All-Inclusive Cancun Vacation at Barceló Maya Grand Resort

After spending so much time in the States over winter, a tropical Mexican vacation was exactly what we needed! Neither of us had ever spent more than a day in Mexico before ((I stopped over on a cruise in high school… does that even count?!)) so we couldn’t wait to head down south to experience it together. We teamed up with Barceló Hotels and Resorts to spend a few days at their all-inclusive Riviera Maya property- Barceló Maya Grand Resort- and can’t wait to tell you guys all about it!

Barceló Maya Grand Resort just may be the grandest hotel we’ve ever stayed at purely by scale— The sprawling property consists of 5 different hotels in one! The best part is that no matter which hotel you are actually staying in, you have access to 4 of these including each of their amenities, pools, and restaurants (and if you book your stay at the Palace Hotel you’ll have access to the full property). We stayed in Barceló Maya Caribe and our room was to die for with our own private pool and jacuzzi. We could have easily spent all of our time around this hotel, but we wanted to explore all of the property and couldn’t believe that there are 10 swimming pools, 22 restaurants, 3 theaters with live shows, and 2 night clubs.

We get asked quite often which hotels we’ve been to are family friendly, and Barceló Maya most certainly is!! The property has tons of offerings for kids including family pools and water parks, activities for kids, and more. There is even a kid’s spa that was decked out in hot pink everything with manicure + pedicure stations. However, if you don’t have kids, Barceló Maya is still a great fit because there is an adult only pool, a fitness center and U-spa, and tons of space on the 2 km stretch of private beach to feel like you are on your own romantic getaway.

There’s so much to say about this amazing property, but we’ll just leave you with our 6 favorite things about Barceló Maya Grand!

1. The massive private beach

2. The swim-up pools in the premier rooms

3. The beautiful Mexican design + color palette

4. The variety in restaurant options

5. The sunsets

6. The incredible amount of things to do on property

Barceló Maya has it all. Food, beach, pools, restaurants, clubs, spa, waterparks, bars, and close proximity to Playa Del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum. It’s a perfect option for North American’s needing an escape from the cold, and whether you’re looking for romance, party or family fun- this resort is a must-see!

I hope you enjoyed this recap of our stay in Cancun at the lovely Barceló Maya Grand Resort! As always, let us know if you have any questions about this property or the area! In the meantime, Click here to check out more about the resort and to book your stay!

Xo- Tara

*The post was sponsored by Barceló Maya Grand, but our opinions, as always, are our own!

A Weekend Escape to Chapung Sebali

There is a never-ending list of amazing resorts to stay at in Ubud; Bali’s iconic jungle paradise. Therefore when you find yourself wanting to return to the same resort, you know you must really love it! We started 2018 at Chapung Sebali last year when Zach’s brother and his wife were visiting us in Bali, and I ended the year there as well with our friends Sam + Ryan from Our Travel Passport! Zach was away for the weekend in Jakarta, but I couldn’t wait to introduce our friends to one of our favorite resorts in Ubud. If you haven’t read our post highlighting all our favorite details about the resort, make sure to check it out here! :)

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Coming back to Chapung Sebali felt a bit like coming home because I know my way around, I am familiar with the beautiful modern meets Balinese decor, and I know just how good + fresh the food is. Most importantly, I know where to find the gorgeous Jungle Fish pool, and I’ve learned that shooting this pool at sunrise is just about as magical as it gets! I also remembered just how dreamy the spa is, so Sam and I made sure to have a girl’s spa day while we were there after spending some time at the gym. The gym just so happens to be one of my favorite parts about the resort! It is pretty simple and beautiful— plus fact that it is located right in the middle of the the jungle with the most epic views! There is even a rowing machine (which you guys know by now that I am pretty obsessed with!) that is right over the water! It is definitely one of those “you have to see it to believe it” kind of spots. All in all, we love this hotel and are always happy to spend time soaking up all of its relaxing jungle-goodness!

If you are looking for the perfect jungle getaway while you’re on your next trip to Bali, make sure to give this place a look!! I guarantee you won’t regret it!!

Xo- Tara

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12 Days of Fitness + Wellness with Journey Greece

Greece has always been one of the top travel destinations on our bucket list, so spending 12 days exploring 4 different destinations with Journey Greece and SPG Hotels & Resorts was a dream come true! As much as we love traveling, we find it difficult to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. We usually try to get back in a healthy routine when we get home to Bali (did you see our recent Bali self care post?) but as we are traveling, we tend to get off track. We were so excited to partner with Journey Greece for 12 days of fitness + wellness around Greece to prove it is actually possible to keep up with a healthy lifestyle while traveling!

MYKONOS

The first stop on our fitness + wellness journey was to the infamous island of Mykonos! Mykonos is full of classic Greek charm that you would expect to see when planning a trip to Greece: whitewashed cubiform buildings with blue accents, seaside bars and restaurants, winding streets full of shops, and of course, bougainvillea all along the way. It is a must-see destination for any Greece trip— and starting our adventure off here was the perfect introduction to Greece! Staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in Mykonos was easy thanks to our stay at Santa Marina Resort! Here are some ways we were able to balance fitness + wellness during our time on the island:

Where to stay:

• Santa Marina, A Luxury Collection Resort & Villas, Mykonos

How to stay active:

• Yoga by Oasis Pool & Lounge

• Fitness Center

• In villa personal training

• Stand up paddle boarding

• Kayaking

• Swimming at Oasis Pool or the private beach

What to eat:

• Sushi from Buddha Beach Bar

• Mediterranean dishes at Colonial Pool Restaurant & Bar

• The healthy corner at the breakfast buffet

• Fresh fruit and juice/smoothies by Oasis pool

Where to relax + refresh:

• Couple’s massage at Gingko Spa

• Poolside Lounge Cabanas at Oasis Pool

• Lighthouse Cabanas by the private beach

CRETE

Next up on our fitness + wellness journey was Crete. Crete is Greece’s largest island and has so much to offer from its stunning landscapes and amazing food, to the strong sense of culture. There’s no surprise that Cretan people take such pride in being from this beautiful island! Crete’s strong agricultural presence and rich culinary tradition really set this island apart, and combined with the never-ending supply of outdoor activities, it was effortless to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the island. We stayed in Elounda at Blue Palace and fell in love with the resort for many reasons— from the world-class cuisine and beautiful spa to its perfect location— Blue Palace made wellness an easy priority!

Where to stay:

• Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Crete

How to stay active:

• Hiking at Kritsa Gorge in Lasithi

• Jet skiing

• Stand Up Paddle Boarding

• Scuba diving

• Personal Training session in the fitness center

• Outdoor pilates lesson

What to eat:

• Fresh seafood and vegetables from the resort’s organic garden at Flame Restaurant

• Light + refreshing beachside dishes at Isola Beach Club

• Traditional Cretan Cuisine at Blue Door Taverna

• A Greek cooking lesson (learn to make traditional Cretan dishes such as dakos, dolmadakia, prawn saganaki, etc)

Where to relax + refresh:

• Thalassotherapy at Elounda Spa

• The Aphrodite Beauty Ritual at Elounda Spa

• An outdoor spa experience overlooking the sea

COSTA NAVARINO

The 3rd destination of our wellness journey was Costa Navarino, which is located in the region of Messinia in the Peloponnese. To be honest, we didn’t know much about this area beforehand and it really took us by surprise! The Peloponnese coast is full of mountains and rolling hills, white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. The land is full of olive groves and vineyards, making for another strong food culture throughout the area. The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is fully equipped with an award-winning spa, signature golf courses, and luxurious landscapes that can only be fully grasped in person— it is basically a wellness dream!

Where to stay:

• The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

• The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino

How to stay active:

• Golf at The Dunes Course

• Bike Fitness Tour by Navarino Outdoors

• Kayaking tour to Voidokilia Beach

• Outdoor yoga lesson in the garden

• Sunrise Yoga on the beach

What to eat:

• **1827 Bar & Lounge

• Healthy breakfast from Morias Buffet Restaurant

• Flame Restaurant at the Dunes Clubhouse

• “Farm to Table” experience

• Sushi from Onuki Restaurant

Where to relax + refresh:

• Oleotherapy Signature Treatment at Anazoe Spa

• Heat and Aqua Experience with Thalassotherapy at Anazoe Spa

SANTORINI

We couldn’t leave the country without making it to Greece’s most popular island, Santorini! This volcanic island is the caldera of an ancient (but still active!) volcano, and it’s rugged landscape and stunning vistas are sure to take your breath away. It is no shock that Santorini is such a popular tourist and honeymoon destination. We could not get over the beauty of this island and had so much fun experiencing it through Vedema Resort in Megalochori and Mystique Hotel in Oia.

Where to stay:

• Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini

• Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini

How to stay active:

• Yoga on Perivolos Beach

• Hiking route from Imerovigli to Oia during sunset

• Running the stairs at Mystique

• In room gym at Mystique

• Horseback riding in Megalochori traditional village

What to eat:

• Healthy Breakfast Buffet at Pergola Restaurant at Vedema

• Juice Bar at the open-air jacuzzi at Vedema

• Greek Cooking class at Vedema

• Breakfast or light lunch on top of the Caldera at Charisma Restaurant of Mystique

Where to relax + refresh:

• Spa at Istoria Hotel by Perivolos Beach

• Asian Spa at Mystique

• In Villa spa session at Vedema

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*This post was sponsored by Journey Greece, but our opinions, as always, are our own!

8 Days of Sailing through the Greek Islands with Yacht Getaways

The only thing dreamier than a summer holiday island-hopping through Greece is a summer holiday sailing through the Greek islands! A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to team up with Yacht Getaways to set sail on the Mediterranean Sea and explore the Greek Cyclades for 8 nights, and we’re still frothing a bit from the magic of it!

Our journey started on the Island of Paros, and ended on the mainland close to Athens. Each day after breakfast we would sail a few hours before anchoring on a new island to swim, relax and eat lunch before sailing a few more hours to our evening destination. We had our own skipper and host who sailed the boat and cooked us breakfast and lunch every day (they even take care of any/all dietary needs), and we had the evenings free to spend on land at a different island each night to explore, shop, and have dinner. Then we would head back to the ship to sleep in our cabin before setting off again in the morning!

So our daily itinerary basically looked like this:

• 7am: wake up in time to watch the sunrise

• 7:30-8:30am: shoot around the island early in the morning before any crowds

• 8:30am: breakfast on the catamaran

• 9:30am: set sail (aka time for tanning, napping, and reading on the boat)

• 12:30pm: anchor at a new destination for lunch, swim/snorkel/SUP, and a chance to explore something new! (one day we saw a sunken WWII fighter plane, another day we explored through caves via kayak, we walked through an abandoned prison, and another day we walked through the ancient ruins of Delos)

• 3pm: more sailing + relaxing

• 5pm: arrive at a new island! (watch sunset, explore, and have dinner)

• 12am: sleep on catamaran

AND REPEAT. Literally the dream vacation!

There are a few different boat options and classes to choose from with Yacht Getaways as well as the option to charter your own boat! The routes vary from year to year and depending on which part of Greece you’ve chosen, but our route was called The Greek Cyclades Explorer and looked like this:

• Paros

• Antiparos

• Koufonisia

• Naxos

• Mykonos

• Siros

• Kea

• Athens

(note: the map shows Ios as a stop but we ended up going to Koufonisia instead)

We loved each and every island that we anchored at each night, but here are some highlights from our favorite 3 islands:

Antiparos— This tiny island was so adorable and exceeded all of our expectations! Like most Greek islands, it completely livens up at nighttime and has such good vibes! There is one main street that we explored the most full of boutiques and restaurants, and a never ending supply of bougainvillea... need I say more?! We fell in love with Antiparos and hope to visit again to see even more of it!

