Luxury Travel Archives - Luxury Home Digest https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/category/luxury-travel/ Luxury Homes, Lifestyle and Travel Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:55:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Top Accessories for a More Functional RV Roof https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2024/10/04/top-accessories-for-a-more-functional-rv-roof/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2024/10/04/top-accessories-for-a-more-functional-rv-roof/#respond Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:55:13 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=4881 Upgrade your RV experience with roof accessories. Explore reliable tips for adding solar panels, retractable awnings, and more to improve outdoor living.

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An overhead view of an RV parked on a roadway in full sun. The RV's roof has a solar panel and the RV roof vents are open.

RV roof accessories can make your travels more comfortable and convenient. Furthermore, the top accessories for a more functional RV roof can optimize space in your vehicle and enhance energy efficiency. Explore the best ways to customize your RV roof and what to consider before making any changes.

Solar Panels

Installing solar panels on your RV roof is an excellent way to harness renewable energy and save on energy costs. They provide a sustainable power source for your travels, allowing you to charge your RV’s batteries while off-grid.

Solar panels are particularly beneficial for long-term trips where you spend extended periods away from conventional power outlets. With solar energy, you can power essential appliances and devices, ensuring a comfortable living environment no matter where you park.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings provide shade and protection from the elements, extending your living space outdoors. On hot summer days, they offer a comfortable area to relax without overheating. Additionally, awnings protect you from light rain, so you can enjoy the outdoors even when the weather is less than perfect.

Awnings are easy to install and operate, making them a convenient addition to any RV. Add awnings to enhance your outdoor living area with a pleasant space for dining, lounging, or entertaining guests.

A Satellite Dish

A satellite dish is a highly functional RV roof accessory for those who want to stay connected while on the road. The dish can provide reliable television and internet access. This means that even in remote locations, you can enjoy entertainment options and stay informed or work while traveling.

Having a satellite dish means you won’t miss out on your favorite shows or important news updates. It also allows you to stay connected with friends and family, making your travels more enjoyable and less isolated.

Roof Racks

Roof racks significantly increase storage capacity, making them perfect for carrying larger items like bikes, kayaks, or additional luggage. They allow you to bring along all your favorite gear without using precious space in the RV’s interior.

With roof racks, organizing your belongings becomes easier, and you can keep the interior of your RV clutter-free. You may even be able to mount solar panels or a satellite dish onto the roof rack, eliminating the need to make extra holes in the RV’s roof.

What To Know Before Adding Anything

Before adding any accessories to your RV’s roof, it’s crucial to consider a few factors. For instance, some changes can void the warranty, so it’s essential to check your RV’s warranty terms and conditions.

Additionally, inspecting the roof first to ensure it’s safe and sturdy enough to support new installations is vital. Water leaks and sagging ceilings are just two signs you might need to repair your RV roof. Verifying that the roof is in good condition is necessary to be sure it can handle the weight of the accessories.

Solar panels, roof racks, retractable awnings, and satellite dishes each offer unique benefits that make life on the road more comfortable and efficient. By carefully considering your options and ensuring safe installations, you can transform your RV into a more enjoyable home on wheels. Assess your RV’s roof condition and warranty, then embrace these accessories for comfortable, connected, and well-organized travel.

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Things To Consider When Decorating Your Barbados Home https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2024/03/13/things-to-consider-when-decorating-your-barbados-home/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2024/03/13/things-to-consider-when-decorating-your-barbados-home/#respond Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:42:47 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=4515 Here are some helpful tips if you live in Barbados or want your home to look like you do. Here’s what to consider when decorating your Barbados home.

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Things To Consider When Decorating Your Barbados Home

Barbados is a picturesque island paradise, where the turquoise waters gently lap the shores of white sandy beaches, and the air is rich with the scents of tropical blooms and freshly caught seafood. But what truly brings the Barbados experience home is the interior design that encapsulates the island’s unique heritage and natural beauty.

Decorating your space with elements that capture the essence of the Barbadian style can be rewarding if you’re fortunate enough to call this enchanting land your home. We’ll discuss the things to consider when decorating your Barbados home.

