I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: MYKONOS
Spend a few days with me at the ultra exclusive Soho Roc Hours in Mykonos Greece.
4 MIN READ
MYKONOS
There’s nothing like the sunsets in the Greek islands! I recently made my fourth trip to one of my favorite Greek islands, Mykonos. This bustling pearl of an island is mostly known for its party scene, luxury settings, whitewashed houses, alleyways and chapels.
I’ve always gone there for the amazing party scene. Lounging on the day beds listening to sunset tunes by world renown DJs spinning at one of my favorite beach bar spots Scorpios. But this time around I wanted to experience the island in a different way. While I had every intention of having a quiet vacation, I ended up booking a hotel located smack dab in the middle of the action, between Paraga and Paradise beach, and within walking distance of Scorpios. But that didn’t stop me from getting some well-deserved R&R.
THE ROC HOUSE
I had been dying to stay at one of the exclusive gems of the Soho House chain, the Soho Roc House. This member’s only hotel is only 15 minutes away from the airport and sits in the heart of the Cycladic village by the Aegean Sea. Because it was the last week of the summer the property was serine and peaceful. The absolute antithesis of the season's high point.
I booked the medium size room which was tastefully decorated with a natural color scheme and handmade fabrics from the surrounding area which created an atmosphere of calmness. The room had a veranda with a garden view where every morning I had my favorite Greek yogurt and honey.
The scenery at this property is truly like in a film. The restaurant sits right next to a gorgeous saltwater infinity pool which overlooks the sea. I spent my days lounging, listening to my Tidal (Spotify) playlist and relishing the Mediterranean dishes at the pool. Pulled away only to have intermittent alfresco massages that melted away any stress that I had from my day-to-day.
At night I could hear the music from Scorpios which I did end up going to one evening but only to visit Caravana boutique located just at the entrance. Never missing a chance to pick up a one of their handcrafted pieces created in their workshop in Valladolid (Mexico). I absolutely love these pieces because they work and can be worn in any idyllic setting. Their ethos is tradition and sustainability, right up my alley!
“Each piece has meaning and purpose revealing magical and mysterious ways the wisdom of our ancestors. CARAVANA studies the ancient knowledge of the shamans and incorporates those concepts into all the pieces. The search for culture provides each garment with functionality, meaning, and magic.” – CARAVANA
The Roc House gets its name from the sounding rocks down by the sea. To get there you have to follow a rocky trail down the light-colored Grecian rocks to a wooden pontoon. The view is breathtaking.
If you want to stay here, you will need to purchase a Soho Friends membership. And remember that the house is closed annually between mid-October and mid-April.
WHAT I WORE
Fringe dress / Grey jumpsuit- CARAVANA LAND
Forest green printed top: SACAI
Skirt: ISABEL MARANT
Shoes: NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD
Bag, Belt and Cap: CELINE
Black Shades - SAINT LAUREN
Rose Shades - NATHALIE BLANC PARIS
Hat - MONROWE NYC
Hoop Earrings: CELINE
Jewelry - Family keepsakes
Tell us what you think of this destination or about an amazing sunset you’ve seen.
Join the conversation, share in the comments!
You might also like this related article: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: NEW YORK CITY
GLAMPING: ONE WEEK IN AN ECO SURF RESORT
Find out what a sustainable eco surf resort looks like on the edge of Portugal.
3 MIN READ
PORTUGAL
Do you believe in happy mistakes? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me and a few friends on my last girls trip to Portugal. Following a brief stint in a disappointing Airbnb in the city center of Lisbon we mistakenly booked plan-b accommodations which was about 45 mins away from civilization. What we discovered would prove to be better than what we could ever hope for.
Enter Bukubaki Eco Surf, located on the westerly tip of Portugal, just breathing on to the Atlantic ocean. This is where surfers go to ride. The property is nestled in a lightly wooded pine and eucalyptus forest made up of luxury bungalows, treehouses and Canadian tents. To my pleasant surprise their philosophy is built upon a strong focus on nature, sustainability and resource efficiency.
You could feel a natural balance with its surroundings. A perfect place if you want to connect with yourself, land and sea. We felt so at peace and I was especially happy to be far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cozy accommodations were decorated with neutral earthy tones all made of natural materials.
