Margaret Scott

After recently making Milan my full-time home, I’ve spent the past few months uncovering the many layers of this remarkable city. Often overlooked in favor of Italy’s more iconic destinations, Milan deserves far more than a fleeting stopover on the way to the lakes or Alps. It’s a city of enduring charm, brimming with elegance, life, and history.

Milan has mastered the art of aperitivo—a ritual invented here—where every evening feels like a celebration of taste and community. Renowned as a global fashion capital, its streets are a constant runway, offering endless inspiration in style. Beyond the chic façades, Milan boasts world-class restaurants and bars that rival the best anywhere, securing its place as a culinary and cultural hotspot.

This guide is your key to experiencing Milan as it should be through its food, its drink, and its streets. Walk through its neighborhoods, marvel at its art and architecture, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Northern Italy. Milan is a city that will surprise, delight, and leave you longing for more—a must-add to the top of your travel list.

Tucked quietly among the Balearic Islands, Menorca is an underrated gem that feels like a beautiful secret. Long favored by in-the-know Europeans seeking a slower pace and fewer crowds than its neighboring Mallorca, the island is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Menorca is the embodiment of effortless, untouched beauty — where turquoise coves meet rugged cliffs, golden beaches stretch without fanfare and time seems to slow in the most luxurious way. Here, whitewashed villages remain true to tradition, local markets brim with island-grown produce and the landscape is dotted with olive trees, wildflowers and sun-drenched farmland. There’s a raw, grounding energy to the island that invites you to truly exhale and savor every moment. For those craving nature, authenticity and peace, Menorca is a dream. The Fontenille properties offer the perfect home base to soak it all in — pairing understated luxury with a deep connection to the land, and a front-row seat to Menorca’s quiet magic.

Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is a city steeped in Renaissance art, architecture and charm. From the iconic Duomo to cobblestone streets that feel like an open-air museum, its allure is undeniable. While its treasures attract throngs of tourists, who can resist the magic of an orange sunset over the Arno River, savoring wild boar, ragu or bistecca alla fiorentina or escaping to the nearby wine country? Florence is more than a destination. It’s an experience. This guide offers insider tips on the best places to eat and drink, curated by someone who never misses a chance to return to this enchanting city.

In May of 2024, my husband and I crossed a dream hotel location off our bucket list: Forestis. We loved it so much, we're going back for Christmas this year. This hotel takes luxury to the next level with top-notch service, stunning panoramic views, and a world-class spa. Tucked away in the mountains, you'll feel like you're on the world's edge while indulging in some of the best food and drinks I've had at a hotel. Splurge for the Tower Suite and be completely awe-struck by your views every morning.

We fell in love with the idea of visiting Corfu, Greece after watching 'The Durrell's in Corfu' series. If you're looking for a unique Greek experience, this island is a great off-the-beaten-path excursion. It's fairly popular with British tourists, but we hardly came across a single American during our whole week there. Corfu is mentioned in many Greek mythological stories like The Odyssey, where ship-wrecked hero Odysseus washes ashore in Corfu and stays there.

Perhaps the greatest part about Corfu isn't the endless beach clubs & tavernas, or the swimming holes around every corner, or the always sparkling Mediterranean -- but the slow life. Evenings listening to the cicadas, getting lost among bougainvilleas, street cats taking a nap.

Is there any other way to do Napa if you're not eating and drinking your way through? Napa is one of the most famous wine regions in the world and is located in Northern California. Wine-lovers flock to this area for the rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, fantastic cabernets and extravagant dining options. There's something for everyone, but this guide will give you insider knowledge of the best things to eat and drink while there.

I fell in love with Lake Como the minute I stepped off the train from Milan. It's impossible not to be smitten by the classic charm and elegance that Lake Como embodies. Located in Northern Italy's Lombardy region, Lake Como boasts some of the world's most beautiful 5-star hotels. Travelers from all over the world flock here to enjoy "La Dolce Vita" with sunny days spent on the lake, lounging by waterfront pools, enjoying the art of aperitivo, visiting magnificent villas and enjoying exceptional dining experiences. In fact, I love Lake Como so much, my husband and I got married there at Villa Balbianello.