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5 Best Hotels on New Zealand’s South Island

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Thank you Expedia for sponsoring this blog post.

Nearly all of the best hotels in New Zealand’s South Island are perched amongst insanely beautiful views out every window. Is it a green screen? A page out of a coffee table book? Could be…but this time I was able to witness them in person on different trips to the southern hemisphere. I love a good rating so I took a page out of hotels.com book and did a little review for each below.

5 Best Hotels on New Zealand’s South Island

Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse interior

Overall rating: 9/10

Location: 8/10

Price: $$

Highlights: The views here are insane at this swanky, eco-certified property and the Mediterranean cuisine at Nest Kitchen + Bar is delicious.

Do: Book a hot tub that looks out at Lake Wakatipu (reserve in advance). Enjoy a spa treatment, a gym session or a 30 minute walk into downtown Queenstown.

Don’t: Book a non-lakeview room. YOLO.

Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments

Best Hotels on New Zealand's South Island

Overall rating: 9.2/10

Location: 8.5/10

Price: $$$

Highlights: I’ve stayed here 5 times now because The Rees doesn’t disappoint. The 20 minute walk into town along the lake is stunning, and there’s always the hotel shuttle if you aren’t up for the hike. Choose from hotel room, apartments or residences. 

Do: Book a Lakeview room or apartment with a view and balcony.

QT Hotel

QT Hotel | Best Hotels on New Zealand’s South Island
QT Hotel entrance

Overall rating: 9.4/10

Location: 8.5/10

Price: $$

Highlights: I love the funky, eclectic vibe here! It feels young and modern, seen in the room decor, bar and amenities. While the view is a little obstructed, the location can’t be beat with only a 5 minute walk to the center of town.

Do: Eat breakfast here because it’s what buffet dreams are made of.

Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat

Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat tennis
Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat bathroom
Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat outdoor tub

Overall rating: 9.5/10

Location: 10/10

Price: $$$$

Highlights: This place is more of a retreat than a hotel room, hence the name. All villas come with a welcome cake (!), hot tub with a view, and in-room breakfast. A tennis court is available for use that would even make Serena Williams jealous. It’s located in an international Dark Sky Reserve where stargazing can be booked on a clear night.

Do: Book the wine cellar and stargazing activity on a clear night! Walk the hiking trails, play a game of tennis and visit the lush garden.

Don’t: Assume this is around the corner from Mt. Cook National Park. Reserve 45 minutes drive to get there from here.

Honorable Mention: Rosewood Matakauri

Rosewood Matakauri | Best Hotels on New Zealand's South Island

Overall rating: ???

Location: 8.5/10

Price: $$$$

Highlights: I have yet to stay here…but I’m putting it out into the universe that on my next visit, I have a reservation here for a few nights. It’s a Rosewood property after all so its reputation precedes it (which is one of the reasons the property made its way onto this list without me having ever visited). The outdoor pool, accommodations, bar, restaurant and service all look top-notch. While it’s not situated in the thick of the town center, it’s a short 7-minute drive away. A small factor when it’s this lovely.

Related: How to Survive Air Travel

Things to Do in Queenstown With Kids

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Thank you Expedia for sponsoring this blog post.

My heart longs for the mountains, glacial lakes, and adventure around every corner. If you throw a dart at a map, the chances of it landing on New Zealand are slim to none because in reality, New Zealand is a small blip in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. In my humble opinion, the harder to get to, the better.  

Things to Do in Queenstown With Kids

Things to Do in Queenstown With Kids

That last part doesn’t always resonate when kids are involved, but the comfort zone has never really been my thing so we packed our bags, our toddler and our three-month-old, and headed on a long journey to the southern hemisphere. While it was beyond challenging (tune into episode 4 of The Road Les Traveled podcast for the nitty gritty stressful details), I think back on our first day in Queenstown. The sun was shining, the scenery looked like a green screen, the jet-lag was starting to wear off, and suddenly the long travel day with kids was worth it.

