You could say Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel had big shoes to fill though it wasn’t following in the footsteps of a predecessor when it opened among ardent squares in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District this summer.
It was, however, joining a coterie of charming inns and bed & breakfasts that have cinched the coastal town’s reputation for hospitality and grace. Measuring up would take a little of this and a little of that. And so marking The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts’ debut in Georgia’s oldest city, Marriott International has instated a contemporary upscale experience in a destination steeped in rich distinction. Stationed centrally, just steps away from the iconic Forsyth Park, Perry Lane Hotel’s location and exclusive access are the perfect point of entry into the scene and experience of one of the south’s most hip and soulful destinations. If there was a memo on the matter, they got it.
Perry Lane’s answer to the weight of such expectation: 167 refreshingly elegant guest rooms with residential design elements, including 12 expansive suites, a meticulously maintained rooftop pool with sweeping views and Peregrin - its posh rooftop bar, a unique assembling of by some of the area’s best young artists, in-room spa services and fitting variety of dining options including The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market which showcases locally sourced, signature cuisine. The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market also features a wine shop and market with gourmet sandwiches, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, and Bowerbird Coffee, a vibrant coffee shop.
Modern but not trendy, every detail of the Perry Lane stay has been carefully curated. Each guest room is replete with locally inflected amenities and individual touches.The hotel charges a daily Destination Amenity Fee of $30 plus tax per room per day to provide guests with a quality selection of amenities and services to further their Savannah experience. You’ll be glad to pay it. Stop by the market once a day for a free medium drip coffee at Bowerbird Coffee, a Chef’s appetizer selection at Emporium, and indulge in the daily stash of Byrd Cookies in your room. If you’re looking for quicker way to get around the walkable city, the hotel offers bike rentals as well as car service within two miles of the Historic District.
The vision of a fictional muse, Adelaide Harcourt, whose life experiences, travels and love of Savannah inspired the hotel’s design and whimsical art collection, which is eclectic and worldly, the interior design direction of Flank, reflects the cultural relevance of Savannah as a major port city in the 18th and 19th centuries and embodies the vibe of an authentic manor house. Perry Lane - one of the city’s first new-build luxury hotels to open in years - embodies one of the wonderful things about Savannah in that its heritage is front and center, contrasting what is fresh and new. Expect the unexpected.
Summer is my favorite season. I love being awoken by rays of natural light cascading across my bed. I love the low hum of the fan. I love winding away lazy days at the beach ... and spur-of-the-moment ice cream runs with my girlfriends. I love feeling of the warmth on my shoulders ... I love everything about it. If ever there is a time when I try to squeeze substance into every moment that I have, it's summer.
xMVL
It’s not out of the ordinary to hear someone describe an individual as one “who never meets a stranger.” I’ve not heard a place pronounced as such. But, I’ll be saying it about Cabo’s Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences from here on. A dramatic destination that ensures seclusion, while still close to the best of the Baja – Hacienda Encantada sprawls above the sea along a rugged coastline. Perched in the Baja cliff with 360-degree views, the all-suite resort blends Mexican culture and architecture with opulent details. This is substance from start to finish. Cozy, cool studio and private suites with bursts of color, handcrafted textiles and furnishings from Guadalajara evoking traditional Mexican style have sensational vistas of Cabo and the Sea of Cortez for remarkable sunset views. First impressions are well-established as warm tones are the backdrop to vibrant paintings, colorful and hand-crafted accents from the gathering spaces to private quarters – everything coalescing within this inviting retreat, hand-selected by the matriarch of the Macias family, its owners. The family’s philosophy is quality service with a personal touch, and no place is that more evident than in the attention to detail given to each element of the luxury resort.
Luxe suites include whirlpools, sitting areas, and kitchenettes, while the ultimate escape – a four-bedroom penthouse suite – offers a choice of two king or four queen beds, expansive living room, full kitchen and dining area, and a decadent balcony complete with a plunge pool, BBQ grill and – of course – incredible views. At no level, are accommodations a concern to be had here. And neither is the food portion of this dream-like retreat. Dining is elevated to art at three hacienda-inspired restaurants, casual eateries, and chill pool and tequila bars. The resort’s internationally trained chefs craft traditional foods of Mexico with the freshest ingredients and bold flavors. La Pergola has Baja style fish tacos or shrimp and scallop ceviche; all of it, a must. Skip the gym and power walk up a sun-bathed corridor from the reception area to the property’s gates, where nature as well as a view of the beautiful Residences at Hacienda Encantada maximizes this getaway. If privacy is the aim, the Villas offer that with a picturesque view of the world-famous Land's End in the distance alongside the ultimate outdoor oasis to showcase the stunning surroundings of Los Cabos' coast. Inside, lavish interiors are infused with Mexican culture including hand-carved furnishings and exotic decorative accents. Prepare for the itch to upgrade.