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Mykonos— If you’ve ever pictured what it would be like to visit Greece, you’ve probably had an image of Mykonos or Santorini in your mind! Mykonos was as busy and touristy as they come, but still an absolute must for any trip to Greece! From its iconic windmills, stunning beaches, and cute windy streets with a picture perfect church on every corner— there’s just so much to love about this famous island!

Siros (or Syros)— Siros was a complete surprise because before this trip, we had never even heard of it! It honestly felt like we were in the South of France or somewhere along the coast of Italy because the buildings are not your typical white and blue Greek architecture— Siros is full of so much color and unique charm! We felt like we only scratched the surface of what this island has to offer, and (again) we really want to come back asap to see more! Our two favorite things about it were the endless supply of amazing coffee shops and the seasides views. They were among some of the most beautiful views we’ve ever seen and the island as a whole felt a lot less touristy than others!

The catamaran we sailed on fit 8 guests as well as the captain and host, making a total of 10 people. It was such a cool way to meet new friends and really get to know each other throughout the week. We were so excited to sail with Ryan and Sam from Our Travel Passport and be able to share this experience with our good friends! While this was our first experience with Yacht Getaways, Ryan and Sam have done a number of their destinations and highly recommended them all. Yacht Getaways also offers trips in Croatia, Turkey, Italy and the Caribbean- so our only question now is which one to try next! We’ve been imagining how much fun it would be to book a trip with our family and now we are adding this idea to our list of never-ending goals to make happen asap. ;)

We weren’t sure at first if we would get tired of being on a boat for so long or get sea sick at all, but the trip was divided up so well with time on and off the boat, that it was the perfect balance. Neither Zach nor myself ever felt sea sick, and it was the longest either of us had ever been on a boat before! I can honestly say that this was one of our favorite experiences we’ve ever shared, and felt like a trip of a lifetime! If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to see so much of Greece in a short amount of time, I cannot recommend booking a trip with Yacht Getaways more highly!!

As always, if you guys have any specific questions about this trip, don’t hesitate to ask! And if you’re interested in booking your own sailing experience, feel free to click the button below! :)

Until next time!

Xo- Tara

6 Weeks in Europe with ACP Rail - The League Travels' Ultimate Guide to seeing Europe by Train

Hi guys! 

This summer has been absolutely flying by!! As I write this we've just returned home to Bali from four weeks in Greece and are excited to recap all of our summer adventures for you. Where to start?! We spent most of June and July in Europe, and it’s time we finally share with you our guide to exploring the European summer by rail (and plane and car... but mostly rail!) European summer is a thing of legend- some of the most historic and romantic cities in the world have finally thawed out from the northern hemisphere's cold winter and come alive under the hot summer sun. Locals and tourists alike flock to iconic beaches and fairytale cities, and the experience lives up to the hype. If you haven't experienced a European summer, you need to! There's an endless list of places to see and itineraries to explore, but hopefully our guide can help give you some direction and inspire you as you plan your very own adventure through Europe. 

We partnered with ACP Rail to travel through Europe for 6 weeks on the Eurail Pass, and it was such a fun experience to see Europe by train. Growing up in America, train travel was really a novelty to us- so to travel through some of Europe's best destinations in this way was something we'll never forget!

If you're not familiar with the Eurail Pass (for non-EU citizens, or the Interrail Pass you're from the EU), its basically an all-in-one railway ticket. You choose the number of countries you want to visit, the length of time and the class, and then you carry one single pass to travel via train for the number of trips or travel days your ticket includes. It can be a little bit confusing at first, and the rules and included trains varies from country to country, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the Eurail website and the rules of the pass before you travel! Many trains are free within your travel days, but some require paid reservations. We had the 2-month Flexi pass with 14 travel days included within the 8 weeks. 

The benefit of the Eurail pass is the convenience of having everything in one place! You can read more about the Eurail Pass and purchasing your own through ACP Rail by clicking here. 

Ok- enough chit chat! Let's get to the 6 week itinerary. This itinerary will cover our recommendations for all things travel and accommodation, but we also have lots of destination info linked throughout! Here we go…

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The League Travels’ Ultimate Guide to seeing Europe by Train

Ok- we have so many places on our bucket list of European destinations, so we did our very best to fit a lot into short amounts of time, fully utilizing our travel days and leaving some room for spontaneity in case we wanted to change or revisit any stops. Here's a brief overview of our route: 

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London, UK

LONDON, UK

We flew in and out of London at the beginning and end of our trip because we found the best price on flights (on Emirates Airlines). We arrived into London Gatwick Airport, where you can take the Gatwick Express train into Central London.

We only spent a few hours in London as it was a transit stop- so once in the city, we ran a few errands and then proceeded to St. Pancras Station to catch the train to Paris! (But don’t worry— we spent more time in London later in our trip… stay tuned!)

Paris, France

PARIS, FRANCE

We traveled from London to Paris on the Eurostar high-speed train, which works with the Eurail Pass but requires a paid reservation (around 30 euros per person)- but make your reservation as far in advance as possible! It fills up quickly and only a small amount of Eurrail pass bookings are accepted each train. We started at St. Pancras Station in London and arrived into Gare du Nord Station in Paris.

Paris is divided into 20 zones called “arrondissements” that start at the center and work their way out in a clockwise circle. Each one is different and offers a whole new glimpse into Parisian life! You can read our blog with a 24 hour Paris itinerary here.

We stayed in Paris for 5 days and saw loads, but could have explored for weeks and weeks without getting bored.

Our favorite Neighborhoods in Paris:

• LE MARAIS (3rd/4th) - amazing cafes, shopping, the young, cool crowd and central location

• MONTMARTRE (18th) - beautiful, old little neighborhood out of the city center with famous streets, churches and vistas

• SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS (6TH) - a bit pricey and touristy these days, but as classically-Paris as it gets with unbeatable location and perfect cafes + shopping

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET: My Hotel in France Le Marais - perfect location in Le Marais!

• LUXURY: Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, Paris Opera

  Hotel Monge, Latin Quarter (see our full review here)

• AIRBNB: Paris Odeon Studio - We stayed here and loved it! It was tiny but a great location!

Avignon & Provence, France

AVIGNON, FRANCE

Avignon is a charming, walled medieval french city in close proximity to the famed lavender fields of Provence, the main reason we chose a stop here. It’s totally different from the beach towns like Nice and Cannes, surrounded by beautiful countryside, and chalk-full of history and things to see + do. From Paris to Avignon, we traveled on the TGV high-speed train which again works with the Eurail Pass but requires a paid reservation (we paid around 10 euros each)- we booked same day and it was no problem. We started at the Paris Nord Station and ended at the Avignon TGV Station. From here we rented a car through Sixt for the next week of our journey.

We stayed in Avignon just 1 day and felt it was enough time to see the city. Plan a few days though if you want to add a day trip or two to see the surrounding countryside and lavender fields around July!

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET: Hotel Le Garlande, City Center

• LUXURY: Hotel Le Mirande, City Center- near Palais des Papes

• AIRBNB: Studio Palais des Papes - We stayed here and loved it!

Saint Tropez, France

SAINT TROPEZ, FRANCE

Ah, sunny St. Topez! This beautiful town on the Côte D’Azure has been the summer playground of the social elite for decades, largely thanks to the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. High-end shopping, a marina full of mega-yachts and if you stick around long enough, you’re sure to bump shoulders with someone famous.

Part of what makes St. Tropez so exclusive and less crowded than other beach towns on the French Riviera is the lack of a train station- you can only get here by car, boat or (if it’s your vibe) helicopter, I suppose. We rented a car in Avignon and made the drive down on our own.

We stayed in St. Tropez for 5 days and it was the perfect amount of time to see the city, shop, eat and properly relax to our heart’s delight.

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET/AIRBNB: Studio Pace des Lices

• LUXURY: Hotel Byblos St. Tropez - One of St. Tropez’s hottest hotels - read our full review here

• LUXURY: Villa Marie St. Tropez - Beautiful hotel just outside of St. Tropez with stunning views of the sea - read our full review here

Cannes, France

CANNES, FRANCE

Cannes is known for their famous festivals (Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions, to name a few), but this busy coastal city has so much more to offer! We spent our first few days along the touristy Promenade de la Croisette, and to be honest we weren’t overly impressed. But once we ventured into the old quarter we absolutely fell in love with the place. Shop, swim and sleep amongst the commercialized streets of the newer Promenade area, but if you want to get a taste for the charming character of Cannes, explore the outer + older neighborhoods as well!

We drove from St. Tropez to Cannes- which takes 1.5 hours, but we chose the scenic route along the coast and stopped often for photos (highly recommend!) so it took us around 3 hours. There is also a train from either Marseilles or Nice if you’re flying in or out from one of those airports!

We stayed in Cannes for 3 days and it was a good amount of time to get a feel for the city and explore quite a bit- but if you want to relax on the beach as well, you could definitely stay a few more days. Read more about our stay in Cannes here.

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET/AIRBNB: Design Flat in the heart of Cannes

• LUXURY: JW Marriott, Promenade de Croisette - right by the beach + walking distance to everything! - read our full review here

Nice, France

NICE, FRANCE

Nice was the last stop in our South of France lag of the trip, and it was a perfect way to end! It was the largest city we visited along the Côte D’Azure, and the destination we had the most knowledge about.

Nice has had a rough recent history with several terror attacks, but we felt perfectly safe and there was a heavy police and military presence patrolling the busy areas. Pedestrian areas were strictly enforced and while it’s always important to stay alert of your surroundings, we never felt worried or unsafe for even a moment.

The pebble beaches were bustling and lined with umbrella-clad cafes- exactly what you hope for in Nice. There’s so much to explore in both the new and old quarters, and if you fancy a day trip to Monaco or Menton (highly recommend!) the trains are quick and cheap and simple to navigate.

We stayed in Nice for 5 days, which gave us time to both enjoy the city’s beaches and sites and also to explore the surrounding cities and towns. We’d recommend closer to a week as there is so much to see in and around this popular city!

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET: Hôtel Régence - perfect location in the Jean Medecin neighborhood, steps from old town and from the Promenade/beach

• LUXURY: Le Negresco - Historic Luxury right on the Promenade

• LUXURY: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée - Stunning beachfront hotel with amazing pool

• AIRBNB: Airbnb near the Beach - small, simple, nice little balcony and great location near the Promenade. We stayed here 4 days and loved it! (Also had a washing machine which we were pretty desperate for at this point, haha!)

Rome, Italy

ROME, ITALY

The Eternal City needs no explanation- but it’s one of our favorite cities in the world without a doubt. We’ve already written a full guide to Rome that you can check out here— we go in detail about pretty much every single thing we did!

We traveled from Nice to Rome via train using our Eurail Pass. We rode the train from Nice to Ventimiglia, Italy, where we transferred to the slower Italirail train that brought us all the way to Rome. There is a high-speed option that includes a transfer in Venice, but we didn’t mind the slower costal route.

*Be careful when using your Eurail Pass that you ALWAYS write in your travel days before getting on a train- we made the mistake of forgetting on this lag and the train conductor fined us 50 Euros each for the slip-up.

Our favorite Neighborhood in Rome:

• TRASTEVERE - Quintessential Rome! small, cobblestone streets and the most amazing cafes and nightlife. Young, vibrant crowd and picture-perfect setting.

Munich, Germany

MUNICH, GERMANY

Bavaria is quite a change from Rome, but it’s a stunning region and Munich is a lovely cosmopolitan city with a rich and interesting history. Only in Munich can you surf in a fast-flowing river in the city center’s park, drink a giant beer at the famous home of Octoberfest, explore sites perfectly restored to their pre-war glory and drive to some of the world’s most famous castles all in the same day! We took the Italian train from Rome to Bolzano Bozen, where we transferred to the DB Inter-city train that brought us to Munich (with a quick stop + transfer in Innsbruck, Austria). The train ride through the Austrian Alps was one of the most spectacular sites we’ve ever seen- so don’t miss this!

