Sarah Mills

As a resident of Ecuador since 2020, I am passionate about helping my clients experience the magic of the Galápagos Islands. I have visited the Galápagos multiple times, and each trip has deepened my love for the enchanted islands and their extraordinary wildlife. The islands are a true paradise for nature lovers, offering close encounters with wildlife, including species found nowhere else in the world, like Galápagos penguins, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas. It’s one of the few places on Earth where nature takes center stage and humans are simply quiet observers.

Tuscany offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-class food and wine, making it one of Italy’s most captivating regions. While renting a car is the easiest way to explore, it’s certainly not necessary. I recently visited Tuscany solo and managed the entire trip by train. Florence and Siena are excellent bases to explore Tuscany by train and guided tours. Both cities offer a wide range of wine tours, cooking classes, and historical sights. If you are dying to have a Tuscan villa experience but don’t want to rent a car, Hotel Villa Fiesole is just outside of Florence and offers a complimentary shuttle into the city.

The Azores are a dream destination for hikers, nature lovers, plant enthusiasts, and anyone torn between mountains and the sea. This stunning Portuguese archipelago offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, crater lakes, and endless ocean views, all packed into a compact and beautiful setting. Despite feeling like a remote paradise, the Azores are surprisingly easy to reach, with direct flights from Boston and New York City, and only a four-hour time difference from the East Coast.

Madeira is a breathtakingly beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for every type of traveler. Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” its year-round mild, sunny weather sets the stage for an unforgettable escape. Towering volcanic peaks and lush laurel forests provide world-class hiking opportunities, while the dramatic coastline hides serene natural ocean pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Whether you’re unwinding at a luxury resort and spa, or indulging in the island’s rich culinary scene, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Madeira wine, every moment on this enchanting island is designed to delight. Madeira is a year-round destination with direct flights from New York.

I want to share a true gem with you from my adoptive home! I have lived on the coast of Ecuador since 2020 and have explored much of the coast and Andes regions in that time. If you are looking to "get away from it all," slow down, and connect with nature, Cerro Lobo in La Rinconada is the perfect place for you.

Last September I spent three weeks traveling in Portugal, making my way from Porto to the Algarve. I was absolutely blown away by the natural beauty of Portugal's striking landscapes and the delicious and affordable food scene. While Lisbon and the Algarve are incredible destinations, this guide is for those who want to travel beyond the most popular and crowded destinations and experience some of the more relaxed destinations in Portugal.

I spent a recent weekend lounging in the sun in the picturesque coastal village of San Lorenzo de Manta at Villas San Lorenzo. San Lorenzo is a small, traditional, Ecuadorian beach town, about 30 minutes south of Manta (airport). The Villas are brand new (completed in the summer of 2022) and operated by Marilyn and Keith Keller who are seasoned hotel owners. This is their third and most luxurious project in Ecuador!

If you want to slow down, connect with nature and fully immerse yourself in a new adventure, let me plan your visit to the stunning paradise of coastal Ecuador! The coast of Ecuador is still relatively untouched by mass tourism. You are more likely to find small family-run lodging that embraces the natural environment than large resorts. Manabi (a prominent coastal province) maintains its authentic cultural and environmental character in a way that many global tourist destinations haven't. This is a destination for those who want to truly experience a beautiful environment as it is naturally. You can spend your days surfing, practicing yoga, or lounging on the beach and your evenings entranced by the magical sunsets. Soon you will understand why the locals' favorite saying is, "Tranquilo." The best time to visit the coast of Ecuador is from December to May.

Cuenca is a charming, historic and easy-to-explore city located in the Andes Mountains about 3 hours east of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site with gorgeous colonial-era architecture, world-class restaurants and stunning views of the Andes at every turn. The year-round temperate climate and small-size make this city ideal for wandering on foot. Once you have visited the bustling markets and cultural sites, it's time to venture outside the city to El Cajas National Park. Just 30 minutes from Cuenca, El Cajas is full of pristine lakes, stunning glacial valleys and mind-blowing views.

Southern Utah is an enchanting natural wonderland. I have curated the perfect desert road trip that will take you to six National Parks and Monument Valley in only 10-12 days. You will visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley and the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon on this epic road trip. Each day you will be completely blown away by the stunning landscapes, dramatic vistas and incredible diversity of the desert. I highly recommend visiting these parks in September or October to avoid the most intense heat and crowds. And whatever you do, don't skip Capitol Reef National Park! If you want to connect with nature away from the crowds, Capitol Reef is your best option.

Quito is a wonderful base for exploring the Andean Region of Ecuador. After visiting the cultural sights of Quito, it's time to get out of the city and experience the magic of the Andes. If you are up for an adventure, you can't miss Cotapaxi National Park. Whether you decide to summit all 19,347 feet of this active, snow-capped volcano or tour the park on horse-back, you will be blown away by the shear magnitude and beauty of this wild park. For a more culturally-focused, trip, head north from Quito to Otavalo, where you can shop in one of the largest artisan markets in all of of South America and sample traditional, Ecuadorian dishes. If it is peace and relaxation that you are seeking, head an hour east of Quito to the small town of Papallacta to soak in the hot springs and indulge in a massage at Termas Papallacta Resort and Spa.