The most beautiful places in Australia

 From jaw-dropping natural formations to modern man-made wonders, Australia fits a whole lot of beauty into one diverse country.

Australia is a bucket list destination for many travelers, and it’s not surprising – whether you’re a city kid or a nature fiend, you can transport yourself from the coolest Melbourne or Sydney coffee shops to a gorgeous mountain range or island within the same day.

Whether it’s your first time to travel there or your 15th, here are some of the most beautiful places you’ll want to explore in the Land Down Under.

Australian Capital Territory

Australia’s preplanned capital, Canberra is often overlooked. But one of the most stunning structures in the entire nation is here – the Australian War Memorial.

Built to honor fallen heroes from around the country pre- and post-statehood, this striking monument also includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Just outside the city, you’ll feel like you’re a whole world away at Gibraltar Falls, with its dramatic 50-meter drop, located inside of Namadgi National Park.

You can also go birdwatching, visit the National Arboretum and explore protected wetlands if you’re not quite brave enough to go to the top of the falls.

New South Wales

The state of New South Wales is home to Australia’s biggest city, Sydney, so it’s not surprising there’s incredible urban sightseeing.

Two of the most impressive structures in town are the iconic Sydney Opera House and the ANZAC Bridge. The Opera House, with its roof designed to look like a series of white sails, perches on Sydney Harbour alongside the Harbour Bridge to create one of the world’s most famous skylines.

Meanwhile, the ANZAC Bridge, which honors soldiers from New Zealand and Australia who lost their lives during World War I, stretches elegantly over Johnstons Bay. In addition to its striking appearance, the bridge bears both Kiwi and Aussie flags in a show of solidarity.

A short drive outside of Sydney are the UNESCO-recognized Blue Mountains, so called because the hazy eucalyptus trees clustered at their tops give them a bluish tint.

One of the most breathtaking features is the Three Sisters, a group of three rock formations. Its name comes from an Aboriginal legend about three sisters who were turned to stone.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is home to Uluru, arguably the most well-known natural formation on the continent.

This massive monolith is sacred to the Anangu people, who have called this area home for thousands of years. Although new regulations will ban travelers from climbing it as of October 2019, Uluru is equally stunning from the ground or the sky.

Another beautiful natural site in Oz’s “top end” is Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park. This massive space is home to many animal species, including crocodiles and flatback turtles.

But it’s also a fascinating place to learn about Aboriginal culture – rock art there dates from 20,000 years ago (yes, you read that right), and staff is onsite to help you understand its significance.

Meanwhile, the Simpson Desert stretches from the Northern Territory to South Australia and Queensland, giving you a variety of ways to experience its stark red landscape. Head to Alice Springs, the closest NT town, to get started.

Queensland

Stretching from the country’s northernmost tip along the shores of the Coral Sea, Queensland’s bidoversity makes it possible to see a range of gorgeous sites in close proximity to each other.

One of those can’t-miss spots is Cape Tribulation, aka Cape Trib, a tropical rainforest home to many rare plant and animal species.

Cape Tribulation is packed with gorgeousness – whether it’s a guided hike through the rainforest, an afternoon lounging on the beach, or a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll feel like you saw half the globe in just a few days’ time.

Off the coast is one of the country’s most popular beach getaways, the Whitsunday Islands. Most of its 70-odd string of islands are uninhabited, making them feel undiscovered and special.

The sprawling white sand beaches make for gorgeous photo backdrops, not to mention ideal picnic spots for those out on a pleasure cruise.

South Australia

The aquamarine-and-blue stretch of the Yorke Peninsula includes some of the prettiest scenery in all of Australia.

Cape Spencer and its picturesque lighthouse are perfect spots for snapping photos, while just across the water Kangaroo Island is one of the best day trips in the region.

Tasmania

Though it’s the only state not on the Aussie mainland, Tasmania more than holds its own against its big siblings.

Near the center of the island, Cradle Mountain provides panoramic views and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Between the glacial lakes and swaths of forest, there’s plenty to see and experience – especially if you’re a keen hiker.

