Travel

Switzerland

<p>In January 2022 shortly after celebrating New Years in London, we decided we weren’t ready to go home yet. Quite spontaneously we settled on Switzerland, unsure of what exactly our trip would entail but with picturesque quaint snow covered villages in mind. So we booked a flight to Zürich. </p>
<p>Without solid plans in place we scoped out some hotels in the few days prior to departure, with the help of <a href="https://www.lhw.com">Leading Hotels of the World</a>, a hotel collection organization we have built a relationship over the past 6 years we’ve been traveling as content creators. We also had a little luck on our side that we were traveling during a post-New Years lull in the ski season. </p>
<p>And thus our Swiss adventure began with a flight from Heathrow to Zürich. </p>

<p>Train to Zermatt was booked. Two Zermatt hotels agreed to host us. We were on the plane. The enthusiasm levels were high. </p>

<p>Upon landing in Zürich we promptly missed the train we had booked from Zürich to Zermatt due to a fatal combination of booking a departure from the incorrect Zürich train station and getting lost trying to find the correct one. Missing our ideal train meant following a train itinerary that had lots of wait time between connections. We spent an hour in Visp, a mountain town en route to Zermatt, just as it began to snow. We were freezing and exhausted but enthusiasm levels were unwavering.</p>

<p>Approximately 12 hours later, around 10pm, we arrived in Zermatt. </p>

<h1>First stop: Zermatt Village</h1>
<p>Turns out Zermatt is <em>the</em> dreamy mountain village we imagined when we pictured a winter trip to Switzerland. It’s located in the southwest and it’s home to one of the most beautiful alpine scenery in Europe, with the Matterhorn being front and center of the skyline from almost every location. The Matterhorn in all its glory is the single most photographed mountain in the world. <em>Especially</em> after we visited. </p>
<p>One quirk that makes Zermatt even more unique is that it’s a completely car-free town! You can only get about 5km away from Zermatt in your own vehicle, and after that you must catch a train to town. The ride into town runs every 20 minutes, and once you arrive you can get around by walking, taking the e-Bus or an e-Taxi, or even hopping in a horse-drawn cab. </p>
<p>Aside from being a popular ski destination, people travel to Zermatt for the views, the lovely microclimate, the upscale shopping and the restaurants that even the harshest food critics would love. It’s Main Street is lined with boutique shops, a variety of remarkable chalets and hotels ranging from historic to modern, and inviting restaurants. And not to mention, despite being quite a quaint little mountain village, there is absolutely an après-ski scene…</p>

<h2>At hotel: The Omnia. </h2>
<p>For the first half of our time in Zermatt we stayed at <a href="https://www.the-omnia.com/de/hotel?no-scroll=true">The Omnia</a> . This hotel was designed to be a contemporary interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge. If you want to add some inspo to your 2022 mood board, check out their half-indoor half-outdoor pool with views of the Matterhorn. The rooms are tastefully minimal and modern, the restaurant is fantastic and the views will take your breath away. This 5 star hotel is equipped with all the modern amenities and facilities you’d expect, plus it’s right in town within walking distance to Main Street. As far as introductions go, suffice to say our intro to Zermatt staying at The Omnia blew us away and set the bar high. </p>
<p>We stayed in a beautiful suite, room “W”. </p>

<h1>Next stop in Zermatt: Riffelalp</h1>
<p>Our next stop in Zermatt is a short scenic train ride from Zermatt village (via The Gornergrat railway). Even if you plan to stay in Zermatt Village, taking a trip up on the Gornergrat train is highly recommended as there are many scenic delights just a few stops up. </p>
<p><em>— Pro tip: take the Gornergrat train, get off at the stop before the top and take a short walk to the Riffelsee, a tiny mountain lake and if there isn’t much wind, the Matterhorn reflects perfectly on the lake. </em></p>
<h2>Hotel: Riffelalp Resort</h2>
<p>At precisely 2222 meters above sea level (7,290’ elevation), on a small plateau above Zermatt, sits <a href="https://www.riffelalp.com/en/welcome/">Riffelalp Resort</a> , where we spent the next few nights of our trip. This 5 star hotel is nestled right in the heart of the Gornergrat skiing and hiking district. It’s nothing short of a skiers paradise, and it’s the only “ski in, ski out” hotel that I have experienced that is quite literally, that. Whereas Zermatt village offers views of the mountains, Riffelalp is among them. The Matterhorn feels like it’s within reach and there is a panoramic masterpiece in any direction you turn. </p>
<p>Riffelalp Resort has the distinction of being Europe’s highest luxury hotel. Built in 1884, it was originally intended to be a summer-only resort and throughout the 19th century it was a hot spot vacation destination for Europe’s high society. </p>
<p>Today the hotel feels classic and cozy while still being upscale and grand. It’s spectacular both Winter and Summer. The region has a nine hole golf course, direct access to skiing and hiking, multiple dining options, a luxurious spa with an outdoor heated pool overlooking the Matterhorn, it even has a bowling alley! </p>
<p>This resort is part of the <a href="https://www.lhw.com">Leading Hotels of the World</a> , a distinctive collection of exceptional hotel properties that we are members of. </p>
<p><em>— Pro tip: as of 2020, LHW membership is totally free and comes with perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, late checkout, etc. Become a member <a href="https://www.lhw.com/leaders-club/about?ext=influencer0120221&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram&utm_campaign=0122_infins&utm_content=inspost">here</a> .</em></p>

