín, and Cartagena

Where to stay:
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia is located in the heart of “La Zona Rosa,” about 40 minutes from the airport. We had a wonderful three nights at this hotel and highly recommend it. The WiFi was complimentary, the breakfast was included with the room rate, the bed was heavenly, and the location is superb. Jonathan and I like being steps away from the action. City life in San Francisco has definitely rubbed off on us! The Zona Rosa has something for everyone and Sofitel Bogota boasts a beautiful property in the middle of it all.

Where to Eat:
La Puerta Falsa in “La Candelaria” serves up authentic Colombian Cuisine and has been since 1816! This hole in the wall joint lives up to the hype and is worth the wait. Get the chicken soup and chocolate plate to start. Don’t ask…just do it! You won’t regret it.

Casa, just two doors down from Sofitel Bogota, is an open-air restaurant offering international food with a Colombian flair. We sat on the heated back patio and for a minute it felt like we were back home in San Francisco!

Dinner at Casa San Isidro on top of Monserrate is an absolute must. We were afraid it would be an over-rated tourist trap, but were pleasantly surprised by the good eats. Ask for a table by the window and prepare to be amazed.

What to do:
“La Candelaria” offers more than just fine food. Rich in history, the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), the Museo Botero (a famous Colombian Sculptor), and plentiful street art can be found here. Word of advice, arrange a guided tour.

If you’re in the Candelaria neighborhood, you MUST take the cable car to Monserrate for a panoramic view from (10,000 feet up) of the eight million person city. Twin Peaks has got nothin’ on this. WHOA! And while you’re at it, stop for a bite at Casa San Isidro. Dress warm because it’s cold and windy up there. I’m talkin’ 45-50 degrees chilly.

Tip: Avoid the hassle of exchange rates and use Uber to get around Bogota. WiFi is available throughout the city. Please note you will be more comfortable in an Uber Black versus an Uber X, and the difference in cost is negligible.

What to Wear:
Our summer months are Bogota’s winter months. To me, the temperature is perfect because it is very similar to San Francisco. 50s at night (although it felt warmer than that) and 60’s during the day. I dressed in layers with jeans, wedge sandals, and lightweight denim jackets.

Top | Jeans | Wedges | Purse | Earrings

Jeans (similar) | Sweater | Wedges | Purse

The Spanish in Bogota is very textbook – it is very pure and easy to understand. In fact, I used my Spanish all day everyday while we were there. Jonathan, on the other hand, will vouch for me when I say that it would be challenging to visit Bogota without knowing the language…and four years of high school Spanish is not gonna cut it. That is not to say you cannot go there unless you speak Spanish, rather do some research ahead of time, and hire a bilingual guide.

Medellín

Medellín is an incredibly beautiful city. Here you’ll find desolate country-side as well as bustling nightlife. The city sits in a valley made up of mostly high rise buildings. There is no such thing as a bad view in downtown Medellín!

Where to Stay:
The Charlee Lifestyle Hotel is where it’s at. Located downtown on Calle 9A, this property is simply chic! Featuring a pool/sushi bar on the roof deck, this place is regarded as a Medellín hotspot by locals and tourists alike. Also included in the room rate at Charlee Hotel is WiFi and breakfast – much appreciated. Again, location, location, location. EVERYTHING is steps from the hotel lobby. Boutiques, beer gardens, coffee shops, flower shops, you name it. It felt very much like the Marina District in San Francisco.

What to Eat:
Envy Rooftop on the 17th floor at The Charlee Hotel serves up sushi and Asian Fusion from 5 pm – midnight. And if you’re lucky, it might even be salsa night with live music and entertainment. Regardless, the sushi rolls are works of art and very sizable. Start with the chicken wings and make your way to the salmon and avocado crunchy roll. A “dress to impress” dress code is enforced.

La Guachafita Del LLeras is great for a pre-dinner cocktail or post-dinner dancing. The drinks are all made-to-order and are a good bang for your buck. We enjoyed fresh sangria and pina coloda out of a hollowed out pineapple. You cannot visit an exotic location as a blogger without taking that obligatory fruit beverage photo!

What to Do:
Riding the cable car in Medellín should be at the top of your to-do list. From here you’ll witness sweeping views of the valley and have a better understanding of the typography and challenges it presents. In 2004 the “teleferico” or cable car was constructed as a means of public transportation. This project made it possible for people in the mountainous regions to hold jobs in the big city.

