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Travel Tag: Entre Cielos Wine Hotel + Spa

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As technology advanced, so did the process of making wine. The art of stomping grapes is about as relevant as my time on the Bachelor, but one of these days I’ll resurrect it. During my 5th trip to Mendoza, Argentina, I did something that might even be cooler than that. I stayed in a vineyard loft suspended above the vines.

Entre Cielos is a new luxury wine hotel and spa set in the Lujan de Cuyo region of Mendoza. I’ve said it a few times and I’ll say it again – Valle de Uco is where you want to be, but if you don’t have the time or budget to depart for the middle of nowhere, Lujan de Cuyo is your next best option.

The Experience

I love a smooth glass bottle of Malbec. Upon arriving to Entre Cielos, we ordered one of their own labels. During this trip, I was lucky to travel with my boyfriend and another couple. Drinking should always be done with great friends and even greater wine!

We kicked off the experience by being treated to the hotel’s famous Hamam + Spa. Imagine this: You put on a robe immediately walk into a steambath. After 10 minutes of relaxation and pure sweat, you rinse off before getting in a heated hamam pool. You’re escorted to a lavender steambath where you fall asleep. After being woken up to continue the circuit, you’re led to a large hot stone where you pass out again, only to be awoken 10 minutes later for a spa treatment. The remaining sequence of events then goes like this:  

  • Grape seed exfoliation
  • Steambath of 131°F
  • A wine bath from grape extracts
  • Relaxation on the hot stone
  • 50-minute oil massage
  • Relax in the Camekan with a glass of wine and light snacks

It’s safe to say my body was rid of accumulated toxins after that. Now onto more eating and drinking…it’s a vicious cycle!

The Food

The recently opened Beef Club serves asado style cuisine. Come hungry and leave full AF. With homemade empanadas (made yourself while taught by one of the chefs), any cut of meat under the sun PLUS flan dessert complete with dulce de leche and fernet y cola will send you into a lovely state of unconsciousness as you drift off to a food induced coma. Disfruten!

The Pod

I’m sure you’ve seen the alternative lodging options available around the world, such as luxury treehouses or this Airbnb shark aquarium. Add Entre Cielos limited time Vineyard Loft to that list. Set among the vines and away from the main building of the hotel, the pod comes complete with expansive deck and Jacuzzi where I spent most of my time, plus cozy indoor luxuries. Seeing the sunrise and sunset over the snowcapped Andes mountains and plucking grapes off the vine just steps away from this home-away-from-home is something everyone should experience.

More Wineries

As this was my fifth time in Argentine wine country, it’s safe to say I’ve done my fair share of “market research.” I’ve been to wineries many times over, but that’s the good thing about wine country. It never gets old. See a running list of my favorite Mendoza wineries here.

How To Get There

Mendoza is an hour and a half flight from Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). LAN Airlines provides daily service to and from Mendoza, offering delicious complimentary snack boxes along the way!

23 Photos That Will Make You Want To Check In To Alvear Palace Buenos Aires

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Built in 1932, Alvear Palace is an old-world Belle Époque (era of European peace and prosperity) landmark. Buenos Aires is often referred to as the ‘Paris of South America’ due to Europe’s influence, but it’s very much its own beautiful mess of a city. We’ll let Paris be Paris and Buenos Aires be Buenos Aires.

Walking up to the revolving doors, I felt as though my dress and new boots still weren’t enough to compete with the well-heeled crowd that frequented the Alvear.

Nevertheless, I went on my merry way. Lavish details stood out such as soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers and fine fabrics in the common spaces of the hotel. In my mind, this room looks like a lindt chocolate tastes – silky smooth and oh so decadent.

The 191 rooms at the Alvear are designed in Louis XIV and Louis XVI style, with silk drapes, Empire-style furniture, and paintings by Argentine artists. Swooooooon!

This bedroom though! Is that a gold bed? Why yes, I think it is…sure to give any traveler interior envy…

…and *suite* dreams!

The view from the suite didn’t disappoint, especially since I’ve grown to love the Buenos Aires skyline over the past couple of years.

