17Dec

When traveling; dress accordingly: What to pack to Cartagena

What to pack to cartagena via belle vivir blog

What To Pack To Cartagena: My first choice of clothing when traveling to a city like Cartagena de Indias, Colombia’s largest tropical port, would be to embellish myself in only Dries Van Noten and Stella McCartney’s sophisticated prints. When that may happen, I don’t know! Until then, I am happy with shopping at Top Shop this summer. I paid a visit yesterday to do some shopping for our trip to the wall surrounded city next week and I loved the beautiful prints on their understated British styled pieces. I was even happier when I saw their price tags. Here are my picks to pack to Cartagena, a city where heat is the norm. Enjoy!

06Jun

Karakoy Rooms Hotel in Istanbul

When I went to Istanbul back in 2010 one of the things I
most admired was the mix of beautiful antique and modern architecture and most
of all the modernity of its people. I was surprised at how rare was to
come across with someone with conservative world view. On the contrary
the people were extremely open minded and very Westernised. I loved it
and it breaks my heart to see what some smart people need to go through to
defend their country’s identity, freedom and democracy. I hope everything
gets back to normal soon and Turkey continues on its road to what every country
is supposed to have: fundamental freedoms.

These beautiful images belong to Karakoy Rooms a hotel overlooking
the bosphorous, I know a dream, eh? and if my in-laws didn’t have an apartment
in Istanbul this is where I would stay. Enjoy!

22Feb

Buenos Aires Review

The Park Hyatt Hotel in Buenos Aires all deck out for Christmas. A Buenos Aires review. As I shared with you last week, if you haven’t been to Buenos Aires you haven’t seen Europe in South America. My first time in Buenos Aires was in December, 2012 where we spent our Christmas Holidays, I absolutely and instantly fell in love with the city. It has everything a savvy travel looks for when traveling. Stunning Architecture, wide boulevards and avenues, small and charming if not breath taking little neighborhoods inside the very walkable city, where all streets are pretty much connected. We would walk for hours without needing a taxi except for the times we would opt for safety and decided to grab a cab. Think of a walkable New York city. We stayed at a boutique Hotel called Casa Sur precisely a block away from the famous and exclusive Avenida Alvear. Casa Sur is a small boutique hotel with excellent service and rooms so comfortable and cozy that totally eliminate the chances of you missing home. The room walls are upholstered in gray linen fabric displaying black and white photographs and mahogany lacquered furniture. It gives you the feel of a sumptuous art deco era. On our first day we walked on Avenida Alvear where chic shops are embedded in breath taking Neo Classical mansions. One thing that caught my eyes was how each building would display the name of the Architect responsible for its creation. The feeling of being in Europe instead of Latin America is blatant. Look below by yourself at just a few of the amazing architecture you can find at Buenos Aires.

a Buenos Aires review via belle vivir blog

A building in the Botanical Garden.

02Jan

Copacabana Palace Hotel review

Copacabana Palace Hotel via belle vivir blog

I suggested by hybby Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro for our first visit to the City. I wanted to see firsthand the recent renovations this Orient Express landmark went through under the responsibility of French Architect Michel-Jouannet. After purchasing our plane tickets three weeks in advance (transaction done in Portuguese) it turned out we didn’t really buy any tickets so we had to drive 6 hours to get to Rio. We thought it was going to be a pain but the drive was actually pretty beautiful and it ended up being faster than I thought. There are still some renovations going on in some areas of the Hotel but, the main areas are finished. The lobby was expanded, including the steps and this sitting area below was added. Everything looks as it’s been there forever. We had a great time and can’t wait to go back to Rio.

07Dec

Fasano Boa Vista Hotel: A review of The ultimate country estate

Fasano Boa Vista Hotel review via belle vivir blog

A spectacular shot of Fasano Boa Vista Hotel lit at night.

Most of the people think of beaches, sun, pretty women wearing sexy bikinis when they think of vacationing in Brazil. In other words Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. Little do they know what they’re missing when they choose the beach over the countryside. Two weekends ago we spent a weekend at Fasano Boa Vista, a country estate at merely one hour and 15 minutes outside of Sao Paulo and my amazement can’t be put into words but, I’ll try. It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in Brazil. The stunning architecture, which perfectly blends with its site, was accomplished by the very renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld. It covers 100 acres of secured and preserved forest with 15 lakes, groves and gardens, 18-hole golf courses, a polo field, stables, tennis and soccer courts and a kids activity center. The hotel also offers real estate inside the property and a lot of wealthy proprietors owned second or third “French-looking” homes there. You can see the families relaxing among adults while their babas (nanies) spend time at the kids club where there is usually a lot of fun happening. There were instances that while we were biking around its beautiful century-old trees-lined-uphill-boulevards I thought I was in Provence. And if you don’t believe me then believe Hermes. Yes, “In 2012, Boa Vista hosted the Hermès Cup, in association with the centenary French saddlery, marking the first time the organization has given its approval to an equestrian event outside of France.” Fasano Website

The entrance to the reception of the Hotel is just beautiful. Couldn’t help to take a picture.

The veranda was one of my favorite spaces of this place.

The infinity swimming pool.

Love this place for breakfast in the mornings. Below, how it looks.

The decor has a very Scandinavian influence.

One of the restaurants.

The decor is minimal but so cozy you feel home as soon as you walk in the rooms.

The view from the room. All of the rooms have a beautiful view out to the country side.

My hubby biking with our little one.

Our little one at the stables.

The Hotel has a huge and great selection of design books.

Adorable ponies.

The swimming pool restaurant. Below, two of the beautiful homes.

The House Hotel Istanbul
Munich Review

05Sep

Transition

As you read this we’re already in Sao Paulo. The days prior to our flight were crazy busy and overwhelming. Moving is not an easy job but, moving overseas while trying not to forget the smallest detail takes the whole experience up a few notches. It was hard to see our home empty again like the first time we walked into it and I have to admit that as exited as I am with our new home, my heart ached a bit, well okay maybe more than a bit! This home we left behind was the home were we had our fist son, we saw him start walking and talking and we had a great time in it surrounded by family and friends. I’ve been dealing with farewells since I was a little girl but I’ll never get used to it. It’s soo painful! On Saturday we went to visit my family and we cried a river when it was time to say good bye. Above all I’ll miss my mom dearly. She has always been there for me all my life and it’s hard to know that she won’t be close by. As my husband and I say “the best and sweetest baby sitter possible” My dear friends have been awesome as well, hosting farewell dinners and get together for us and it’s been extremely moving and comforting. Some of them already have dates to come and visit. I know that adjusting to a new country is going to be hard mostly because I don’t have anyone in Brazil but, I’m pleased and happy for this new beginning and looking forward to the future, as always!