<p>We stayed in a outstanding suite, room 2219. Our terrace was actually directly connected to a ski run, and we quite literally took a ski break mid day by skiing down to the back of our room for a glass of wine. That day may have been the high point of my year. I’ll let these photos of the view speak for themselves! </p>

<h1><em>Zermatt to St. Moritz</em></h1>
<p>via the Glacier Express</p>

<p>The next leg of our journey involved traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz. To our absolute delight, we discovered that there is a bucket list worthy luxury scenic train that runs to and from Zermatt and St. Moritz, <a href="https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/?_ga=2.88522139.1074674306.1645747325-962065801.1645747325&cHash=d16d25467c727e745235d04874f27293">The Glacier Express</a> . We soon discovered that said train is quite expensive, especially to sit in an upper class cabin. For example, to reserve a seat in “Excellence Class”, which is a lavish cabin a step above First Class (leave it to Switzerland to create a class ranked above first), it’s an additional CHF 420, or $455, on top of first class ticket price you must also pay. After much debate, we decided if we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it right. And upon further research, we found a way to get a discount on our tickets - and that sealed the deal.</p>
<h2><em>How get a discount on a ticket for the Glacier Express </em></h2>
<p><em>Pro tip— There is a Swiss Public Transit <a href="https://www.swiss-pass.ch/swiss-half-fare-card/">Half-Fare card </a> that gives a 50% discount on almost all public transportation tickets in Switzerland, the Glacier Express included. This card is valid for a month and costs $130 (or CHF120), a rate that will quickly pay for itself if you plan on traveling frequently by public transport during your time in Switzerland. The half-fare card is not class-bound, so it will even get you 50% off your first class ticket. Grab one at any Swiss railway station for immediate use. </em></p>
<p>After some serious mathematics that I kindly delegated to Zack, we found that the half-fare card would be worthwhile to apply to our tickets for The Glacier Express, and we would have it handy for any future travel on Swiss public transport that trip. (Note that the half-fare can be applied to the first class tickets on The Glacier Express, but you must pay full price on the additional fee for a reservation in Excellence Class.)</p>
<p>If you’re curious what our final ticket prices came out to for the most sought after train seats in Switzerland - we each paid CHF 555, about $600. It was a yolo moment for us. Here’s a little more info on this experience: </p>
<h2>What is The Glacier Express?</h2>
<p>The Glacier Express is often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world”. It’s a scenic 8-hour train ride that goes through some of Switzerlands most beautiful landscapes, slowing at each viewpoint so that passengers can be immersed in the views. Unlike most trains that are only designed to transport from A to B as quickly as possible, this train is designed to showcase the surrounding landscape with unobstructed panoramic windows on the ceilings and walls, even if it means taking its sweet time to do so. </p>
<h2>What’s included in Excellence Class?</h2>
<p>In the Excellence Class cabin, you have a luxurious lounger window seat, equipped with a personal tablet providing constant infotainment. The infotainment experience guides you through information about each town and landscape you pass through via audio through your personal headphones and with a live updated map on your personal screen. The seat comes with a regional 7-course meal with a wine pairing per course, an aperitif, tea time in the afternoon with sweets, coffee and snacks on demand and finishes with a dessert. We fully indulged in all of the above. Excellence Class has The Glacier Bar which is an area to socialize with other travelers and order additional drinks. In Excellence Class you have a devoted concierge host ready to serve you. They also give you a little parting gift at the end of the journey. Also noteworthy is that the Excellence Class cabin has its own high speed WiFi network. This was crucial for us as we used the 8 hours to both indulge in the experience and to sneak a bit of work in.</p>
<p><em></em></p>
<p><em>Watch my tiktok recap of this experience here. </em></p>

