Jolene Bojan

After eloping in India, my husband and I wanted somewhere special to soak it all in — and honestly, I don’t think we could have picked a more magical place than Taj Lake Palace, a destination in and of itself.

Istanbul is a city that effortlessly blends rich history with vibrant modernity, offering no shortage of unforgettable cultural experiences. It’s one of my all-time favorite places in the world. While its storied past and stunning architecture draw many in, it’s the incredible food and dynamic shopping scene that keep me coming back year after year. Here are a few of my go-to spots to eat and shop — definitely worth adding to your radar.

I recently spent three weeks on an Italian road trip that spanned from the Dolomites to Umbria and everything in between. While in Tuscany, I planned a two-night stay at Il Pellicano — one of three hotels under the ISSIMO umbrella of hotels. I had previously stayed at another property of theirs, Mezzatorre — which was gorgeous. So I was eager to experience their world-famous and longest-standing hotel of the bunch.

There are luxury hotels, and then there’s Le Sirenuse — the only hotel that has ever earned a flawless 5/5 stars from me. Every single thing about my stay here was incredible. The service, the decor, the insane views from every window and balcony — I cannot think of a single negative thing to say about the legendary Le Sirenuse.

I visited Gran Hotel Son Net in June during the 6-week-long honeymoon I planned for us. It had been high on my bucket list and he had not been to Mallorca before! We spent a few days beach-hopping, and ended our time there with the most special, peaceful stay in the Tramuntana mountains.

I keep a hotel bucket list. More often than not, a well-designed property with a strong sense of place, is the motivator behind my visits to certain areas. And Marbella Club is no exception. I am a huge fan of Marie-Caroline Willms’ bold and spirited interiors. After following her renovations of this hotel closely, I knew I had to move it to the top of my wish list. I spent three amazing nights at this property in June, so now I can give it a proper review!

There’s something truly magical about stepping onto the Belmond Mount Nelson grounds. Tucked away in the heart of Cape Town, this iconic pink-hued hotel effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury. I road-tripped through the Western Cape of South Africa with my husband and this gorgeous property was where we chose to kick off the trip of a lifetime!

Hidden in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Sterrekopje Farm is not just a retreat — it’s a place where time slows. My stay here was not only a getaway but a restorative experience that blended ritual, nature and intentional design.

Nestled on the West Bank of the Nile River, near the heart of Egypt’s ancient wonders, Al Moudira Hotel offers a boutique luxury experience like no other. With its stunning architecture, lush gardens and attention to detail, this gem of a hotel is more than just a place to stay. It’s an immersion into the country’s rich history and culture. I had the pleasure of spending three nights here on my recent trip to Egypt and it quickly became one of my favorite stays yet!

This past year I had the honor of staying (& getting married) at the incredible crimson and cream palace that is Villa Palladio. As a lover of maximalist interior design, I greatly admire Marie-Anne Oujedans, whose imagination is unlike anyone else. Together with Barbara Miolini, the duo have brought to life four stunning properties in Jaipur: Café Palladio, Bar Palladio, Polo Palladio and Villa Palladio. All exude a harmonious blend of Italian elegance and Indian opulence. I kept a close watch on the property as it was being finished. When my husband and I decided to elope, I knew it would be the most incredible place to do just that! We were lucky enough to have the country estate to ourselves for two full days there to take it all in. Here is a bit about this special place and our unforgettable stay.

Today’s Egypt is a site to behold. It boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, endless jaw-dropping historical landmarks, and the attention to detail exhibited throughout the country is incredible. I recently returned from a multi-week journey through Egypt where I traveled through Cairo, Luxor, El Gouna, Aswan and my favorite of all — six days spent sailing the Nile River through rural Egypt! Here are some highlights from the trip of a lifetime.

I recently spent two weeks in Egypt, a country I had been dying to visit for many years! I started the trip in Cairo and slowly worked my way down the country, ending my trip on a high note with a weekend stay in the coastal city of El Gouna. My two-night stay at La Maison Bleue was nothing short of magic. This blue-washed luxury guesthouse was idyllic, tranquil and romantic — I cannot wait to return!

It had always been such a dream of mine to visit India. When my (now) husband and I began planning our elopement, I knew it would make the most special and inspiring destination for our big day (and the trip of a lifetime)! As someone who is curious and creative, I love traveling to countries with a rich culture, impressive architecture and plenty of crafts — none of which there is a shortage of in Jaipur. My penchant for finding unique, design-forward stays and experiences led me to a variety of gorgeous properties that I had the pleasure of seeing during our time there. I now curate unique itineraries to India with places like these woven in along the way. Below are some of my favorite finds in the bustling city for those with great taste!