When I booked our stay at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa through AMEX Travels I had somewhat high expectations but if I’m being honest I thought the property was going to be a tad outdated. I’m usually a mid-century modern, clean white space kind of gal, and from the online photos, Royal Palm Springs looked like the opposite of my aesthetic. And I was right — the aesthetic was totally different than what I’m typically drawn to but wow, it was absolutely stunning in its own way!
Because we went in early August, the flowers were in full bloom. And wow. Incredible. Other than enjoying the fresh mountain air and having a packed lunch on the lake, the flowers were indeed the shining star of this hike. The hike is relatively easy - 2.5 miles to Mary, and an additional .5 mile to Lake Catherine. The views along the way are worth stopping for.
If you’re like me and love a good lounge by the pool and read a book day but also need to get out and move your body, then Sedona is the perfect place to visit. It’s an absolutely gorgeous town with so much to offer. Before we arrived I reached out to a few friends and asked my Instagram to send recommendations, and wow did people deliver. From amazing restaurants like Mariposa, too many hikes to count, a walkable town center, views (all the views) and tranquil spas and gorgeous resorts — Sedona has so much to offer.
Max Patch is still one of the most magical places I've visited. Even after traveling to the Maldives, hiking through the Agafay Desert in Morocco, and summiting Schrecksee in the German Alps — Max Patch still stands out amidst those magical spots.
Even though I am not the most outdoorsy person in the world, I always enjoy a night under the stars at Max Patch.
We drove to Snoopers rock after a long work day and arrive 1 hour before sunset. We didn’t really have a plan; per usual. However, we just winged it and it all worked out. We camped out at Davis Pond and it was pretty busy (granted it was Labor Day weekend). Next time we go, we’ll try to hike to our camping spot so it’s more quiet, but if you’re looking for a quick and easy campsite I definitely recommend David Pond.
Camping in Craggy Gardens, North Carolina will aways be one of my favorite tent camping spots. The weather is always perfect, the bugs don't seem to fly in my face with the high elevation, and the views are spectacular. Some of my sweetest memories are at this camping site with dear friends and our wild dog, Emma.
Cambria is a charming coastal town off California's beautiful Highway 1. It's a wonderful destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. During our recent trip to Cambria, we stayed one night at the White Water Cambria hotel; which was the perfect stop on our way back from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.