Arguably one of the most innovative holistic spa approaches in Cabo, the resort’s more than 20 unique body and facial treatments are each designed to reveal and re-enliven the best version of yourself. The Full Moon Temazcal – an unparalleled experience – is an indigenous steam bath that uses aromatic herbs traditional to Mexican and Central American cultures and available only on evenings when there is a full moon, as the moon is considered to provide more healing energy in this phase. The treatment brings together the four cardinal elements – earth, fire, wind and water to cleanse the body and soul, and aid in relaxation, hydrating and moisturizing hair and skin, fighting insomnia and arthritis, releasing negative energy and reducing muscle tension and stress. Stretch that euphoria aboard a chartered boat ride to take in views of the sparkling Baja Peninsula and the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Everything you need and more than you expected, a few days at Hacienda Encantada and, just like that, your ideal of a getting away will never be the same.
Next week I'll be conducting my first writer's workshop - Writing Space - hosted by Minniways Productions and Intimately Opulent Events on July 7, 2018. This is an exciting endeavor for me because it has been a long time coming. I've hosted many events and had one-on-ones with people who read my blog or that I've met via social media over the past nine years, and it has been extremely rewarding. This event, however, is even more special to me because though I'll be talking about honing one's writing skills to enhance creative ventures, I'll also be talking about this work that was the portal to my dreams. Whenever anyone has asked me what I believed to be my gifts, writing is always the first thing out of my mouth because I truly believe that it is what God gave me to bless others and what he has used, in so many many ways, to bless me.
If you're a budding writer, a self-conscious writer or a writer who needs to break through a block, you don't want to miss this workshop. I'll talk a bit about my career as a journalist and my passion for writing but I'll also be answering your questions about what it takes to go to your next level. See you there.
xMVL
Tee, Target
Jacket, Target
Jeans, Abercrombie
Heels, Justfab
Every day, I eat three meals and two (sometimes three) snacks. I started snacking like clock work when we started our Family Challenge as a way of keeping me on track with my eating. Back then, I didn't always feel hungry for a snack; these days, I snack like my life depends on it because of my workouts.
I keep my favorites in my office as well as at home and also have options to keep in my bag.
I eat breakfast each morning by 8:30 a.m. and then have a snack around 10:30 a.m. If I'm going to have fruit, I have it at that time because I've read about it being better consumed earlier in the day to maximize my burn of the sugar. But, I don't think fruit is a bad option in the afternoon. I love to have a banana with peanut butter smeared.
My other current go-tos are:
Noosa yoghurts - This is my favorite brand of yogurt. I eat just half the container as a serving because they are higher in calories than many others. Also, half is actually quite filling.
Quaker granola bars - I'm pretty basic with granola bars ... I'm good with a simple chewy chocolate chip bar. But, I recently discovered Quaker's Girl Scout Cookie Granola bars. Listen, that's the best 100 calories I'll eat all day.
Cucumber slices - I peel, slice and top them with fresh black pepper and a drizzle of low fat ranch dressing. I'm willing to give up some calories to the dressing.
Wheat Thins - I love that they're light but hearty and now that there's a cracked pepper and olive oil option, I'm extra satisfied.
Oatmeal - This is both a favorite meal and snack for me. Steel cut oats with sauteed broccoli, yes.
Interestingly, if I feel more hungry throughout the day and I've eaten what I normally would, I will drink more water. I've found that sometimes when I think I'm hungry, I'm actually just under hydrated.
What are your favorite snacks? I'll try virtually anything once.
It’s not difficult to be sold on a weekend, just minutes from the ocean in South Beach Miami. Add to it three days in boutique accommodations curated especially for adults, only; and a complimentary French-inspired breakfast spread that includes croissants and vegan banana bread or an olive loaf and wine during the evening wind down, and you have the makings of a satisfying escape.
The Julia, a 29-room hotel in the South of Fifth
neighborhood, is named after the iconic founder of Miami Julia Tuttle. A
complementary addition to the restaurants and shops sprinkled throughout the
relaxed and walkable residential area, its fresh and modern aesthetic begins
from the street — the traditional, yet atypical, Art Deco facade and
Mediterranean Revival architecture are from its original build in the 1930s. The
Julia is built from the foundation of the third oldest hotel in Miami Beach.
Crafted by renowned architect and interior designer Stephen
Busto, the property’s interior begins with an eclectic Mediterranean garden
party-styled lobby — antique touches intermingled, including the original
Cuban tile flooring and artwork from local and international
artists. Modernities like a Starbucks coffee machine, floods of natural
lighting and plenty of periodicals make the hub of it all an apt meeting place
that feels both chic and proper.
The adults-only concept is precisely delivered in The
Julia’s minimalist and smart guest rooms. Outfitted with custom-designed furnishings,
solid oak plank flooring and modern artwork throughout, the details have been
fine tuned. In each room, paper cutouts in the style of Matisse, by Canadian
artist Edward Bader, feature faceless vacationers floating in serene pools of
color. The message: you bring yourself to this artwork … and you were top of mind in the design of this stay. For a little
extra, book one of the five two-story “Ibis” rooms featuring vaulted ceilings
from which hand-crafted art installations of the Scarlet Ibis, a native to the
tropics, playfully lend colorful silhouettes.
