Anne Trout

London is a city of many personalities—regal, playful, historic, and endlessly chic. On my recent trip, I hopped between neighborhoods and stayed in some of the city’s most distinctive hotels. Each offered its own story, its own style, and, in many ways, shaped how I experienced the city around it. Here’s my personal collection of where to stay, eat, drink, and explore in London, with the little moments that made me fall in love all over again.

Costa Mujeres has always felt like a hidden treasure to me—close enough to Cancún for convenience, yet worlds away in spirit. I still remember my first evening there: walking barefoot along the beach just as the sky turned rose-gold, with hardly another soul in sight. The quiet made me feel like I had stumbled into a secret corner of the Caribbean, where time slows and the world softens. It’s that mix of serenity and discovery—snorkeling over underwater art one day, exploring Mayan ruins the next—that makes Costa Mujeres feel so unforgettable to me.

Tokyo is one of those places that makes me feel alive in the best way. One minute I’m sitting quietly in a temple courtyard, the smell of incense in the air, and the next I’m standing under neon signs in Shinjuku with the whole city buzzing around me. It’s that constant shift—peace and chaos, tradition and modernity—that makes me come back again and again.

Antigua has always felt like a place that moves at the perfect rhythm—slow enough to savor, yet alive with music, color, and energy. I love how every day ends with a sunset worth pausing for, whether from a sailboat or high above English Harbour. It’s an island where barefoot luxury meets soulful Caribbean traditions, making it an escape that feels both indulgent and deeply authentic. For me, Antigua is where relaxation turns into memory-making magic.

Bali is where my love of culture, adventure, and effortless ease all meet. I’m endlessly inspired by temple bells at dawn, emerald rice terraces, and those honey—golden sunsets that feel like a deep exhale. Every trip here is a gentle reset—think sunrise treks, ocean breezes, healing rituals, and long, lingering meals. It’s more than a place for me. It’s a feeling I’m always excited to share and tailor for you.

I love Santa Monica because it perfectly blends the best of California living—sun-drenched beaches, a vibrant food scene, world-class art, and that effortless coastal energy that makes you feel instantly relaxed. Every time I’m here, I’m reminded why it’s such a special place: the sound of the waves rolling in, the pink-and-gold sunsets over the pier, and the way the city feels both glamorous and laid-back at once. What makes Santa Monica so unique to me is its variety. In one day, you can bike along the ocean, explore art at the Getty Villa, wander the Venice Canals, shop chic boutiques, and finish with rooftop cocktails overlooking the Pacific. It’s a destination that offers romance, adventure, and total relaxation—all within a few square miles. I recommend Santa Monica to others because it’s the perfect escape whether you’re craving a romantic weekend, a restorative beach retreat, or a lively cultural getaway. It truly captures the essence of Southern California—carefree, beautiful, and endlessly inspiring.

Pikes Peak is special to me because it’s a place where I feel both challenged and inspired. The steep drive and sheer drops can be intimidating, but the reward at the top is incredible—you can see for miles in every direction. Each time I’m there, I face my fear of heights and end up completely amazed by the beauty around me. That mix of excitement, courage, and wonder is what makes it unforgettable.

The Northeast Coast blends stunning natural beauty and lively city energy, all while preserving the charming, small-town character of New England.