Consider a four hour guided tour. Short and sweet but just enough time to broaden your horizons. Start at Botero Park and finish up over a late lunch at Pueblito Paisa.

What to Wear:
The climate in Medellín is heavenly. There was little to no humidity in the air and the temperature was a consistent 75 degrees. This is very easy dressing weather in my book – anything goes. I rocked two-piece pants sets, a maxi dress, and shorts during the tour.

Top | Shorts | Wedges | Purse

More about the look here, or shop it here:

Dress | Earrings | Wedges | Purse

Medellín is magical. It is very American-friendly as there is city-wide free public WiFi. Uber again works seamlessly from here. The Spanish is slightly faster than Bogota, but more people speak English. Jonathan would be comfortable returning without his personal translator…ME! We stayed for two nights but will make it three on our next Colombian excursion.

Cartagena

Often described as the “Miami of Colombia” this coastal city takes you back to the future – in a good way. The old city sits behind a concrete wall that was constructed back in 1585! It’s a photographer or bloggers’ paradise. The colorful architecture and picturesque backdrops are plentiful. Jonathan’s job as official #InstagramHusband has never been easier.

Where to Stay:
Cartagena is like its own separate country. I didn’t really feel like I was still in Colombia! I highly recommend staying within the old walled city for a one-of-a-kind experience. We stayed at Tcherassi Hotel and Spa. It was very comfortable, and quiet. A totally different experience from Charlee Hotel in Medellin! The beds were lush, and WiFi and breakfast were included with the room rate. Once again we were walking distance to the heart of the city.

What to Eat:
Patacones, patacones, and more patacones! No really though, fried plantains are a menu staple in Cartagena and I was not complaining. Just make sure they’re the green plantains and not the sweet ones.

El Balcon is a flavorful eatery with an abundant menu of Colombian cuisine. Grab a seat along the balcony and people watch as you enjoy 2-for-1 margaritas and a mouthwatering burger. I’ve never appreciated a breeze as much as I did on our first night in the hottest place on earth Cartagena.

Andante Allegro Vivace is a charming Italian bistro in the middle of the walled city. Here you’ll find Italian favorites such as: cacio e pepe and lasagne, alongside Colombian inspired stuffed pastas. What a treat indulging in Italian comfort food after a week straight of meat and vegetables.

What to Do:
It sounds cheesy, but get lost in the walled city! Start early and end late wandering the magical streets of Cartagena.

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas an old fortress for a lesson in history.

Take a group tour or charter a boat and spend the day exploring Las Islas Rosarios. Here you can scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, etc., in one of Colombia’s most impressive national parks. But don’t be surprised by the rustic nature of the Rosario Islands – you will not find luxurious resorts here! Rather this sanctuary is where you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches and some of the freshest seafood on the planet!

What to Wear:
Is nothing acceptable?! Ha! Cartagena is hot and HUMID. If you visit during June or July I can assure you that you will be sweating the entire time. I saved all my rompers and crop tops for Cartagena and it was the best decision I have ever made.

Top | Shorts | Wedges | Earrings

Romper | Wedges | Purse | Earrings

Thank you for reading my Colombia Travel Guide. Feel free to email me with specific questions should you have any!

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Convenience

Skiing made easy – enough said! Unless you own a private chair lift and all of the accoutrements, I guarantee you’ll never experience a more seamless trip to Northstar Mountain. I did not appreciate the luxury of ski-in, ski-out access until I strapped on my clunky boots at the on-site rental shop. You heard right. Mosey on down from your room, 10 minutes till “go time,” and let the experts at True North suit you up for a day on the slopes. They do it all, including but not limited to: slope-side equipment storage, boot fittings, and escort to lifts.

Family Friendly

This property prides itself on being family friendly. But what separates them from the rest is that they do not discriminate against four legged members of the fam! Simply put, dogs rule at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe. No really though, there are activities and amenities for guests of all types and ages. We spent most of our time après ski in the “Living Room.” A cozy space to retreat to, and “wine” down by the fire. Take me back!

Customer Service

The customer service at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is superb. Your patronage is truly appreciated and they are not afraid to show it. Upon our arrival, we were greeted as, Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan and GG! I always appreciate when hotel personnel go above and beyond to make sure you do not feel like “just another guest.” Whether you’re in need of a tooth brush, aa dinner reservation, or an appointment at the spa, the staff is always happy to lend a helping hand.