We booked the Bungalows on the ground floor which had all the amenities including a dining room with kitchenette plus a terrace with loungers. We spent most of the evenings listening to music and chatting until late.
The nearest town is the quaint little town of Peniche where we visited the 16th-century seaside fortress, Fort of Peniche and Belem Tower.
I spent the days wandering around the resort watching the locals skate in the small skate park on the property. It was a great week with lots of bonding and fun. Unfortunately, on our last day we found out about one of the world’s largest oriental gardens in Europe the Buddha Eden Garden which was only a 20 min drive from the resort. I will definitely be returning just to see visit that.
Sustainability at bUkubaki
Recycling bins all over the property for sorting which guest could do themselves.
Environmentally friendly products at the reception.
Local and organic food at the canteen.
Water filling systems.
Use of recycled materials.
Energy efficiency with the use of photovoltaic and thermal energy.
Biosphere certified.
WHAT I WORE
Top and pant: ME. Keep Me Posted Staycation
Jacket: AMIÉ LEON DORE
Bag: “OLD” CÉLINE Cap: CELINE
Shoes - BIRKINSTOCKS
Rose Shades - NATHALIE BLANC PARIS
WHERE I STAYED
BUKUBAKI , Rua do Juncal 6Casais de Mestre Mendo, Atouguia da Baleia 2525-331, PORTUGAL
IG: bukubaki
Do you ever consider how eco friendly or sustainable your hotel or resort is? Do you pay attention to these things while on vacation/holiday?
Join the conversation, share in the comments!
You might also like this related article: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: MYKONOS
ONE DAY IN: ABU DHABI
Come along with me for a day in Abu Dhabi that will leave you speechless.
5 MIN READ
THE PERSIAN GULF
Abu Dhabi is an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf located off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The city's claim to fame is the oil sector, as well as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is held towards the end of the year. The city is also known for its commerce as reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping mega centers like the Abu Dhabi and Marina malls. I had no idea what was to come, but I was happy to see this part of the world for the first time. I managed to sandwich ten hours into my three-day trip to Dubai, here’s what happened.
Knowing that I intended to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the first thing I did was go to the souk in Dubai the day before in order to buy the proper attire for entry. If you don’t know, a souk is a marketplace usually found in northern Africa or the Middle East. This part of the world is modest, so I made sure to have head and shoulder coverings for my visits. This was a welcome change to a lot of destinations I’ve been to, where skin is in.
I set off at 10 a.m. for a 1.5-hour trip with my fantastic guide Abdul from India, who was eager to show the city off. As we approached, I was surprised by how serene it was, despite the jaw-dropping skyscrapers. I mean, even as a big city kid from New York like me was blown away. This is where architects come to have fun I thought!Our first stop was the Louvre Abu Dhabi described as "France’s largest cultural project abroad." Located on Saadiyat Island the museum, inauguration in 2017 (despite some earlier opposition in France and Human Rights violations) is a sister of the famed Louvre Museum in Paris. The structure's super-sized Arabic-inspired canopy, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, is a piece of art in and of itself.
I really enjoyed the curation of the permanent gallery which was smooth and easy to get through. The collection showcased the juxtaposition of different civilizations spanning thousands of years into modern times.
The Emirates Palace, with its majestic entry stairs and flat fountains facing the unusual Etihad Towers, was our next visit. The palace was massive, with a mix of Islamic architectural features and contemporary design.We then continued on to the presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan. This was a sight to behold, so opulent! The palace was solely used for formal functions, like receiving foreign leaders and sessions of the country's supreme council and federal cabinet. But today lucky for us is open to the public.Our next destination, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, was one I was really thrilled about and rushed our guide to get there before sundown. One of the world's largest mosques and one of the first I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Getting to the actual entrance of the mosque was quite a trip filled with a series of walking escalators. It was amazing when we arrived, an architectural wonder that brilliantly mixes Islamic architecture and design. The inner courtyard is enormous, with minarets and elaborate and exquisite flower mosaic decorations on the floor. Image: Thais Cordeiro
I knew from previous images that I had chosen the right green abaya (a loose-fitting robe worn around the body to cover everything except the face, hands, and feet) and hijab (a headscarf that covers the head and shoulders) to contrast with the eggshell white of my surroundings. When inside beneath the white-marble domes, the mosque features an immense Persian carpet with crystal chandeliers as far as the eye can see. It was spectacular. If you're in Abu Dhabi, this is a must-see.As darkness fell, the ponds along the arcades reflected the mosque's columns, lighting the entire scene. I said a prayer for a friend and goodbye to this magnificent work of art.WHAT I WORE
Jade Abaya - Al DAGHAYA ST. DUBAIBlack silk skirt - REDLEY EXANTUS.Black Leggings - WOLFORDShades - SAINT LAURENTFuchsia Sandals - VINCENZO FERRARAHave you ever been to the Middle East or ever wondered about it? Share in the comments!You might also like these related articles: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: PARIS, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: SPAIN
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: NEW YORK CITY
Take advantage of my insider knowledge of New York City, the pIace I call home.