Off the southern tip of heart-shaped Tasmania is Bruny Island, a sliver of land connected by a narrow single-car-wide stretch known as “The Neck.”

The island’s rich bounty means you won’t have to walk far for fresh oysters, fish, cheese and wine.

Victoria

While Melbourne is home to some of Oz’s most exclusive addresses, the state of Victoria is also where you can find some of the country’s top natural wonders.

One way to see this beauty is from the air, preferably from a hot-air balloon over the Yarra Valley wine region.

If you’re in good shape, the 5-kilometer-long Kokoda Memorial Walk, inspired by the Australian soldiers who were killed along a trail of the same name in Papua New Guinea, offers vistas of gum trees.

About two and a half hours south of Melbourne is Phillip Island, which animal lovers visit to see nightly parades of Little Penguins – a species of penguin which are, as the name implies, little. (And also extremely cute.)

That’s not all – the island is also a place to spot seals, birds, dolphins, whales, wallabies and other animals between swims and beach naps.

Not all of the state’s beauty is above ground. The limestone formations comprising the Buchan Caves in the eastern part of Victoria stun with their semi-translucent, ethereal colors and shapes.

Western Australia

As Australia’s largest state, Western Australia is home to Perth, often referred to as the world’s most remote capital city.

But all that space means there’s a whole lot of beauty in this region. One of the most picturesque spots is the Margaret River Valley, a region along the coastline south of Perth famed for its gorgeousness – and its wine production.

Locals and visitors alike love Margaret River for its beachside walks, lighthouses and ability to spot whales along the coastline certain times of the year.

While the Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the natural world, it’s not the only reef off the Australia coast. On the opposite side of the country, the Ningaloo Reef is a 705,015-hectare protected area home to whales, sharks and many varieties of corals, some of which you don’t need a scuba certification to see.

This jewel of the Indian Ocean also lays claim to being the world’s largest coral fringing reef.

Lilit Marcus

Mini guide to Mauritius

 Hindus, Africans, Chinese and Europeans have made their mark on the island’s culture and cuisine.

Mauritius had no native population until it was discovered by European colonisers in the 16th century (although the dodo was resident). Since then, Hindus, Africans, Chinese and Europeans have made their mark on the island’s culture and cuisine. Historic towns and tropical forests await beyond the coastal resorts.

See

Port Louis has survived plague epidemics, fires and tropical storms since its foundation in the 17th century. Today, the capital is divided between the sanitised waterfront and more colourful old town – head here to bargain hard at the Central Market, a feature of city life since Victorian times.

Black River Gorges National Park is best explored by its trails. Look out for the pink pigeon – a bird unique to the island that was rescued from extinction in the 1990s. Get advice on hiking routes from the information centre at Le Pétrin (whc.unesco.org; closed Sun).

Claiming the island’s most beautiful beaches, Le Morne Peninsula is named after a basalt rock that has a special resonance. Folklore tells of escaped slaves hiding out on top of it. Unaware slavery had been abolished since their escape, they panicked on seeing some soldiers and jumped, believing they would be captured.

Rodrigues is a tiny mountainous island with a fraction of the inhabitants of its bigger cousin. Its beaches count among the best in the country, and development tends to be more sympathetic and small-scale than back on the mainland (flights from Mauritius £170; airmauritius.com).

A preserved Creole mansion outside Moka, Maison Euréka is a beacon of tropical construction. The name is said to have been coined when the second owner won a bidding war to buy the place at auction (maisoneureka.com; admission £7).

Eat

If the adage that the best Chinese restaurants are busy with Chinese diners applies, First Restaurant is a winner. Full of local families feasting on Cantonese cooking, it has a good range of dim sum (00 230 212 0685; corner of Royal and Corderie Sts; mains from £3).

Le Capitaine is an unpretentious and popular harbourside restaurant. Try whole crab cooked in white wine or lobster ravioli with mushroom and cucumber quenelles. Evening reservations are essential (le-capitaine.restaurant.mu; Royal Rd; mains from £6).

