Lee Newell

Slovenia was such a lovely surprise! One day I was mesmerized by the dramatic Julian Alps, the next I was exploring rolling wine country, and shortly thereafter strolling along the Adriatic coast—all within just a few hours of each other. To me, Slovenia offers the very best of Europe, but without the crowds and expense often associated with destinations like Italy or Greece. While small in size, Slovenia delivers an incredible variety of experiences that rival some of Europe’s most celebrated destinations. It’s a country that embraces nature, wellness, sustainability, and a slower pace of travel that feels refreshingly authentic. Read on to discover why I’ll be singing Slovenia's praises for years to come!

Africa is where I feel most alive—and Uganda and Rwanda are personal favorites. In a single week, I trekked with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, watched elephants and buffalo move across Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kazinga Channel, and spent time in villages, and women’s co-ops that make a tangible difference on the ground. The landscapes are lush. The people are genuinely warm, and the intimate lodges make each day both adventurous and restorative. This journey blends rare wildlife encounters with meaningful community impact and quietly luxurious stays—exactly why I return to Africa again and again.

I’ve been visiting Newport, Rhode Island, for more than 30 years. It’s where my husband and I spent our first weekend away, and I’ve been smitten ever since. Newport checks every box for a romantic escape—fine dining, coastal charm, beautiful beaches, great shopping, and sunsets that glow over Newport Harbor. Here’s how I love to experience it now—where to stay, what to book, and the best spots to watch the day fade over the water.

The French Riviera is a dream destination for those who love fine dining, exceptional wine, and that perfect blend of glamor and laid-back charm. After a whirlwind two days in Paris, I was ready to slow down and soak in the magic of the Côte d’Azur. From the vineyards of Provence to the chic energy of Saint-Tropez, the elegance of Monte Carlo, and the hilltop beauty of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, this journey exceeded every expectation. My week was filled with charming seaside towns, sweeping coastal views, vibrant farmers markets, gourmet meals, world-class wine, chic beach clubs, boutique shopping, and leisurely strolls through centuries-old cobblestone villages. In this guide, I share my favorite places to stay, how to shape a seven-day itinerary across the Riviera, and the bespoke experiences I’ve curated both for myself and for my clients. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, romance, or inspiration, this itinerary captures the best of the Riviera lifestyle.

People who’ve been to Iceland typically return. It is a mystical country with such a diverse landscape. Iceland is known for their fire and ice—volcanos and glaciers. But most stunning is Iceland’s over 10,000 waterfalls. Iceland is a paradise for the adventurous traveler, offering breathtaking vistas, hiking, road tripping, camping, kayaking, and yes, even scuba diving to touch the tectonic plates! Even if you aren’t adventurous, Iceland is a beautiful country to behold. I hope you enjoy my guide to help you get the most out of your visit to Reykjavik.

In May 2024, as part of a Fora Familiarization Trip to South Africa, we stayed at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, located in a private game reserve situated in the southwestern section of the Greater Kruger National Park. Earth Lodge is an incredible experience and two days was not enough to enjoy this stunning National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Sculpted into the Sabi Sabi landscape, the lodge blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Made with natural materials, it is a feast for the eyes at every turn. This lodge is for the client who enjoys unique architecture, beautiful modern decor, art, gourmet food and luxury. From the moment you walk into the main lobby, you know you've arrived at a very special place.

When I first visited Nairobi Kenya, it was truly life-changing. I went with a small group and it was both philanthropic (we raised money for The David Sheldrick Foundation and Big Life Foundation) and a magical vacation. We visited the Sheldrick Elephant orphanage, spent time with the Samburu tribe and had the wonder of The Maasai join us for dinner in the Bush. I would love to share and plan this experience with you!

From the timeless allure of Rome's ancient monuments to the artistic wonders of Florence and the romantic charm of Venice's canals, there's something magical about these cities that keeps drawing me back. In this guide, I've handpicked not only the iconic landmarks but also hidden treasures tucked away in "off the beaten path" neighborhoods, waiting to be explored.

One of the joys of traveling through Italy is the ease of navigating its cities by foot, immersing yourself in centuries of history with every step. To make the most of your journey, I recommend hopping aboard the high-speed train, a convenient and economical way to travel between Rome, Florence and Venice, allowing you to soak in the picturesque landscapes along the way.

Visiting the Christmas Markets in Europe was a bucket-list trip, and I finally took the plunge. After considerable research, I decided an intimate River Cruise along the Rhine was the perfect way to see Christmas markets in Switzerland, France & Germany. I wanted to extend our time before and after the cruise so booked a night in Basel, Switzerland followed by a full day and evening in Amsterdam (not nearly enough time as we fell in LOVE with this amazing city in the Netherlands). While there are a few River Cruise Lines that do these European tours, I chose Ama Waterways and was not disappointed.

I am so fortunate to live within an hour of two of my favorite Hudson Valley towns, Cold Spring and Beacon, NY. Both towns have gained immense popularity because of COVID, which led many NYC residents to discover just how special the Hudson Valley is. There are so many things that make Cold Spring and Beacon amazing! Both are accessible by train, so you can even do a day trip if you don’t want to stay overnight. Both towns have vibrant Main Streets, including dozens of restaurants and specialty shops. Lastly, Hudson Valley hiking is some of the best in the world! Read on to find out my favorite places and how I would spend a perfect Hudson Valley weekend.

I love Charleston, but have always wanted to explore more of the Southern Lowcountry that encompasses Georgia and South Carolina. After extensive research, I crafted an itinerary that included sightseeing, historical architecture, beautiful low-country beaches and, of course, amazing food! There is so much to see in Savannah and the surrounding Sea Islands and that is where we started. However, you can start in either Savannah or Charleston.

India was a bucket-list trip for me. When I had the opportunity to go on a hosted FAM trip as a travel advisor, I jumped at the opportunity. This 2-week luxury tour did not disappoint. This trip combined the best of local culture, curated activities and amazing food with high-end luxury accommodations. I am now an India travel specialist, which affords me the ability to curate and plan amazing experiences for my clients to this amazing country.

South Africa is a land of breathtaking beauty and endless adventure. From its stunning vistas to its incredible wildlife, the country offers a diverse range of experiences and places to visit. The lush winelands and the iconic game reserves of Kruger and Sabi Sands promise unforgettable encounters with nature. Along the coastline, the gorgeous beaches of Hermanus and the eco-conscious splendor of Grootbos Nature Reserve showcase the country's commitment to preserving its natural beauty. Embarking on a safari here is nothing short of life-changing, offering intimate glimpses of majestic animals in their natural habitats. Every place to go in South Africa, from its vibrant cities to its serene landscapes, invites exploration and leaves you yearning for more. I am delighted to share my expertise and guide you through the best places to visit in this extraordinary country.