Let's Talk Travel

And a new adventure on the horizon...

Living in Manhattan, it’s easy to exist within a bubble—the day-to-day rhythm of school drop-offs, work, and criss crossing this 13.4-mile stretch of city can feel both all-encompassing and strangely insular. But travel has a way of breaking that routine wide open. It offers a glimpse into different ways of living, reminding me that there are entire worlds beyond my own—places where time moves at a different pace, where traditions stretch back centuries, where daily life looks nothing like mine.

As an interior designer, these experiences sharpen my eye—introducing me to new textures, palettes, and ways of living that find their way into my work. Some moments are grand and cinematic, others quiet and deeply personal, but all leave a lasting impression—shaping not just my creative work, but the way I see and move through the world.

As we prepare for our next journey, I find myself reflecting on some of the standout moments from past travels.

In Cambodia, we rode a tuk tuk into the Siem Reap countryside for dinner, the air thick with warmth and the scent of the fields. The simplicity of that evening—the open road, the hum of crickets, the lantern-lit tables—remains one of my favorite memories.

Then there was Peru, where I dragged Evan up to the top (sorry, no it was the reverse lol) of Ollantaytambo’s ancient terraces, insisting on a photo with a baby lamb dressed in a tiny, elaborate costume. He wasn’t thrilled, but it was the highlight of… my life. Not far from there, we visited the Uros floating islands in the middle of Lake Titicaca, stepping onto islands woven from reeds, an entirely different rhythm of life unfolding before us.

Vietnam had its own kind of thrill—riding Vespas through the swirling, chaotic dance of traffic in Ho Chi Minh City. A test of nerves and balance, but also an exhilarating way to experience the pulse (and delicious street food) of the city.

Tokyo offered a different kind of sensory adventure—an omakase cocktail experience at Gen Yamamoto, where each drink was crafted with the precision and reverence of a tea ceremony. And in contrast to the intimacy of that moment, there was the cinematic allure of the Park Hyatt Tokyo—forever immortalized in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation—where the skyline stretched endlessly beyond the bar.

Morocco gifted us with moments that felt surreal. An impromptu tour of an Italian prince’s home in the Atlas Mountains. A fire dancer in a red sequin jumpsuit appearing out of nowhere in the Agafay Desert, illuminating the night with what I can only characterize as an…. unexpected performance. A reminder that the best parts of travel are often unplanned!

Closer to home, Blackberry Farm in Tennessee brought the kind of joy that only comes from playing with truffle puppies or swinging on a tree swing high above the Great Smoky Mountains—pure, unfiltered happiness.

And then there was the time we took a microlight over Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia / Zimbabwe, keeping the adventure a secret from our parents until after. The rush of wind, the vastness of the falls below—it was one of those moments that felt impossible, even as we were living it.

And now… Bhutan! This April, we’ll be traveling through Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, and Gangtey, with a layover in Delhi on either side. If you’ve been, I’d love to hear your recommendations—experiences not to miss and anything that captured your imagination. As always, the best travel stories begin with a little mystery, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds.

Over the years, I’ve stayed in many hotels, but some stand out as true favorites—places that felt like an extension of the journey itself. Here are a few that left a lasting impression, if you’re looking for travel inspo or planning a trip of your own.

SL Hotels of Note:

Upper House, Hong Kong – A serene escape above the city, where warm wood paneling and sleek, modern design create a sense of zen high above the chaos below.

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi, Vietnam – A grand dame of a hotel, with French colonial details at every turn and a storied history that lingers in its walls—not to mention a decent place to recover from an ill-advised street food adventure!

Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco, Peru – A former convent turned luxury retreat, where oxygen is discreetly pumped into the rooms to help with the altitude, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after exploring the Sacred Valley.

Titilaka, Lake Titicaca, Peru – A remote lakeside lodge where the water meets the sky in an endless horizon.

Olinto, Atlas Mountains, Morocco – An intimate hideaway with just nine rooms, each named after a local flower, where time slows and the views stretch for miles.

Tarabel, Marrakech, Morocco – Tucked down an unmarked alley, Tarabel feels like a secret worth keeping. The scent of orange blossoms lingers in the air, and with so few guests, most people leave their doors unlocked. With its romantic courtyards and jewel-toned interiors, it’s like stepping into a Wes Anderson film..

Park Hyatt, Tokyo, Japan – The cinematic magic of Lost in Translation brought to life, where the skyline stretches endlessly beyond the bar and the city hums far below.

Singita Lebombo, South Africa – Like a glass-walled spaceship dropped into the middle of Kruger National Park, seamlessly blending modern design with the untamed wilderness.

Here’s to the next chapter of adventure. I’d love to hear your travel recommendations, whether for Bhutan or beyond. What are some unforgettable experiences you’ve had, hotels you’ve fallen in love with, or trips you’re excited about in the year ahead?