Understanding Barbadian Style

Barbadian style is a tapestry woven with traditional Afro-Caribbean motifs, Spanish, Portuguese, and British architectural influences, and a dash of contemporary zest. Understanding this style is about identifying its unique blend. Think mahogany furnishings, coral stone walls, and locally crafted pottery. Understanding these elements allows you to create a space rooted in history while enjoying the freshness of modern Barbadian interior design trends.

Embracing the Climate

You must consider the climate when creating a home in Barbados. The design should flow as effortlessly as the island breeze through open and airy spaces, maximizing natural light. Choose lightweight curtains or open windows to allow the island’s breezes to flow freely.

Furnishings should be comfortable and able to withstand the year-round tropical conditions—look for moisture-resistant fabrics and materials like rattan, bamboo, or wicker. The goal is to synchronize your decor with the environment, creating an atmosphere that encourages a laid-back and carefree lifestyle.

Incorporating Local Materials

The island’s natural bounties are a wellspring of inspiration for your home’s design. Incorporating these materials is a nod to the island’s sustainability and cultural heritage, from the rich, local woods to the pastel hues of the coral stone quarried in Barbados.

Choose furniture crafted from Barbadian mahogany or try your hand at DIY projects by repurposing materials abundant on the island. Besides being environmentally friendly, using local materials brings an unmatched authenticity to your decor.

Balancing Comfort and Elegance

Comfort is king in any home, but so is the touch of elegance. You can achieve this balance in Barbados by infusing luxurious elements into every room. Introduce cozy seating areas with plush cushions, elegant lighting fixtures, and delicate island-themed accessories. The space you create should feel refined and inviting, offering solace from the tropical heat without sacrificing style.

Using these things to consider when decorating your Barbados home, you can turn your dwelling into a true sanctuary. Remember, your home reflects who you are and what you love—allow Barbados to be at the heart of your design choices and witness the magic that unfolds within your oasis on the island.

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Reasons To Visit the Jersey Shore on Your Next Vacation https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/02/07/reasons-to-visit-the-jersey-shore-on-your-next-vacation/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/02/07/reasons-to-visit-the-jersey-shore-on-your-next-vacation/#respond Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:39:20 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=3880 If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing destination, look no further than New Jersey! Explore these reasons to visit the Jersey Shore on your next vacation.

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Reasons To Visit the Jersey Shore on Your Next Vacation

With an array of activities for all ages and types of travelers, the Jersey Shore is the perfect destination for a summer vacation. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break by the beach, an outdoor adventure, or an iconic destination to cross off your bucket list, the Jersey Shore has it all. Here are a few reasons to visit the Jersey Shore on your next vacation.

Unwind on the Beach

Visiting the Jersey Shore is a truly luxurious experience, and there’s no better place to spend your time here than at the beach. You can sink your toes into the sand and listen to the relaxing sounds of the waves, enjoying your time miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’ve been longing for peace and serenity, plan your stress-free beach vacation and enjoy a Jersey Shore experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated long after your trip ends.

Visit the Iconic Boardwalks

Of course, the Jersey Shore is more than an idyllic beach escape; it’s a one-stop destination brimming with marvelous attractions. One of the most iconic features of the Jersey Shore is its vibrant boardwalks overflowing with exciting experiences, from an abundance of shopping opportunities to charming cafés. It’s easy to find something that matches your preferences.

Explore Lighthouses and Historical Sites

One of the best reasons to visit the Jersey Shore for your next summer vacation is the abundance of historical and cultural landmarks there, including museums, war monuments, and so much more. From awe-inspiring lighthouses with picturesque seascapes to delightful historic houses, the sites at the Jersey Shore don’t disappoint.

Plus, guests can revel in the past as they wander around significant landmarks that date back centuries and uncover tales about the area’s unique cultural heritage. Experience life in a Victorian home at the Emlen Physick Estate, travel back in time at the Historic Cold Spring Village, or look out over the entire Shore from the top of the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.

