Marisa Varga

San Juan Capistrano has always felt a little different to me—in the best way. It’s one of those places where time slows down the moment you arrive. Growing up in Orange County, it’s almost a rite of passage to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano in fourth grade. You learn the history, walk the grounds, and for the first time, really connect with where you live. That experience stays with you—and somehow, every time I go back, it feels just as special

Venice Carnival is something I had dreamed about since I was young—something I had only ever seen in books, filled with mystery, masks, and old-world glamour. In 2026, my husband and I finally planned a trip to experience it for my birthday, and it exceeded every expectation. There is something truly extraordinary about Venice during Carnival, where the city feels suspended between reality and fantasy. It’s decadent, theatrical, and undeniably magical—one of the most spectacular experiences I’ve ever had. I hope this guide inspires you to experience it for yourself and create your own unforgettable journey.

While planning a recent Paris itinerary for a client, their must-do was clear: the Eiffel Tower. As I curated their experience, I focused on the details that transform a standard visit into something exceptional. I decided to share those insights here. This guide provides insider tips to help you create a well-planned experience so you can enjoy one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks with ease.

What makes a great hotel? For me, it always comes down to three essentials: a location that connects you to the city, service that is thoughtful, and a space that feels like a true retreat. Hôtel Bel Ami has long been my favorite place to stay in Paris because it delivers all three. It’s the kind of hotel that makes even a first visit to Paris feel familiar.

Staying at Le Grand Contrôle allowed us to experience Versailles at its most intimate. Without crowds, the atmosphere became hushed and reflective, and the scale of the château felt deeply personal. It’s an experience that settled in slowly, leaving us with a memory that will linger for a lifetime.

In Saint-Germain you can find Rue Saint-Benoît. This little street captures everything I adore about Paris. It feels truly Parisian—iconic cafés, a world-class chocolatier, a tucked-away jazz club, and even a Picasso sculpture just steps away in the tiny Laurent-Prache square beside the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church. My favorite home base here is Hotel Bel Ami, and this guide is simply my love letter to a street that holds the spirit of old-world Paris in every corner.

I’ve just returned from Paris as the holiday season begins, when the crisp winter air heightens every sensation. In these early gray days, I found the city’s carousels to be unexpected sparks of color and joy. Their music and soft glow brought a warmth and vibrancy that lingered with me long after each visit.
This guide is a collection of those moments—small circles of magic that brighten Paris in winter. I hope they bring the same delight to your journey.

A few weeks have passed since my husband and I returned from Budapest, yet the splendor of our time there still lingers vividly in my mind. From the first step inside the Anantara New York Palace Budapest, we were swept into a world where Belle Époque elegance and modern luxury intertwine. Every chandelier, fresco, and marble detail whispered timeless charm.

Oh, you two are in for a treat—Paris isn’t just romantic, it’s practically designed for honeymooners. Paris has long been the quintessential city of romance, and for a honeymoon, it offers an unmatched blend of elegance, charm, and intimacy. The sheer magic of seeing Paris spread out before you is enough to make any couple feel like they’re at the center of the world.

Newport Beach’s history lives on through its iconic landmarks, signaling the city’s early rise as a seaside destination. They reveal a coastal community shaped by tradition, leisure, and timeless charm.

My first trip to Paris was a leap of faith—I booked my flight before my accommodations, only to discover it was Fashion Week and every hotel was sold out. With the internet still new, I stumbled upon an apartment instead, and it completely changed the way I experienced the city. From that serendipitous start, I fell in love with the charm of Parisian living—balconies, boulangeries, and the feeling of being part of the neighborhood. Since then, I’ve also stayed in some of Paris’ most beautiful hotels and fallen in love with their elegance and luxury. Today, as your Fora travel advisor, I can help you discover the best of both worlds—whether you dream of a grand hotel or a cozy Parisian apartment.

It’s always tricky deciding which season is best to travel. If Paris is on your bucket list, you’ll want to choose the time that’s perfect for you—whether it’s spring’s blossoms and café terraces, summer’s golden evenings along the Seine, autumn’s amber leaves, or winter’s twinkling lights and spiced wine. This is my guide to the City of Light through every season.