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET: City Aparthotel München - great location in walking distance of the city center, amazing amenities for a budget stay!

• LUXURY: Hotel Bayerischer Hof - Classic (and modern) luxury in an historic, sprawling property. Read our full review of The Bayerischer Hof here!

LONDON, UK

LONDON, UK

From Munich, we used our Eurail Pass to book a train reservation to Paris. We took the DB train from the Munich all the way to Paris with just 1 transfer. We had a bit of flexibility in our schedule on this lag, so we stopped for 2 more days in Paris (bc Paris).

From Paris we intended to take the Eurostar to London, but we made the massive mistake of waiting until the day of travel to book and there were no tickets for Eurrail passes left... (with our Eurail pass the ticket reservation was 30 euros/person, but around 300 euros/person for the full-priced ticket).

We had to be in London that day to meet my brother and his wife, so rather than pay an unexpected 300 euros we found a bus for 60 euros each. It was a less than pleasant experience that took nearly 11 hours (as opposed to 3), so avoid our mistake and book your Eurostar ticket in advance!! But- if you need an alternative option, we took the Flixbus. If booked in advance, you can book for less than $20!

London is another European city that needs no introduction, but we love it for the buzzing energy, the amazing shopping and the utter charm of British culture. There are museums everywhere you turn, great food and drink, and loads to do and see in this massive cosmopolitan city!

Our favorite Neighborhood in London:

• SHOREDITCH - Shoreditch is the creative mecca of the hip east-end of London, and our favorite choice for the cool vibes, the grungy art scene and the amazing dining and nightlife

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET: The Shoreditch Inn - great location, economic but comfortable

• LUXURY: The Langham, London - luxury in the heart of the city

• LUXURY: The Ace Hotel, Shoreditch - Amazing rooftop, perfect location. Ace never disappoints, especially in Shoreditch!

• AIRBNB: The Ultimate Shoreditch Flat with Outdoor Terrace - we loved staying here right in the heart of Shoreditch high street (also it was right next to a tiny juice bar called East London Juice Co. that Tara was obsessed with)

BARCELONA, SPAIN

BARCELONA, SPAIN

Barcelona was a last-minute decision and not on our original itinerary, but Tara’s cousin was there for a few weeks with her husband and daughter, so we decided to spend our last week relaxing by the beach and catching up with family.

This was our longest train-travel route of the trip: we took the Eurostar from London to Lille, France, a TGV train from Lille to Paris, a sleeper train from Paris to Toulouse, and the Spanish Renfe train from Toulouse to Barcelona- about 20 hours in total. Since we were returning to London after Barcelona, we decided to fly back with (which was alternatively a 2.5 hour flight), but it wasn’t nearly the experience of seeing the entire route by train! Also, the sleeper train experience was so unique and something we really enjoyed!

Barcelona is an incredibly vibrant city with amazing food, beautiful architecture and stunning culture. We stayed in Sitges, a beach town 30 minutes south of the city, and took the train in and out of the city center to explore Barcelona. We spent our days at the beach, afternoons shopping and exploring, and evenings sipping spanish wines and hopping from tapas place to tapas place. Perfect way to close out our time in Europe!

Our favorite Neighborhoods:

• GOTHIC QUARTER - cool old neighborhood in the heart of the city with great shopping and dining, walking distance to most of the city’s attractions

• SITGES - trendy beach town just 30 minutes south of Barcelona and full of amazing food, drink and happening beaches

WHERE TO STAY:

• BUDGET: Hotel Barcelona Catedral - Perfect boutique hotel with impressive amenities in the heart of the gothic quarter

• LUXURY: W Barcelona - Barcelona’s most iconic hotel from the always-amazing W Hotel brand.

• AIRBNB: Casa Esmerelda Sitges

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Thanks for reading our Ultimate Guide to seeing Europe by Train! Let us know if you have any other questions, and now go book your very own trip through Europe by train!

-Zach

This post was sponsored by ACP Rail but our opinions, as always, are our own!

30 Days of Self Care in Bali

Why Self Care?

After running around non-stop for 6-weeks in Europe-- shooting all day, editing all night, and eating to our hearts delight, we knew we needed a bit of a detox when we got back home to Bali. To be honest, we didn't for a moment regret the hectic schedule we had in Europe. We knew it would be a crazy 6-weeks, and we wanted to soak in the full experience-- including eating pretty much everything in sight along the way, haha! ((I mean, how could you possibly go to Europe and say no to croissants + gelato before and after meals?!)) With that being said, we do FULLY believe in living a balanced lifestyle, and that meant it was time to get back on track with our health asap-- so I wanted to break down for you guys exactly how we've been refreshing ourselves from the inside to the outside this month for our 30 Days of Self Care in Bali!

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FROM THE INSIDE...

F O O D - 

First things first: we had to change the way we were eating! Pizza, pasta, and wine on repeat are all amazing, but we kissed each of them goodbye to start our own version of the Whole30-- which we named the Whole30-ish, haha. ((You can read more about The Whole 30 here if you aren't familiar, but our 'cleanse' was much loser than the actual Whole30. It was pretty much just Whole30-inspired.)) We basically decided to cut out sugars, alcohol, wheat, and dairy-- which meant we were mostly eating veggies, fruit, and protein (for Zach- meat, and for me- seafood or tempeh/tofu). This kind of diet is super easy to maintain while still eating out in Bali, but if you try this at home then it might make the most sense to do a lot more cooking for the month! ((For some of our meals we forgot to say 'no bread,' so the temptation was really real when we had to set it aside after photos, haha.))

We've learned a lot while trying to stick to this cleaner way of eating in Bali, and we've also established some favorite cafes that were super accommodating for our dietary needs + restrictions!

Alter Ego-- This is a fairly new cafe in Canggu, and we are in LOVE. Their menu is split in half between vegetarian and meat dishes, so it's super easy to find whatever you are looking for. They also have tons of vegan options as well! We've been for both breakfast and lunch, and we've never left feeling disappointed. If the photos don't have you drooling already, you should at least go for the good vibes... There's tons of space to work here with lots of greenery inside and floor to ceiling windows so you don't feel as if you're stuck inside all day while on your laptop! It's a win/win situation! 

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Bali Bola-- This is a brand new cafe in Seminyak and it is safe to say we are completely obsessed with it!! From the interiors, the massive menu selection, and the freshness of each dish, it is overall an incredible place! You can tell by Bali Bola's quirky + fun designs that they pay close attention to details-- which was even more noticeable with every bite of food we tasted! Can I also mention that their juice + smoothie selection is super impressive, and I'm totally into their 'flexitarian' vibes!! 

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Koloni-- Koloni is basically a hop, skip, and a jump away from where we stay in Bali in Berawa, and we have become complete regulars there! ((If you watch our insta stories, then you've seen this place time + time again!)) The staff are all so lovely and all feel like friends to us at this point, and the food is so fresh + delicious! There are SO many healthy options-- you almost feel healthier just being there, haha. My go-to is the Buddah Bowl and Zach's is the Falafal Bowl. Both are really great and full of so many delicious veggies! 

Crate-- Crate is one of those cafes that you absolutely cannot miss out on when you come to Bali. It's been our favorite since the first time we went last fall, and we just can't seem to get enough! We love how the menu is broken up into sections such as bowls, smoothies, entrees, etc, and everything in each section is the same price! It makes it much more inviting to want to keep coming back time and time again to try everything on the menu... and I think we've just about done exactly that! The cafe owner, Marie, is always hanging around too which is always very appreciated because you can tell how passionate she is about what she does. We feel right at home when we are at Crate! :) 

M I N D - 

In our opinion, there's really no point in focusing on self care without paying special attention to your mental well-being. Often times its so easy to overlook this aspect of self care because our immediate questions tend to be 'what should I be eating?' and 'how much do I need to work out?'. We end up neglecting the fact that our mental health is extremely vital to our overall health and deserves a lot of extra love + care! Taking a step back to pause, reflect, and dream is vital. We decided to start most of our mornings this month at to the beach to have some quiet time-- whether that meant reading our bibles or just simply being in the moment, watching the morning surfers, and basking in the heat of the sun. I truly believe that starting our days in a calm way mentally prepared us to be able to tackle whatever stresses the day ahead would bring along. ((And ironically enough, August was full of a lot of challenges + stresses from all sides that we did not expect...!))

YOGA:

Another way we started our mornings was by doing yoga, either at home ((we finally got our own yoga mats!)) or at Desa Seni. Desa Seni was the first place I ever tried yoga in Bali, and it has remained my favorite all these months later. I was so happy to try out some new classes with Zach! There are so many studios to practice yoga in Bali that it might get a little overwhelming when choosing the right one for you. However, we feel that Desa Seni has it all! It is conveniently located in our neighborhood of Canggu, and is also a wellness retreat in itself that you could book a stay with. There are many classes to choose from when it comes to their yoga selection, and the yoga studio sits right in the jungle surrounded by the sounds and smells of a tropical oasis which alone is enough to make you relax! We are huge fans for many reasons, but it helps a lot that the environment isn't intimidating at all and the instructors are so lovely!

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...TO THE OUTSIDE:

B O D Y -

Working out this month was one of our top priorities, and we tried to find ourselves in the gym at least 5 days a week. I am a firm believer in at-home workouts as well if you can't make it to the gym for whatever reason, or if membership prices just aren't in your budget at the moment. Don't ever let not having a gym membership keep you from staying in shape! I am one of those annoying people who really enjoy working out, and Zach is the complete opposite. I could probably count on one hand the amount of times the two of us went to the gym together when living in NYC, and it has been such a shock to see that completely change as our lifestyle has changed so much while living in Bali! We both feel so much better when we push ourselves to get to the gym-- and having the accountability between the two of us really helps too! Some days this month we worked out really hard and felt so accomplished, and others we barely did much at all, but getting into the habit of going to the gym this month really made an impact on both of us-- and now we are hooked. 

Here are some gym recommendations for those of you who live in Bali:

• SOHAM Wellness Center

• Canggu Fitness

• Finns Recreation Center

MASSAGE/BODY TREATMENTS: 

If you've been following Zach and I for any length of time, then you are fully aware that we both absolutely love massages! Nevertheless, they always feel like a special treat whenever we get one which is probably why we are so addicted because we love any kind of special treat, haha! Not only do massages make you feel pampered, relaxed, and luxurious in a way, but they are simply good for your overall health! They improve blood circulation, help to relieve stress and muscle tension in the body, reduce anxiety, remove toxins from the body, help promote healthy posture, and... need I say more?! There are so many benefits to getting massages regularly, and you will pretty much find us on a massage bed any chance we get. ;) We couldn't wait to get back to Bali after our European adventures because massages in Bali are on a whole other level!

Mandapa Reserve in Ubud-- It was our first time stepping foot onto Ritz Carlton's Mandapa Reserve tucked away in the jungle and hillside of Ubud, and our mouths were dropped basically the entire time. The grounds are stunning and vast, full of lush greenery and peaceful jungle sounds. The spa is magazine worthy ((in fact, I'm sure it has been featured in a number of magazines!)) and we felt like kings + queens just being there. The massage was incredibly relaxing, and we really appreciated how attentive the massage therapists were in making our experience one of a kind. The spa at Mandapa Reserve is not just full of treatment rooms, but it also has men + women locker rooms with separate saunas, steam rooms, and even a gigantic shared hot tub! It looks like a gorgeous infinity pool, but it's actually heated with jets overlooking the jungle! Even writing this out sounds like I am making it up it... and to be honest, I can't even begin to describe the beauty of this place. It's one of those 'you have to see it to believe it' kind of places! But here are some pics in case you need some convincing...

