When I saw the film Sex and Lucia several years ago, the scenes of Formentera island really stole the show. For the same reason Lucia in the film goes there to start over, it seems like the perfect place to get lost for awhile, and return to oneself amongst the elements of sun, sand, and water. It’s been on my travel wish list for some time, but now I am even more determined to get there since I’m still crushing on the similarly beachy boho style of Les Gazelles that I wrote about last week.

Known as “the last paradise in the Mediterranean,” many say Formentera is how Ibiza used to be before it became the raging party scene it is today. I’d frankly much rather be on Formentera with its rugged coastline, windmills, fig orchards, lighthouses, and pristine beaches. The ferry ride back to Ibiza is only 30 minutes, so it would be easy to hop over if you are looking to join the crowds.

There’s still plenty to keep you busy though on Formentera, and the preferred method of transportation is renting a moped to cruise around.

There are small towns with churches, ruins, artisan markets, and the picturesque Cap de Barberia and La Mola lighthouses.

There are some sophisticated beach front bars, restaurants and hangouts with gorgeous views. Or if you want to be low key, you can grab a beer for a Euro at the Sun Splash, and play backgammon while watching the sunset.

Espalmador island toward Ibiza is reached by boat and just for the day, you can feel like a castaway. On one side of the island you can dip into a sulphuric pool of mud with its natural healing properties, and then wash off in the ocean.

There’s an increase in places to stay compared to when I first looked a few years ago. Besides private homes, bungalows, and apartments, Es Ram and Gecko Beach are the boutique style hotels on the island.

While the sun seekers are mainly Europeans looking for a mellow beach getaway, Formentera has had it’s share of famous faces. The hippies first flocked to Formentera in the 60′s, followed by Pink Floyd and then Bob Dylan, who apparently holed up in a 200 year old windmill for a few months. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are said to have occasionally arrived quietly by yacht and escaped for a few days at Cala Soana, and these days you might find Kate Moss or Jade Jagger hanging out at Las Banderas.

There are some stunning private homes on the island. I love the {above} family vacation home of Consuelo Castiglioni, creative director of Marni.

It all sounds so lovely right? Yeah…see you there next summer.

Packing List:

Butterfly Caftan | Golden Pennant necklace | Spring Festival Necklace | Fouta towel | Ruched bikini | sunglasses | Irina Sandals | Raffia backpack | Supergoop

….

* For more on islands, check out the guest post I have over on Hither & Thither about a darling French island off the coast of Brittany!

And for more Wanderlust destinations on Luster, check out Vietnam | Belize | Ireland | Paris |  St. Petersburg |  Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast |  and Reykjavik

Images: Sex and Lucia | Es Ram Resort | Consuelo Castiglioni’s house in Formentera, photos by Francois Halard, Hotel Cala Soana image gallery, Las Dunas Playa, Formentera AguaMarina, 10.7, Talaya bungalows

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Are you following LUSTER on Facebook ♡ Twitter yet?

Of all the cities in the world, it’s hard to compare any to the beauty that is Paris. No matter how many times I visit, its romance never tires, and I constantly daydream about the next time I’ll visit. Anna Tsoulogiannis of Annawithlove never tires of Paris either, and although she has already been there, I think it’s safe to say she cannot wait to get back. Anna has a photo diary blog where she posts all of her gorgeous photos of Paris, and other cities, so be sure to check them out! ::: Luster

::: From Anna ::: I dreamt about going to Paris my entire life (I mean who doesn’t right?) so when my best friend and I booked our euro leg trip two years ago it was first on the list.  As soon as we arrived, it was love at first sight/smell/sound/touch/taste.  Everywhere I would point my camera be it a street, the sky, buildings it made for a beautiful photograph.  They are right when they call Paris a photographer’s heaven…because it sure was mine.  Three days (and 3GB) later I was on the train en route to Barcelona and dreaming of Paris.  As I sat on the train writing in my journal I promised myself I would be back…and soon.  For the next month all my energy and focus was still on Paris…Paris…Paris.  Very soon after I got back to Toronto I was promoted at work and part of my new job was to attend film festivals around the world…to my delight two of the main festivals to attend were…surprise surprise in France!  And here began my love affair with Paris.  I was very lucky and fortunate to be given that incredible opportunity to travel for work.