Les Copains d’Abord looks out to the site of the Royal Navy’s biggest defeat in the Napoleonic wars. Napoleon himself would be pleased to see this specialist seafood restaurant mixing Med and Mauritian influences (Rue Shivananda; mains from £7).

Set in attractive gardens, La Langouste Grisée (or ‘the tipsy lobster’) has an ambitious Franco-Mauritian menu including pan-fried scallops with cream of asparagus and white truffle foam. Steak with juniper berries also makes a surprising appearance for such a seafood-centric island (lalangoustegrisee.com; Royal Rd; mains from £9).

With chic décor and a terrace overlooking fishing boats bobbing in the waters off Trou aux Biches, Le Pescatore is often vaunted as one of the best restaurants in northern Mauritius. Superior dishes include lobster in ginger and sake sauce (00 230 265 6337; Mont Choisy; mains from £15).

Sleep

Auberge de la Montagne in Rodrigues is a much-loved guesthouse where many rooms have balconies overlooking the countryside. The host is an author of a Rodriguan cookbook; accordingly, dinners are a crash course in Creole cooking. Try the octopus curry (aubergedelamontagne.net.tc; from £40).

A budget guesthouse that’s big on charm, Chez Vaco is a real find and a welcome addition to Grand Baie’s accommodation scene. The small, delightful rooms have an air of cosy minimalism and there’s a garden decorated with local art. The hotel also offers a free speedboat transfer across the lagoon to Grand Baie from a beach nearby (chez-vaco.hotels-in-mauritius.eu; from £70).

A charming family-run b&b, rooms at Les Lataniers Bleus are divided between the main house and villas scattered around verdant grounds. Evening meals (open to residents only) take in traditional Mauritian dishes, while the beautiful lagoon in front of the hotel is perfect for swimming (leslataniersbleus.com; from £100).

As well as being a historic attraction, Maison Euréka has three cottages next to the main mansion. These are individually decorated with mini-verandahs backing on to tidy gardens, and chances are you’ll be the only people staying there (maisoneureka.com; from £140).

A Moroccan-style boutique hotel, La Palmeraie is a somewhat incongruous, kasbah-like structure standing on a beach in eastern Mauritius. The colourful rooms come decorated with all manner of Arabesque arches, rugs and draped fabrics, and the Moorish theme extends to the hotel spa (hotel-palmeraie.com; Belle Mare; from £180).

Getting around

Car hire is available at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International airport (from £37 per day; budget.com) and the island is served by a bus network – the National Transport Authority has details of companies and routes (gov.mu; fares from £1).

When to go

Temperatures are high year round, but cyclones in January and February can bring rain. Hardly a week goes by without a festival – highlights include Hindu and Tamil firewalking ceremonies of Teemeedee in December and January, and the Chinese New Year.

How to go

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International airport is mainland Mauritius’s only airport. BA flies from Gatwick (from £950) while Air Mauritius flies from Heathrow (from £740). Island taxis are available from the airport (aml.mru.aero).

By Lonely Planet Magazine

Sardinia's mysterious beehive towers

 More than 7,000 Bronze Age skyscrapers once dotted this Italian island. Now, new discoveries are shining light on Sardinia's Nuragic civilisation.

Expecting not to find much more than a pile of big stones, I followed the sign off the motorway into a little car park and there it was, rising from a flat, green landscape covered in little white flowers, with a few donkeys dotted around: Nuraghe Losa. From a distance, it looked like a big sandcastle with its top crumbling away, but as I walked towards it, I began to realise the colossal size of the monument in front of me.

Nuraghi (the plural of nuraghe) are massive conical stone towers that pepper the landscape of the Italian island of Sardinia. Built between 1600 and 1200BCE, these mysterious Bronze Age bastions were constructed by carefully placing huge, roughly worked stones, weighing several tons each, on top of each other in a truncated formation. 