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Sundari Day Spa in Seminyak-- Like I mentioned before, among many things that Bali is known for, add incredible spas to the list! There are tons of amazing spas on the island, but the type of luxury and affordability that you can find in Seminyak's Sundari Day Spa is simply unmatchable!! Their menu of treatments goes on and on, but we were really excited to try one of their rituals that is super unique to Sundari. We tried the Shakti Ritual, and the whole experience was so relaxing. We decided to end our month of Self Care with Sundari because it was literally the FULL treatment-- massage, body scrub, and aloe vera facial. The perfect trifecta for a pampering session!

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S K I N -

It's crazy what all of our faces are exposed to when we travel: the climate of a new country, pollution, new bacteria, wind, sun, etc. Not to mention what it is exposed to just being in an airport and traveling! My skin is always left feeling dry and tired after traveling. Zach and I want to create better habits when it comes to taking care of our skin-- especially as we get older and continue traveling more and more. 

Sofia Spa in Canggu-- After looking into several different spas in Canggu, we decided to go to Sofia Spa to experience some much needed TLC for our faces. Sofia Spa has a lot to offer and to be honest, it was hard to decide on which facial to choose from-- but we went with the Collagen Regeneration + Detox Action facial, and we are completely hooked! This type of deep cleansing is very unique to Sofia Spa. The facial includes exfoliation and hydration by ultrasound, blackheads extraction, and a warm massage by infrared. It is an extremely deep cleansing facial and after leaving the treatment, we felt completely refreshed and renewed! Not to mention we continued to see positive results for the days + weeks to come after this treatment. It really was a game changer for us and this treatment alone is almost worth a flight to Bali just to experience it! Both Zach and I are almost 30 ((okay I always joke because Zach is 29 and I am 28, so technically HE'S almost 30 and I am just so, so far away... #jokes)) but we want to be intentional about the way we care for our skin these days. Starting to focus on our skin a bit more closely is something we hope to maintain for the months to come! 

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SKINCARE:

Skincare is something that I always pay close attention to, so this month was no different in making sure I was taking care of my skin with a proper skincare regimen. However, I started using a new brand this month-- Mullum + Co.-- to try out a Bali brand, and I am already hooked! ((Which is saying a lot to be honest, because I am reeeally picky when it comes to skincare!)) I used to have terrible skin growing up, and so since I was in high school I've been very much into skincare and finding the right products to use on my skin. I am a firm believer in less is more when it comes to skincare routines-- and love using natural products that are found in the Earth rather than something full of chemicals that will cause me more harm than good in the long run. I was so excited to discover Mullum & Co. in Bali, especially because I am such a huge fan in oil cleansing!

Products I'm using:

• TSUBAKI BLEND: Camellia Oil + 24k Gold -- traditional Japanese face, hair, + body oil (high in oleic acid and Vitamins A, B, and E)

• DOPE Hemp Seed Oil -- nourishes, plumps, + firms the skin (helps smooth out wrinkles, super moisturizing, and helps treat acne)

• FRENCH KISS Pink Clay Mask -- use as a cleanser to get rid of dead skill cells and refresh your skin

• COFFEE + SEAWEED SCRUB -- amazing natural exfoliant (that smells heavenly!)

• ROCK N' ROPE SOAP -- volcanic rock soap that exfoliates + fights bacteria

**PS-- All Mullum + Co. products are organic and vegan if that's your vibe too! 

R E T R E A T -

Sometimes it's hard to press pause on reality while you're at home and face to face with your everyday stresses + routines, so planning a mini escape could be a great way to start focusing on self care. Being able to remove yourself from your current location and into a place that helps you to be able to relax and refresh in a peaceful and new environment is ideal, and we spent 2 nights this month at Alaya Resort Ubud for a Wellness Retreat to be able to do just that. ((Do you remember our blog post from our first stay with Alaya when we first moved to Bali?)) Alaya is home to one of our favorite spas of all time, Dala Spa, and spending a few days there as well as enjoying some delicious healthy food was so good for the soul. Our biggest highlight was being able to try Dala's Sandalwood Healing Massage for the first time, and it was heavenly! Sandalwood is traditionally used in Bali as a healing ritual, and really helps to reduce aches, pains, and weariness. Relaxing in Ubud is our favorite kind of getaway, and it was such nice way to recharge. I didn't even open my laptop for the full 3 days, and it was pretty perfect. :) 

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Spending 30 days to really focus on self care has taught both Zach and I so much as we've taken the time to really slow down and notice how we take care of ourselves, as well as really listening to our bodies and figuring out what they need. I think when you don't take the time to slow down, it's much harder to interpret what your body is trying to tell you-- when it is screaming for rest, when something you are eating isn't sitting right with you, and when you need some serious pamper time. It's not realistic that every month will look like this past one did for us, but there are many things we've learned this month that we will continue doing to maintain a more healthy and balanced lifestyle. Traveling so much definitely takes a toll on you, and in order to maintain our jobs and lifestyles we are really trying to implement a lot more self care habits in our everyday life!

I hope you guys enjoyed our '30 Days of Self Care in Bali' post! If you have any questions/comments, please don't hesitate to drop us a line below and we would love to get back to you! We always appreciate your feedback-- and really hope this post inspires you to take a closer look at how well you care for yourself! 

Until next time!

Xo- Tara

A Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

Hey guys!

On our way back to Europe last month we decided to break up our travel with a quick 2-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! We were exhausted from going non-stop in Europe for 6-weeks, and wanted a mini getaway to relax for a few days before getting back to life in Bali. Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bali are usually reasonably priced, and the KL airport is a major international hub for long haul flights making Kuala Lumpur a regular stop on our travel schedule. This time we were so excited to be spending our time at The Ritz Carlton, our first time ever experiencing this 5-star hotel group, and we could hardly wait! 

After so much exploring and travel back and forth within Europe, we didn't care to be out and about in Kuala Lumpur-- especially since we have been to the city many times now. ((However, the hotel is in the heart of the city center so it is the perfect location to be able to explore from!)) We were most excited about enjoying all that The Ritz had to offer, which is why we couldn't wait to share with you guys our 'A Day at The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur' itinerary!

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A Day at The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

6:00am

Okay let's be honest... we definitely didn't make it out for sunrise on our first morning back in Asia. Not to mention, our bed was way too comfortable and we had a great view of the skyline to enjoy right from the comfort of our bedroom!.

8:00am

 Our first stop in the morning was straight to the breakfast buffet in The Cobalt Room!

11:00am

After giving our food some time to digest, we couldn't wait to hit the gym! 6-weeks of croissants, pasta, pizza, and gelato in Europe meant there was pretty much nothing we needed more than some cardio time! Luckily the fitness center was stunning and open 24-hours.

12:30pm

Lunch time! It would be a pretty bold statement to say that the mushroom soup at The Patisserie was the best soup I've ever had... but let's just be honest and say it was literally the best soup I've ever had! I'll be dreaming about that soup for a really long time... 

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2:00pm

There's a spa on the property with a gorgeous pool that we knew we needed to spend some time at-- even if it was just for a little while. The view of the city and the tropical plants surrounding the area make for such a relaxing experience. 

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3:30pm

We freshened up and headed straight to The Lobby Lounge for afternoon tea-- which is an absolute must when staying at The Ritz! The lounge was by far my favorite area in the hotel because of how beautifully + elegantly decorated it is. There's even a live quartet playing as you enjoy your 3-tiered "snacks" and tea! 

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5:00pm

We were in desperate need of a nap after all of our food intake and activities for the day-- so poolside for the last few hours of sunlight was the perfect way to relax! (ok ok... let's be honest. They left us some macarons so we couldn't resist a little snack after our nap!) 

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8:00pm

We were so excited to have dinner in The Library to finish off our evening! The dining room is surrounded by shelves and shelves of books including topics of our three favorite things: travel, fashion, and design! The food was incredible, the wine pairings were spot on, and we were left completely satisfied by our first day at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. 

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10:30 pm

We made out way out to the lobby bar for a little more live music and a night cap, then off to bed to rest up for another amazing day at the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur!

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Thanks so much for joining us for A Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur! You can book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton by clicking below. 

Adventures away!

Xo- Tara

7 Days in Rome with Explore Italy - The League Travels' Ultimate Guide to the Eternal City

Hey guys!

We're excited to continue our series of European Guides with a week itinerary for one of our favorite cities on the planet- Rome! After we left France, we took a train down the Italian coast (drool!) to Rome for a week of adventures with Explore Italy. Everyone loves Italy, and since Rome is one our favorite cities in Italy, we've put together our ultimate guide to the Eternal city just for you!

Everything about this city oozes romance, history and culture. Italians treat their food like a lover, and the passion is evident in every pizza, pasta and scoop of gelato. It's enough to make anyone a foodie! Beyond the food (if it's even possible to get past the food), the ancient architecture and history in this city is second to none. In case you aren't already booking your ticket on the next flight to Rome, let me remind you about the beautiful, warm Roman people, the stunning countryside surrounding the city, the incredible museums and nightlife and the language of love being spoken all around you... ok! I digress!

We're pumped to share some of our favorite areas, sites, foods and hotels to help you build your itinerary. What we loved about our adventures with Explore Italy was the chance to see not only the most well-known sites in Rome, but also the opportunity to get to see some of the lesser-known (but equally as amazing) parts of the city!

This guide will take somewhere around 7 days to complete, but you can see a lot in a few days and also stretch it over a few weeks. It's up to you, but however you choose to build your own adventure, thanks for joining us for 7 days in Rome with Explore Italy - The League Travels' Ultimate Guide to The Eternal City!

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7 days in Rome with Explore Italy - The LeagueTravels' Ultimate Guide to The Eternal City!

Rome is a city for everyone- and while we all know the most famous sites, there's so much more to Rome than meets the eye. We always love to experience a destination beyond only the tourist circuits, which is just what we did in Rome. We'll break this guide down into 2 main areas, with the top things to do and see (and eat!) in each one. 

CITY CENTER

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Ah, Rome... Full of charming ancient streets and lovely, boisterous Italians beckoning you into their restaurants for a meal. Winding cobblestone alleys open up to stunning churches and squares, and it's hard not to imagine the people who have walked the same streets from antiquity to present day. The center of Rome is the heart of it all, and it's best explored by wandering for days on end from one site to the next (or how we prefer to do it, one meal to the next!) Walk along Via Veneto for the La Dolce Vita experience, luxurious hotels and high-end shopping. Cross the River Tiber into bustling Trastevere to get a taste of one of Rome's hippest neighborhoods, or up to the Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museums. Shop and eat your way down Via Del Corso, explore ancient ruins, check out the Pantheon, rent a Vespa and eat gelato to your heart's delight! Everything you expect from Rome can be found around the hustle and bustle of the city center. Here's our top recommendations! 

WHERE TO STAY:

WESTIN EXCELSIOR ROME

LE MERIDIEN VISCONTI

WHAT TO DO, SEE & EAT:

• Tour the Colosseum (because duh, it's the Roman Colosseum)
• Check out the Pantheon (Sit and have a pizza or pasta at one of the cafes in the square to admire it!)
• Explore the Roman Forum (The sunset light over these ancient ruins is unreal!)
• Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain (Try going at sunrise to avoid the massive crowds)
• Walk from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia along Via del Corso (shop till you drop!)
• Wander through Trastevere (Quintessential old Rome, wander the streets and have dinner at one of the many amazing street cafes.)
• Check out The Vatican City, Saint Peter's square and the many Vatican museums (There’s so much to see here, so start early and allow most of the day to see it all!)
• Live your best "La Dolce Vita" life along Via Veneto
• Relax in Villa Borghese and see the view from Villa de Medici (Pro tip: check out the view over Rome from the balcony in the restaurant!)
• Eat a takeaway pizza or a creamy gelato on the Spanish Steps
• Order a decadent Gelato from Gelataria la Romana
• Enjoy a romantic lunch at Doney Restaurant + Cafe
• Order the Amatriciana pasta from Antica Osteria Pontesisto Roma in Trastevere
• Apperetivos and Aperol Spritzes on the Le Meridien Rooftop
• Hang out along the Tiber River in the evening
• Check the view of the city from the roof of the Altare della Patria
• Walk across Rome's most beautiful bridge, Ponte Sant'Angelo (The Bridge of Angels built in 134 AD!)