Hello from the other side!

Translate this: Te pido una copa de Malbec, por favor?

English translation: Can I order a cup of Malbec, please? Actually, hold the cup. I’ll take a  bottle…

Mil gracias, señor!

Breakfast was a highlight at the Alvear Palace, as it often is a highlight of my every day life. Afternoon tea is also served in the L’Orangerie restaurant, combining English tradition with Argentina’s obsession for sweets. NOM.

Argentines love their carbs, especially crescent shaped croissants called medialunas. I could live off of them, but then I’d be 400 lbs.

Of course they also have the traditional Americano breakfast with all the fixins. Do you take yours salty or sweet?

For me, I’m always on the sweet side. If I were a food, I’d be granola.

Scratch that. I’d be an alfajor – a traditional Argentina snack made with dulce de leche between two cookies.

Moving right along with the food theme, the French cuisine at La Bourgogne is something to write home about. Bon appétit!

And here we have the famous Alvear Palace staircase. I climbed (okay, took the elevator) to the 11th floor to get this shot. All in a hard day’s work!

View from the bottom floor. Don’t forget to look up!

Buenos Aires can feel like a concrete jungles sometimes despite its many parks, but the Alvear Palace has made sure to incorporate green spaces inside its walls. Ahhh. Breath, relax, zen, repeat.

Although the hotel is currently undergoing a pool reno on the 10th floor, this indoor pool on the 2nd floor served its purpose just fine during my stay. There’s an old school charm I quite admire about it…

So, naturally, I had to get in. There were clouds on the ceiling. Do you blame me?

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to the Alvear Palace as a guest. Our opinions are our own, and we’ll do as we please…such as arrive to the lobby via banister. Chau for now!

How To Get There

LAN Airlines offers direct flights to Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) from Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Tip: Premium Business Class is where you want to be. It’s so good you’ll probably want to do the round-trip again. And again. And again.

The Best Hotel Workout for the On-The-Go Traveler

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I’ve always been an active person, so being on the move and traveling around the world isn’t incredibly exhausting to me like it may be to others. I say Dora the Explorer over Netflix any day. I know, I know. Call me crazy. It shouldn’t come as a shock that I love a good daily workout, whether that be lifting a 52 lb suitcase (chronically overweight) or running through the heart of a new city. But what about the many times I’m stuck in a hotel room? Maybe it’s raining outside. Maybe I’m feeling too lazy to navigate a city (just being honest). Maybe the hotel doesn’t have a gym. What’s a travel blogger to do? Time to break out the laptop.

I’ve professed my undying love for 8 minute abs previously, but Les Mills On Demand kills it in the online streaming workout game. I’m talking lasers, bangin’ playlists and sweat galore. Did I just arrive to a Tiesto concert? Debatable. Plus, there’s a really good chance it’s cheaper than your gym membership, and there’s a really really good chance that it’s cheaper than your specialized pilates, barre, cycling or yoga classes too. Get unlimited access for $12.99/mo (there’s a free 10 day trail everyone should take advantage of), but that’s not even the best part. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good Lulu outfit, but this will save you big time on activewear. Who can judge you for planking in pjs? Wait for it: Nobody.

There’s something for all fitness levels from GRIT (no equipment needed!) that’s more in line with a HIIT class to a SH’BAM dance class. Les Mills doesn’t discriminate, but I might. My two favorites are CXWORK and BodyBalance.

Not for the faint of heart (or core), CXWORX classes are 8 minute abs on crack. About 5 minutes into the class, my abs were BURNIN. The class puts twists on classic core exercises like planks and leg lifts. Fortunately, the instructor moves relatively quickly between exercises in order for you to constantly work different areas. 8-pack here I come!

Note: Some exercises in the CXWORX series require resistance bands or weights.

Deemed “New Yoga,” the BodyBalance and BodyFlow classes range from 30 to 55 minutes. Taking elements from yoga, pilates, and tai chi, the classes have a subtly faster pace than traditional yoga which I enjoyed. Ahhhh, just the type of unwinding I need in a hotel room after a long travel day!

