I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts, and after college I couldn’t wait to go out and explore the world. Having lived in big cities like Los Angeles and Manhattan, my travels of late have been more nature focused. I enjoy the peace and quiet, and slower pace of life that the great outdoors has to offer. I find it truly invigorating to fish a river in Alaska, enjoy a sundowner on safari, bike through the vineyards of Tuscany or ski fresh powder in Park City. I enjoy active vacations, but always make sure to have some fabulous dining reservations along the way. I am a foodie at heart and am always in search of a restaurant with great food, ambiance and a local vibe.
Brando Island in Tahiti – it’s a little slice of heaven on Earth! Once Marlon Brando’s private paradise, it has been transformed into an eco-luxury resort. What makes this island so special is not just the stylish villas, delectable dining options and dreamy sunsets, but the measures taken to preserve the beauty of the environment.
The Brando takes its sustainability very seriously. The island’s solar panels provide 70% of the power, the water-cooling system operates on sea water, generators are powered by coconut oil, and there is also an onsite marine center. A fascinating experience for anyone interested in learning how luxury resorts are going green.
Last Summer I had an unforgettable lunch at Botargos, located in the charming village of Pyrgos on the island of Santorini. Set in the grandeur of an 18th century mansion, the crisp and clean aesthetic exudes a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. At night, the balcony is transformed into a magical oasis creating an incredibly romantic ambiance. While further from the caldera, the vista views are unbeatable! Botargo takes Greek gastronomy to a new level highlighting a seafood forward menu. The food presentation is just as beautiful as the surroundings and the service is very personalized. Definitely a must for a special celebration!
I started my career as a chef concierge for a luxury hotel company. As a global brand, there were ample opportunities to transfer to other properties. During my tenure with the hotel, I lived and worked in Southern California, Aspen, Colorado and finally New York, New York. It felt like a natural transition to move into travel since the industries are so intertwined. I was lucky enough to get my foot in the door at a travel and lifestyle agency, where I learned from seasoned professionals, while also utilizing my concierge and event planning skills. After 10 years there, I was looking for a new challenge and received an incredible offer to work at Valerie Wilson Travel. As a member of Will Jennings’ team, I support him with his luxury travel clientele. While I consider myself quite knowledgeable and passionate about all things travel, it’s an industry that is always changing and I am constantly learning new things.