After such an experience, we were so happy to check into this stunning Vrbo in Queenstown. It had every amenity you could want from outdoor patio to all kitchen appliances to washer/dryer to views around each and every corner. I’ll never forget this living room where Lily met her Aussie family for the first time…

what to do in Queenstown with kids
VRBO story frames-8

Now that we’re traveling more and more as a family, I notice details I’ve never seen before. Playgrounds, parks, pools, and the list continues. I’ve loved seeing Queenstown through their eyes this month! If you’re in this neck of the woods, check out these family-friendly activities loved by Kiwis and visitors alike.

Queenstown floating bar

Queenstown Activities for Everyone

Skyline Gondola

Going up! Enjoy a 220 degree view of Queenstown while heading up to Bob’s Peak. There’s a plethora of things to do up here from dining to mountain biking to guided walks and other adrenaline-pumping activities like the luge!

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

This coal-powered ship set sail during the same year of the Titanic! I loved cruising Lake Wakatipu, learning all about the history of this boat, and traveling back in time through the original engine room and on board. Sign up for the farm fresh BBQ for dinner at Walter Peak Farm and be sure to catch the sheep shearing demo after wandering the gardens, gift shop, and farm.

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens are located only a short 5-minute walk from the center of town and within them, you’ll find the playground, gardens, ponds, ducks, and even the Queenstown Ice Arena. 

Queenstown Lakefront Bathhouse Playground

What playground dreams are made of. Situated on the waterfront, this takes the cake for best playground views! Mom & Dad can even grab a drink nearby at The Bathhouse.

what to do in Queenstown with kids
what to do in Queenstown with kids

Kiwi Birdlife Park

The Kiwi bird is a symbol of New Zealand, and the center is a 5-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary that’s family-owned and operated. Get up close and personal with the nation’s beloved creature.

Buzzstop Honey Center and Cafe

I love stopping here when in town. Owner Nick is so knowledgeable about bees, honey and everything in between. Kids and adults can make all sorts of honey crafts, and stop by all the nearby shops like The Barn as you come in!

Buzzstop Honey Center and Cafe

Queenstown Day Trips

Milford Sound Cruise with Scenic Flight

If you didn’t visit Milford Sound did you even visit New Zealand?! This wonder of the world deserves to be ooh’d and ahhhh’d over, and why not arrive by scenic flight while you’re at it? Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. 

Milford Sound Cruise

Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley

Explore Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, gawk at the beauty of Lake Pukaki, and marvel at the amazing views of Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier, and Mount Cook!

Queenstown itinerary with kids

Mt. Cook Heli Hike

Hike on New Zealand’s highest glacier and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Cook on a helicopter flight. Must be 12 years or over.

Things to Do in Queenstown With Kids

Franz Joseph Glacier Heli-Hike

Fly over the Southern Alps, home to over 3,000 small glaciers. Visit Franz Josef Glacier on the western face of Aoraki/ Mt Cook or the Tasman Glacier on the east side. Must be 12 years or over.

Arrowtown

Visit the charming historic town of Arrowtown, located just a short 15 minute drive from Queenstown. Explore the gold mining history, enjoy a walk along the river, shop the boutique stores, indulge in Arrowtown’s The Remarkable Sweet Shop and visit the Lakes District Museum.

LimitLes Day2-32
LLNZ-12

Wanaka

Take a day trip to Wanaka, a beautiful lakeside town known for its stunning landscapes. Visit Puzzling World, go for a hike, or relax on the shores of Lake Wanaka. If time allows, I would spend hours shopping the amazing boutiques and exploring the lake front cafe scene.

Queenstown Activities for Those A Little Older

Things to Do in Queenstown With Kids

Shotover River Jetboat Ride

The unique, breathtaking white water ride and adrenaline rush you’ll never forget! Must be 5 years or older.

Gold Panning Arrowtown

The Arrow River is just two minutes from town – for $5 you can grab a gold pan and try your luck to mine gold from the river as many, many miners before us have successfully done. A fun way to honor the roots of this gold mining town and to this day there is gold to be found!