Namaste, y’all.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Les Mills. The opinions and text are all mine.

Checking in: Clubhouse Rio de Janeiro + Buenos Aires

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Clubhouse Buenos Aires Clubhouse Buenos Aires

What’s a private members’ club? Allow me to elaborate. Once a gentleman’s club back in the day, these establishments have blossomed into men-and-women friendly environments, typically housed behind unassuming doors that open into an impeccably designed club room with plush armchairs and a full calendar of social events such as dinners with international chefs, film screenings, art exhibitions and pool parties. Need advice about the area? The staff can make reservations, book drivers, or score tickets to a soccer match.

Clubhouse Rio Clubhouse Rio

If you aren’t staying with Clubhouse Rio in Rio de Janeiro, you’re doing it wrong. Same goes with Clubhouse BA in Buenos Aires, Argentina. If you have a strong liking towards tasteful art, local delicacies, inventive cocktails, oversized suites and creative spaces (uhh, who wouldn’t?) – then this is your spot. I worked as the Marketing Manager for their affiliate short-term rental company, Oasis Collections, when I first moved to Argentina a few years ago. Seeing as how I was back in the country on a 7 week trip with TAM & LAN Airlines after many months of traveling, I thought I’d check in on how everyone was holding up in my absence.

Turns out they were doing just fine without me. Even getting write-ups in CNN, Travel & Leisure and Elle Decor (shout out to Catherine Giudici and myself). I knew all about Oasis Collections’ luxury rentals, but the Master Suite inside Clubhouse Rio and Clubhouse Buenos Aires have always been on my wishlist. During my trip to the South American cities this month, my wish was granted.

Clubhouse Buenos Aires Clubhouse Buenos Aires

Clubhouse Rio

Calling all visitors of the 2016 Olympic Games!

Set in the Ipanema Hills of Rio de Janeiro, Clubhouse Rio exudes style and class with a 3-tiered front deck, indoor lounge, bar, library, back garden with pool, outdoor bar with favela ocean views and five guest rooms. The space is beyond impressive, and the cuisine is something to write home about. Executive Chef Yann Kamps comes from fine dining in France, so it’s a pre-requisite that his desserts are orgasmic. But then again, his fish tacos are the best tacos I’ve ever eaten. So there’s that. He’s good at everything. I can’t even make cake out of a box.

When Alessandra Ambrosio is partying here, you know it’s quality. See for yourself. If you didn’t Instagram it, it didn’t happen.

Oh, and the beach is only a ten minute walk downhill. But you know what the means. To return is an uphill battle. Look at the positives: you’ll walk off the caipirinhas and acai you inhaled on the beach. Score.

How to get in: Book a room, inquire about non-resident membership, make a reservation at the restaurant or become friends with Alessandra Ambrosio.

Membership fee: R$ 4500/yr with access to other members’ clubs around the world.

Clubhouse Buenos Aires

I’m this private members’ club biggest fan. Who doesn’t covet a lush garden, infinity pool, outdoor bar and lounge? I spent two years frequenting its Sunday pool parties, drinking its famous Basil Baby cocktails and attending its uber chic events. If you want to see and be seen by expats and Argies alike, go here. Set in the most prized real-estate in the city of Palermo Soho, it’s the perfect space for events, meetings, sun worshipping, and for now for me – sleeping.

The Master Suite was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Complete with sunny private terrace, oversized closet and stunning bathroom with clawfoot tub and double rainfall shower, I could see myself sipping Malbec up here forever. Perhaps I’ll even inquire about residence pricing… who am I kidding? I live out of a suitcase. To waste a closet this big would be a sin.

How to get in: Book a room, buy a day pass or make friends with an existing member to get your name on the list.

Membership fee: AR$ 10,000/yr with access to other members’ clubs around the world.

Mindful with Withings: A Full Week of Eating and Moving

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Day 1, March 7th: I started out strong with a travel day, going from Dallas all the way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a wee bit frightening since airport food is typically filled with junk, carbs and Starbucks at every gate. That’s why I brought along a massive bag worth of healthy granola bars and snacks (which only added 5 lbs to my carry-on, NBD).