Today, more than 7,000 nuraghi are still visible across the Mediterranean's second-largest island. From the flat basin of Sardinia's southern Campidano plain to the rugged hilltops and granite boulder-strewn valleys of its northern Gallura region, these megalithic monuments stand guard over ancient trade routes, river crossings and sacred sites. The instantly recognisable beehive-shaped buildings are not found anywhere else in the world, and so have come to symbolise Sardinia.

Kiki Streitberger

This Fab Saint-Tropez Hotel Will Have You Living Your Best Life

 When one gets invited to a wedding in the French countryside, one must attend. It's just a fact. That's exactly what my husband and I did when we found ourselves with a wedding invite in hand this past summer. As your average, extremely logical and responsible millennial woman, it was, of course, a very natural next step to seize the travel opportunity and turn this seemly simple wedding invite into a full-blown vacation in the French Riviera. When in France, amirite?

We hard launched our South of France extravaganza in the fabulous playground of the rich and famous: Saint-Tropez. And, yes, the rumors are very true: the yachts, beach clubs and nightlife are just as OTT as your favorite celebs make them out to be. Here's how to plan one of the most unforgettable (and ahem, likely most expensive) trips of your life, whether you're traveling with your girlfriends, family or boo. Let's get into it!

STAY:

Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez: As much as I'd like to be just like Leo while vacationing in Saint Tropez, I'm not at yacht-level status quite *yet*, making the stylish and centrally located Hôtel de Paris the perfect spot to call home for our Saint-Tropez adventure. The location is an absolute 10/10—we were able to walk everywhere except for the beach-clubs (which Hotel de Paris provides transportation to, thanks to their concierge service.) Not to mention, the glamorous sprawling palace-like architecture makes you feel like you're in a movie. Also, If you're a fashion connoisseur like moi, prepare thy credit card, since Hôtel de Paris sits kitty-corner to the iconic seasonal Chanel pop-up in La Mistralée. Casual!

Aside from the chic art, interiors and heated rooftop pool, Hôtel de Paris is home to an immaculate Spa by Clarins, fitness center and three restaurants (Les Toits, La Pationata and L'atrium.)

PLAY:

Beach Clubs: The ultimate Saint-Tropez experience consists of a boozy beachside lunch at a trendy beach club. Located on Pampelonne Beach, the glamorous Le Club 55 is *the* place to see and be seen (case in point: we had a Jared Leto sighting). Another hotspot is Loulou Ramatuelle—a stylish seaside oasis with a standout menu (the pipe rigate alla vodka and truffle pizza were heaven on earth).

Shopping: The shopping in Saint-Tropez is just as extravagant as the flashy yachts and fabulous champagne-filled club scene. Rue François Sibilli is lined with luxury shopping from Jimmy Choo, Yves Saint Laurent Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton (which houses its own spectacular garden and champagne bar), Bottega Veneta, Rolex, Bulgari and more. Once you've shopped until you dropped, pop over to the charming Dior cafe, Dior des Lices, for an afternoon bevy and a snack (I loved the summer detox smoothie.) Dior branding covers everything from the pillows to your coffee, truly taking j'adore Dior to a whole new level.

Culture: Place Des Lices Provençal Market is open every Tuesday and Saturday morning. This open air market is located on the famous Place Des Lices. The market has a huge selection of items from fresh produce, jewelry, handcrafted artwork, souvenirs, home goods and more.

Nightlife: The nightlife in Saint-Tropez is just as magical as the beach clubs. Head to the famous L'Opéra (which is basically a glorified mash-up of broadway meets a burlesque show meets a club...just trust me on this one). Continue your night at the legendary Les Caves du Roy nightclub for more dancing and yes, even more champagne.

EAT:

Les Toits: Located on the rooftop at Hôtel de Paris, Les Toits is an idyllic spot for a relaxing date night or dinner with girlfriends.

Café Sénéquier: A Saint-Tropez institution made famous by Brigitte Bardot in And God Created Woman. You can't miss the sprawling red awnings in the center of the port, and the cafe's central location makes it great for a quick coffee and people watching.

Cucina: Located at the famous Hotel Byblos, Cucina is a bustling Italian spot with delicious dinner options (their margherita pizza was to-die-for).