Ebike the Arrowtown trail

I’ve done this trail three times now and it only gets better and better! If the electric bike feels intimidating, worry not because the kick of electric energy is just enough to make the small hills feel easy but you can always turn the E off. The Arrow River Bridges Trail is nothing short of gorgeous, all the way to the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge (approx. 12 kms). Anyone in the family fancy a jump?! Must be 5 years or older to bike. Must be 10 years old to jump.

Ride the luge

Part go kart, part toboggan. The race track is located on Bob’s Peak at the top of the gondola. Must be two years old to ride with an adult.

Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour

An adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery, thrilling 4WD action whilst discovering LOTR filming locations. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and more. Travel an historic gold mining road, following the Arrow River, stop for an opportunity to try your hand at gold panning.

Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour | Things to Do in Queenstown With Kids

Queenstown Rain Plan Activities

One thing remains constant all over the world: you can’t predict the weather. Queenstown sees it all, so when it does have some rain, fear not! There are plenty of inside activities for the kids from Highlands Game Over Go Karts to King Pin Bowling to the Site Trampoline Park and of course, The Remarkable Sweet Shop. Talk about a kid’s dreamworld! Floor-to-ceiling shelves of candy line the walls. Enter if you dare… for better or for worse!

3 Days in Breckenridge, Colorado: Winter Edit

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Thank you Expedia for sponsoring this blog post.

Denver International airport is a short flight from Arkansas and a gateway to an adult playground in the winter. Think skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, apres ski and snuggles by the fireplace. On quite a few occasions, we’ve boarded a flight for a quick weekend away on the slopes. Here’s my gift to you: a complete 3-day itinerary, no agent fees required. 

3 Days in Breckenridge, Colorado: Winter Edit

Friday afternoon

3 days in breckenridge itinerary

Flying into Denver, you have one of two choices: rent a car or take a shuttle. Probably the most popular option for travelers (and well known for regular CO visitors) is the Colorado Mountain Express (or Peak 1 Express) with an extensive schedule to all the major mountain hubs (Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Copper Mountain, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Aspen, and Snowmass). Tickets are typically around $79 one way during peak season, and the shuttles easily accommodate snow gear.

Breckenridge VRBO

Check into your Vrbo.

Personally, I love having my own space in Breckenridge since it’s such an active town. I’m usually away strolling through Main Street, hiking, or skiing during the day, so a vacation home works perfectly for a place to unwind for après ski with the family or with big groups of friends. We rented this Breckenridge Vrbo for LimitLes Colorado last summer, and I dream about the day when I can return. It had the perfect amount of entertaining space, outdoor amenities and bed configurations for 19 people.

Rent your gear.

You can do this at one of the many rental shops in Breck from Breckenridge Ski and Sport to Christy Sports to Black Tie Ski Concierge and everything in between. 

Breckenridge local shops

Take a Stroll Down Main Street.

Breckenridge’s historic Main Street is as adorable as it is fun. Featuring buildings that date back close to 100 years old, the historic area is home to many great restaurants, bars, and local shops. From charming book stores to artisan gift shops that sit alongside gorgeous gardens and parks, Main Street is a must. Check out Old Man Berkin Used Bookstore because you don’t come across these too often, so when ya do, creaking open slightly worn pages of old tales will be worth your while. 

Get your oxygen fix.

Breck sits at 9,600 ft. If you’re in need of some extra oxygen, stop by the 02 Lounge to help maintain your blood oxygen levels at a higher level and avoid significant effects of the altitude.

Tin Plate Pizza

Dinner.

Walk into Tin Plate Pizza, the best in town. The classic and artisan pies are each a work of culinary art and rightfully so because this family-owned and operated business strives for the highest quality and invests time into the details which shows in the 72-hour sourdough bread and pizza dough, 24-hour cultured butter, and 12-hour braised buffalo short ribs.

