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Casa Kimball

Casa Kimball: Oceanfront Seclusion in the Dominican Republic

April 06, 2015 by Julia in Winter Weekend, Spring Weekend

The Private Estate:

Casa Kimball is an exceptional Caribbean destination that provides an idyllic way to spend time with close family and friends in an unforgettable way.  This private villa, located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, is situated on three acres of oceanfront property overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by coco palms, almond trees, and other flowering vines and fauna native to the Dominican Republic.  The estate incorporates modern architecture with the indigenous flora and spectacular ocean views, highlighting the relationship between nature, space and modern luxury.

The Experience: 

I had the chance to stay at this secluded and special place with twenty-some other guests for a close friend’s birthday celebration.  I was blown away by the brilliantly-designed elements that sanction the Caribbean sunlight and warm ocean breezes through the ocean spaces.

Upon arriving to the villa, our group was welcomed by the warm and professional staff, modern amenities, and 180-degree ocean views.  The direct villa entry to the dramatic infinity pool and jacuzzi that extended to the sea cliff was simply breathtaking.  

We gathered for morning yoga steps from the villa while overlooking the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.  A delightful and charismatic personal chef prepared gourmet meals everyday, which were caught and grown within three hours of the nearby village.  The attentive bartender and staff made certain we had a delicious tropical cocktail in hand and were carefully attended to wherever needed.  

The villa is full of entertainment activities, from croquet, badminton, volleyball, billiards, surround-sound music player, and a Karaoke machine for late night, one-too-many Mai Tai’s, group singing. Each evening, we gathered for an elegantly-served dinner in the dining space. The dining room’s grand pivoting window doors lent 270-degree views of the ocean and illuminated pool during our dining experience.  We spent the night enjoying one another's company while listening to the ocean waves crash below.  Later, we took advantage of the fully-equipped sound system for a late-night dance party on the terrance. 

The highlight of the trip was when, one starry-night, we grabbed flashlights and walked along the pathway next to the cliff front between the ocean and the villa grounds.  We passed by a hidden-away terrace with a vintage fire bowl tucked between the cliffs and continued to a little beach concealed at the base of the cliff.  The staff built us a bonfire, where we drank, sang and laughed throughout the night.  The magical evening and unique surroundings evoked a sense of pure joy that would be impossible to replicate at any place other than Casa Kimball.  

 The beautiful private pool at the guest house next to the villa. 

The beautiful private pool at the guest house next to the villa. 

 View from the master bedroom suite 

View from the master bedroom suite 

 Fresh Pina Coladas upon arrival. 

Fresh Pina Coladas upon arrival. 

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Morning Yoga at Casa Kimball
Morning Yoga at Casa Kimball

Morning Yoga with private instructor while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

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 Stairway that led to the top of the villa, allowing you to gaze either at the endless ocean or into the jungle hillside mountains. 

Stairway that led to the top of the villa, allowing you to gaze either at the endless ocean or into the jungle hillside mountains. 

 Afternoon mango and shrimp civiche freshly prepared each day.

Afternoon mango and shrimp civiche freshly prepared each day.

 The stone is one of the most remarkable elements of the complex.  The sand-beige colored, cleft-cut, textured, travertine catches the Caribbean sunlight, giving a divine quality to the home.

The stone is one of the most remarkable elements of the complex.  The sand-beige colored, cleft-cut, textured, travertine catches the Caribbean sunlight, giving a divine quality to the home.

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 A visual representation of the brilliantly crafted design that harmonizes modern elements with space and nature. 

A visual representation of the brilliantly crafted design that harmonizes modern elements with space and nature. 

 The beautiful private pool at the guest house next to the villa.   View from the master bedroom suite   Fresh Pina Coladas upon arrival.  IMG_4462 - Version 2.jpg IMG_4431-2 - Version 2.jpg IMG_4428-2.jpg Morning Yoga at Casa Kimball IMG_4515.jpg IMG_4433.jpg IMG_4437.jpg  Stairway that led to the top of the villa, allowing you to gaze either at the endless ocean or into the jungle hillside mountains.   Afternoon mango and shrimp civiche freshly prepared each day.  The stone is one of the most remarkable elements of the complex.  The sand-beige colored, cleft-cut, textured, travertine catches the Caribbean sunlight, giving a divine quality to the home. IMG_4494.jpg  A visual representation of the brilliantly crafted design that harmonizes modern elements with space and nature. 
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Sunset Lounge, Viceroy Hotel. 