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Vacation Reviews and Libel https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/01/19/vacation-reviews-and-libel/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/01/19/vacation-reviews-and-libel/#respond Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:49:56 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=3781 by Roberta Murphy Thompson Vacation reviews are generally good and truthful and help us in making travel plans.  These reviews, whether on AirBNB, VRBO,  Booking.com, Trip Advisor or many other sites, are generally pretty helpful. But very occasionally, a review might step over the libel line and and leave both the reviewer and the publisher open to a libel or defamation complaint. This basically occurs when the review identifies a...

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by Roberta Murphy Thompson

Reviews and LibelVacation reviews are generally good and truthful and help us in making travel plans.  These reviews, whether on AirBNB, VRBO,  Booking.com, Trip Advisor or many other sites, are generally pretty helpful. But very occasionally, a review might step over the libel line and and leave both the reviewer and the publisher open to a libel or defamation complaint. This basically occurs when the review identifies a person, says something untrue, is published and then causes provable financial or reputation damage to the victim. 

So what is a reviewer to do?

I always leave 4-5 stars on lodging stays, unless there is truly a problem with the room or apartment. If a problem crops up during our stay, I try to contact the owner or manager of the property to resolve the issue–and they usually do. Rarely is a place uninhabitable or check-in a Herculean task (we have experienced both). If a coffee pot is broken or there is something else amiss, let the owner or manager know immediately. We travel frequently and overall have had outstanding and memorable experiences.

I am somewhat distant from an AirBNB unit we own in Carlsbad, CA. I recall some months ago, a guest reached out to let me know the kitchen blender was broken. I paid my cleaner to run over to Target and buy a nice new one. Guest was happy, problem was resolved, and I was relieved. I believe most owners and managers want their guests to be happy with their visit. We do the same for a Reno vacation rental I manage.

But sometimes, owners are non-responsive and there may be unresolved health hazards that other guests should beware.  I would advise to always try to deal with someone who has the power to get things done. That is usually the owner or manager for the property. If there is no response, it may be time to either write the responsible party to let them know of the problem and as a last resort, complain publicly via a review.

When writing negative vacation reviews, be very careful not to exaggerate or speculate. Deal with facts only. Failure to do so could leave you open to libel litigation–especially if your review causes financial harm that can be proved. That is one reason companies like AirBNB and TripAdvisor may want to investigate negative or suspicious reviews before publishing them to make sure there is no fabrication , or they could become party to any libel litigation that might arise.

To win or lose a libel case, the following must be proven:

  1. Someone made a statement
  2. The statement was published
  3. The statement caused injury
  4. The statement was false
  5. The statement did not fall into a privileged category (complaining to courts regulatory authorities)

So what can protect you from a libel lawsuit?

      1. Truth
      2. Consent
      3. Privilege
      4. Statute of Limitations

Note that TRUTH or the lack of it are key elements in libel litigation and actual damages must occur. If a statement is made in a vacuum and not published, there can be no libel. And publication itself is not enough. The victim must be able to prove financial loss or provable damage to reputation. If these do not exist or are not provable, a libel suit would likely be unsuccessful.

So what are the potential damages from a libel lawsuit? That largely depends on where the property is located. In Canada, for example, it is both a civil and criminal offense carrying a potential 2-year prison term plus civil monetary damages. In the US, much depends upon the state where the damage occurred. All states allow for civil monetary damages that can include both compensatory and punitive damages, which can be very heavy if a jury feels a lesson needs to be taught. But some states treat libel as a criminal offense as well, including Nevada, Idaho, Texas, Florida, Montana, Michigan and many more.

How heavy can libel damages be? In a 2016 Nevada case, a jury awarded $38.3 million to Bradley Stephen Cohen in an internet defamation case. Another jury awarded $50 Million to a South Carolina mayor whose opponent sent out several defamatory emails about Mayor Lisa Sulka.