Saturday

3 Days in Breckenridge winter

8am:

For a quick breakfast, eat in your own Vrbo or head to Cool River Coffee House for some fuel before the slopes. If you’re into a more leisurely meal, look at Blue Moose or Columbine Cafe. 

9am:

Hit the slopes and the BreckConnect Gondola, free to all (but once on the slopes, a ski pass or scenic chair lift ticket is required)! Breckenridge has five peaks (Peak 6-10) to explore filled with a variety of groomers, parks and bowls. Time to discover 2,908 acres of terrain, perfect for every skill and age level. Here are some cool mountain stats:

Base Elevation: 9,600 feet

Summit Elevation: 12,998 feet

Total Ski/Ride Terrain: 2,908 acres

  • Operating Since December 16, 1961
  • Groomed Daily: 600 acres / 241 hectares (29 percent of total terrain)
  • Bowls: 1,061 acres / 429 hectares (35 percent of total terrain)
  • Terrain Parks: 25 acres / 10 hectares
  • Snowmaking: 600 acres / 243 hectares
  • Number of Trails: 187
  • Longest Trail: Four O’Clock – 3.5 miles

4pm:

Après slopeside at Robbie’s Tavern, T-Bar or Coppertop. If you’re in town, head to RMU for their beer garden. In for a treat? Go to Crepes a la Cart, Trolley Crepes or Mountain Top Cookie Shop on Main Street. With the fam? Head Downstairs at Eric’s. 

3 Days in Breckenridge winter trip

7pm: Head to dinner and drinks at Ember or Blue River Bistro.

Sunday

7:30am:

You might be feeling the slopes in your muscles, bones and soul today. Yep, they do that to you. If you need to stretch it out, take a morning class at Meta Yoga Studio located in the heart of downtown Breckenridge near shops and restaurants. I got the opportunity to teach in-studio during our LimitLes Breckenridge retreat last summer, and it was so special! 

8:30am:

Eat breakfast around the corner in the cutest yellow house called Amazing Grace. The Opus and breakfast burrito don’t disappoint.

10am:

The slopes are waiting! Head to one of the 5 Breckenridge peaks or even embark on a guided backcountry ski tour if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. If you aren’t exactly into it today, there are plenty of other activities to do in the area like…

Winter in Breckenridge

8pm:

Dinner at Hearthstone Restaurant. The refurbished old Victorian house menu features yummy seasonal and local dishes.

Monday AM:

Goodbyes are hard! Back to reality…until next time, Breck!

30 Postpartum Essentials

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Celebrations are aplenty as mom-to-be revels in the glow of impending motherhood, showered with love and gifts, while the expecting parents diligently prepare for the homecoming of their newest family member. Amidst the excitement surrounding baby registry items, birth plans, and parenting strategies, there’s one crucial aspect often left unexplored – the postpartum recovery plan. The postpartum phase, spanning from 6 weeks to 6 months after birth, marks a pivotal period of healing. This timeframe, extending until mom nears her new normal, holds so much importance for the short-term and long-term health. It’s a time that needs careful attention, even after what might be seen as easy births because after all, childbirth is unpredictable and requires non-negotiable recovery time.

30 Best Postpartum Essentials

Mom Postpartum Essentials

Postpartum round two has been different from the first go around. I knew more. I expected less. Less sleep, lowered expectations, and fewer days to myself. Like the first time, I keep coming back to the word ‘surrender’ because just when I think I can get to the laundry or emails or that phone call with a friend…my baby needs me, and she always comes first. So I’m relearning, remembering, and forever surrendering to the truths of motherhood.

We don’t need much, but moms know best when it comes to nurturing…and we should always extend those knowledgeable gifts to ourselves during this extremely demanding and healing period in our lives. It can be a painful, messy, and exhausting period, but the transition to motherhood is easier when you have everything needed within reach, and so today, I am sharing a round-up of essential items moms need after giving birth.