Viceroy Hotel: Caribbean Cool in Anguilla

March 19, 2015 by Julia in Winter Weekend

The Viceroy Anguilla is one of the most visually unique and captivating resorts you'll find in the Caribbean. Perfectly blending modern elegance with architectural sophistication, the interior designer and wife of Viceroy owner, Kelly Wearstler, sets the bar high with her exquisite touches and perfectly crafted, cutting- edge designs.  The hotel is built on a rocky peninsula with breathtaking views of white, sandy-beaches from both sides of the resort and numerous fitness and leisure activities to choose from.

Keep in mind, the crowd draws LA celebrities, "societal" New Yorkers, understated investment bankers and cigar smoking, rose-drinking Europeans at all times of year. The probability of a celebrity spotting is extremely likely.  So grab a Barnes Bay Rum Punch at the Sunset Lounge and find yourself and that celebrity simultaneously mesmerized by the spectacular sunset view. The drinks will continue to flow throughout the night and you'll meet new friends from all around the globe. 

Before heading to the beach and the hotel amenities for the day, enjoy breakfast at the Coba restaurant.  The food is decent, but the unparalleled views of the ocean will make you overlook it. In the meantime, keep your eyes open for Roman Abramovich's massive "Eclipse" yacht. The Russian billionaire has a tendency to park it directly outside the cliff-side Coba restaurant for his own 'weekend jaunt' from St. Barts.

Trust us when we say, everything about this hotel feels state-of-the art luxurious and Caribbean 'cool.' ...If you can afford it, this award-winning hotel is an absolute must! 

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Poconos

Spa Retreat in the Poconos

March 17, 2015 by Kristen in Winter Weekend

This year, I spent President's Day weekend (also Valentine's Day weekend) at the Lodge at Woodloch in the Poconos.  The weather had been freezing in New York, but we figured, go big or go home, and decided to fully indulge in winter with a cozy mountain trip.  Plus, we wouldn't have to worry about air travel, and the drive from the city takes only a bit more than two hours.  Upon arriving at the Lodge, we were delighted by the roaring fires, rustic decor, and stunning views of the snow-capped forrest from almost every room (including ours).  The "farm to table" food is delicious, and since every meal is included with the room, there's never a need to pay a bill.  A snowy trail out the back of the hotel leads to a tiny hut where you can rent snow shoes and cross country skis and has a perpetual fire roaring... perfect to warm up your feet after an hour of adventuring.   

We spent the second day relaxing in the pool and whirlpools in the Spa, taking a yoga class and getting massages.  The spa offers a wide range of new age activities ranging from Journaling, to "Power Napping," and to "Lover's Touch," a class about partner massage.  I forced my boyfriend to attend "Chakra Bowl Discovery" with me, but he drew the line at "Mandala Drawing," a 180 minute class in which you create your own cosmic diagram. 

If you're looking for a cozy, relaxing winter escape that does not require air travel, this one can't be beat. 

Valentine's Day cookies
Valentine's Day cookies
Lunch at Woodloch
Lunch at Woodloch
Pumpkin French Toast for breakfast
Pumpkin French Toast for breakfast
Woodloch pool
Woodloch pool
Chakra Bowls in the hotel lobby
Chakra Bowls in the hotel lobby

We played these bowls in our robes on the way to the spa.  Quite relaxing!

Snowshoeing around the property
Snowshoeing around the property
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Frozen lake at Woodloch
Frozen lake at Woodloch
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Valentine's Day cookies Lunch at Woodloch Pumpkin French Toast for breakfast Woodloch pool Chakra Bowls in the hotel lobby Snowshoeing around the property untitled-17.jpg untitled-13.jpg Frozen lake at Woodloch untitled-35.jpg
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