Abby Silverman

London’s West End

 If your favorite things include, but aren't limited to, traveling, Taylor Swift's 'London Boy,' and The Parent Trap, then let me introduce you to your next vacation destination: London. Listen: It's been a long/tough/emotionally draining year, so when the opportunity came across my desk (re: email inbox) to take a quick trip across the pond, I quite literally jumped at the chance to pack my bags.

A few things to note: Never before had I been to England or anywhere else in the UK for that matter. Prior to this trip, the extent of my London knowledge came solely from my college BFF who studied abroad in the Kensington neighborhood (casual!). Well, that, and those Taylor Swift bangers mentioned above. I pretty much went in blind. But! Lucky for you, I've listed out everything you need to know prior to touching down in London Town. Read on, fellow tourists and Swifties alike...

STAY:

The Biltmore Mayfair: This hotel have the best location in terms of food, theaters, and shopping. Interested in seeing some royal spots during your trip? Boom. Buckingham Palace is just a short walk away. More of a shopping girlie? Regent Street is lined with designer stores worth perusing. Also, The Biltmore Mayfair is situated right across the street from Grosvenor Square Park, meaning you're in for some serious garden pics that'll look *chef's kiss* on your grid. From the hotel's swanky afternoon tea (more on that below) to luxe lobby, staying here was the perfect intro to my time in London's West End neighborhood. And honestly? One of my favorite things about this hotel stay (other than the standalone bathtub in my room) was the straight energy within the space. It felt like what I want my future home to feel like: Warm. Inviting. Chic.

The Mayfair Townhouse: Located just around the corner from The Biltmore Mayfair, this hotel is like the Biltmore's more modern sister. Upon walking into the lobby, you're greeted by The Dandy Bar (please order their old fashioned) a sexy space that serves as a relaxing respite from the busy Mayfair streets. AKA, it's the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail (or three, just sayin'). The TL;DR: Come for the posh rooms, stay for the lobby vibes.

Rosewood London: The third hotel of the trip was (surprise, surprise) equally as extraordinary as the other two. Located closer to Covent Garden, Rosewood London is palatial. From the courtyard to the hotel breakfast spread, staying here felt like I was an English traveler circa the 1800s (but, like, in the very best way). The rooms were spacious and the service was next level. Not only did the staff provide a property tour upon checking in (yes it's *that* big), the doorman are able to grab taxis for the guests on the go. That was a crucial perk, since I wasn't interested in looking like a total fool while flagging down taxis in a different country.

PLAY:

Choose a fragrance at Penhaligon’s: I, for one, love picking up some sort of fragrance (perfume, candle, etc.) as a scented souvenir. I swung by the iconic perfumery and picked out one with the help of a Penhaligon's store associate. I was able to choose a scent—I'm big into floral scents so I went with The Favourite—that I could wear throughout the trip, and because the bottle is so beautifully designed, it's basically a piece of art in my apartment now. Genius!

See a show at the theater. If there's one thing London's West End is known for, it's the incredible shows. The streets are lined with grand theaters and people milling about, popping in and out of performances. If you're looking for a little bit of ? spice ? check out Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical because everything about the show was epic. The songs! The dancing! The cheering crowd! The experience was unreal.

Get your shop on. There are several diverse shopping areas located in the West End. First up: Neal’s Yard. It's a colorful alley tucked away from the main shopping drag. In this alcove, you'll find a spa, pubs, and cosmetic stores perfect for scoring souvenirs. (Neal's Yard Remedies has the most luxe smelling soap, so add that to your must-shop list.) There's also Carnaby Street. Ya know, that area in London where some of the greatest musicians of all time (The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones) were regular patrons. Mhmm, *that* Carnaby Street. While you're there, shop for chic jewelry at E&E, or treat yourself to a stuffed double-chocolate cookie at Crumbs & Doilies.

Schedule a gin tasting. At Bullard’s Gin Tasting & Cocktail Masterclass, spirit buffs show you exactly how their signature gins are made, plus they give you the full rundown of how to create your own handmade gin cocktails at home. A lil pre-dinner drinking paired with a Gin 101 education? Get you a vacation experience that can do both.