Internationally, the penalties can be even heavier. Beware Europe: In many countries defamation and libel are criminal offenses that can land one in prison– and journalists are not immune. In Singapore:

Penal Code Section 499 states that, if a person intends to defame another person or should know that what he or she says will harm that person, then that person has committed a crime that can be punished by a fine plus up to two years in jail.

Heaviest damages seem to occur when someone is libeled and damaged professionally–or hindered from making a living because of the defamation. Damages can also accrue if there is evidence of malice or gross negligence.

Many years ago, I studied libel law, taught it in journalism classes and also worked at the Dallas Times Herald as a reporter. Libel was a big deal in those days–and so was the truth. And it still is. We created habits that should be second nature to every writer/editor:  Always be on high alert for libelous passages. Incorrect facts, such as room pricing, may be annoying but they are not libelous. However if you make or imply an untrue statement about someone and it is published (even by email) and it results in financial or reputation harm, you may end up in court, or even prison in certain locations.

My advice to potential reviewers: Do not speculate or write in anger. Deal with provable facts only. Take photos and screenshots to substantiate your statements. The TRUTH will always be your best defense. And if this is not possible, take my deceased mother’s wise advice: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut!”

 

 

  

 

 
 
 

 

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From Egypt to Israel. From Loss to Love https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/01/06/from-egypt-to-israel-from-loss-to-love/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/01/06/from-egypt-to-israel-from-loss-to-love/#respond Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:33:11 +0000 http://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=2856 New Year’s Eve 2018 was unique. I said goodbye to a pivotal year in my life and greeted a new decade, not knowing where it might lead. I was also on board a plane with oldest son Scott, bound for a tour of Egypt.  The trip had been planned months before, as we deliberately planning to be airborne and far away from the prior year’s loss. You see, this New...

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New Year’s Eve 2018 was unique. I said goodbye to a pivotal year in my life and greeted a new decade, not knowing where it might lead. I was also on board a plane with oldest son Scott, bound for a tour of Egypt.  The trip had been planned months before, as we deliberately planning to be airborne and far away from the prior year’s loss.

You see, this New Year’s Eve had marked a year since I greeted the coming year of 2019 with Beluga vodka and caviar.

Alone.

My husband Michael was in the hospital recovering from a second surgery. I had come home from visiting him that 2018 New Year’s Eve. In a groggy state, he had squeezed my hand and said, “I love you.” I promised to return the next morning, New Year’s Day,  with some black-eyed peas for good luck. I kissed him on the forehead, told him I loved him and urged peaceful rest.

Michael died in my arms the next morning. I knew he was very ill, but the death was still a shock. Almost immediately, I was gifted with friends who cared,  a prolonged visit from my sister–and I managed to survive the fog of those first few months. I emerged with a life chapter closed, burdened with neither anger nor guilt. Mike and I were gifted with 36 years of marriage and during that time he was loving, loyal, generous, kind–and very obstinate.

The trip to Egypt was magical. It was a bucket list journey that presented pyramids, sphinxes, mummies, along with ancient memories and mysteries. We rode camels, sailed the Nile River and visited small towns before ending the trip at Anwar Dam. However,  I did not return home to San Diego with Scott; rather, I flew to Cypress and then to Israel to meet my my new love and life gift,  Steve Thompson, who had unexpectedly captured my heart a few months earlier. Scott and I had planned the trip months before, and Steve had already agreed to meet clients in Jerusalem–so timing could not have been more perfect.

And that timing–and love–perfected and grew over time.

We were married September 19, 2020 in the backyard of Steve’s home in Reno, where we now live–and joke about leaving “Taxifornia”–as he calls it. 

A new life chapter was begun. We just celebrated our 4th New Year’s Eve. And we are headed to Kathmandu and Bhutan in a few months. –Roberta Murphy Thompson

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What You Should Know To Choose the Best Vacation Home https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/10/11/what-you-should-know-to-choose-the-best-vacation-home/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/10/11/what-you-should-know-to-choose-the-best-vacation-home/#respond Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:28:48 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=3438 If you’re looking for a new vacation home to call your own but aren’t certain how to choose, here’s what you should know to pick out the best one for you.