I could write for pages and pages on all the things I love to do in Paris, but for your sakes I will try to keep it brief and focus on my favorites.  My third time in Paris I stayed at a hotel near the Louvre, one night after I enjoyed a lovely dinner (avec delicious red wine) I strolled over and sat in the Louvre grounds.  It was so quiet, comforting, peaceful and just the right amount of eerie.  The big crowds of tourists had dispersed and just a few photographers were left setting up their tripods.  There I sat for two hours, alone in the city I love, with nothing but my thoughts and camera surrounded by history.  It was a perfect evening.

Aside from the basic tourist spots I visit to take photos of (Eiffel Tower/Arc de Triomphe/Notre Dame) other things I like to do in Paris is…eat…a lot.  Unless you are staying at the Ritz skip the hotel breakfast and head to a Boulangerie for fresh pastries and croissants followed by a morning stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. Be sure to set time aside to sit and people watch at a cafe (Cafe de Flore a goody) and grab some Macarons from Laduree or Pierre Hermes! My favorite is the pistachio flavor…MMmmm.  Of course a walk along the Seine is a must…watch out for the locks of love along the bridges (specifically the Pont Des Arts).  I also adore visiting the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore in the Latin Quarter; even though I’m not much of a reader it is so visually interesting.  The main thing while in Paris…relax and enjoy!  Allow yourself at least a day to not have a plan and just wander around getting lost in the city of love.

Since this post is wanderlust I decided to choose my dream hotel in Paris over my 3 star-but-i-pretend-its-5-star hotel choices. The Ritz Paris! Talk about elegance & glamour…I don’t know that I would want to leave the hotel!   (For reference I like to stay either close to the Champs-Elysees, near the Louvre or in the Latin Quarter…all great locations!)

Anna’s Packing List:

1. A chic Burberry trench coat

2. I make sure my nails are painted bright fun colors

3. I love my Longchamp bag it fits everything I need inside and looks fabulous too!  I usually pick up another bag every time I’m in the city because they are so much cheaper than in Canada

4. Sunglasses (of course) — Ray Ban Wayfarer Tortoise Brown

5. Perhaps a cliche but I don’t care, I always pack a navy and white striped shirt — Moschino Striped knitted sweater

6. Scarves, scarves and more scarves! I pack 2-3…okay 5.  If you want to look “Parisian chic” you must master the art of the scarf

7 & 8 . A comfortable pair of flats!! Even though I’d love to finish off my outfit with a pair of killer heels, realistically I’d last about two hours.  I walk everywhere in Paris to make sure I find interesting new photos…plus why take the subway when you can walk through such an amazing city?

9. The most important thing I pack after my passport…my Camera!  Currently I use the Canon Rebel t2i

10. I love bringing back little knick knacks for my family, friends and of course for myself.  I have about three mini Eiffel towers all over my room.  I also love the street sign magnets.  I bought the Champs-Elysees magnet for my mama. I absolutely adore the black and white postcards and vintage Moulin Rouge posters which are sold everywhere.

11.  A notebook.  I’ve been to Paris twice on my own so I always carried one around to jot down my thoughts, ideas, inspirations as I sat people watching alone in a cafe

12.  An amazing guide to Paris.  This book won’t be something you will pack with you as it is both heavy and huge! But a great read  — Taschen’s Paris by Angelika Taschen

13. Photo

Hope you enjoyed Paris through my eyes! A big thanks to Jennifer for letting me be a part of her Wanderlust series, it’s been so much fun! ‘Til next time, Bisous! xo

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you, Anna!