EAT:

For a chic brunch:

Sketch: If you're looking for the typical influencers-go-here-just-for-the-pics sort of vibe, Sketch is *the* place to book a res. Each room in the restaurants has a completely different theme, from the Gallery that boasts monochromatic pink everything, to the Glade room with its woodland fairytale vibes. Sketch truly has a room that fits any and every mood. Grab a table for afternoon tea in the aforementioned Gallery room, where you can sip British sparkling wine while noshing on mini cucumber sandwiches. So chic of you!

Frenchie Covent Garden: Located in the West End's shopping/dining/theater hub, this is the perfect spot for an upscale dining experience. Their sommelier is on hand to dish out wine recs, the food is OTT seasonal, and their a la cart menu has everything from herbed lamb to a savory mushroom tarte. Cosmo tip: Order a slice of banoffee pie with pecans, and thank me later.

For afternoon tea, because duh:

Afternoon Tea at The Biltmore: Poise your pinky finger and head down to the The Biltmore café for a typical English tea experience. I'm talking scones, jams, and of course, your choice of tea. (Psst, the smoked salmon sandwich is an absolute must.)

Cakes & Bubbles: If you're looking for even more excuses to eat, grab a table at Cakes & Bubbles. They've partnered with Champagne House Veuve Clicquot (!) to bring you the best champs brunch in town. Save room for dessert, since C&B is known for their sweet stuff. The "Cheese Cake" is filled with hazelnuts and white chocolate, and their signature scone is a light and airy meringue filled with an oh-my-god-that's-incredible blueberry compote. Long story short, you can't go wrong here.

For an Instagram-approved dinner:

Apricity: Three words: Farm-to-table. This restaurant was developed with sustainability in mind (we love to see it!) and they source all of their veggies from small-scale farmers. Oh, and they source their expansive drink list from local wineries and distilleries that use regenerative harvesting, so you can feel good about what you're sipping. One last thing: When I say they have the best scallops in the world, I truly mean they have the best scallops in the world.

Ave Mario: I thought about gatekeeping the pasta at this famed trattoria, but I wouldn't do that to you. The Mafaldine al Tartufo pasta features homemade mafaldine noodles tossed in a truffle mascarpone sauce and topped with freshly shaved black truffle. My only regret here is that I didn't order a bonus dish of goodness to enjoy as a lil late-night snack.

Maddie Hiatt

Key West to Miami Beach: The Ultimate South Florida Road Trip

 I've done my fair share of road trips, but my absolute favorite is the drive from Key West to Miami Beach on south Florida's Overseas Highway (aka U.S. Route 1). The drive is long (170 miles at a slow-going 45 mph to be exact) but the ocean views, hidden beaches, and endless tiki bars along the way make the experience a genuine blast. I recently did the drive and spread it out over 6 days/5 nights, staying at three stunning properties—The Marker Key West, Cheeca Lodge, and the St. Regis Bal Harbour—along the way. Here's my exact itinerary—including what I ate and drank and where I hung out—for you to screenshot, so when you finally book your flight to Key West and nail down that car rental, all you'll have to do is show up and hit the road.

Nights 1 and 2: Key West

Stay:

The Market Key West: The Marker is exactly what you'd expect Key West to be: beachy, laid-back, and an all-around great time. The location is the absolute best—it's right on the harbor and a three minute walk from the top of Duval Street where all the bars, restaurants, and live music spots are. The rooms are bright and airy (ask for one with a water view for optimal sunset viewing) and the secluded pool is the perfect spot for a dip and frozen cocktail at the end of the day.

Play:

Bar hop on Duval Street: Key West has a super fun party scene and there is no shortage of dive bars and beach bars to check out while you're in town. There's live music pretty much everywhere and the vibe is always casual, so showing up in your bathing suit and coverup whether it's 12pm or midnight is not only acceptable, it's encouraged. Some can't-skip spots include: Hog's Breath, Sloppy Joe's, Bull & Whistle, Irish Kevin's, and The Rum Bar.