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What You Should Know To Choose the Best Vacation Home

A vacation home is a huge investment; it takes a lot of capital and resources to find and purchase one you like, and then you have all the ongoing costs that come with it. That’s why it’s important to ensure you don’t regret your purchase because of a simple mistake in judgment. Here are some of the things that you should know when looking for the best vacation home.

Pick Your Location

The first thing you need to do when buying any home is choose the ideal location. Vacation homes are no different. Location is everything , so choose the spot that best suits your needs, whether it’s near the town or close to the beach.

Rent Then Buy

One of the first steps you should take isn’t purchasing your vacation home, but renting it first to see if you like it. Use this as a bit of a trial period to see if it’s the place for you–or if you should keep looking. You’ll avoid many unforeseen issues if you rent this home before purchasing it.

Understand What You’ll Need

Buying a vacation home won’t make it the sparkling house that you want; it’ll take serious work and investment to make it the perfect place for relaxation. Figure out what you want out of your home and how you can bring it there. Additionally, you’ll likely need other things to make your stay more comfortable. For example, you may want a golf cart at your vacation home to get around easier and have more fun in the sun.

Learn About Maintenance

You also need to take the time to learn a bit more about the maintenance your vacation home will require before you purchase it. While a lakeside home is great, the potential water damage and salt buildup is something you’ll need to know about before you buy the best vacation home.

As long as you understand all these points about your home and know what your plan is, the last thing to do is to make sure it’s all within your budget. But once that’s over, you can decide if the home is the right one for you.

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Reasons Why You Should Move to Mexico Next Year https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/09/28/reasons-why-you-should-move-to-mexico-next-year/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/09/28/reasons-why-you-should-move-to-mexico-next-year/#respond Wed, 28 Sep 2022 17:25:03 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=3442 If you’ve been considering making a big move sometime soon, you should consider living in Mexico. Here are some of the many reasons why it’s worth it.

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Reasons Why You Should Move to Mexico Next Year

 

As we enter the final months of 2022, some people are already looking toward what they want to do-and where they want to move– in the following year. While nothing is set in stone yet, the possibility of moving somewhere new is on many people’s minds. With so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we want to take the time to focus on a location that’s outside of the country: Mexico.

Even though you might be hesitant upon hearing this, we think it’s an excellent choice. There are many reasons why moving to Mexico next year might be the right choice for you, and we’ll go over each of them with you below:

Beautiful Environments

There’s a reason so many people visit Mexico on vacation—the country is gorgeous. From quaint little towns to expansive beaches, Mexico has everything you could want in terms of natural beauty. While most people only choose to visit these wonders, you could make them a permanent part of your living arrangements. Imagine waking up every day feeling like you’re on vacation. It sounds like a dream come true.

Lower Cost of Living

The one problem with stunning views is that most people assume they come at a higher price tag, but that’s not the case in Mexico. The cost of living is significantly lower than in America. Buying groceries, enjoying the nightlife, and household expenses will not take away as much of your paycheck.

On top of that, the housing market is much more affordable. That means you can truly live a life of luxury for much less than ever before. Of course, you’ll want to take the steps needed to find the right property for you in Mexico, but as long as you do that, you shouldn’t run into any issues.

Close to the U.S.

One of the hardest parts about moving out of the country is leaving everyone and everything you know. Once you’ve committed, buying an expensive plane ticket is usually the only way to go back to see everyone.

That’s not the case if you move to Mexico, however. Not only will flights be shorter and cheaper, but driving back to the U.S. is also a possibility. To make matters even better, you will either be in the same time zone or one that’s almost the same. This will make connecting with friends and family online much more manageable.

People Feel Safe There

The final reason you should consider moving to Mexico sometime next year is that the country isn’t as dangerous as some make it out to be. Many fear the cartels and crooked cops, but much of those fears are entirely untrue. In fact, most ex-pats that already live in Mexico have reported feeling just as safe as they did before the move, if not more. The bottom line is that you will feel safe and comfortable living in Mexico.