Postpartum checklist

postpartum checklist for mom

Postpartum recovery essentials

Hospital goodies

You’ll use a peri bottle, disposable undies, perineal ice packs, dermoplast for a vaginal birth, perineal cooling pad with witch hazel, stool softener, and extra long maxi pads. The nurses will pack you a great goodie bag, so don’t be shy to ask questions and ask for more of what you think you’ll need.

Ritual Postnatals

Formulated to help fill in the blanks and nourish your body post pregnancy. We spend nearly 40 weeks growing a baby and then birthing them into the world. Everything internally is trying to recover and reset so a postnatal is essential for helping meet the new nutrient needs of your forever changed body! Ritual vitamins have been constant in my life and pregnancy, so this was a no-brainer for me.

FridaMom

Everything, but especially the disposable undies boyshorts and upside-down peri bottle (a squirt bottle upgrade with an angled nozzle for better reach). The postpartum recovery kits are pretty great if you need any refills or upgrades from the hospital goodies.

Sitz baths

A non-negotiable for vaginal birth recovery, easing soreness and promoting healing in the perineal area. If you’re struggling at all with hemorrhoids, this 20 minute task of a sitz bath will be your saving grace.

Tea

I craved everything warm after birth, and from everything I read, soups and teas are excellent for postpartum recovery! Try Earth Mama Periodic Tea, Earth Mama Milkmaid tea for breastfeeding mamas, The Republic of Tea Milk Thistle, PinkStork raspberry leaf tea.

Anya

Created by a mom who felt unprepared and underserved by society entering postpartum recovery. A one stop shop for supplements, tea, body butters, nipple balm and other high quality (+ reasonably priced) recovery tools.

Postpartum undies

EBY high-waisted seamless are my favorites, but invest in super comfortable and supportive underwear. I opt for high-waisted, breathable options with natural fabric. Stock up as you’ll be changing them frequently!

Tylenol and Advil for pain relief

This is what I was on at the hospital to promote healing and help with pain, but follow whatever regimen your doctor recommends! Never hurts to have these two handy.

For breastfeeding moms

Nipple cream, nursing pads, nursing bra (size up for swelling and milk production), breast pump. Did you know you can rent a hospital-grade pump often covered by insurance? It’s cost-effective and apparently usually stronger than what you can get on the market. We just need to bridge that policy gap for formula fed babies from moms affected by gene mutations, cancer and double mastectomies.

Postpartum Supplies

Nutrafol

Hair growth FTW. Nothing is more humbling than the thinking and shedding of hair that comes for most women after pregnancy. Get ahead of it as early as possible with a hair growth supplement. I love that Nutrafol is drug-free and dermatologist-recommended. I’ve also heard good things about Dani Austin’s Divi, but can’t speak to it firsthand.

Belly bandit wrap

Designed to hug your post-pregnancy belly for comfort and support for up to 8 weeks postpartum. Every mom might feel differently in this area, but it felt good and healing for me to be supported under clothes with a hug from this wrap.

Nursing pillow

This is so helpful for feeding baby by bottle or boob and nearly essential if you’re recovering from a c-section or have a slow eater (most newborns). If you’re recovering from a c-section, support is key to keep pressure off of the incision.

For C-section moms

Silicone scar sheets are a great option if you’re hoping to get a head of concealing your supermom scars.

Postpartum clothing

Seraphine maternity and nursing dress

Seraphine maternity and nursing dress

I’ve loved all of my Seraphine pieces through pregnancy and even now in this 4th trimester. This dress has come in handy for fall and winter, and this nursing-friendly turtleneck sweater is cozy and functional, too. Loose, breathable, comfortable loungewear is key for me.

Since we’ve been busy with holiday events, flowy dresses are my go-to. For the everyday, sweat sets make me feel put together and leggings are a godsend (what did we ever do before them?! Jean? Ew). At 8 weeks postpartum, I’m still loving the hug of soft and high-waisted leggings (Addison Bay, Target Maternity, and Lululemon Aligns are in rotation). Comfort and function is key! Check out these 10 comfy outfit ideas I put together last month.