Rent a scooter and explore: Key West is small enough that you don't need a car to get around but it's also too big too cover on foot, which is why you absolutely need to explore the island via scooter. Walk out the front door of The Marker toward the harbor and you'll find at least 10 different kiosks renting scooters for the day. Explore the different neighborhoods and check out Smather's Beach and Simonton beach for swimming, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for snorkeling, the Southernmost House for drinks and snacks, the Casa Marina Hotel for more drinks and snacks, and Mallory Square for sunset.

Eat:

Louie’s Backyard: Sure, Duval Street is fun, but the majority of the restaurants can be a bit cheesy or over-priced. My suggestion? Head a few blocks off the beaten path to Louie's Backyard. The view, the food, the drinks...it's all exceptionally good at this low-key locals spot. We sat outside on the back deck for rosé and Sunday brunch, but the dinner menu is 10/10 too.

Cuban Coffee Queen: I'm not going to lie to you, I woke up both mornings in Key West mildly hungover and the cafe con leche and rice and beans from this place brought me back to life. It's super casual (you just order at the window and find the nearest bench to devour your food) and you'll likely have to wait in line, but it's so worth it.

Night 3: Islamorada

Stay:

Cheeca Lodge and Spa: Get in the car and drive about an hour and 40 minutes east on the overseas highway to the Cheeca Lodge. The storied resort is located in Islamorada, a stretch of islands in the middle of the keys known for fishing, water sports, and locally sourced seafood. We spent the night in one of the new casitas and it was nothing short of spectacular. Not only are the casitas spacious and meticulously decorated and designed, they're situated on a private beach that's absolutely stunning and stocked with fun water toys like kayaks and stand up paddle boards.

Eat:

Atlantic's Edge: If you're a seafood fan, then you'll love Atlantic's Edge (the main dining spot at Cheeca Lodge). Time your res with sunset and ask for an outside table, then order the clams and bacon and snapper piccata and enjoy some of the freshest, most delicious fish you've ever had. 

Play:

Beach time: Grab nothing but your book and your sunscreen, head to the bar for a glass of wine, and then plop yourself on one of the plush, oversized beach chairs facing the water to do...absolutely nothing. If your day consists of anything more than lounging, snoozing, and taking the occasional ocean dip, you're doing it all wrong.

Nights 4 and 5: Miami Beach

Stay:

St. Regis Bal Harbour: Hop back in the car and drive two hours northeast to Bal Harbour (a swanky neighbor in north Miami Beach) and check in at the St. Regis for a two-night stay. If you've been to a St. Regis before then you know the vibe, if not, you're in for a real treat. The property is the ultimate spot for a luxury R&R experience. Everything from the way you're greeted at morning coffee to the way the person at the pool sets up your chair and towel just feels fancy and elevated. And the fact that the resort is situated on one of the cleanest, prettiest stretches of Miami Beach doesn't hurt either.

Eat:

St. Regis Bar: Sushi and cocktails are the move here. My husband and I ordered all the rolls (literally) and spicy margaritas, which, no joke, were the best spicy margs we've ever had. They're like dangerously good, so proceed with caution.

Jaya: If you want to venture off the property for dinner, Jaya at the Setai Hotel, Miami Beach is a great spot. It feels more like a night out than dinner thanks to the lounge-y decor and fire breathing dancers but don't worry—the food is delicious. Don't miss the truffle dumplings and sea bass tikka. And obvs drink your dessert with an espresso martini (or two).

Play:

Spa time: Forget the basic massage (you can get that anywhere, okay?) and book yourself the 24K gold wrap—it's one of the signature treatment's at the St. Regis Spa and I've never experienced anything like it (which says a lot considering I'm a seasoned beauty editor). The treatment involves full-body exfoliation, a detoxifying clay mask, and a relaxing deep-tissue massage that'll leave your skin ridiculously smooth and soft and your muscles feeling totally relaxed. Be sure to block out some time to enjoy all the spa amenities post-treatment, including the steam room and plunge pool.