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The Best Places To Travel When You’ve Seen It All https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/09/26/the-best-places-to-travel-when-youve-seen-it-all/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/09/26/the-best-places-to-travel-when-youve-seen-it-all/#respond Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:09:22 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=3398 When you love to travel, you’ll find yourself running out of places to visit, unsure of where to go. Here are the best places to travel when you’ve seen it all.

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The Best Places To Travel When You’ve Seen It All

You’re someone who loves to travel, and you want to do it in luxury. However, maybe you’ve traveled for a long time, and you’re starting to run out of new places to go. The world is seemingly endless, but that doesn’t mean you always know where to visit. Read on to learn about some of the best places to travel when you’ve seen it all.

New Zealand’s South Island

You may have been to New Zealand, but have you ventured to the South Island? New Zealand’s South Island is incredibly different from the North Island, as there is much more to see than simple beaches. On the Southland, you can explore fantastic fjords in the Fiordland National Park or take a boat through Milford Sound, where you’ll see thousands of waterfalls. On the island’s west coast, you can see the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. After you adventure through the island, there are excellent wineries and restaurants for you to sit, dig in, and enjoy the numerous views in front of you.

Croatia

Croatia has recently gained popularity as a travel destination, primarily because of its islands. Located on the Adriatic Sea between Slovenia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, people can easily forget about Croatia. However, after traveling to Croatia, you’ll be singing its praises for years.

It is a great travel destination for you to charter a yacht as there are thousands of islands and beaches to explore. Plavnik, Susac, and Kornati are some of the most popular islands, but you can also visit Losinj and spot some dolphins swimming around. In addition to these islands, there are beautiful ports and culture-filled cities you can’t find anywhere else.

Vietnam

Many know that Vietnam is a great travel destination, but they’re not sure where to go in the country. One of the best cities you can visit is Hoi An, mainly because of the food. Hoi An is the country’s culinary capital, and you can find spectacular dishes like rose dumplings or cao lau. The city is also full of impressive architecture and antique stores and is not too far from resorts and tourist beaches. Because of this, you can go windsurfing, jet skiing, or kayaking in the beautiful country after a delicious breakfast or lunch.

When you’ve seen it all, travel to these places, and you’ll rediscover just how much of the world you haven’t seen yet. There are also probably places you’ve traveled to before that still have beauty waiting for you to uncover.

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A Florence Adventure https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/03/12/florence-adventure-includes-pasta-curiosity-and-limoncello/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2022/03/12/florence-adventure-includes-pasta-curiosity-and-limoncello/#respond Sat, 12 Mar 2022 21:10:05 +0000 http://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=2895 by Roberta Murphy Thompson Last night, Steve and I invited friends over to share a story and a pasta dinner we brought back from Florence, Italy. Well, not exactly the whole dinner, but a Florence adventure that included a kilo of handmade fettuccine and a pan of onion and cheese stuffed raviolis that we transported from Florence back to Reno in a suitcase. Sauces, salad and asparagus sides were made...

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by Roberta Murphy Thompson

Last night, Steve and I invited friends over to share a story and a pasta dinner we brought back from Florence, Italy. Well, not exactly the whole dinner, but a Florence adventure that included a kilo of handmade fettuccine and a pan of onion and cheese stuffed raviolis that we transported from Florence back to Reno in a suitcase. Sauces, salad and asparagus sides were made in our own kitchen. It was a fun evening for us to share with two great couples: Trish and Peter + Karen and Steve.

Regrettably, I can’t share the wonderful dinner with you–but here’s the story of our Florence adventure.

Hubby Steve Thompson manufactures medical research equipment and has clients scattered all over the world. The real purpose of our trip to Europe started in Zagreb, Croatia where he had equipment to install. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. It was so clean and we felt safe everywhere we walked. The next stop was in Italy, where he has other clients using his equipment. After a couple of days, we ended up in Florence–at the beautiful and relatively small Messori Suites. I believe there are only 9 rooms, all beautifully appointed.