3.5. MIN READ
HOMECOMING
I've been living overseas for nearly 20 years, and every opportunity to return home to see friends and family in New York City, is always a privilege. Being away for so long turns you into a cross between a tourist and a townie. It's still amusing to me when people ask for recommendations. As you may know New York City is forever evolving and shifting at maximum speed. So that's why I always add a disclaimer, that my tips are my own guilty pleasures. Let me fill you in on what I do when I visit. New places I've found as well as my favorite go-to spots that will never run their course. Come with me!
LOWER EASTSIDE & SOHO
This time, I chose to stay in the Lower Eastside, popularly known as the LES, an area that has changed since I was a child and has experienced a dramatic gentrification since the mid-2000s. Historically it is an immigrant and working-class neighborhood. I reserved a stay at the ultra-hip Ludlow Hotel. Also well-known for their luxurious bathrooms, which have served as a backdrop for incredible content creation by many an influencer. Most rooms offer a balcony with beautiful city views.
What's nice about this neighborhood is there are so many places to eat, like Sweet Chic for fried chicken and waffles, and the night life is on point if you like bar hopping. I always squeeze in a Pilates sesh at New York Pilatesin the morning then hit up Miss Lily’s in Soho for a Jamaican breakfast. Or head uptown to Rose Bakery , Japanese fashion designer Rei Kawakubo’s multi-level concept store Dover Street Market where when I was there a few years ago I snagged my coveted Telfar bag.
BROOKLYN
When I'm in town, I normally go to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to see my long-time friend Lynda. If I'm lucky, she'll carve out some time from her work schedule, running her own photography and digital video agency Eiger. We usually meet at our fav coffee shop, Depanneur, for croissants and coffee in the sun while catching up. It's a great spot for people watching! Never missing a chance to walk around taking in the ambiance, street art and Manhattan skyline views at Grand Ferry Park. I’ve seen this neighborhood really transform in the past decade, but it still holds its charm with tones of local vintage shops, dive bars and food trucks.
These are just a few of the things I like to do and places I go when I am back home. Stay tuned for more posts about my spots if you love New York as much as I do. I’ll be sure to take notes and share more of my gems with you
WHAT I WORE
Black tank top - CELINEBlack tube skirt - WARDROBE.NYCSnake print silk dress - ZIMMERMANNBlue floral dress - IRO PARISSunglasses - NATHALIE BLANC PARISAll other jewelry - Family keepsakesWHERE I WENT
GRAND FERRY PARKNEW YORK PILATESWHERE I STAYED
LUDLOW HOTEL, 180 Ludlow Street (btwn Houston + Stanton), NY, NY, 10002WHERE I ATE
MISS LILY'S, Avenue A, NY, NY 10009SWEET CHIC, 178 Ludlow Street, NY, NY 10002ROSE CAFE, Dover Street Market, 160 Lexington Avenue, NY, NY 10016DÉPANNEUR, 242 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249Tell us where you like to go and do when you’re in NYC or better yet your own hometown. Share in the comments!You might also like this related article: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: PARIS
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: PARIS
Spend 48 Hours with me in Paris as I take you to some of the places I discovered in my beloved city.