For more Wanderlust destinations, be sure to check out Vietnam | Belize |  Ireland |  St. Petersburg |  Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast |  and Reykjavik

When I first started planning our Thailand honeymoon in the early spring of 2009, I was lucky enough to stumble across Hither and Thither, a fascinating travel blog written by Ashley and Aron Bruhn who are native Californians living in New York City. I was really impressed by the detailed account of their honeymoon in Thailand and found their recommendations and comments immensely helpful when planning our trip. I’ve been a huge fan ever since. You could spend hours reading their travelogues covering all the amazing places they’ve been, and I also really enjoy reading about their life here in NY. I always wonder how they manage to fit it all in! Also in the works? A baby boy on the way which Ashley has been writing about on her new blog, Baby Mine. Considering I found Ashley and Aron while researching Thailand, it seems so fitting that Ashley is taking us to Southeast Asia again, but this time for a future trip she hopes to take with her family. p.s. I want everything on her packing list ::: Luster

::: From Ashley ::: I think it was a feature in Gourmet Magazine that first brought on my case of Vietnam wanderlust. The glossy spread featured steaming street food, colorful lanterns, enchanting bays, chaotic moped traffic, and talked of an exotic and fragrant place where a French colonial past had left a unique culinary mark. Having traveled to Southeast Asia for our honeymoon in Thailand, I can’t wait to go back—and a trip to Vietnam is top on my wish list.

We would start in Hanoi—sampling the café culture and wandering through narrow passageways, alternately touring Belle Époque French villas in the French Quarter and Buddhist complexes built on limestone cliffs (at the nearby Perfume Pagoda)—before detouring to see the greens of the rice paddies around Sapa, the ancient Cham tower-temples of My Son Sanctuary ,and the limestone towers of Halong Bay (where we might board a traditional junk boat or find more quiet and get up-close by kayak).

In Hue, we’d rent bicycles and explore the fortified Imperial city, before heading south. Along the way, we’d take time to relax at one of the resorts along the 400-mile stretch from Hue to Nha Trang, and board boats to go diving in the clear life-filled waters around offshore archipelagos.

In Hoi An, perhaps after putting in an order at a custom tailor in the Old Quarter, we’d do our best to capture the faded colors of this trading port, preserved since the 15^thcentury, as well as the vibrant ones at the riverside fish market.

It would be a dream to set up camp for a few days at the Con Dao Islands—at the luxurious Six Senses resort with a view of the turquoise South China sea—before finishing the trip in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), rich with history.

Ashley’s Packing List:

1. Day tripper pant

2. City Walk Fedora

3. Sunglasses

4. Iris Jacket

5. Essie Clambake

6. Madewell Bike Bag

7. Salina Sandals

8. Isabelle Dress

9. Scenic route shirtdress Madewell

10. My son

11. Scarf

12. Theory colsten top

13. Swiss Army Bicycle

14. Triwa watch

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you, Ashley!

For more Wanderlust destinations, be sure to check out Belize |  Ireland |  St. Petersburg |  Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast |  and Reykjavik

….

Are you following LUSTER on Facebook & Twitter yet? ♡ Keep up with me elsewhere!

Very excited to have the chic Erin Hiemstra from Apartment 34 giving us a peek inside her upcoming trip to Belize. It is the first time that a Wanderlust guest contributer is actually going to their dream destination. Lucky Erin! Many times I have looked into Belize, and usually because of time constraints, it gets put back on the “someday soon” list. It seems like the perfect vacation combination of beach and adventure.  ::: Luster

::: From Erin ::: Amazingly, Belize was never on my travel wish-list. It wasn’t until friends decided to hold their wedding on Ambergris Caye, the three mile long island just off the coast of mainland-Belize that has no gas powered vehicles and some of the best snorkeling in the world, and now I couldn’t be more excited.

The country is an interesting mix of island communities butted up next to untamed rainforests dense with Mayan ruins, wild birds, the Macal river and amazing waterfalls {among other untold treasures!}.

While it’s grown in popularity, Belize maintains a very low key vibe. Even its fanciest resorts look as though they’ve been in the jungle for years.  I’m particularly in love with all of Francis Ford Coppola’s resorts. The villas may have thatched roofs and authentic materials, the sparse modern décor, infinity polls and gourmet food provide a little touch of comfort to such a dramatically different setting. Something, I must admit, that I’m not opposed to.

For example, at the Blancaneux Lodge, two private houses, the Coppola Villa and the Enchanted Cottage, come with their own infinity pools and personal butlers, food so good I’ve heard British Army helicopters in regularly for lunch.

I love that adventurers and relaxation seekers (as my husband and I are respectively!) can both get what you’re looking for in Belize. One day you’ll relaxing by the pool, the next you’ll find yourself climbing the towering temples of Tikal, and then you’re snorkeling with whale sharks the day after that! I can only imagine how amazing the array of settings we’re going to encounter will be.