Shop my après ski garb here:

Sweater | Jeans | Booties | Belt (look for less here) | Beanie

The post 3 Reasons Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is Worth Every Penny appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

The Accessories

If you saw Tuesday’s post about my rehearsal dinner attire, then you may have noticed something particular about today’s look. I’m wearing the same accessories! It’s all by design. Whenever I pack for an out of town occasion, I make an effort to wear the same accessories more than once. Let’s face it, shoes, jewelry, and purses are heavy. Spare yourself the excess bulk by packing smart. It only took me about 25 years to figure that one out…P.S. since we are on the topic of “packing smart,” do yourself a favor and invest in a rolling garment bag. Your clothes will wrinkle less and they’re ready to hang when you reach your destination. I have this one and it is worth every penny.

Scuba Knit Midi Dress

Introducing the wedding guest dress of the year. This scuba knit midi dress makes a statement without overkill! It fits like second skin while providing full coverage. The material is stretchy and thick and it does not wrinkle. The thigh high slit adds the right amount of sexy to an otherwise conservative cut. Being so heavy with material on one side, I created balance with a side hairdo. I refer to this style as, “Hollywood glamorous.” Over the years it has become my go-to and it only takes 15-20 minutes to throw together. Do you want to see a step-by-step video tutorial?! Let me know in the comments below.

Shop the Post:

Scuba Knit Midi Dress (runs one size small) | Sandals (look for less here) | Jacket (similar) | Purse | Lipstain – Blackberry Sorbet | Phone Mirror

The post Scuba Knit Midi Dress: Proper Wedding Guest Attire appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

The food

There are no buffets at Villa Premiere. Again, another reason I prefer boutique style hotels. Each meal is made to order. There are three restaurants on the premises but the menus change daily. During my stay I noticed Italian, Mexican, and International cuisines on rotation. A snack menu is available 24/7 poolside, or from the comfort of your room. Most days I ate breakfast in paradise overlooking the ocean blue. The omelette and hash brown was my favorite dish. I did not indulge at lunchtime, rather I snacked in the afternoon as an attempt to save room for dinner. The nachos and queso fundido hit the spot! Take me back to the “good life…”

The drinks

I am a very conservative drinker. But if I’m going to indulge, I expect to taste the liquor. I have experienced “watered down” drinks at all-inclusive and pay as you go resorts. I do not believe they literally dilute the alcohol with water, but maybe they are advised to prepare “weak” drinks. Perhaps a “weak drink” is easier to mass produce? Fortunately, I did not experience this at all at Villa Premiere. In fact, there was an impressive selection of top shelf wines and spirits available. Home girl likes her margaritas prepared with tequila blanco. There was no shortage of that stuff around. Salud!

Shop fruit flavor pajamas perfect for breakfast in paradise here:

Pineapple PJ Set | Banana Print Onesie | Avocuddle PJ Set

P.S. Any hotel that provides me with a robe and matching slippers gets two thumbs up in my book! Thank you to Usiles L Guerrero Photography for capturing the moment

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The Rooms

This property boasts 80 beachfront rooms and suites all with balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Standard amenities include a butler service, pillow menu (I kid you not!), and scent menu for in-room aromatherapy. After the butler in Italy spoiled me rotten, I took full advantage of the butler service at Villa Premiere. He/she kindly unpacked and organized my belongings and re-packed them in preparation for my departure. And with 24/7 access via text message, your butler is also available to press clothes, and draw baths if your room is equipped with a jacuzzi. The pillow menu is a huge bonus. I realize that I probably sound like one, but anything other than goose-down gives me pain in the neck!

The Amenities

While it is important to have a comfortable space to retreat to, it is equally important to have a variety of on-site amenities. Villa Premiere features: two pools, a 24 hour fitness center, and spa. Adults only pool areas are remarkable. You don’t have to worry about any cannon bombs detonating! I spent most of the time in the infinity pool, treating myself to libations and snacks at the swim-up bar. As far as lounge chairs, the resort enforces a first-come-first serve policy and the guests respect it. I have been to other hotels where guests “reserve” their spot with a personal belonging at the crack of dawn. Who needs that pressure on vacation?! Along the beachfront you will find four “beach beds” under palapas. For ultimate relaxation, take a nap under there. Also available to you are cruiser rentals and an on-call doctor.