I’ve been fortunate enough to dine at Le Jules Verne not once, but twice—once for lunch, once for dinner—and each experience felt like stepping into a dream. Located in the Eiffel Tower, this remarkable restaurant is more than just a destination—it’s a tribute to the passion of Gustave Eiffel and the culinary artistry of acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse. Whether bathed in daylight or glowing under the Parisian night sky, Le Jules Verne captures the soul of the city with every course.

A true icon, The Hollywood Roosevelt has defined Old Hollywood and Los Angeles cool for generations. Stars like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Charlie Chaplin once called it home. The hotel hosted the very first Academy Awards in 1929. The Tropicana Pool is legendary for parties, from soirées hosted by the Rat Pack to modern-day bashes during awards season. Located right on Hollywood Boulevard, across from the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame, it’s at the heart of LA’s most iconic sights. This is my go-to spot in the city.

“Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” It’s a quote often—though likely mistakenly—linked to Dom Pérignon, but it still perfectly captures the feeling I get in Cabo with a glass of champagne. Bubbles seem to catch the sunlight differently, the color of the sunsets is a little deeper, and the Sea of Cortez shimmers a little more brilliantly. Some of my happiest moments have been with my toes in the sand, a glass in my hand, and the Sea of Cortez endlessly before me. Cabo isn’t just a place to drink the stars—it is the star.

Beneath the glass canopies of Paris, time slows. These arcades—whispers of another era—offer hidden beauty, quiet charm, and a touch of everyday magic. This is my handpicked path through the city’s secret passages that invite you to wander, linger, and let wonder lead the way. Bienvenue à Paris!

The performing arts in Orange County have always felt like home to me—places where music stirs your soul, stories unfold in real time, and magic happens just beyond the footlights. From the first notes of a symphony to the final bow of a ballet, these experiences stay with you. Think of this guide as a warm invitation into the spaces and stories that have captured my heart time and time again. I hope it leads you to performances that move you, inspire you, and remind you just how powerful live art can be.

For me, fragrance in Paris feels different—more intimate, more intentional. It’s not just about smelling good; it’s about capturing a feeling, a memory, a moment in time. In this city, perfume is treated like art. Each boutique feels like a gallery, every flacon a story waiting to be worn. What I love most is how personal it is. It’s not about trends or gender—it’s about finding what speaks to you. Whether it’s smoky, floral, bold, or subtle, a scent here feels like a quiet signature. That’s the magic of Paris: fragrance doesn’t just stay on your skin—it stays with your soul.

A world I long imagined—where the myth of the Phantom still lingers in gilded shadows. I first glimpsed the Palais Garnier at age 15 through the 1925 silent film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. It was the scene on the grand staircase that enchanted me, casting a spell I never quite shook. This piece celebrates the splendor of my first performance experience at the Palais Garnier, honoring both the majesty of the setting and the timeless power to captivate and astonish.

La Jolla has always held a special place in my heart—my family has had a home here for as long as I can remember. With its golden cliffs, shimmering coves, and relaxed sophistication, it often reminds me of the South of France. There’s a timeless charm in the way the light dances on the water and the breeze carries the scent of salt and eucalyptus. Of all the places in California, La Jolla remains my favorite—a coastal escape that feels both familiar and endlessly enchanting.

I was born and raised in Orange County, so Newport Beach isn’t just a destination—it’s my backyard and my happy place. From salty morning strolls to sunset cruises and spontaneous detours down PCH, this coastal gem has always been my version of everyday magic. I’ve wandered far and wide, but nowhere else blends barefoot luxury and unapologetic indulgence quite like Newport Beach. There’s truly no place like home—and this one happens to come with ocean views.

I first traveled to this stretch of Baja more than 30 years ago, when The Corridor was little more than empty coastline—just desert, sea, and a two-lane road winding between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Back then, you passed more cacti than cars. Today, that same road is lined with world-class resorts, tucked-away beaches, and quiet moments that still manage to feel untouched. San José del Cabo remains the soulful heart of the region—where art galleries open onto cobblestone streets, and the pace of life slows to match the rhythm of the plaza. The Corridor, in contrast, has grown into something quietly spectacular: refined, scenic, and deeply restful.