Remember, every mom’s postpartum journey is unique, but we’re all in this together. Adjust the below quantities and considerations based on your personal preferences and needs. Happy healing, mamas! Be gentle with yourself.

4 Places for a Winter Escape

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If the weather outside is frightful, booking a flight is so delightful. The best part? You can get rewarded for it with One Key, the rewards program through Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Travel with One Key

Earn 2% in OneKeyCash after every eligible stay.

Earn 2% in OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, hotels, activities, packages, car rentals, and cruises.

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4 Places for a Winter Escape

New York City - Places for a Winter Escape

New York City

Why we love it: We’re starting out strong with Christmas time in NYC because is there anything more magical?! Short answer: no. We traveled here exactly two years ago for Nora’s first Christmas in the Big Apple, and it didn’t disappoint. I don’t know who was more wide-eyed between me, Alex and Nora! From Rockefeller Christmas Tree to Bryant Park Winter Village to meeting the big guy at Santaland, the magic at Christmas here is abundant.

Where to stay: Look no further than 1 Hotel Central Park. I adored my stay here because it felt like more than just a hotel. It’s a sancturary. In a concrete jungle, I felt at one with nature due to all the reclaimed materials and surrounding greenery at every turn. 1 Hotel Central Park also boasts one of the best chefs in NYC according to the James Beard Foundation. A weekend stay will earn you about $20 in OneKeyCash to use towards future travels!

1 Hotel Central Park | Places for a Winter Escape

Zermatt, Switzerland

Places for a Winter Escape
Places for a Winter Escape
food in Zermatt

Why we love it: Zermatt has only about 6,000 locals but come winter peak times, the place lights up with tourists to bask in the wintery mix and fresh mountain air. You can ski year-round in Zermatt AND the highest gondola in all of Europe lives here. The best part? You can ski into Italy. No passport on the slopes? No problem. Grab a bowl of pasta for lunch and head back to some Swiss après ski. What surprised me the most about this slice of paradise was that it’s a car-free city. The only “cars” allowed are small electric buggies used by hotels for transport purposes. If you need a guide to Zermatt, look no further.

Where to stay: My stay with the Schlosshotel Zermatt was amazing. It was centrally located, beyond comfortable and houses Switzerland’s first CBD spa. A 4-night stay here will earn you about $45 in OneKeyCash to use towards your next trip!

Schlosshotel Zermatt | Places for a Winter Escape

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Tenerife Canary Islands
Tenerife Canary Islands travel
Tenerife Canary Islands beach

Why we love it: For five months of the year, much of the northern hemisphere turns into a snow globe sending its inhabitants longing for warmer days. The grass is always greener, isn’t it? That’s certainly the truth for this island situated off the coast of west Africa. The warmest place in Europe during winter months is without a doubt Spain’s Canary Islands, and I suddenly wish Ed Sheeran’s Tenerife Sea could be playing softly in the background as you continue reading. Tenerife is the largest island out of seven in the Canaries, and with *so* much to do on one island, I’d suggest 4-5 days or more on the Island of Eternal Sunshine. Keep in mind there are about 23 different microclimates on the island, allowing visitors to experience all seasons in just one day.

Where to stay: I traded the winter cold for The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama a few years back, and I’d stay at this hotel again and again and again. Think pinky hotels hues and blues as far as the eye can see, and if you’re in need of a guide to Tenerife, I got you covered. This island retreat has 7 swimming pools, Michelin Star restaurants and the biggest Ritz Kids in Europe. Need I say more..? $30 in OneKeyCash is calling your name.

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife

Bora Bora, French Polynesia 

Tahiti babymoon
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia resort
Bora Bora, French Polynesia diving

Why we love it: When a resort is this sprawling, simply exploring the grounds is an activity in itself. The spa was intoxicating, surrounded by tropical groves and pristine Pacific waters. The chapel beckoned us in…prematurely planning our nuptials for next year. The tennis courts and fitness center were tempting, but I chose to get my movement in via complimentary kayaks, SUPs and snorkeling. The boutique was by far the best I’ve ever seen at a resort…calling me in to purchase *slightly larger* bikinis than the ones I brought. 