Breakfast: : Chobani yogurt + Bear Naked granola + banana + coffee before leaving for the airport.

Snack: Kind bar on the plane because I was already hungry

Lunch: A slider chicken sandwich + calabaza soup inside TAM Airlines lounge in Miami

Snack: Mini blueberry muffin because I’m a sucker for free pastries

Dinner: Salad + filet + steamed veggies + chocolate ice cream + glass of Malbec while on international flight

Workout: Hauling three pieces of (mostly) overweight luggage across the country. Lifting carry-ons in and out of overhead bins is no joke either. Sadly, sitting on various planes doesn’t provide for many steps to be taken, and my Withings watch wasn’t giving me stellar readings today. The sleep tracker was reading poor numbers as well. *Le sigh* The sun will come out tomorrow…

Day 2, March 8th:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs + fruit plate while on the plane

Lunch: Blueberry & grilled chicken salad

Snack: Acai (wheels down in Rio = acai)

Dinner: Burger with fries + glass of Cab Sav

Workout: 4 mile walk along Ipanema and Copacabana boardwalk to kick the international travel fatigue. Withings readings were much better today!

Day 3, March 9th: 

Breakfast: Granola + fruit plate + coffee + mango juice

Lunch: Small portion of penne pasta + diet coke

Dinner: Fried tapioca w/ mini fish taco for appetizer, steamed veggies and sweet potato for dinner, chocolate souffle for dessert (oops)

Workout: 2.5 mile run along Ipanema Beach + pull-ups and abs at workout stations provided along the beach. Readings were so-so today.

Day 4, March 10th: 

Breakfast: Granola + fruit plate + coffee

Lunch: Best fish tacos I’ve ever had while at Clubhouse Rio

Dinner: Picadinho carioca = typical Brazilian dish with meat, farofa, beans, rice, fried egg, fried banana with a chopp (beer)

Workout: None 🙁 Waawaaa. Needless to say, my watch wasn’t telling me anything good today, which just gave me more motivation for the following day…

Day 5, March 11th:

Breakfast: Granola bar + water

Lunch: Acai + Esfiha + water

Snack: Coconut water + Caipirinha on the beach

Dinner: Dominos. FAIL. (I swore I’d never tell this to anyone, but in an attempt to be completely transparent…here is the truth. Never said I was proud of it!)

Workout: Hot yoga on the beach (100 degrees warrants “hot” yoga) + swim in the ocean where I enjoyed coconuts before and after! My watch was telling me I was doing something right 🙂

Day 6, March 12th:

Breakfast: Nothing (the worst!)

Lunch: Grilled chicken with broccoli while on the plane from Rio to Buenos Aires

Dinner: Waffle sandwich (think waffles for the bread..) + fruit salad + glass of Malbec

Workout: 4.5 mile run around the lagoa in Rio de Janeiro. My Withings readings were outta control. This day was one for the record books.

Day 7, March 13th:

Breakfast: Banana + medialuna + yogurt + granola + coffee

Lunch: Steak fajitas + water

Snack: Coffee + Alfajor

Dinner: Salad with grilled chicken

Workout: 3 mile run along my favorite route in Buenos Aires – Bosques de Palermo. My final log day was the best day yet with 13,891 steps taken and almost a full 8 hours of quality sleep!

About Withings

Gone are the days of charging devices – cue the sigh of relief! My watch automatically syncs to the Health Mate app on my smart phone and blends activity tracking with luxury design. My favorite feature? A tie between automatically setting itself to the correct local time anywhere around the world, and having 9 different color bands to choose from. Simple yet sophisticated!

Oh, and one more note. Withings has more than just activity trackers. The health tech company creates devices to help monitor your health with connected scales, sleep monitors, home monitoring systems, and the list goes on…

Interested? Buy the Withings Activité Steel Watch here

Travel Tag: Paradise Beach Nevis

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Paradise Beach is just as it sounds – it’s paradise on a beach, but not just any beach. The island of Nevis is an unspoiled beauty filled with delicious rum punch and unique wildlife. I was once stopped by a heard of goats and monkeys who created a road block, which I was more than okay with. It wan’t your typical traffic jam. Nevis is part of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis – islands separated only by a two-mile channel, The Narrows, in the West Indies. Coming in at just 36 miles around, Nevis is considered St. Kitts’ more exclusive, remote sister.