8 MIN READ
48 HOURS IN PARIS WITH ME
Paris is up there as one of my absolute favorite cities to visit in the world next to Palermo of course. I love the history, the architecture, the style, and the feeling I get just walking the city streets. When I had my fashion label, I use make the twice a year pilgrimage with the fashion flock to the Premier Vision, a trade show for apparel, lifestyle, and fashion. When I stopped designing, I stopped going.This past summer I decided it was time to return to my beloved city following a 7-year hiatus. I vowed never again would I let such a long time past! I bought my TGV ticket and made the 4-hour ride from Geneva to Gare du Lyon for a weekend. Here’s how it went, follow me…MY ARRIVAL
I decided to stay in the 3rd arrondissement as I had never booked myself in this part of Paris before, not to mention it was near all the places I wanted to visit. This is one of the many parts of town buzzing with cafes, bistros, and galleries. After an intensive search I landed at the wonderfully chic Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers. The hotel is also one of the few Parisian establishments to be awarded the Eco Label for sustainability.I loved the modern relaxed feel this place had. My room was cozy yet luxuriously decorated plus there was an incredible restaurant downstairs where I had an Italian dinner upon my arrival.
DAY 1
Breakfast was equally as delicious with a great sundrenched terrace where I could have my morning coffee and take in the locals on their way to work.11:00 A.M.
Once my petite-déj was over I made my way towards Rue St. Martin where I wanted to go see the exhibition of Cameroonian artist Enfant Précoce at Galerie Paris Horizon. Upon entering the gallery, I could hear Kanye’s track Fade luring me in which was pretty dope. The artwork was equally as dope. The work was vibrant, abstract, and reminded me of those paintings of Haitian cityscapes I grew up with as a kid. The curation was spot on!12:15 P.M.
I then made my way back towards the hotel where I luckily wrangled a table at the Tunisian restaurant Mabrouk situated on the corner of rue Réaumur and rue St. Martin. This no-frills spot was spot on. I adore north African food and if you do too this is the place for you. I ordered the Merguez grillées and couscous aux 7 épices. The place was packed and after tasting my dish I understood why. I topped it off with the traditional pastry and a piping hot mint tea.2:00 P.M.
Next stop was Centre Pompidou bien sur. I was just a 20-minute walk away from Italian architect Renzo Piano’s postmodern masterpiece. This 'inside-out' building is definitely worth visiting. Plus, it has one of the most spectacular views of Paris!
Check out the Louis Vuitton Women’s Fall-Winter 2019 Show by Nicolas Ghesquière which took place in a replica of the Centre Pompidou, inside the courtyard of the Louvre.6:00 P.M.
I organized to see an old friend who relocated back to Paris from Geneva for drinks at my hotel’s rooftop called the National On (The) Top (open during spring/summer). We caught up and laughed over chilled cocktails until we were starved. 8:00 P.M.
We didn’t have to walk far because only in 5 minutes we were in front of the peptol bismol pink Dalmata Pizzaria. This New Yorker can confirm that the pizza here is on par. And don’t miss out on their take of the classic tiramisu, the vanillamisu. So good.11:00 P.M.
I later then had a night cap at Herbarium bar where they made my non-alcoholic cocktail with their inhouse herb blends. Then off to bed.
DAY 2
Started the day with a coffee and croissant to go on the way to my next stop.11:30 A.M.
Haven’t seen you in years my dear Eiffel Tower! She looked bigger than the world on that glorious sunny day. I walked around taking photos unabashedly like a touristic, enjoying the great emerald lawn stretched out. Still as breathtakingly stunning as the first time I laid eyes on her.
2:00 P.M.
I then had lunch and a stroll on the famed Rue Mouffetard one of Paris's oldest and liveliest neighborhoods situated in the 5th arrondissement. Here I took in the sights of all the street vendors, cute boutiques, and cafes. I walked all the way up to where the street becomes rue Descartes at the crossing of rue Thouin which is predominantly a pedestrian avenue. There was so much to see and eat.
4:00 P.M.
Made my way up to a location which I have never been to and I kicked myself for this having been my first time to the majestic Place du Panthéon. I just love how these monuments are laid out architecturally. Standing in the center, you feel overwhelmingly enveloped by history. The Panthéon was intended as a church to glorify the French monarchy then later transformed into a temple for “Great Men”. It became the last resting place for the great writers, scientists, generals, churchmen, and politicians who have made the history of France. 