And when you’re taking in the surroundings from its patio,
you’ll likely christen “break from the norm” that is The Julia both just right
and just enough.
Nightly rates start at $189.
Do this while there.
Sunrise Yoga:
Stroll down a couple of blocks to the beach for yoga alongside the ocean.
Bliss.
The Brickell City
Centre: Shop a spell and then grab lunch at the Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill. Inspired by the lifestyle and spirit
of South Africa, the unfussy, woodsy digs backdrop comfort fare like hand cut
steaks, Cauliflower Samosas, Chili-Coffee Rubbed Pork Flat Bread and Mini Malay
Veggie Bunny Chow.
Phillip and Patricia
Frost Museum of Science: Recently opened in downtown Miami’s waterfront Museum
Park, Frost Science is dedicated the core science behind living systems, the
solar system and known universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers, the
biology of the human body and mind, and much more. Guests can explore the world
of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in an experiential setting
with interactive exhibitions and unique shows.
Lobster Bar Sea
Grille (Miami Beach): World-class seafood, prime steaks, and superior
service in a dazzling, upscale setting. The Lobster Bar Lobster Bisque Au
Cognac is a must.
When was the last time you set a small goal for yourself ... crushed it and celebrated? For me, it was yesterday. Well, I set the goal about a month ago, but I achieved it yesterday and celebrated myself like I had won the lottery. I do that for just about every benchmark I surpass in my life — spiritually, professionally and everything in between. It helps me to stay encouraged and it has strengthened my ability to self-motivate.
When my Apple watch crossed the 45-minute mark and buzzed on my arm, I started clapping mid-stride as if I was crossing the finish line of a marathon. I mean, I felt like that because when I started using my stair stepper, my stamina was so low. I could only do about 7 minutes without stopping before my muscles felt tight and my legs burned too much for me to continue; that was Dec. 31.
In my last post, I talked about giving yourself time to make progress. It took me exactly 30 days to get to 45 minutes on my machine. I started with two 7-minute sessions — taking a two minute break in between, and then moved up to one 15-minute session the next week. A few days later, I was able to go 21 and then 25 minutes without looking down at my watch. I don't see the benefit of it yet on my body, but being able to do more lets me know that progress is happening and that better is going to show up soon.
xMVL
I don't like working out. But, I love how I feel mentally when I finish and how I feel physically every day because I'm pushing myself and getting through at least 60 minutes five to six times a week. I can thank my family's annual wellness challenge for this because prior to its start five years ago, I wasn't doing anything fitness wise. ... And I was 30 pounds heavier. I didn't even realize it until I lost the first nine pounds, which doesn't sound like a lot. But, nine pounds showed up profoundly in my face and neck. At that point, I had lost from stress and from having dramatically changed my eating with the Challenge meal plan: no red meat, no pork, no sweets, no carbonated beverages or fast food, and no fried foods, smoking or alcohol consumption.
The physical part of the family effort calls for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily and a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. We didn't really start focusing on moving until year two of the Challenge, but when we did the changes individuals experienced in our family were great.
And so, I'm back on ... though I try to never really be off (the Challenge lifestyle). The first two years, I stopped being dedicated to it as soon as Memorial Day weekend passed, which is our official culmination weekend (January through Memorial Day). But, somewhere between years two and three, I realized how differently I felt. I suffered from heart burn less. I slept better. My appetite, which had always been poor (and completely slowed down my metabolism) was hearty. I had great energy. Why was I stopping? So, I kept going. And while the group context is really helpful for keeping me motivated, I became my own best motivator. Being able to sleep at night and going from a size 12 to a size 6 made a huge impact on my mind and my perspective. More than anything else, however, I feel good.
Yesterday, I did 30 minutes on my stair stepper, spent 25 minutes on arm exercises with 4 lb. weights and I walked just over 20,000 steps. This morning, I had dark chocolate, coconut almond instant oatmeal for breakfast (it's what's in my cup in the pic). I needed this added discipline in my life.
Someone asked me on the MVL facebook page this week for tips to jumpstart. A few thoughts:
1. Start simple. Commit to walking 20 minutes every day. I believe we often derail our efforts before they're able to take hold by biting off too much in the beginning. Just start walking. I read recently that walking 10,000 steps every day can cause you to lose a pound a week.
2. Find someone who is going in the same direction as you with your goal to be accountable to. Accountability is a powerful tool, if you don't allow yourself to be intimidated by it.
3. Be consistent. Do what you have in your fitness plan every day until it becomes your routine. A week is not long enough to make a determination about results. Give yourself time to see some benefits.
4. Don't wait for a certain date or time. Begin today.
* What I do everyday: At least 30 minutes of cardio, but usually more like 50 minutes. I walk a minimum of 15,000 steps every day, but my aim is 20,000. I eat five meals - which includes two snacks. I drink half my body weight in ounces of water every day. No fast food. No soda. No fried foods. No red meat. No sweets. No pork.
xMVL