SOUTH ROME

OSTIENSE, EUR, TESTACCIO & PARCO DE MEDICI

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When you think about Rome, chances are you only know about the main city center area. There's actually so much more to the Eternal City, and we spent a good chunk of our time in Rome this trip exploring the South side of the city! Starting at the city center and heading south, you'll run right into the bustling Testatccio neighborhood. The site of one of ancient Rome's original walls- this place is full of culture and history. You can find an amazingly preserved ancient pyramid (that's right- a pyramid in Rome!) and one of Rome's most vibrant food scenes in places like Mercado Testaccio, arguably the hottest spot in the city for street food. (Need I say more?) 

Head south from Testaccio to the next stop on our South Rome guide, Ostiense. The Ostiense neighborhood is an incredible area of Rome currently in the midst of a total transformation, and is quickly becoming one of the hottest young neighborhoods in the city. We spent our first few years of marriage living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, well known as one of the most "hipster" neighborhoods in the world. Williamsburg is full of culture, art, cool bars, restaurants and cafes. We've found that most major cities in the world have similar neighborhoods, and we always search for them because it's generally our favorite spot- Ostiense was just that! From Museums, cafes and art installations by day to a thriving nightlife scene by night, It's a must-visit area of Rome in our opinion. If you're looking for a rad part of the city without all the selfie-stick-swinging tourists but still close to city center and full of life, definitely plan some time in Ostiense. 

Beyond Ostiense, and a little further south you'll find one of the most intriguing areas of the city- the EUR area (EUR standing for Esposizione Universale Roma). This lesser-known neighborhood is an area of the city built under the rule of Mussolini in the early 1900s to commemorate 20 years of Fascism in Italy. Italy was chosen to host the 1941 world's fair, and Mussolini used the opportunity to build an area for the Fair to take place that could later become Rome's new city center. WWII began and that never happened, but in the 1950s the city council once again resumed development and turned the EUR into a business district, as it remains today. You can find loads of modernist architecture and stunning buildings like the Square Colosseum here, and it's a great spot to explore that most people don't know about. 

We said that Rome is a city for everyone- and that includes the nature lovers! You don't have to go to Tuscany to fulfill your desire for beautiful, wide-open spaces (but still, of course, definitely go to Tuscany as well) you can just head a little further south to Parco de Medici! Golfers, nature lovers, park lovers and people wanting a peaceful and quiet location just 30 minutes from the city center- Parco de Medici is for you! 

Ok... enough talking. Here are our recommendations!

WHERE TO STAY:

SHERATON ROMA

SHERATON PARCO DE' MEDICI

WHAT TO DO, SEE & EAT:

• Climb the stairs in front of the Square Colosseum and check the Fendi headquarters in EUR
• Admire the Piramide di Caio Cestio in Testaccio
• Eat your way through Mercado Testaccio
• Browse the beautiful art in Centrale Martini
• Order a gelato at Gelataria La Romana in Ostiense- yes we mentioned this twice bc it's that good
• Take a photo of the Facade Mural across from Porto Fluviale on Via del Porto Fluviale
• Walk the ultra-modern Ponte Settimia Spizzichino bridge
• Golf a round at the Sheraton Parco de Medici
• Grab a coffee or gelato from Giolitti in EUR and spend a few hours walking around seeing the amazing architecture
• Spend an afternoon sipping cocktails and swimming at the massive Sheraton Roma pool

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Ok guys... just because we are obsessed with food, we had to share a few of our must-eat foods while you're in Rome:

• Amatriciana pasta: This regional specialty from Amatrice of spicy red sauce and bacon is pasta heaven- for real. .
• Pizza: This is a no brainer, but there’s simply nothing better than the pizza in Rome.
• Pinsa: The ancient predecessor of modern day pizza, and a perfect snack!
• Aperol Spritz: It doesn’t get more Roman than drinking an Aperol Spritz at a sidewalk cafe in the afternoon light of Trastevere (or anywhere for that reason!)
• Cacio e Pepe: This is a simple roman pasta recipe and a staple at any respectable roman establishment! You can thank us later…
• Gelato: Another no-brainer, but you’ll never enjoy gelato as much as you do waking around the streets of Rome with cone in hand!

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Thanks for joining us for "7 Days in Rome with Explore Italy - The League Travel's Ultimate Guide to the Eternal City"!

Adventures away!

Zach and Tara

48 hours in Munich with Bayerischer Hof

Hey guys! 

We are back home in Bali now, and having so much fun reliving our European summer adventures through these blog posts! After an exciting week in Rome with Explore Italy (more on that soon) we took the train north through Italy, Austria (the Austrian Alps by train are absolutely breathtaking!!) and into Germany to one of my favorite cities- Munich! I'd been to Munich once before with some friends years ago and absolutely loved it, so I was really pumped to experience it again with Tara. I studied German in school, so it's always fun to be back in Germany and be able to brush up on my German!

Munich is a great city for so many reasons- it's big enough to have everything you want in a modern metropolitan city, but it's small enough to tackle in a short amount of time. It's the capital of the German state of Bavaria, and is full of that quintessential German charm you want when you visit Germany. For example, the large Marienplatz square in the heart of the city is framed on one end by the new town hall, complete with a giant glockenspiel that chimes a few time each day with 43 bells and some 32 life-sized characters! Munich is the site of the world-famous Oktoberfest each year with the Hofbräuhaus as the launching ground, and the city is an important center of art, culture, politics, business and education. It is one of the few cities in Germany that rebuilt the majority of the structures that sustained damage from WW2 bombings to their former glory and revived much of the cityscape to it's pre-war splendor.

It's not just the city of Munich that has our hearts- the Bavarian countryside is the stuff fairytales are made of, and one of the most famous castles in the world, Schloss Neuschwanstein (pronounced noy-SHVAN-stine), is just a few hours drive south from Munich. The towns you pass through on the way are quaint and lovely, and in the summer nearly every single white house with brown timbers is adorned with colorful flower boxes. It's up there with the most beautiful road trips in Europe, in our opinion!  

For our quick stop through Munich we wanted to stay in the heart of the city so that we could easily walk around and explore, and there's no hotel more luxurious in the middle of the action than the Hotel Bayerischer Hof! This grand 5-star property was originally built in 1841, and it has been owned and operated by the same family since 1897. The hotel is sprawling and boasts more than 330 rooms and suites of different styles, 40 halls and meeting rooms, 5 restaurants, 6 bars, a massive spa and a rooftop pool, a cinema, a nightclub and more! You could stay a week at Bayerischer Hof without leaving the property to experience it all- but of course we did our best to see the best of both worlds. Since there's so much to see here and we only had 2 days to fit it all in, we thought it would be the best (and the most fun!) to bring you guys with us on our adventure- "48 hours in Munich with Bayerischer Hof"!

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48 Hours in Munich with Bayerischer Hof

DAY 1

6:30 AM

With only 2 days to fit everything in, we dragged ourselves out of the ultra-cozy bed in our room at Bayerischer Hof to take a morning dip and enjoy the sunrise!

7:30 AM

Breakfast is always our favorite meal of the day, and it's even better with a view over Munich's iconic skyline.

9:00 AM

We always try to fit a workout in when we have the chance, and the rooftop gym with city views made us feel less guilty about not being out in the city yet! 

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11:00 PM

Out to explore Munich's city center for a few hours! Frauenkirche, Marienplatz, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel and the Englischer Garten- all just a few minutes walk from the hotel!

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2:00 PM

Shopping, coffee and major design inspiration from the coolest boutique we've ever been to: Sois Blessed. They have an amazing story and support incredible causes, so if you're ever in Munich, this place is a must visit!! We're obsessed. 

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4:00 PM

Back to the hotel for afternoon drinks in the "bird's nest" at the rooftop bar.

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7:00 PM

Dinner time! Take your pick from any of the many restaurants in Bayerischer Hof... from traditional Bavarian to Polynesian and everywhere in between! 

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10:00 PM

It's been a long and exciting day, and tomorrow's even bigger- so it's time to get some sleep! 

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DAY 2

8:00 AM

Road trip! Quick breakfast at Bayerischer Hof Buffet and then off to pick up the rental car. Today we're driving 2 hours south to Neuschwanstein Castle!

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11:00 AM

We stop for literally every photo opportunity we see, so the 2 hour trip took us 3 hours haha. Time to spend the day hiking and exploring the town of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein!

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5:00 PM

In the car for the 2 hour drive back to Bayerischer Hof to freshen up and take in the sunset before going out on the town!

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9:00 PM

Time to head into the city center for a giant beer and dinner at the world-famous Hofbraühaus to wrap up our time in Munich!

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OK, that wraps up our 48 hours in Munich with Bayerischer Hof! There's so much to do and see in this amazing city and the surrounding areas, so hopefully this guide can serve as a starting point for your next trip to Munich! Just so that you have them all in one place, here's our top recommendations for you to start planning your trip:

WHERE TO STAY

• Bayerischer Hof - Explore the property and book your stay by clicking below!

WHAT TO DO & EAT

• Eat and take in the beauty of the Marienplatz
• Watch the Rathaus Glockenspiel each day at 11am or 5pm (and 12pm in the summer!) 
• Visit the Frauenkirche 
• Castle hop from the Neuschwanstein Castle to the Hohenschwangau Castle
• Shop, buy flowers and drink a coffee at Sois Blessed Boutique & Cafe 
• Watch the surfers at the Eisbach and have a picnic in the Englischer Garden 
• Road trip through the Romantic Road (Romantischestrasse)
• Drink a beer and eat a giant pretzel at the world famous Hofbraühaus
• Eat a Wiener schnitzel 
• Afternoon cocktails at Blue Spa Bar on the Bayerischer Hof rooftop 
• Polynesian inspired dinner at Trader Vik's in Bayerischer Hof 
• Explore the many beautiful churches around the city (like the Asamkirche)
• Ride a bicycle like the locals 
• Check out the amazing street art along Tumblingerstrasse
• View the city from the top of Alter Peter, the oldest church in Munich!
• Pay respects and learn the dark history of the Nazi concentration camps at Dachau Concentration Camp 
• Rent a BMW and cruise the autobahn
• Eat a schnitzel from Tripadvisor's #1 rated schnitzel in Munich at Steinheil 16
• Eat a Bavarian specialty - Weisswurst!
• Visit the famous Museums like the Glyptotheck, the Deutsches Museum or Museum Brandhorst

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Thanks so much for joining us for 48 hours in Munich with Bayerischer Hof - The League Travels' Ultimate guide to Munich! Until next time...

Adventures away! 

Zach

 

2 Hours at The Langham Afternoon Tea in London

Hey guys! 

We were so excited to head to London as part of our 6-week trip throughout Europe! Not only was it my first time in London, but we were also meeting up with Zach's brother, Caleb, and his beautiful wife, Kath! We had 5 days to explore the city together, and knew the best way to start would be to have afternoon tea at The Langham, London to feel as British as possible! :) The Langham, London is iconic-- dating all the way back to 1865-- and is one of those historic hotels that has shaped the area in which it is located. Offering a luxurious experience from the moment you step foot inside the hotel, The Langham is the place to be if you want to feel as regal as a queen (or king)!