And I can’t wait for the opportunity enjoy the steady 85 degree temperatures – I’ve checked for months – it never changes, and spend days eating in beachside bars, exploring local shops and taking a boat ride or two, all in little else than beach wear.

Erin’s Packing List:

Marc Jacobs inspiration – I would love to juxtapose a wardrobe of bright colors against the deep greens of the jungle

1. Missoni swim suit

2. Elona floppy hat

3. Cacharel sunglasses

4. Alloy turquoise ring and beaded bracelet

5. Balenciaga Tote

6. Issa Printed Silk Maxi Dress

7. Sigerson Morrison Knotted Thong Sandals

8. Tocca Blood Orange SPF 30 toilettes

9. Poser, My Life in 23 Yoga Poses

10. Sundress

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you, Erin!

For more Wanderlust destinations, be sure to check out  Ireland | St. Petersburg | Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast | and Reykjavik
….

Are you following LUSTER on Facebook & Twitter yet?  ♡ Keep up with me elsewhere!

What a way to end the week with Sarah Klassen of Haute Design, who is taking us to the lush Emerald Isle. Haute Design is a constant source of inspiration, and I always love scrolling though the gorgeous images Sarah puts together in this visual encyclopedia of style. I really resonate with Haute because she approaches it the same way I do Luster – as an online library; a place where she can store all of her magazine tear outs and many sources of inspiration. It’s a pleasure to have her show us what she would see, where she would stay, and what she would pack if she went to Ireland ::: Luster

::: From Sarah ::: I am so happy to be here today, sharing a place that I would love to visit someday soon: Ireland. I am always keen on adventure and exploration and adore traveling for this very reason. I find the unexpected and new to be completely exhilarating and inspiring. I soak in every bit of Ireland that I see featured in books or snippets from films. I long to tour the quaint and charming villages, rambling medieval castles and grand churches, plunging cliffs and acres—lush green, rolling hills that seem to stretch on, endlessly and majestically. I would tend to shy away from destinations that are large and new and instead, opt for a more rural and historical Ireland experience.

Part of the agenda would be to stop in at great little restaurants and small, curious shops, like the iconic Avoca, as well as to blend in with the locals. To me, to travel is to experience and acquaint oneself not only with a place, but also those who live there…

As part of my stay, I would love to book a few nights in the beautiful hotel you see above, Adare Manor—a five star castle hotel. What I enjoy most about this hotel, apart from the grand spaces, is the serene grounds and the interesting history of the hotel.

My outfit inspiration: lovely, chic and easy outfits that are made up of fun layers; Simple to mix and match and ideal for spending the day out and about.

Packing List:

1. & 3. Smythson accessories: wonderful and luxurious pieces for storing notes of fun experiences, pictures, postcards, business cards coins, and other such necessities.

2. & 4. Lollia Life handcreme and Lollia Wish parfum: softly scented products to keep one smelling lovely and feeling moisturized.

5. Michael Kors handbag: a great medium sized handbag that is fresh and fun for Spring and Summer months.

6. Bloch flats: arguably the first and one of the best companies in the world. They are so ideal for walking.

7. Clare Vivier clutch: ideal for carrying that sacred passport or as an alternative to a clutch or wallet.

8. Coté Sud and 9. Vogue Paris issues: with ambition to read a novel, my excitement and unraveling attention span is far too short for such a commitment. These are perfect to look through while unwinding after a full day.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you, Sarah!

For more Wanderlust destinations, be sure to check out St. Petersburg | Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast | and Reykjavik

Very excited to share today’s Wanderlust destination by Elisa Cachero. Elisa lives in Vancouver, and is a textile, product and surface designer {as evidenced by the gorgeous Folklore pattern on the header above}, but she also has a real knack for eyeing & collecting vintage pieces and styling photo shoots. It’s only appropriate that her love of history, decor, and details would bring us to St. Petersburg. ::: Luster

::: From Elisa ::: Touring St. Petersburg has been a dream for me since studying the Russian Revolution in high school.  There’s something haunting but beautiful about the city that saw the end of the Romanov dynasty.

