Olivia Hipkins

At the beginning of December 2023, I stayed at the stunning St. Regis in Florence while attending a three-day philanthropic event celebrating sacred music composed during the time of the Medici. The location was perfect, allowing us to walk less than fifteen minutes to almost any of the major sites, and the interior decor, including the gorgeous frescoes, made coming back to our room just as much of a cultural experience! I certainly plan to stay here again and highly recommend it to my clients.

On a visit to Venice in January 2024, we did a site tour of the Gritti Palace which overlooks the Grand Canal in the heart of the city. Dating from the 15th century, this luxury hotel is like stepping back in time, replete with art and historical suites that exude elegance. This spot is perfect for anyone looking for a unique Venetian hotel experience.

In January 2024, we visited the Aman Venice over a long weekend trip to the Italian city, touring the property's accommodations and event spaces as well as the bar and restaurant menus. As most have come to expect of the Aman brand, the property delivered exceptional quality alongside five-star service and a luxurious, quiet atmosphere. I would highly recommend this to any client, and look forward to staying there on my next trip to Venice.

While many tourists flock to Athens to see the Acropolis and other ancient Greek remains in the capital, many other remarkably important sites rest just outside of the capital. Whether it's is the mystical site of the Oracle of Delphi or the center of the Mycenean civilization from more than four thousand years ago, these locations highlight both the wide accomplishments of ancient Greek society as well as the complex political landscape, and the fluctuation of power from one city to another, that existed throughout the many centuries. For those seeking a deeper understanding and appreciation of ancient Greek civilizations, or those like me who just adore ancient history, these sites outside of Athens are a great place to visualize these long-lost societies.

The United States' capital holds a special place in my heart, and not just because I worked there for two years. Washington DC is unique in its cultural relevance, offering plenty of opportunities to learn about the drivers of US history and politics. International and diverse, with a working populace more prone to transience than other cities, Washington DC is a fun, ever-evolving place to explore. Plus, it is relatively accessible, with three nearby airports, a metro, plenty of bike lanes and easy walkability. There's so much to explore that it's impossible to mention everything, but these are a few of my favorite spots to check out when I get to visit!