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