Lauren Balsamo

San Juan, Puerto Rico

 When you think about Puerto Rico, I’m willing to bet that breathtakingly beautiful beaches and coral reefs come to mind. And that visual couldn't be more true. From white sand beaches to rainforests and mountains, the landscape of this Caribbean island does not disappoint. But what you might not know is that Puerto Rico—especially Old San Juan, which dates back to 1519, making it one of the oldest cities in U.S. territory—is also extremely rich in history and culture.I took an unforgettable four-day trip with Discover Puerto Rico to attend the annual San Juan Moda fashion show, and let me tell ya, I highly recommend that you book a similar experience. Whether you're looking for a long weekend getaway (that’s far enough away from home to feel like you’re, uh, actually getting away) or you want head off to the Caribbean without the hassle of a customs line, Puerto Rico is *the* spot. Keep reading for everything you need to know about your upcoming vacay (because I know you're already scoping out flights).

Stay

Palacio Provincial: You've! Got! Options! If you want to stay in the heart of Old San Juan like I did, book a room at Palacio Provincial, block off some time for a beach day, then take a cab to one of the best beaches in the world, Flamenco. The colorful Palacio Provincial is within walking distance of all the must-see historical sites, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping destinations. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, complimentary bikes and a rooftop infinity pool that overlooks the city. Situated inside an early 19th-century building that served as the center of diplomacy for Puerto Rico, Palacio Provincial's historic roots are complemented by a sleek, modern, and cosmopolitan design. And the overall aesthetic is *chef's kiss*.

Fairmont El San Juan: Flip it and reverse it (S/O, Missy Elliot) by booking an oceanfront hotel, then traveling inland to explore all the historic sites the city has to offer. If that itinerary is more your vibe, then I highly recommend going the resort route and staying at the *pristine* Fairmont El San Juan. I visited the two-mile-long (!!) property a few times during my trip, and safe to say—it's pretty damn impressive. Aside from four massive pools and white sand beaches, the resort also features a spa, fitness center, several restaurants, a casino, and plenty of nightlight and entertainment options.

Play

Old San Juan Architecture Tour: San Juan's vibrant architecture is impossible to miss. During this walking tour, a guide from Puerto Rico's Society of Architectural Historians group will take you through the city, pointing out major landmarks, structural details, and stylistic choices that reflect Puerto Rico's desire to preserve and protect its rich history.

La Calle Cera Art Tour: Complementing the brightly-colored historic buildings are the equally-impressive large-scale murals. If you find yourself wondering what it all means and where it came from, book this walking art tour to learn all about the stunning street art by local and international artists alike.

Sunrise Paddle Yoga: Whether you can stand on your head or barely touch your toes, I highly recommend signing up for a relaxing and rejuvenating class with Oscar from Paddle Yoga Puerto Rico. You’ll meet at a quiet lagoon bright and early, then paddle out into the middle where you’ll flex a few flows, sip tea, and meditate while the sun rises. Pretty dreamy, right?

Eat

Raya: Located inside the trendy O:LV Hotel, this restaurant by famed chef Mario Pagán is serving up a fresh fusion of Caribbean and Asian fare. Don't sleep on menu standouts like the tuna poke pegaíto, wasabi grilled cheese, miso sea bass, and my personal fave: The honey garlic chicharrón lo mein.

Caña: Located inside the Fairmont, this restaurant by Juliana Gonzalez is another gem you have to try. The mofongo is incredible (so much so that my my mouth still waters just thinking about it). Also on the menu: smoked pork bites, chilled octopus salad, and roasted pumpkin and brown butter-balsamic dumplings.

Mercado La Carreta: For a lively vibe, delicious tapas, and an afternoon cocktail, stop by this open-air spot located in the heart of San Juan. My favorite item? The fish ceviche with plantains. Another pro travel tip: Order as many plantains and mofongo dishes as you can while on vacay (because you'll crave 'em once you get home!).

Hanna Flanagan