The Service

The staff at Villa Premiere reminds me of Bar Method instructors. They know everyone’s name in a matter of minutes! That is what I call paying attention to detail. In fact, Laura and Maria kindly addressed me each time I walked through the lobby, often stopping to compliment me on my outfit. Now that’s the way to a fashionista’s heart! On the other end of the spectrum, Javier and Hugo would bend over backwards for you on the pool deck. This is precisely the reason I prefer boutique hotels to large resorts: unmatched customer service. Stay tuned for food reviews and more Puerto Vallarta travel tips and advice.

This look is brought to you by Current Clothing San Francisco. Shop some of my other favorite two-piece sets here:

A special thanks to Ulises L. Guerrero Photography for capturing the moment.

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Whoa! What a change in scenery. Set off the beaten path sits Pronghorn Resort, a cross between a ski village and flourishing golf community. This place has SO much potential. Do not get me wrong, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, but the best is yet to come. Featuring three restaurants, three golf courses, a pool, tennis courts, and spa (currently under renovation), Pronghorn is soon to be an oasis for locals and tourists alike. Hopefully you were there in spirits as I toured the grounds via Instagram stories. The pool was still closed for the season, but Jonathan practiced his golf game and I drove the golf cart!

So what does one wear during the day and night at Pronghorn Resort? Good news: anything goes! We dined alfresco in our golf garb, and even dressed up for dinner. I was definitely the edgy chic on the green – no collared shirt for me! This mesh overlay t-shirt made the cut because it’s cute with shorts or pants. I worked from the patio in this tee with shorts and flip-flops then slipped into fringe hem jeans at mealtime. Versatility is key when you pack for a trip! Despite the daytime heat, the evenings are cool and pleasant in Central Oregon. I ceased at the opportunity to flash my new studded booties.

Shop the Post:

Top | Jeans (similar) | Booties | Lip Stain – Seen in Marvelous Mauve | Jacket | Earrings c/o | Watch c/o

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Where to Eat

It is no secret: I LOVE food! I’m not a “foodie,” rather just a girl who enjoys to eat and appreciates good grub. I use Yelp to map out the restaurants around me and highlight the dog-friendly options. I’m that person who doesn’t know what the inside of the restaurant looks like #dogmomlife. But patios…I got you covered!

If you’re into hummus, kabobs, and baklava, Zoolz Mediterranean eatery is for you. We were impressed with the libations and pleasantly surprised to find halloumi cheese on the menu. Aside from the cheese and beverages, the kabobs and moroccan chicken were both incredible. I’d pay for the yogurt dip recipe!

La Magie is a rich way to start the day. By that I mean that you’re in trouble if you have a sweet tooth! This cafe and bakery offers an array of both sweet and savory breakfast items. I ordered the quinoa scramble and could have licked the bowl clean. It was the perfect protein-packed meal for a long day ahead.

Other notable restaurants include: Barrio (try the sangria), McKay Cottage (get the lemon ricotta pancakes), Pine Tavern (river front patio great for an afternoon drink).

What to Do

I used to think a beach vacation was the only way to relax. WRONG! Bend is laid back, peaceful, and very scenic. I’ll always be a city girl but temporarily stepping away from the hustle and bustle is very refreshing. So what is there to do in a “chill” place in the middle of Oregon? Allow me to explain.

If water sports tickle your fancy, you have options. Float, swim, kayak, or paddle board down the Deschutes River. If you prefer land-based sports, you can: bike, walk, jog, or hike. Pilot Butte in an easy two mile hike with panoramic views of Central Oregon. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Other activities include: shopping, beer tasting (Crux marks the spot), and “parking.” I never knew how amusing laying on the grass could be until I found myself at Drake Park two afternoons in a row. The days are long in Bend – it doesn’t get dark until 9:00 pm. Grab a blanket and take in the scenery. Jonathan refers to the park as “ethereal.” It is like the real-life version of an artist rendering!

Where to Stay

Finding a place to stay in downtown Bend was relatively simple. It needed to be dog-friendly and walking distance to the restaurants. I am happy to report that The Wall Street Suites was only a six minute walk to the heart of downtown, and they offered GG a warm welcoming upon our arrival. Other noteworthy amenities include: tempurpedic beds, fire pits, and complimentary bicycle rentals.

Did I miss anything?! Comment below and I’ll be sure to fill you in on everything I experienced in downtown Bend. Overall I give Bend, OR two thumbs up for food, fun, and Fido. Thanks for reading!

The post Where to eat, What to do, and Where to Stay in Downtown Bend, OR appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.