We were greeted by Sergio Tortiglione when we arrived and were impressed with his full and kind service. He offered a couple of Florence restaurant suggestions–and suggested we try a glass of beautiful Italian wine in the private lounge area. We followed his advice on all counts, including his recommended sights to see on our long walk to dinner. The real fun, and the point of this story, began as we were walking back to Messori Suites.

I love food and stopped short at a restaurant window that had on display a variety of beautiful dried pastas, including the black pasta colored by squid ink. Steve was equally intrigued, so we both entered the small and very aromatic Florence cafe. Frederico, the apparent manager, greeted us like old friends and invited us back to the kitchen area. There we met the chef, whom I will call Mama Mia. She spoke little English, but that was not necessary.

Florence Chef
Mama Mia

Frederico interpreted and said they wanted to “give” us some beautiful pastas which we could easily bring home. But before showing us anything, Frederico insisted on pouring small glasses of Limoncello for us to enjoy. Followed by refills…plus another. And Steve was his new best friend. And I had two new BFF’s.

Florence Restaurant
New Italian BFF’s
Florence Best frineds
Steve and Frederico

Mama Mia offered three large pans of pasta: One a spinach fettuccine, another an onion and cheese stuffed raviolis and the third a seafood ravioli. I was concerned about them surviving the long trip home–especially the seafood dish. Over their arguments, I declined the seafood ravioli, knowing it would never survive the journey. The others could be frozen and would likely make it home.

To make up for the lost dish. Frederico pushed a bottle of wine into Steve’s arms. And then handed him a bill for 130 Euros. With amazing grace and humor, Steve paid him. And with much Italian grace, Frederico invited us to sit down with him and share a Tomohawk steak with him. Already full from dinner and a bit giddy from all the Limoncello, we graciously declined–and walked away laughing.

Carrying a kilo or so of pastas and a bottle of Italian wine.

And yes, the pasta made it home in delicious fashion and provided a basis for a fun Italian dinner that happened to also include Limoncello. And as sometimes happens, the story of our Florence adventure was almost as rich as the dinner.

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The Luxury of Disconnecting https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2019/05/23/the-luxury-disconnecting/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2019/05/23/the-luxury-disconnecting/#respond Thu, 23 May 2019 03:21:00 +0000 http://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=2783 by Roberta Murphy I may dream of disconnecting from all things electronic, but fly into a panic when wifi goes down or more frequently, can’t find my phone. And I know I’m not alone. But there’s a persistent fantasy that I will one day deliberately land in some remote (and beautiful) location where there is no wifi, no television, no internet–and no clocks. I would be with my soulmate and...

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by Roberta Murphy

I may dream of disconnecting from all things electronic, but fly into a panic when wifi goes down or more frequently, can’t find my phone. And I know I’m not alone.

But there’s a persistent fantasy that I will one day deliberately land in some remote (and beautiful) location where there is no wifi, no television, no internet–and no clocks. I would be with my soulmate and days could be spent exploring terrain, foods, customs, each other, and a different rhythm of life. We would have no problem disconnecting from the noise of modern existence.

Imagine falling to sleep at night under all the stars that are lost to city lights and pollution. That is disconnecting of a different kind.

Oil Platform in Gulf of MexicoThis idea came up last week as I was pondering remote possibilities for an off-the-grid vacation–where only light bulbs and fans would be acceptable. Theoretically speaking.  I imagined that a remote oil rig somewhere might be interesting (for one night), but knew there had to be more suitable destinations.

But the idea did get me to thinking about off-the-electronic-grid vacations,  where one (or two) might unplug, rewind and reset.  Listed below are just a few of the possibilities I found:

Disconnecting in Punta Placer
Punta Placer, Oaxaca

Punta Placer, Oaxaca, Mexico

Forget about cell phones ringing at Punta Placer. Stay in a   beachfront  and palm covered bungalow just outside the tiny seaside   fishing village of San Agustinillo on the southern Pacific coast. You’ll   find no television and the luxury of air conditioning comes from ocean breezes. No boredom here, though. You can swim with protected sea turtles, hike through the Oaxaca rain forest and even melt under skilled hands with an aromatherapy massage. While not a 5-star resort, you will enjoy home-cooked Mexican food, rustling coconut trees, a margarita or two, deck chairs,  and some spectacular sunsets. Clocks and watches optional.