On previous visits to Champagne, I had always made the long drive—imagining it was the only way to reach this celebrated region. So I was genuinely delighted to discover that it’s just a 45-minute train ride from Paris. What I once saw as a full-day journey suddenly became an effortless escape. This guide is a celebration of that revelation: a chance to slip away from the city and immerse yourself in vineyard vistas, historic cellars, and the quiet luxury of Champagne. If this is your first visit to Champagne, this guide will help you make the most of your time—highlighting iconic houses, cultural landmarks, and practical tips. Welcome to a getaway that begins in Paris and ends in a glass raised to discovery.

Cabo San Lucas has many faces—but it’s the Pacific side that lingers long after you’ve gone. While Medano Beach is lively and social, full of music and movement, the Pacific coast offers something different: a sense of escape, of raw beauty and unfiltered quiet. Here, the ocean is wilder, the cliffs more dramatic, and the pace slower—perfect for those who crave solitude, seclusion, and moments that feel entirely their own. This guide is a tribute to that side of Cabo—where fiery sunsets paint the sky, waves crash against rock-carved shores, and candlelit dinners are framed by nothing but stars and surf. It’s a place where you don’t just relax—you reconnect. For those seeking something beyond the crowds, something elemental and deeply romantic, the Pacific coast isn’t just an alternative to Medano Beach—it’s the reason to come.

Cabo San Lucas holds a special place in the chapters of our travels—etched in golden light, warm breezes, and the rhythm of waves that linger long after we’ve left. Each corner of this coast has its own soul: the quiet charm of San José del Cabo, the refined calm of the Corridor, and the wild beauty of the Pacific-facing shores. But it’s Medano Beach that captured our hearts most deeply, where mornings began barefoot in the sand and evenings ended beneath candlelight and stars. It’s a place where time slowed, laughter echoed across the water, and every moment—no matter how small—felt unforgettable. For couples seeking something both vibrant and tender, luxurious and soulfully simple, Medano Beach offers more than just a destination. It offers memories to hold onto.

Place Vendôme holds a timeless elegance that captures the essence of Parisian luxury and history. Originally commissioned by Louis XIV to glorify his reign, this perfectly symmetrical square has evolved into the heart of haute joaillerie and grand hôtels particuliers. Its neoclassical façades and storied past—from imperial monuments to iconic fashion moments—reflect the layers of power, beauty, and artistry that define Paris.

On my first trip to Paris, the best advice I got was simple: take the Batobus on your very first day. And they were right. Gliding along the Seine, I saw the city unfold like a storybook—towering landmarks and graceful bridges floating past in slow motion. It was the perfect way to get my bearings without hopping metro lines or checking maps every five minutes. The Batobus isn’t just transportation—it’s an experience. You can hop on and off at all the major sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, and it saves your poor feet from doing all the heavy lifting. No traffic, no blisters—just smooth sailing through the heart of the city. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and lets you explore Paris at your own pace, with the Seine as your guide. If you’re new to Paris (or even if you’re not), start with the Batobus. It’s like Paris whispering, “Bienvenue. Let me show you around—no sore soles required.”

I fell for La Madeleine the moment I turned a corner and saw its stately columns rising with quiet grandeur. The neighborhood feels like Paris at its most refined. It’s where I feel most connected to the city’s beauty, history, and everyday elegance. This guide captures what makes this corner of Paris so unforgettable.

Paris has always felt like a feast for the senses, but it’s the chocolate that captured my heart. From jewel box boutiques to time-honored maisons, each stop reveals a deeper layer of the city’s elegance and soul. Tasting my way through Parisian chocolatiers became a ritual of joy, discovery, and quiet luxury. This guide is a collection of those moments: sweet, rich, and unmistakably Parisian.

Paris is a dream bathed in art, beauty, and bubbles—especially champagne, which flows here with effortless grace. In this city where past and present intertwine, every sip feels like a celebration of both history and hedonism. From glittering tasting rooms to tucked-away boutiques, champagne is as much a part of Paris as its cafés and cathedrals. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious sipper, the City of Light offers sparkling moments at every turn. This guide uncorks the best places to taste, shop, and indulge in Paris’s most effervescent pleasure.