The execution of the Romanovs is a violent one: the family was living under house arrest following the fall of the monarchy, and were summoned at midnight on July 17, 1918 to be informed of Lenin’s orders.  The Tsar apparently had time to reply “What?” before he was gunned down in front of his family by a firing squad, who then fired upon the remaining family members. The daughters managed to survive the initial shooting, as they were wearing corsets made of diamonds and precious gems, but were later stabbed by the executioners using bayonets.  A heartbreaking history lesson!

In my fantasy trip, my vacation would be spent posing in front of the Narva Triumphal Arch as well as the Church of the Savior on Blood with its colorful, confection-like domes, and spending days getting lost in the Hermitage Museum–the world’s largest museum, which is made up of six buildings on the Palace Embankment.  And no visit to St. Petersburg would be complete without catching a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, the preeminent music theatre that opened in 1860, where many of the stage masterpieces received their premieres. In addition to the Mariinsky Opera and the Mariinsky Orchestra, the theatre is also home to the Mariinsky Ballet Company, and I would love the opportunity to catch a classical performance of Swan Lake.  I’d also try to squeeze in a visit to the Bolshoi Saint-Petersburg State Circus, the first stone stationary circus of Russia that opened on December 26, 1887.

Being able to visit buildings that have stood since Imperial Russia would be like walking through a living history book.

Only in my dreams could I stay at the Taleon Imperial Hotel, the luxurious boutique hotel nested inside a 18th century Russian palace with all the historic trimmings.  Since my Emperor Suite combines two bedrooms, living room, dining room, separated study, wardrobe and two marble bathrooms of sheer over-the-top opulence, I think I’ll have enough room for some friends on this trip.

Packing List:

1. Forget Me Knot Ring
2. Russian Fur King Hat
3. Anna Karenina Book
4. The Flight of the Romanovs
5. Heirloom Lace Pencil Skirt
6. Swing Back Mac Coat
7. Canvas Combat Boots
8. Olympus PEN E-P1 Digital Camera
9. Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Cambridge University
10. Double Wrap Belt

It’s a pleasure to have Julie Lungaro taking us on a dreamy escape to the Adriatic sea. Julie is a graphic designer living her big city dreams in Boston, MA by way of Arkansas. She is always collecting fresh finds on Julie Digs Design, her daily ode to lovely things that inspire her. She has a real talent for spotting unusual hues, so I especially love her Pretty Pairings and color roundups. Be sure to check out Julie Digs Design, and in the meantime, enjoy her little escape to Croatia –  I know it’s on my list of places I hope to see soon! ::: Luster

::: From Julie ::: If I could get away for a while, I would love to visit Dubrovnik – an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the south of Croatia and known to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. Nicknamed “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture with beautiful views, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, fountains, and museums. You can also get lost for hours in the historical stone walls that surround the old town.

Well, if this is my fantasy destination spot, then why not live it up in Dubrovnik’s newest luxury castle hotel! This impressive villa was originally constructed in 1573 and although it has passed through various turmoil over the years, it has recently been fully renovated to it’s original beauty and combines the past & present of the historical city. It is situated on the coast and within walking distance of the old city of Dubrovnik.

Packing List:

1. Summer Flora Dress
2. Chevron Kntted One-Piece
3. Handy Neon Notebook
4. A bike to cruise around in the city
5. Carryall Canvas Bag
6. Nixon Watch
7. Classic & Comfy
8. Chanel nail polish
9. Beaded Necklace

With SXSW going on this week, I’ve been wishing I was in Austin listening to some great music. Casey Keasler from K.I.D. Collective has Texas on her mind too, and is daydreaming about a trip to Marfa. It’s such a thrill to have Casey, a Portland, Oregon interior designer, tastemaker, and author of K.I.D. Collective recently featured in April’s Dwell magazine. I always love her picks & sense of style spanning everything from interiors, what’s cooking in the kitchen, scouting, and charming peeks into her personal life. Be sure to check out K.I.D. Collective for daily inspiration.  ::: Luster

::: From Casey ::: Wanderlust is so nice to dream about in light of everything that’s been happening around the world. An escape, if only mental. I have long been a fan of Marfa, at least from afar. It seems remote, quiet, undisturbed and the perfect place to relax for a few days. Marfa is the kind of place you go to get away from everything. It’s off the beaten path, minimal and maybe even a little rustic.