L*Space Rimini Maxi Dress

The Experience

I coasted into Nevis on a sailboat from Antigua. Seeing the island from afar is ideal. From some angles, Nevis looks like a sombrero, rising high in the center to descend low around the edges. Nevis Peak (which is potentially active – ah oh) soars above the clouds at about 3,000 feet high, providing a damn good, challenging hike.

The Villa

Uhm, can you say honeymoon? Hell, or even family vacay? This pretty piece of property with only 7 villas (and less than a year old!) is perfect for all trip types: couples, families, groups, girl’s weekends, you name it. I was given Villa #7 closest to the beach, complete with its own pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, massive living area, kitchen, laundry room (definitely came in handy!) and two separate wings with two bedrooms and outdoor showers each. All bathroom amenities are by Hermès. Swoooon.

Because the property does not supply a full restaurant, Paradise Beach provides butlers (shout out to the wonderful Vivian) who can provide catering services from surrounding restaurants or stock your fridge upon arrival with almost anything you desire. I wanted fruits, avocados, deli meat and of course – granola. If I were a food, I’d be made up of rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, honey, and maybe even some puffed rice, on a good day. Private chefs are also available upon request. We had appetizers on the beach one night, and it was a good call if I do say so myself.

Restaurant Recommendations: 

Sunshines – This is an island favorite where the owner, Sunshine, has concocted a famous rum punch drink – the Killer Bee. And let me tell you, it’s killer…and potent. Sunshine doesn’t tell a soul what’s in them. Sketchy or not, the drink is good.

Yachtsman Grill – Modern cuisine with an extensive wine list. Think Silver Oak, Jordan, Duckhorn, Caymus, Plumpjack, Joseph Phelps and allll the faves.

Bananas – High end but not pricey, also doubles as an art gallery.

Golden Rock – Lively Caribbean cuisine at its finest, situated in a beautiful area with gardens and wildlife.

Coconut Grove – If you’re after a fun dinner with good friends, make a res here. The food is spectacular, but the rum is even better. If I remember correctly, we staged our own rum tasting for dessert while taking turns giving Irish toasts. Here’s an excerpt for ya.

“Here’s to tall ships, here’s to small ships, here’s to all the ships at sea. But the best ships are friendships, here’s to you and me.”

Awwwwwww.

L*Space Two Timer Bikini

The Activities

Apart from the villa (which is extremely hard to leave), the beach is only steps away where serenity awaits. If serenity isn’t exactly what you’re after, the property provides tubing, wake boarding, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, golfing and an island tour where guests can spot monkeys (gasp!). We hired a guide (Alfred “Baba” Tyson – ask around as he doesn’t have a website) to take us on the waterfall hike which was medium difficulty (definitely got rid of my hangover so that’s a plus). Climbing Mount Nevis is not for the faint of heart as it’s definitely advanced. Advanced = stunning views. Worth it.

In-villa spa massages/pedicures/manicures and facials are available as well. The property also provides snorkeling gear, paddle boards and more at the private beach.

Oh, and don’t forget the beach bar which kept me busy when I wasn’t indoors. After the liquid courage took affect from my welcome drink, I made a date with a paddle board and succeeded in my first headstand! #yogaeverydamnday #persistenceiskey

The Location/Getting In

L*Space Tanzania Print bikini

If you’re sailing in, Customs & Immigrations in the capital and port of Charlestown is necessary. From Charlestown, take a 10 minute taxi ride to Paradise Beach. If you’re flying (or cruising) into St. Kitts, you’ll need to ferry over to Nevis (ferries leave once an hour from the ferry dock).

See more images from my time in Nevis below! Images by Pruitt Productions.

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to Paradise Beach as a guest. Our opinion remains our own.

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