<h1>St. Moritz</h1>
<p>We arrived to St. Moritz feeling extremely full, a bit lethargic and quite tipsy after our indulgent train ride from Zermatt. We checked into the <a href="https://www.kulm.com/en/">Kulm Hotel</a>, were escorted to our suite, and were immediately re energized with sheer excitement at the sight of the views from our room. </p>
<p>This is another <a href="https://www.lhw.com">Leading Hotel of the World </a> property, and one of the most iconic hotels in the area. Dating back to 1856, the history of winter tourism and luxury hotels in St Moritz is all thanks to the opening of the Kulm. You can quite tangibly feel the history as you stroll through this magnificent hotel, but the rooms and amenities are all updated and modern. The views over the lake are absolutely surreal both in the Winter and Summer seasons. The hotel facilities include a nine hole golf course, three outdoor tennis courts, an immaculate spa that offers every possible treatment you can think of, a fitness center, a Michelin star restaurant, an ice skating rink and even a nail salon and hair dresser. </p>
<p>This is a hotel that fits in seamlessly with its glamorous surroundings of St. Moritz. </p>
<p>We stayed in room 460.  </p>

<h1><em>St. Moritz to Andermatt </em></h1>

<p>Our return flight was approaching, but without anything majorly pressing to return home for, the idea of extending another week in Switzerland was just too tempting. It’s honestly a wonder we didn’t also apply for citizenship at this point. So we decided we’d push our flights, rent a car and head toward Zürich, and find another cute mountain town to stay in along the way. </p>
<h2>The Little Village of Andermatt</h2>
<p>This is when we found Andermatt, a tiny Swiss village with exceptional skiing. Andermatt, while perhaps more low key than St. Moritz and Zermatt, has a certain magic about it. It used to be more of a secret among European ski enthusiasts due to its incredible snow and less crowded slopes. Since then Andermatt has been the subject of a massive development project with the opening of its first five star hotel, <a href="https://www.thechediandermatt.com">The Chedi</a>, state of the art chair lifts, Michelin star restaurants, among many other developments that have transformed Andermatt and increased tourism exponentially. </p>
<h2>Where we stayed</h2>
<p>We booked an apartment in Andermatt for the weekend while we were en route. The place we booked was called <a href="https://alpine.apartments">Alpine Apartments</a> , and despite it being so last minute, we were very pleased with our cute little apartment. It had everything we needed to hunker down, get some work done and binge watch Cheer while we waited for a snowstorm to blow through Andermatt. It was located just outside of the main village in an area that is all modern developments, only a short walk to the center of Andermatt. </p>
<p>The following week we moved even closer to the slopes, to a brand new Aparthotel concept called <a href="https://www.a2plusexperience.com/?page_id=790">The Base</a>, aptly named after its proximity to the base of the slopes. The gondola up is quite literally a few steps out of the front door! </p>

<p>We spent our last few blissful Switzerland days skiing Andermatt and enjoying cozy evenings in our beautiful apartment. We stayed in apartment 10, book it <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/46412087?source_impression_id=p3_1645813169_TmVp1iJcAXWZdZ9Y">here</a> . </p>
<p>And with that, our Swiss trip had come to an end. We had the time of our lives!</p>

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Our Switzerland Winter Itinerary: Zermatt, St. Moritz & Andermatt — @undefined's mag on Magma

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Yucca Valley

<h1><em>GLASS HOUSE</em></h1>
<p>Nestled high in the Pinon Ridge area of Yucca Valley and tucked into the rock formations of the desert sits this masterpiece of a home. A warm, earthy yet contemporary retreat that is comprised of 92% glass and each room has movable sliding walls that open the home up to the desert. On three acres of blissful nothingness, with a luxe pool, outdoor shower and fire pit. </p>
<p><em>Link to property — <a href="https://bit.ly/3C2obEb">https://bit.ly/3C2obEb</a></em></p>

<h1><em>CASA BLANCA</em></h1>
<p>If you’re looking for a chic desert escape for a large group, this is your spot. With 6 bedrooms, a massive deck nestled in the rocks, a soaking pool and a hot tub, fire pit AND a hell of a view. Located in a neighborhood central to Yucca Valley and Pioneertown. Another J-Tree gem. </p>
<p><em>Link to property — <a href="https://www.stayfieldtrip.com/475048/">https://www.stayfieldtrip.com/475048/</a></em></p>

<h1><em>LE CHACUEL</em></h1>
<p>While it’s been a while since we stayed at this property, I can’t not mention it in the context of sharing beautiful Joshua Tree homes. I’m not sure I’ve ever stayed in such a design forward space before, to the point that the most mundane household objects were somehow works of art in their own right. There isn’t a corner of this home that isn’t art. Plus, that saltwater pool with those views are hard to beat. </p>
<p><em>Link to property — <a href="https://bit.ly/30iRHsj">https://bit.ly/30iRHsj</a> </em></p>