In my daydreaming, it was the one place that came to mind over and over again and a place I want to visit in my lifetime. I’ve never been but have heard the views, the lights and Donald Judd make this place special. Ideally, I would stay a few days in Austin then head over to Marfa and sleep in a teepee at El Cosmico for a few nights and on my last night stay at the Thunderbird.

Packing List:

1. Madewell Tribute Tank

2. Laura Lombardi Scale Necklace

3. Steven Alan Midwestern Shirt

4. Giant by Edna Ferber

5. Boy by Band of Outsiders Cuffed Chino

6. Diana Camera

7. Cross Current Bikini

8. Claire Vivier Weekender Tote

9. Macbook Case

10. No. 6 Three Strap Clog

11. RGB Nailpolish – Too Red

12. Dr. Hauschka Lip Care

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you, Casey!

For more Wanderlust destinations, be sure to visit Vancouver Island, The Amalfi Coast, Reykjavik, and Zanzibar

….

{Image sources}

Cover image: Donald Judd and El Cosmico Teepee’s

Marfa road sign, and shots around Marfa by Allison V. Smith

El Cosmico and scultures via Donald Judd and Donald Judd and El Cosmico Teepee’s

Thunderbird Hotel Photos: thunderbirdmarfa and Remodelista

I am thrilled to welcome the lovely Jessica Comingore of Destined to Design, who is an interior designer based in Los Angeles, California. I am a big fan of her aesthetic, and daily inspiration that ranges from fashion to architecture on her beautifully curated blog. I always enjoy her regular columns including Currently Coveting, Mixtape Monday, Afternoons lately, and Friday Favorites. Today,  Jessica is taking us to Vancouver Island, Canada. I have been to the city of Vancouver several times for work, but have never had the time to venture beyond the city and experience the stellar beauty of this area. Like Jessica, I hope to get there one day!  ::: Luster

:: From Jessica :: I have this grand idea in my head that the next vacation I take will entail a plane to Seattle, followed by a train ride up to Vancouver (which I hear is one of the most beautiful train rides you can take), then, after a few days in the city, take the ferry over to Vancouver Island. Ever since I saw this video, I’ve been pretty set on making my way up there. Living in a big city, I don’t get to experience nature and tranquility on this level, so it seems like the ideal place to get away.

In a dream world, I would stay at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort to get the full experience of being immersed in nature. It’s situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River and made up of 20 white canvas tents peeking out from the dense forest.

Packing List:

1. Pendleton Series 1 Blanket

2. Nubby Panama Hat

3. Cinnamon Mocha Scarf

4. I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson

5. Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses

6. Casio Men’s Analog Watch

7. Filson Medium Duffle Bag

8. Leica X1 Digital Camera

9. D.R. Harris & Co. Lip Balm

10. Hunter Wellies

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you, Jessica!

For more Wanderlust destinations, be sure to visit The Amalfi Coast, Reykjavik, and Zanzibar

….

{Image sources} Top Left | Bottom Left | Top Right | Bottom Right 1 | Bottom Right 2

Lodging photos all via Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

I have been to Italy only once, and that was in 1999, so I am desperate to get back and see the South, including the famed Amalfi coast. I imagine it might be like scenes from The Talented Mr. Ripley with sun-filled days by the sea and warm evenings dining al fresco (and without the sinister plot, of course!). It would be amazing to see the coastline by sailboat, explore the Amalfi Drive in a convertible, and walk the surrounding towns.

Staying at Capo La Gala on the Sorrento Coast would be my hotel pick. Perched on the hilltops above the Bay of Naples, this would be the perfect spot for sunbathing and staring out toward the sea with a Limoncello in hand.

Striped Hammam Towel | The Talented Mr. Ripley | Sunglasses | Gold Thor stud earrings | Nautical striped cotton dress | Park Bench Fedora | Mellifluous cinch sandals | Small leather wallet | Halter Maillot Swimsuit

For more travel daydreaming and Wanderlust destinations, be sure to check out Vancouver Island, Reykjavik, and Zanzibar.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………