Greeted by marble columns and a grand chandelier in the hotel's lobby, we were brought straight into Palm Court- the dining room where afternoon tea is served. I immediately fell in love with all of my surroundings and by the looks on everyone else's faces, it's safe to say that we all felt the same! You can't help but notice the rose theme throughout all of Palm Court- on display right when you walk in with actual roses inside of tea cups, found on the menu with drawings of delicate roses, and even painted on the teacups you drink from. The hostesses' outfits even play in on this theme, as they wear an a-line skirt with a beautiful pink blouse. I was in awe before we even sat down! 

Afternoon tea began with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé (a rose-colored champagne) and we quickly learned that this was a summer staple here in London. It was as refreshing as it was delicious! Our waiter informed us early on that we would not leave hungry, but I still don't think we quite understood just how much food we would be consuming at an afternoon tea! You can choose between the afternoon tea or the high tea option, and we chose the high tea as it comes with an additional course and we came hungry. We informed the hotel ahead of time that both Kath and I were vegetarian and gluten free, and they made sure to prepare special options for us that made us feel very well fed and taken care of. We didn't miss out on anything! We were all given finger sandwiches to start: for example one with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, one with egg salad, one with cucumber, cream cheese, and chives, and there was a chicken salad option. Even after finishing our sandwiches, there was someone walking around with more to 'refill' our plates if we wished! Afterwards, we were served (what felt like) a never-ending supply of decadent treats; such as macarons, truffles, small cakes, mousses, etc. and finally... SCONES. The gluten free raisin scones were among the best I've ever had-- and there was strawberry and apricot jam that made them even more delicious! Of course I cannot leave out the fact that the whole time we were served different pairings of tea off of the tea pairing menu; all of which had unique flavors and notes that helped to distinguish them. I'm usually not much of a tea drinker because I prefer coffee, but I can honestly say that this experience was something that should not be missed and the selection of teas here made me reconsider my feelings about tea vs. coffee.

Our visit to the The Langham, London was one I will never forget, and I don't think I could ever visit London again without including this afternoon tea as a must on my itinerary!

Thanks so much for joining us for 2 Hours at The Langham Afternoon Tea in London! You can book your stay at The Langham, London by clicking below!

Adventures away! 

- Tara  

A Day at Hôtel Byblos, Saint Tropez

Hey guys! 

We finished our time in Cannes and drove back to one of our new favorite places in the world- St. Tropez! We'd only been away for 3 days but couldn't wait to get back and spend a few days at Hôtel Byblos- one of the most iconic hotels on the Côte d'Azur and the famed celebrity playground frequented by the likes of Grace Kelly, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and Beyoncè. As soon as you step foot on the property, it's easy to see why the stars have paid homage for more than 50 years- it's pure, luxurious perfection. Not the kind of luxury that makes you afraid to touch the furniture (though every single detail is stunning and perfectly thought out)- but the kind of luxury that makes you feel so welcomed and cared for that you want to return again and again.

The location is wonderfully situated just on the edge of the center of town, so whether you want to get your shopping fix around St. Tropez's legendary streets, walk to the beach, or just wander the narrow alleys of the old town, you only have to head a few minutes in any direction. With that said- Byblos was built to emulate a village within a village, so you would never have to leave the hotel if you didn't want to. Multiple dining outlets (like celebrity chef Alain Ducasse's Rivea at Byblos), gorgeous suites, a spa, an art gallery and the infamous Les Caves du Roy nightclub are just a few of the [many] things that Byblos has to offer, and we're already itching to get back here again soon! 

There's so much about our stay at this legendary hotel that we want to share, so we're gonna take you with us through "A day at Hotel Byblos"!

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A Day at Hôtel Byblos, Saint Tropez

7:00 AM

Roll out of bed and onto the balcony to take in the fresh air with your morning coffee!

8:30 AM

A few quick emails in the study so that the rest of the day is all about relaxation. Not a bad place for some emails, if you ask us!

10:00 AM

Extreme R+R in the Byblos Spa for two, please. 

1:00 PM

Grab a quick lunch and then off to the pool for some Vitamin D therapy!

4:00 PM

Wine and snacks in the room as we get ready for the fun night ahead!

5:00 PM

A few hours out exploring the town and the hotel grounds to work up our appetite for dinner.

8:00 PM

Back to the room to freshen up, enjoy a quick glass of Hotel Byblos' own exclusive 50th anniversary wine from Domaines Ott, and take in the Tropezien sunset!

9:00 PM

Time for an amazing dinner experience at Rivea- food by celebrity chef Alain Ducasse, live music, and the perfect end to a perfect day at Hotel Byblos!

Thanks for joining us for "A Day at Hôtel Byblos, Saint Tropez"!

You can book your stay at Byblos by clicking here. 

Adventures away!

Zach and Tara

A Day in Cannes with JW Marriott

Hey guys! 

If you've been following along on Instagram, you now that we just finished up a beautiful 12 days across the French Riviera! We from Paris we traveled to St. Tropez, and from St. Tropez we went east to the city of Cannes. Famously known for they annual film festival, Cannes is a bustling city on France's southern coast and a must-see for any Côte d'Azur itinerary. Since St. Tropez has no train station, we rented a car and drove along the ocean to get to Cannes- a journey that should take you about an hour and a half. We, however chose to take the coastal scenic route and subsequently (but without regrets) took about three hours to get there!

Cannes is quite a bit bigger than St. Tropez and offers an impressive array of tastes and styles, from high-end luxury shopping districts and posh beachfront hotels to a charming old town district full of sidewalk cafes and smiley locals. Unlike some of the smaller towns along the coast, Cannes' size means that walking from one end of the city to the other will take some substantial time. That's the best way to do it though, and each area you pass through is unique and different. We loved the city for this- one moment you were browsing the stunning racks of clothes fit for fashion week runways, and the next you were climbing an ancient hill to admire the view of the city below, and both activities work so harmoniously together that you hardly feel the transition from one to the next! 

We stayed at the beachfront JW Marriott Hotel Cannes and this amazing property was our base for our adventures around Cannes. JW Marriott's location is perfect for anyone wanting an ocean view, close proximity to the iconic beaches of Cannes and easy access to the luxury shops filling the surrounding areas! Something unique about the JW Marriott is their direct beach views, unobstructed by the palm trees lining most of the main road- and our balcony was the perfect place to take in the view, feel the salty Mediterranean breeze and contemplate how beautiful and rare a place like Cannes really is. From the moment you walk into the grand atrium-style lobby you feel the splendor and prestige of the names that come to Cannes each year for the festival. They have an outdoor restaurant, a massive rooftop, and the location can't be beat.

Check out "A Day in Cannes with JW Marriott" below, and you can book your own stay at the JW Marriott bay clicking here!

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A Day in Cannes with JW Marriott

6:30 AM

Coffee + Sunrise from the rooftop FTW

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8:00 AM

Breakfast is always better on a beautiful patio with sea views! The breakfast buffet at JW Marriott is the perfect way to fuel up before a long day of adventures!

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10:00 AM

Beach time! While Cannes has amazing beaches right in the city, we wanted to explore the smaller towns surrounding the area, and the drive (or the train) are quick and easy with stunning views at every turn. 

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1:00 PM

We were starving after a full morning of beach-hopping and sun-soaking, so a picnic on our balcony was in order. 

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3:00 PM

Shop till you drop! Cannes is not only an amazing beach destination, but also has an impressive array of shopping to offer from high-end designers and local boutiques alike- and all in the middle of these charming, picturesque streets!

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5:00 PM

We wrapped up an afternoon of shopping and made our way over to the old town to wander the ancient streets and watch the sun set. The winding cobblestone streets offer endless dining options in the coolest sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and the place comes alive with dining and drinking when the sun starts to set!

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9:00 PM

Back at the JW Marriott and a nice glass of wine on our balcony to reflect on the day and plan tomorrow's adventures! 

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Thanks for joining us for "A Day in Cannes with JW Marriott"!

You can book your stay at the JW Marriott by clicking here. 

Adventures away!

Zach and Tara

 

A Day at Villa Marie, Saint Tropez

Hey guys! 

I hope that everyone has been having a great week. We've been traveling trough France these past few weeks- we started with a week in Paris and then took the train south to Avignon in Provence for a day before renting a car and making our way down to the Cote d'Azur! Our first stop on the coast was St. Tropez and the luxurious 5-star Villa Marie, and there couldn't have been a more perfect welcome to the sunny south of France!

Villa Marie is part of a family-owned brand of hotels with locations scattered across some of the most beautiful parts of France, and the St. Tropez property is no exception! The brand has expertly maintained a perfect mix of high-luxury hospitality and down-to-earth warmth, and their expressed desire to create an environment that feels simultaneously like a high-end resort and a family home is spot on. Located just a few minutes drive up the hill from the city center of St. Tropez, Villa Marie is a tranquil escape surrounded by gardens and green, fresh air and stunning vistas of the azure Mediterranean Sea below. 

We planned to use Villa Marie as our base to explore St. Tropez, but we were so in love with the resort that we spent our days almost entirely on the property until we went out exploring at night! Sometimes when you travel you want to go out all day every day, and sometimes you need a few days of quiet refresh in a beautiful place- and what we loved most about Villa Marie is that it was a perfect setup for both! Check out our diary of "A Day at Villa Marie, Saint Tropez" below and you start dreaming of your own holiday paradise on the Côte d'Azur!

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A Day at Villa Marie, Saint Tropez

6:30 AM

Not sure if there's a better way to start your day than to sip a cup of coffee and take a morning dip (or dive!) in a pool with Mediterranean views! 

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8:00 AM

It won't take you long to recognize our affinity for breakfast- in fact, we're low key (self-proclaimed) breakfast critics, and the breakfast offering at Villa Marie wins all the gold medals. The vast, divine selections of breads, pastries, fruits, cold-cuts and cheeses, juices and other various breakfast items alone was enough to win our hearts- but the chef station for hot foods like omelettes, waffles and french toast really brought it home for us. It would be worth it to stay at Villa Marie St. Tropez for the brioche french toast alone!

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10:00 AM

Lazy morning walk around the gardens and a little bit of reading in the sunny cactus room is just what we needed after a few crazy travel days in a row.

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1:00 PM

Lunchtime! Dolce Vita at Villa Marie offers an impeccable dining experience- with the interiors to match! We were admittedly still full from overdoing it on breakfast (that French toast!!) so we went with a few Mediterranean salad options and shared a bowl of pasta. Of course, no matter how full you are, there is always room for dessert!

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4:00 PM

Villa Marie offers a complimentary shuttle between the hotel and the city center of St. Tropez, and the charming driver Tony quickly became a friend. There's so much to explore in town, and we spent the afternoon shopping, snacking on crepes and macarons, and wandering through the ancient streets in the old town!  

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8:00 PM

Back at the hotel and cozied up with a glass of wine in the orange room to catch up on the day's adventures and plan our next day in St. Tropez!

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Thanks for following us for "A day at Villa Marie St. Tropez"! If you still haven't had enough, you can check out our photo diary here. If you'd like to book your stay at Villa Marie, click here!

Adventures away! 

-Zach + Tara 

A Day in Paris with Hôtel Monge

Hey guys! 

We're well into our 7-week European adventure, and so excited to start sharing some of the amazing places we've stayed and the awesome experiences we have had! Our first stop on the trip brought us to Paris - the city of love, the city of light, whatever it's referred to. Doesn't matter, because it is ALL of those things! We fell head-over-heals in love and cannot wait to come back (in fact we're debating changing our itinerary next month for another week in Paris before we leave!) For the first part of our time in Paris, we stayed in Le Marais, but the second part of the week we stayed at Hôtel Monge in the Latin quarter of the city's 5th arrondissement. This beautiful boutique hotel on the left bank was once a family home, but is now an impressively restored, beautiful designed boutique hotel with 30 rooms. The balcony from our room was the thing that Parisian dreams are made of, and the hotel's close proximity to the Place Monge metro station (just a 5-minute walk) made this place the perfect spot to stay to end our time in Paris. Add in a beautiful European breakfast spread, stunning interiors and modern French charm, and you've got a wonderful hotel that we're excited to share! Check out "A day in Paris with Hôtel Monge" below and click here to book your stay!