Disconnecting in Amankora BhutanAmankora, Bhutan

Imagine, by whatever means necessary, you land in remote Bhutan between India and the remote Tibetan Plateau. You might not expect to find a luxury resort, where you can totally unplug and get away from all of life’s noise. Imagine meditating in a 7th century Buddhist monastery or climbing, even part way, up Himalayan mountains that peak at 22,000 feet. You might also want to try archery or white water rafting through deep river valleys surrounded by blue pines and ending the day relaxing in the hotel spa’s steam room

There are several fine resorts and hotels in this last remaining Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. Unplugging should be easy. Watches and clocks are irrelevant.

Ultima Thule Lodge, Chitina, Alaska

Bush Plane for Disconnecting in AlaskaWant to get really serious about disconnecting from the world as we know it? If so, you will need to hop on a bush plane to get to Ultima Thule Lodge in remote Alaska, because the nearest road is 100 miles away.

The beautiful log-sided lodge sits next to the 13 million-acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park–the largest protected land mass on earth– and is completely out of cell phone range. There is, however, a single computer in the lodge with a dial up modem that we might want to try just for nostalgia’s sake. Remember the sound?

Reviews for this surprisingly luxurious lodge are amazing. “The most amazing place you willDisconnecting at Ultima Thule Lodge ever visit,” says TripAdvisor. One of “the Best Wilderness lodges,” says Mens Journal and a “once in a lifetime” adventure  according to Travel & Leisure Magazine. The hiking description from Ultima Thule Lodge website is pretty exciting:

Glacial runoff thunders down from the mountain in a massive waterfall. Vast clouds of vapor glitter in the sunlight. You watch as the glacier calves a huge, jagged shard of ice, and it drops down into the valley below, crashing into the Chitina river.

Behind you, the two-seater Piper Super Cub waits silently, it’s steel propeller glinting in the sun, it’s massive, rubbery bush-wheels perfectly suited for a landing at the top of the world.

Oh, and did I mention Northern Lights? They see them here. And given the very remote location, a watch might come in handy.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Key West, Florida

Disconnecting at Little Palm Island ResortThis is another resort that will require boat, helicopter or sea plane for arrival. A perfect setting for Gilligan’s Island, this remote key has white sandy beaches, lots of iguanas and a multitude of colorful fish species that might be seen while snorkeling while snorkeling at nearby Dive Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.

The thatched bungalow rooms at this treasured resort have no telephones, televisions or alarm clocks (and no guests under the age of 16). They do, however, have chilled champagne awaiting your arrival. I explored booking a room for most any period this summer and found no vacancy. And given that Little Palm Island Resort and Spa has long been a favorite getaway for high profile celebrities, presidents and savvy travelers. The wise traveler, however, would be smart to book well in advance–and the unwise one during hurricane season.

The resort offers gourmet dining (both in room and in restaurant), a world class spa and guest lodging that entices one to stay more than a single night. From their website:

Our thirty Florida Keys suites, nestled two apiece in thatched-roof bungalows, are so silent and peaceful, it’s like you’re living alone in the lap of luxury.  Island Escape Suite, Island Elegance Suite, Island Romance Suite and Island Grand Suite guest quarters are housed in thatched roof bungalows, with custom-made king-sized beds with romantic butterfly netting, so plush some guests never want to leave.

I confess to never having visited the Florida Keys, but a reservation and disconnecting at this resort could lure me there from San Diego!

In conclusion….

This is a topic I will likely keep exploring. There is a secret terror lurking inside me that fears being unconnected. There is also part of my soul, though, that wants nothing more than to bury the phone, ipad, and laptop for a week to test my survival skills. And that is challenge enough!

Do you have any off-the-grid vacation suggestions?

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