I do enjoy a good vacation. As much as I do, I don’t often get the opportunity to do so in true luxury. The Starwood Hotel Group truly knows how to host a great trip that is luxurious and educational. Along with defining how an Italian vacation should be experienced, I just happened to meet some exceptional travel professionals.
My adventure began with my KLM flight from Dallas too Amsterdam. One would think that in this day and age of technology that an airline could find a better way to make an airline seat comfortable. I don’t think I slept a wink and I usually don’t. I also only packed a single carry-on, so as not to lose anything, as I have on previous flights.
My arrival into Venice was flawless, right outside customs my driver was waiting and off we went. The boat ride out to the island was not as nauseating as I had assumed, since typically I suffer from jet lag longer than most people. Once checked in we were off and running. Our two day adventure included visits to Gritti Palace and the Denali. We had a very memorable vegetable and sea food market walk with the very passionate and kind hearted Contessa Enrica Rocca My Jr Suite of choice just happened to be at the Westin Europa and Regina. Throughout each day, our meals were some of the most overwhelmingly delicious food imaginable.
A heart felt Arrivederci to Venice and off to Florence by high speed train, my favorite of all our cities we visited.
To complete my passion for this city, our hotel, the St Regis, has just completed an 18 month renovation that has given birth to the most beautiful hotel I have ever had the opportunity to sleep in. Wow what a true master piece!! Once settled we are off and running. The new mayor of Florence has created a new pedestrian only area within the city. This has opened the city up and given it new life. On day two, we set off on a half day tour of Siena, a first for me. Just when I thought nothing could be better than Florence, Siena is even more beautiful and full of Kodak moments. Our hotel tours included the Westin Excelsior, St Regis’s sister property, located across the Piazza. Another Florentine master piece. Food, wine and more food and wine, I don’t know if I can ever imagine life like before….
Another Arrivederci and off we go by high speed train to our final destination Rome!!
Our first stop was the Hotel Westin Excelsior for another memorable lunch, a buffet like no other. Next on our hotel tour was the Hotel Eden, where we enjoyed a fabulous rooftop dinner, while admiring an unforgettable view of Rome. Again my Jr suite of choice just happens to be at the St Regis Rome. The next day has us off on our tours of choice. I had visited the Vatican several times before, but had never had a private tour like this. After our tour, our group met up for our final lunch together at Tre Scalini Restaurant, where we devoured a selection of national and local Roman dishes. Our final afternoon was at leisure and I used the time to shop for souvenirs for my children. The St Regis sponsored our final dinner which was located in secluded wine cellar. The hotel had recently uncovered a Roman Bath underground, and converted it into a wine cellar restaurant.
What a beautiful way to end an already unforgettable Italian experience.
If Italy is in your plans or on your bucket list, please give me a call and I will be happy to help you plan the vacation experience of a lifetime...972-422-4000.