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A Day in Paris with Hôtel Monge

6:30 AM

There's no time for sleeping in when you've got the entire city to explore! Coffee and criossants on our balcony are the perfect motivation needed to get us out of bed and ready to tackle Paris!

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8:00  AM

Notre Dame Cathedral is the perfect destination for a morning stroll. Walking is the best way to discover Paris, in our opinion, and the early morning is a great way to avoid the crowds as well. Notre Dame is only 10 minutes walking from Hôtel Monge, so it's the perfect spot for a quick morning sight-see. A little stop for some fresh flowers on the way, of course!

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10:00 AM

Back to the Hotel to freshen up and rest a little before we head out again!

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12:00 PM

Back on foot for a walk up to the trendy Le Marais neighborhood for lunch! Paris sidewalk cafes are the perfect way to spend a leisurely lunch and plan your next move (or just sip wine and people watch), and Le Marais is full of them! It's less than a 20-minute walk back to the hotel, so we stopped by our room to grab a few things before heading to the metro station to continue our Paris adventures! 

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2:30 PM

Down to the metro and up to Montmartre! We stopped at the Moulin Rouge to say we did, and then a slow walk up the hill of the 18th arrondissement with macarons in hand to check out Montmartre! Wandering around this charming neighborhood for hours is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

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6:00 PM

Ok- so generally when we travel we don't go back to the hotel 20 times a day, but with Hôtel Monge's perfect location it was so convenient to swing back by the room again to freshen up, change clothes (have a quick drink from the honesty bar), and regroup before heading to the Eiffel tower for sunset!

No one needs an explanation on what the Eiffel tower is, but it's worth saying that you can admire this iconic French structure from many angles. This evening we chose to hang out and drink wine on the stairs above the Jardins du Trocadéro before making our way down to the Carousel and eventually back to the Hotel- ready to fall asleep and tackle another day in Paris! 

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Thanks for joining us for A Day in Paris with Hôtel Monge!

You can book your stay at Hôtel Monge by clicking here!

Adventures away! -Zach & Tara

A Day at Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Our third and final stop on our Maldives adventure brought us to Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll. We were first introduced to the Soneva brand in Thailand earlier this year when we visited Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood, and we've been frothing about them ever since. There are some brands that nail the ultra-luxury experience, and some that excel at making you feel relaxed and at home- but few that merge the two as effortlessly as Soneva. The entire concept is based Defoe's classic novel Robinson Crusoe, where a the protagonist spends 28 years on an remote tropical island with his servant, Friday. You're assigned your own personal butler (or your "Mr/Mrs Friday") for the duration of your stay, available 24 hours a day and ready to assist you in whatever you could dream up. The Soneva experience is what vacation dreams are made of, and it officially ranks as one of our favorite resorts in the world. (They also actually regularly win awards from media like CNN and Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure and Jetsetter, so we aren't the only people who think so!)

Situated on their own private island just a 30 minute seaplane flight from Malé, Soneva Fushi is densely jungled and strikingly large compared to most resort islands in the Maldives. Each guest is provided a bicycle as primary means of island transportation, but your Mr. or Mrs. Friday is happy to whisk you around via buggy if it suits you better. There's a huge variety of villa types- everything from 1 bedroom accommodation to massive 6-bedroom villas complete with sauna and game room and everything else you could dream up! The "no shoes no news" mantra means your time on the island is a true escape from reality- and barefoot luxury only begins to touch on the insanely luxurious and the utterly zen-like atmosphere you'll find during your stay. 

Our favorite part of our stay may or may not have been the complimentary ice cream parlour and chocolate room, and we may or may not have eaten our weight in both- but you'll just have to book your own trip to Soneva to choose your own favorites! 

It honestly feels too good to be true, but we left our second experience with Soneva even more impressed than we were after the first- something we thought impossible considering the world-class experience we had a few months ago with Soneva Kiri! It's a foodie's paradise, a nature-lover's sanctuary, and everything we could ever want in a resort (and far more). The magic of Soneva is hard to explain, but it's just that- magic. They've perfected the experience and you can tell they've never stopped dreaming about the future and figuring out new ways to delight guests in luxurious, breathtaking and sustainable ways- and we could have cried when the time came for us to head home. 

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A Day at Soneva Fushi, Maldives

6:00 AM 

We snuck out of our villa just before the sunrise to go for an early morning walk on the beach. There's nothing more romantic than witnessing that first morning light over the ocean!

7:30 AM

Every dining experience at Soneva is pure magic, and we literally couldn't get to breakfast fast enough after enjoying the sunrise!

9:00 AM

Considering how much we just stuffed our faces at breakfast, we were in much need of a bike ride to work off the damage that had just been done... in the best way possible. ;)

10:00 AM

We took a boat out in the middle of the Indian Ocean for the most epic snorkeling experience we have ever had! The Maldives is a diver/snorkler's heaven, and we spent a few hours swimming along the reef with schools and schools of exotic fish and stunning creatures- all being lead by a marine biologist to tell us about what we were seeing!

12:30 PM

We got back to the island just in time for a lunch experience called 'Fresh in the Garden'-- which was a really special experience because it was all fresh + organic produce from Soneva's garden! Focused around traditional Sri-Lankan and Maldivian flavors and dishes, this amazing meal was one of our favorites and a much-needed injection of veggies!

2:00 PM

After lunch we rode our bikes over to Soneva Fushi's new restaurant, Out of the Blue, to see what all the hype was about. It's a brand new 2-story overwater structure with tons of hammocks suspended over the water, a gorgeous restaurant complex with bars and kitchens and dining rooms up and down, and our favorite- a 2-story slide right into the azure ocean water!

3:30 PM

We finally made our way back to our villa for a little rest + relaxation.

5:00 PM

After showers + freshening up a bit, we made our way to the dock to board a speedboat that would take us on a sunset dolphin cruise. Before the boat even left the dock, we had already seen several dolphins!! We enjoyed some light snacks and champagne, watched the dolphins playing and swimming, and took in the incredible sunset before heading back to the island.

8:00 PM

Our trip just so happened to correlate perfectly with our 4th wedding anniversary, and our Mr. Friday had taken the liberty to arrange the most romantic dinner for us under the stars in the Fresh in the Garden treehouse!

Thanks for joining us for A Day at Soneva Fushi, Maldives! If you haven't had enough yet, you can view our Soneva Fushi Photo Journal! 

You can book your stay at Soneva Fushi by clicking here!

Adventures away! -Zach & Tara

A Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives

We're back and excited to tell you about the second stop we made in our Maldivian adventure last month! We've become familiar with the Singapore-based Park Hotel Group over the last few months and have had the chance to shoot for Grand Park Orchard Road a few times now- so we were beyond excited to get out to their new property in the Maldives to see what all the hype was about!

We left Fushifaru by seaplane and flew back into Malé International Airport in the nation's capital. Jumping between resorts in the Maldives can be somewhat complicated, because almost all transport goes back and forth from Malé and the seaplanes only fly during daylight hours. The majority of the resorts in the country will help you arrange the transportation logistics, and we lucked out that both Fushifaru and Grand Park Koghipparu had world-class concierge teams who communicated with each other and organized the details for us. Grand Park, however, is only a 20 minute boat ride from Malé which made that entire process a dream! As opposed to islands that require seaplane, Grand Park's beautiful speedboats can transfer you to or from the island any time of the day or night, making for a stress-free transport arrangement no matter how or when you arrive. 

Once you arrive on Kodhipparu, it's nothing but luxury. The stunning property is less than a year old, and their impressive selection of 120 villas give you the option to stay over the water or on the beach. Like most Maldivian resort islands, the entire tropical island can be explored in 20-30 minutes, and if you aren't keen to walk in the hot sun you can just call your 24-hour-a-day host to bring you around via buggy. We stayed in an over-water pool villa facing the ocean side, and the entire experience was incredible. Each overwater villa has a glass window section of floor where you can watch the tropical fish swim beneath your room- we honestly spent so much time just laying on the floor watching in wonder! Ocean adventures like snorkeling and sun-soaking by day, with culinary experiences and star-gazing by night, Grand Park Kodhipparu was a brilliant combination of aesthetic luxury and excellence in service, and is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a quintessential Maldives experience of picture-perfect villas and high-end luxury for a reasonable price. 

We're excited to share with you more of our experience with A Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives!

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A Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives

6:15 AM

Our over-water villa had a stunning ocean view and a private pool right outside the door- so naturally it was no problem waking up with the sun and taking in the majestic views!

8:00 AM

We can never wait for breakfast, especially when there is a breakfast buffet involved! There's a station for just about everything you could think of from bread to sushi, and everything in between. Add in this view and you've got a pretty perfect breakfast experience in our book. 

10:00 AM

SPA TIME! If you know us at all, then you know how much we enjoy our spa days. In our opinion, vacations can't be complete without them! This, however, was our first time experiencing an over-water spa, and we really hope that it's not our last! 

12:00 PM

Time for a quick swim + a snack! There was a big bowl of tropical fruit just begging to be eaten in our room, so we knew what we had to do... ;) 

1:30 PM

Lunchtime! We loved mealtimes at Grand Park nearly as much to see the dining staff as we did the amazing food- such friendly faces and such delicious food.

3:00 PM

We lazily made our way back to the villa for a few hours of swimming, snorkeling, relaxing in the hammock and tanning... our afternoon couldn't have been better as we enjoyed our time in that crystal clear turquoise water!

5:30 PM

There is nothing quite as magical as watching the sky turn from day to night-- and there is something just so special about Maldivian sunsets!

 7:00 PM

Dinner time at Grand Park means time for another stunning buffet- and trust us, there is nothing disappointing about the food here! Fresh lobster, a sushi bar, pho, a whole table full of desserts-- the selection is endless and incredible.

A relaxed coffee and dessert to the sound of crashing waves, and then we slowly made our way back to the villa to fall asleep and do it all again the next day!

Thanks for joining us for A Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives. If you haven't had enough yet, you can view our Grand Park Kodhipparu Photo Journal here! 

You can book your stay at Grand Park Kodhiparru by clicking here!

Adventures away! -Zach & Tara

A Day at Fushifaru, Maldives

We've long been dreaming of a trip the Maldives, and being based in Bali for the time-being we thought it was finally the time to make a trip out. It was everything we hoped for and more! This incredible nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka's southern coast is made up of 26 atolls (basically, circular island chains formed by ancient under-water mountains or volcanos). It's one of the most incredible sights to behold as you fly overhead- water so blue it could be fake, white sand beaches and tiny tropical islands in every direction. It's the land of over-water bungalows and fiery sunsets, and our first stop on our Maldivian adventure couldn't have been more perfect!

Fushifaru is everything you could hope for in a Maldives resort. Located on their own private island, you can walk from one end to the other in just about 10 minutes. They boast 49 beach and over-water villas, a stunning spa, several dining options and a gorgeous infinity pool perfect for sipping cocktails and taking in the infamous Maldives sunset. We arrived from Male International Airport via seaplane to a traditional Maldivian drum and horn greeting before being checked in and escorted to our room, and the next few days were nothing but magic. 

We wanted to give you a glimpse into our stay at this amazing property, so we're beyond excited to share with you A day at Fushifaru, Maldives.

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A Day at Fushifaru, Maldives

6:15 AM // We woke up before the sun, brewed a few cups of coffee in our room and walked around the sandy exterior of the island to the most magical view of a majestic sunrise! If you're lucky like we were, you'll see a pod of dolphins jumping in the channel!

7:00 AM // After taking in the amazing sunrise we continued our walk through the sand to the opposite side of the island to take a quick morning dip in Fushifaru's beautiful infinity pool before breakfast! 