Where to stay: Go big or go home with the Four Seasons Bora Bora. We went all out for our babymoon when I was pregnant with Nora, and to this day it’s probably my favorite hotel I’ve ever experienced. A week here is certainly equivalent to a week in heaven and send you home with $178 in OneKeyCash.

Four Seasons Bora Bora | Places for a Winter Escape

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How to Make Toblerone Mousse

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This Swiss chocolate bar consists of the good stuff – milk chocolate, nougat, almonds, and honey. It’s known to be in the shape of the Matterhorn, my favorite mountain in the Swiss Alps. In recent years, Alex and I skied here together, relishing in its beauty and of course, having our own photo opp with a Toblerone in front of the Matterhorn. #tourists

Toblerone at Matterhorn

How to Make Toblerone Mousse

Toblerone Mousse is yet another gift bestowed upon me from my husband. Fortunately for me, it’s super simple to make. While growing up in Australia, he learned of the recipe from a Swiss exchange student who was staying with his family. God bless the Swiss!

If you’ve never had Toblerone chocolate before, it’s a real rich milk chocolate with a well rounded and depth of chocolate flavor. Did y’all know I took a chocolate class in college? I’m no expert, but I would say the nutty almond flavors are more prominent than bittersweet and dark chocolate, but not quite as sweet as white chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover (who isn’t?!) this fluffy chocolate mouse recipe will not disappoint at your next holiday party. Or for tonight’s dessert.

Toblerone Mousse Ingredients

Toblerone Mousse Ingredients

Note that this is a single batch. You may want to double the recipe for bigger gatherings during the holidays because it’ll go fast 🙂 Also, the more Toblerone you add, the richer the batch will be. 

  • 7 small Toblerone bars (or 350 grams if you’re using various-sized bars)
  • Egg whites from 2 room temperature raw eggs
  • 1 pint or ~500 ml of heavy whipping cream

Optional ingredients: espresso powder, strawberries, or chocolate chips would be a great add.

Toblerone Mousse Recipe

toblerone in pot
melted toblerones
crack eggs
add melted chocolates to egg white mixture
  1. Melt the Toblerone on top of a double boiler over low boiling water, stirring carefully and constantly to make sure the chocolate does not burn or stick to the bottom. Set aside to cool for 15-20 minutes (but don’t allow to solidify).
    • A double boiler consists of a boiling pot of water with a heat-proof bowl set on top, just above the water.
    • If you’re adding espresso powder to this recipe, once the chocolate is mostly melted add in a spoonful.
  2. Separate the egg whites, whip in mixer until fluffy, set aside. You’d like the egg whites to reach the stiff peak form which means the egg whites are smooth, moist, shiny and the tips will stand up straight. Basically, you’re trying to replicate the infamous snowy landscape of the Matterhorn- fitting.
  3. Whip the cream until creamy.
  4. Add the whipped egg whites to whipped cream with a rubber spatula, folding in.
  5. Add melted chocolate to the mixture, folding in.
  6. Allow the mousse to set in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving for good mousse texture.
  7. Bonus points for shaved Toblerone on top! Strawberries or Toblerone chocolate chips would also be a nice touch!

Toblerone Mousse Tips

Don’t throw those egg yolks away! Use the leftover egg yolks from this recipe to chef up a creamy salad dressing. Here is a recipe to try. This will minimize food waste and if you chop some romaine lettuce you now have an appetizer + a dessert. If you add protein, you’ll have dinner and dessert. Work smarter, not harder friends!

This is a base recipe that you can easily replace and add ingredients to make it your own. For example, Toblerone isn’t readily available to you, make this classic chocolate mouse with your favorite chocolate bar instead. If you want to be the hostess with the mostest separate this batch into individual servings with parfait cups or cute little mugs and display them on a holiday tray. The mouse will pack a punch and the adorable display will be the talk of the party.

How to Make Toblerone Mousse

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