SF-Based Influencers

Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina is part of the Autograph Hotel Collection and is located on a small, posh private island in the British Virgin Islands. A vacation at Scrub Island is full of panoramic views of bright turquoise water and easy access to many of the British Virgin Islands’ surrounding islands, and is located only a 10-minute ferry ride from the Tortola Airport, making it a great home base, or first base for your trip to the BVI. Scrub Island is exclusively accessible to hotel and marina guests only but unlike the Maldives or Bora Bora, you probably aren’t going to want to stay on this small island your entire stay in the Virgin Islands. Once you’ve gotten your fill of #ResortLife, book a yacht charter (We used Dream Yacht Charters) for the remaining days of your stay so that you can explore some of my favorite spots in the BVI: like the Baths on Virgin Gorda, Willy T’s, Peter Island, and Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke (A MUST).

Everything You Need to Know About Staying at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys Did you know that one of the world’s best private island resorts is right here in the USA? Waking up in one of Little Palm Island‘s thirty thatched-roof bungalows, surrounded by palms and beautiful beaches, endless watersports, chic pool cabanas, and five-star dining at every meal, I swear I felt a million miles away, despite only being a 20 minute boat ride away from the nearest Little Torch Key in Florida. Those who drive are greeted at the Shore Station in Little Torch Key with Gumby Slumbers — the island’s signature coconut-soaked rum cocktail, invented by a former bartender and named for the delirious way it makes you feel — with just 10 minutes aboard the Woodson or Truman motor yacht separating you from lush Little Palm Island, where an alternate reality awaits. Little Palm Island is a two and a half hour drive from Miami to Little Torch Key, or a one hour drive from Key West (where we flew into), and from Little Torch Key, you take a 20 minute boat ride to the island.

Just east of Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix make up the US Virgin Islands, where my fiance Kenny actually did his bachelor party. From chic all-inclusives that are great for groups (and adults only) like Excellence Playa Mujeres which I LOVE, to amazing villas you can rent in Cabo, Mexico is a dream for any group vacation, any time of year. With chic day clubs, picture perfect turquoise water and world-class surf break, this is arguably the best vacation destination in Bali. Start your day with beachside yoga, feast on a traditional Turkish breakfast with local artisan cheeses and then spend the rest of the day lounging on white sand beaches, surrounded by striking cliffs!

The U.S. is home to some of the most scenic desert destinations in the world, from the extraordinary sandstone formations in Arches National Park, the Dr. Suess-like trees in Joshua Tree and the vastness of the Grand Canyon. Get caffeinated for your long days of adventure at Joshua Tree Coffee Company, and from there, hit the hiking or biking trails in Joshua Tree National Park, or do the Scenic Drive via the Pinto Basin. While putting Joshua Tree on your bucket list is a no brainer, you’ll have some tough decisions when it comes to where to stay… the villas & unique accomodations to rent here are on a whole new level. Explore the charming old town area with its boutiques, art galleries and healthy cafes or wind down in a wellness resort like the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa.

Even if you plan to spend the majority of your time on the South Island, it still might make the most sense to fly through Auckland and book a separate flight from there to Christchurch or Queenstown. If you’re planning a long trip you can rent a Campervan in Auckland and drive it all the way to the South Island via ferry. The Central Otago valley is an easy day tour from Queenstown with Alpine Luxury Tours, Waiheke is a 30-40 minute ferry ride from Auckland and Marlborough is a bit further out there on the northern tip of the Southern Island (but well worth the hassle). Waiheke is doable in a day trip, but with at least two days, you’ll have more time to take in the beaches as well as the vineyards.

I didn’t come up with many answers during my year-long trip, but it was the first time I started asking questions about ethical and sustainable travel: how does tourism impact local communities, environments, and cultures? While an Indigenous-owned community or cultural center is a fantastic and responsible resource for learning about and supporting the community, be wary of attractions that advertise or cover Indigenous history or culture but are not created by or in partnership with the local community, because “Indigenous people may or may not have much agency in how that interaction transpires and how much profit they directly derive. An extra layer of nuance comes into play when animal captivity is part of the traditions or cultures of certain Indigenous communities, such as elephants in captivity in Nepal which are used by local Indigenous communities to safely travel through the jungle or to grow food, or reindeer herding in the Sámi Indigenous communities of Northern Europe. Remember that in addition to actively educating yourself about marginalized communities in the destination you’re visiting, it’s important to economically support those communities by patronizing them, such as eating at Black-owned businesses in the USA, or purchasing Mola clothing and textile art made by the Indigenous Guna community in Panama.

No covid test is required for entry to Mexico, but you’ll just need a negative rapid or PCR test to re-enter the United States, which are readily available at local clinics and hotels. From the best shopping, to the world’s tallest building, to relaxing at trendy beach clubs like the One&Only, and exploring the gorgeous desert, you’ll be hard pressed to fit it all in! St. Thomas has one of the best beaches in the world and is known for its nightlife, St. John has pristine nature at its US National Park and St. Croix has an amazing culinary scene Negative PCR test within 5 days of flight required for entry, however no test is needed to re-enter the U.S. Known for its gorgeous red rocks in Arches National Park, Moab is the perfect spot for a long weekend in the outdoors or a great stop to add on an out west road trip!

Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark, and though many people outside of Denmark aren’t aware of its existence, its rich cultural heritage makes it a standout on its own – not to mention the charming historical Old Town, stunning modern architecture, incredible food, beautiful beaches, and a theme park in the center of town! Stroll down Strøget, the High Street of Aarhus Strøget is the main pedestrian shopping street in Aarhus and is actually named exactly in the same way as the High Street of Copenhagen (or any other Danish city for that matter). The Aarhus Card includes free admission to over 25 museums in Aarhus, including the art museum, The Old Town Museum, Moesgaard Museum, and Tivoli Friheden amusement park. They will guide you to the Aarhus Cathedral and City Hall, to the ARoS art museum and then to the reconstructed Viking stave church on display at the Moesgaard Viking Museum, all with a knowledgeable guide explaining the history of Aarhus!

Only 45 minutes from Sonoma is a beautiful area called Bodega Bay, a west coast town that feels like it could easily be in Maine or on the upper northeast. Opened in 1993 by animal care experts and conservationists Peter and Nancy Lang, this 400-acre African game animal preserve offers one of the best venues on the planet for getting up close and personal with some animals from all over Africa, from rhinos to giraffes to zebras, monkeys, cheetahs, antelopes and wildebeests. But Safari West also caters to guests interested in just the daytime experience of a jeep safari (or a winos and rhinos safari, if you want to keep your wine tasting buzz going!!). My favorites are the Baths at Roman Spa, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, and Golden Haven Hot Springs.

Let’s start with the most famous of them all: head to Meads Bay for a beautiful stretch of beach with all the most luxurious resorts, Rendezvous Bay for a great view of St. Maarten, and Shoal Bay for that white sand and turquoise water photo-op! Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset ride on the beach, or just want to have some fun on a group tour, head to Seaside Stables for a tailored excursion. The Four Seasons never disappoints when it comes to the luxury spa experience, and they even have a plunge pool and great views, other great options for quality service include: Zemi Beach House for oriental inspired offering and Cuisinart Resort, where you can get a heated Bamboo massage and LED light facials. If you want to up the ante on the sunset experience, go for a Sailboat cruise with Tradition Sailing, where you’ll meander around the island taking in the views before anchoring at Little Bay to enjoy drinks and small plates (wedding proposal goals anyone??).