8:00 AM // Champagne breakfast in bed! We got back to our villa and decided to take it easy for the morning, so we ordered breakfast to the room. Is there anything better than breakfast in bed with a view of the sea?!

10:00 AM // After a leisurely breakfast in the villa, we continued our relaxing morning at the spa. Just a few minutes away from our villa, the Fushifaru spa is nestled in the green center of the island and a couples balinese massage was just what the doctor ordered! 

12:30 PM // Lunchtime! We always love any chance to learn about the local cultures when we travel, so naturally we were thrilled to learn to cook our own Maldivian lunch! 

2:00 PM // With full stomachs we made our way back to the beach to laze away the afternoon and bask in the hot Maldivian sun. Sleep, snorkel, repeat! 

4:30 PM // Go Coconuts! We got to catch a glimpse into the many ways Maldivians use coconuts at the afternoon Go Coconuts show! We learned to climb coconut trees, crack and use coconuts, and the many amazing uses of these giant tropical fruits!

5:30 PM // Sunset cruise on Fushifaru's little Dhony! Sailing into the sunset on this tiny traditional Maldivian boat was pure magic and the perfect way to spend a sunset!

7:00 PM // We made it back to the island just in time to take in the last few minutes of light and reminisce on our magical day on Fushifaru before dinner!

Thanks for joining us for A Day at Fushifaru, Maldives! If you haven't had enough yet, you can view our Fushifaru Photo Journal here! 

You can book your stay at Fushifaru by clicking here!

Adventures away! -Zach & Tara

Bawah Reserve: Indonesia's Best Kept Secret!

We've been living in Indonesia for nearly eight months now, and there's no shortage of amazing places to visit around this nation of 6,000+ islands. One we had never heard of before, though, was Bawah Island. It's not actually an Island, to get technical- it is an archipelago of 5 islands, and it is the pure definition of paradise. The waters are azure and crystal clear, like the Maldives. The geography is rocky and densely jungled, rising from the turquoise water like a monument on display. It's sort of like Bali and the Maldives had a baby, and it. is. glorious. 

Located in the midst of Indonesia's Anambas Islands, Bawah is just 150 nautical miles from Singapore and accessible only by boat or private seaplane. Something that we loved the most about Bawah is their seamless integration of luxury and relaxation. Everything from the architecture to the masterful service is designed with the utmost attention to luxurious detail, but the barefoot, laid-back attitude somehow manages to flow through all aspects to create an atmosphere we just couldn't get enough of. Bawah's eco-initiatives are unparalleled, and we were blown away by their conservation efforts. Not only do they work closely with biologists to preserve and restore the surrounding seas (long affected by over-fishing and mistreatment) and the forests on their 5 islands, but they even work on initiatives on the surrounding islands to educate the local population on sustainability and environmentally friendly trades and practices.

We admittedly seem to initially judge a hotel by their food, and the cuisine at Bawah makes a very, very good first (and lasting) impression. The Chef de Cuisuine, Omar, comes to your table before each meal to ask what you're in the mood for, and crafts a meal accordingly. I'd assume they have menus in the restaurant, but we never even used one. Chef Omar's recommendations and preparation was the kind of culinary experience that books should be written about. Movies should be filmed about his pizzas and homemade pastas, his seafood platters and his exquisite desserts. We didn't have a single meal, in fact, that didn't blow us away. We'll be frothing about his food and the entire dining concept for years to come. 

Perhaps the most incredible aspect of Bawah's offerings is their unique arsenal of experience. Private picnic on your own secluded beach? Check. Guided hike through the lush, mountainous interior of the island complete with stunning lookouts from the top? Check. Dinner in a tree-house surrounded by lanterns, breakfast on the porch of your overwater bungalow or beach suite, sunset cruise on your own private boat, snorkeling with turtles and exotic fish just steps from your room or private cinema set up under the stars? check, check, check, check, check. Just ask your dedicated host (at your disposal 24 hours a day) to schedule it and you're set. Bawah was a dream we didn't want to wake up from. 

Want to experience Bawah Reserve for yourself? Book here!

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The League Travels Ultimate Singapore Guide

Living in Bali, as wonderful and exotic as it is, we sometimes find ourselves missing the bustling city vibes of New York. There's something about the skyscrapers and public transport and overall energy of a modern, metropolitan city that really gets us going- and luckily for us, Singapore is just a short flight away and satisfies all our big-city longings!

If you haven't been to Singapore before, you're sure to be shocked at just how sparkling and convenient this city-state is. Singapore is a sovereign island nation at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula with one main island and 60-something islets. All in all, the nation is only a whopping 50 square miles- and just about every inch is accounted for! It's an intriguing place with excellent public transportation, incredible shopping, delicious food and a beautiful mashup of cultures that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Disney World version of a modern metropolis. The nation's airport, Changi International, is our favorite airport in the world and an excellent option for any length of stopover- and the national airline, Singapore Air, is one of our very top choices for air travel whenever it's an available option. We've spent several nights and long layovers in (and out) of the airport, and there's no shortage of things to do to keep yourself occupied. (We'll post an article with our overnight guide to Changi Airport one of these days!) Outside of the airport, Singapore's MRT subway + bus system is sparking clean and simple to navigate, dependable and overall a lovely, efficient way to get around. It's a land of extravagant hotels, copious amounts of mega-malls, and perfectly manicured parks- but with plenty of culture and charm as well. Needless to say, we love Singapore and visit at every chance we get so we've put together a guide to help you plan your next trip to this wonderful destination!

HOW TO GET THERE

Singapore is one of the major international hubs in Southeast Asia, so you can fly in from just about anywhere. The national carrier, Singapore Air, has routes from the east and west coast, and is one of our favorite airlines in the world. The planes are gorgeous and the amenities are generous, especially on long-haul flights. They boast an impressive fleet including heaps of Airbus 380s and Boeing 777s, their planes have ample legroom even in economy, and their stellar service makes for a really pleasant flying experience. They are also a member of the Skyteam Alliance, so you can continue to rack up those skymiles. 

WHERE TO STAY

1. Hotel Jen OrchardGateway

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We Love Hotel Jen Orchardgateway for the perfect location, easy access to public transportation and beautiful rooftop pool. Upgrade to the club level for access to an amazing 24 hour lounge, breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktail hour- you can thank us later. Read our full review of Hotel Jen OrchardGateway here. 

 

2. Hotel Jen Tanglin 

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We love Hotel Jen's Tanglin location for the beautiful and peaceful surrounding area, the proximity to Orchard Road, and the wonderfully redesigned sleek rooms. Again, the club level room is worth the upgrade, and you'll love the lobby restaurant, cafe and the large outdoor pool. Read more about Hotel Jen Tanglin here. 

 

3. Shangri-La Singapore

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The Shangri-La is the perfect place to stay for the discerning luxury traveler. Consistently a top name in the 5-star experience, Shangri-La will leave you feeling pampered, spoiled and refreshed. We love it for the expansive grounds, the amazing fine dining selections, and the perfect service. Origins Grill and Bar on the ground level is the perfect choice if you want a grand culinary experience as well! Read our full review of the Singapore Shangri-La here. 

 

4. Grand Park Orchard Road

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The Grand Park is a perfect spot to stay for their prime location on Orchard Road, the amazing Cantonese restaurant, Mitzo (seriously, eat here- it's our favorite restaurant in Singapore), and their cool terrace pool and bar, Bar Canary. They also have a club level complete with a club lounge, and as usual, it's worth the upgrade.  

HOW TO GET AROUND

SMRT

Singapore has the public transportation game on locks. This expansive transit system of subways and buses are as spotless as they are prompt, and it's by far the cheapest (and most efficient) way to explore Singapore. You can take the subway right from the airport, which makes getting in and out of the city after your flight super convenient. 

Grab

Grab is an app-based taxi service much like Uber, and is your cheapest option for taxis in Singapore. Unlike many big cities, the local taxis are pretty honest and trustworthy and highly regulated, so if you can't find any wifi to order a grab, don't fret about grabbing a local taxi either. 

WHAT TO DO 

1. Find your zen at the Chinese + Japanese Gardens

These incredible Gardens sit on the edge of Singapore's center, and are an easy 30 minute subway ride from Orchard Road. (The Chinese Gardens stop on the green East West Line). Go early for the beautiful morning light, to avoid the crowds, and to see the locals practicing tai chi on the lawns. 

2. Eat Halal food and admire the beautiful Masjid Sultan on Arab Street

One of the coolest parts of Singapore is the amazing diversity found between neighborhoods- so if you want to feel like you stepped out of Southeast Asia and into the middle east, Arab street in the Kampong Glam neighborhood is easily accessible from the city center by walking or by taking the Downtown line to the Bugis Street stop on the SMRT. 

3. Eat roti and curry and admire the colorful architecture in Little India

Indians make up a large percentage of Singapore's population, which means you can find the very best of Indian food and culture in Singapore. Take the SMRT's Downtown Line to Jalan Besar to explore the wonder that is Singapore's Little India neighborhood! Feast on roti canai, chicken masala, spicy curries and sip a mango lassi- you'll be so glad you did!

4. Shop to your heart's content on Orchard Road

Singapore is the land of malls. There's an incredible concentration of glitzy shopping centers in this tiny country, so you can shop the days away buying everything from bargain and second hand to high-end labels. The very heart of this shopping extravaganza is Orchard Road, where there is a different mega-mall every single block it seems! 

5. Explore Gardens by the Bay

If you've ever seen anything about Singapore, it probably included the giant tree-like structures from Gardens by the Bay. These iconic sculptures are only a small part of the amazingly expansive garden complex, complete with 2 bio-domes, a walkable skyway, sculptures, lakes and more. With the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the background, this place is a perfect spot to snap some photos and make some memories! If you can spare the time, spend a sunset here to see both the day-time vibe and the night-time lights! There's also a killer light and sound show here several times nightly that will leave you speechless!

6. Admire the colorful row-houses on Joo Chiat Street

While there's little else to see around this neighborhood and no easily accessible SMRT stations without a bit of a walk, a short taxi ride to this street full of beautifully colorful row-houses is worth the trip! 

7. Explore iconic Emerald Hill

This neighborhood is a short walk from Orchard Road, and was the former home of many of Singapore's wealthy Pranakan Community. Admire the beautiful streets and the Chinese Baroque architecture, and enjoy a quick peaceful escape from the chaos of Orchard Road. 

8. Eat your way down Killeny Road

One of our favorite parts about Singapore is the amazing diversity of food options- you can pretty well find any type of cuisine you want! If you're having trouble deciding, though, don't fret! Just head to Killeny Road and try it all! This amazing stretch offers nearly every type of food you could imagine- each shop is a different specialty and you can easily eat Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, Western, Indonesian and French food without walking more than 2 blocks- and all without breaking the bank!

9. Singapore Flyer

If you're looking for an epic view of Singapore, take a ride on the city's mega-ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer. It stretches a whopping 541 feet into the sky, and includes 28 air-conditioned capsules- each able to accommodate 28 passengers. 

10. Catch the nightly Laser show at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is a marvel in every way- so it's no surprise that their shoppes are equally as spectacular. Ride a gondola on their underground river or shop every high-end brand you can think of- but don't forget to heard out the back to watch the nightly laser show on the bay and prepare to be amazed!

11. Admire the ancient architecture and culture of Chinatown

Singapore has a very large Chinese population, so it's no wonder that Chinatown is massive and full of wonder and adventure. Explore the exotic shops and traditional markets, eat authentic Chinese street food and get lost wandering the many incredible streets of this part of Singapore!

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Ok- there is so much to see and experience in Singapore, but hopefully this list can serve as a starting point to plan your own trip to this amazing country! If you have anything to add or local tips, please let us know in the comments below! 

Adventures Away!

Zach + Tara