5:15 P.M.
It was now time to visit the 150-year-old department store la Samaritaine which had just been renovated and newly unveiled. Along the way I took Pont Neuf which is the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine. Once I arrived, I anticipatingly hopped in the cue to enter the shop, and I have to say it was worth the wait. Now owned by LVMH this luxury store has been under reconstruction since 2015 and was reborn only this year. If you love Art Nouveau style like I do then you will enjoy simply strolling around this building. There were lots to see and eat here.
7:45 P.M.
My next stop was only a 25-minute walk where I arrived just in time for dinner at this sumptuous little eatery Pramil restaurant. Nestled in between the 10th and 11th arrondissement, finding this spot was truly like finding a gem. Packed with locals and with the incredible smells wafting out of the kitchen my friends and I found a table tucked away in the back room. The menu boasted of French cuisine made with fresh products, chosen with care, varied and as much as possible in season. The chef himself Monsieur Alain Pramil took our orders which made the experience ever more personal. The food was excellent, the French don’t miss.MY DEPARTURE
In the morning I returned to my hotel terrasse downstairs for more people watching. I had my coffee and pastries just in time for my uber to the train station. Au revoir Paris et à bien tôt!
WHAT I WORE
Hat - RUSLAN BAGINSKIYTrench coat - HENRIK VIBSKOVVintage Blouse - PURPLE AND GOLD RAINPrinted pants - AMERICAN RETRORed heels - WALTER STIEGERSunglasses - NATHALIE BLANC PARISJeans, belt and bangle earrings - CELINELeather Biker jacket - MAGEBlack leather boots - THE KOOPLESThe Empress Ring - QUIETEST REVOLUTION RINGSAll other jewelry - Family keepsakesWHERE I STAYED
HÔTEL NATIONAL DES ARTS ET MÉTIERS, 243 Rue Saint Martin, 75003 ParisWHERE I ATE AND DRANK
RISTORANTE NATIONAL CUNINA ITALIANALE BAR HERBARIUMPRAMIL, 9 rue du Vertbois 75003 Paris, FranceDALMATA, 8 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris, FranceTell us about a your favorite city and where we should go when we get there? Have you been to Paris if so where do you like to go there? Share in the comments!You might also like this related article: I know what you did last summer: Spain
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: SPAIN
Find out what this seaside in Catalonia Spain has to offer. check out what I saw, what I ate and what I wore.
1.5 MIN READ
CATALONIA
Last summer a friend of mine asked if I wanted to join her on a road trip to her house in the Catalonia region of Spain. Being that we were in the middle of a pandemic I thought it was a great way not only to get away but also to travel safely. Aside from a few trips to Barcelona I had never been to that part of Spain.We loaded the trunk and hit the road for a 7-hour drive to Coma-ruga, a seaside resort destination about 1-hour south of Barcelona.Upon arrival I was taken by the beautiful stretch of beach.I was able to take daily strolls in the August heat thanks to a handmade straw hat that I picked up while on a trip to the Canary Islands a few years ago. The foliage in Coma-Ruga is incredible. Stunning flowering trees against Spanish architecture with sparsely growing palm trees dotting the beach left me day dreaming. When I wasn’t strolling the surrounding area, I would spend the morning on the sun-drenched beach. Following the long distressing lockdown, it was easy to find a spot in the sand beneath an umbrella where I could read my paperback and listen to my Tidal playlist.
We spent a day in the neighboring port city of Tarragona, with its towering cathedral and roman ruins. We complemented our visit with a gorgeous plate of lobster paella and a chilled glass of white wine.When travel begins to pick up again and if you are looking for a hidden destination outside of the more popular Spanish cities, then consider this region. 
WHAT I WORE
Davis one piece bathing suit - MYRASWIMKaftan - CARAVANA Shades - RETROSUPERFUTUREHat - Local artisanal findJewelry - Family keepsakesWhere I went
TARRAGONA (PROVINCE)WHAT I LISTENED TO
MY 2020 PLAYLIST (TIDAL)MY 2020 PLAYLIST (SPOTIFY)Tell us about a surprising road trip destination you have recently been on. Share in the comments!