My Favorite Rental Homes in Joshua Tree — @undefined's mag on Magma

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Los Angeles

<h1>Halloweekend Roundup</h1>
<p><em>keep swiping for all the photos and all the links</em></p>
<p><em>—</em></p>
<p>Ah, Halloweekend in Los Angeles. You’re either in or you’re out, and we decided to fully participate this year. Whitney and I even ordered our costumes in late September which was a nice change from the usual last minute Amazon prime costume scramble I typically partake in. Our group Astro costume last year was such a success we knew we wanted to create another squad costume and the THING idea couldn’t have been more fitting for our girl group. After a few alterations to number the costumes 1-8 and Sami’s last minute Cat in the Hat ensemble (also please disregard Amanda’s wiglessness) we were ready to hit the LA Halloscene. We bounced around all night looking identical and it was a total hoot. Halloween tip: if you can manage to convince a group of friends to assemble to do a coordinated costume, studies show you have 10X more fun.</p>

<p>I’ll let you in on a game-changing Halloween costume tip. Sure it’s Halloween and anything goes, but no one really wants to be <em>fully</em> nakey, especially when it’s freezing out. There are these miracle tights, they’re the ones that the Hooters girls wear. They’re dirt cheap, they smooth you out, hold you in and give you a glowing tan. Pre order yourself some now and thank me in 2022. Also full credit to The Skinny Confidential for first sharing this secret on her blog! </p>
<h1><em></em></h1>
<h1><em>L I N K S</em></h1>
<p><em></em></p>
<ul>
  <li><em><a href="https://www.forplaycatalog.com/p/All-Products/Its-a-Thing-Sexy-Storybook-Character-Costume/184661.html">THING Costume</a> </em></li>
  <li><em><a href="https://www.prettylittlething.us/white-thigh-high-point-block-heel-boot.html">White High Boots</a> </em></li>
  <li><em><a href="https://amzn.to/3k4hPxW">Short Blue Wig</a> </em></li>
  <li><em><a href="https://www.forplaycatalog.com/p/Wigs/Blue-Straight-Wig-with-Bangs/184853.html">Long Blue Wig</a> </em></li>
  <li><em><a href="https://241pantyhose.com/product/open-toe-tamara-calendar-girl-pantyhose-designed-for-new-hooters-girl-uniform/">The BEST Halloween tights</a> </em></li>
</ul>
<p><em></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYbwnCL/">Tap to my TikTok recap from our night being THINGS</a> </em></p>

<p>When I first met Zack he informed me of his stance on Halloween - that he refused to put effort into a costume and that he would be, by default, a pilot every year for the foreseeable future. And sure enough, unless I take it upon myself to put together an alternate ensemble for him, that’s what tends to happen. Well this year I decided I would take matters into my own hands, and while it took a lot of convincing, I managed to throw together a non-pilot couples costume that he agreed to put on (it was up in the air until day-of if he would actually wear it or not). Did I plan the entire idea around <em>my</em> costume? Yeah, maybe. Whitney and I wanted to be Buzz Lightyears last year but the costume was sold out. But let’s focus on the fact that I got Zack to retire the pilot for 1/2 of Halloween this year! I’ll take the W. If you saw Woody and Buzz Lightyear making out on Saturday night, that was us. </p>

<h1><em>L I N K S</em></h1>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://amzn.to/31yx2Rp">Buzz Coztume</a> </li>
  <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3whhGvO">Buzz Sunglasses </a> </li>
  <li><a href="https://www.prettylittlething.us/white-thigh-high-point-block-heel-boot.html">High White Boots</a> </li>
  <li><a href="https://241pantyhose.com/product/open-toe-tamara-calendar-girl-pantyhose-designed-for-new-hooters-girl-uniform/">Best tights</a> (wearing Light Tan)</li>
  <li><a href="https://www.forplaycatalog.com/p/TV--Movie-Characters/Lets-Play-a-Game-Sexy-Movie-Clown-Character-Costume/174134.html?aaid=PLA">Kristina’s Clown Costume</a> </li>
  <li><a href="https://bit.ly/3BGQsjr">Zack’s Woody Vest</a> </li>
  <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3GRrtgS">Woody Yellow Flannel</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3k8310Z"> Woody Cowboy Hat</a></li>
  <li> <a href="https://www.bootbarn.com/moonshine-spirit-mens-crazy-horse-vintage-western-boots/2000112307.html">Cowboy Boots</a> </li>
  <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3bJ0cPw">Western Belt Buckle</a> </li>
  <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3BNcXD2">Sheriff Star Badge</a></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYb3CEc/">Watch the TikTok I made from this night</a> (it went sorta viral!) </p>
<p>Or watch it on IG Reels below!</p>

<p>I’ll be hibernating until next year! </p>

Halloween 2021 Roundup — @undefined's mag on Magma

Galápagos Islands

<h1>What are the Galápagos Islands? </h1>
<p>It’s a destination on many a bucket list, and perhaps a place you recall from your high school textbooks. The Galápagos is a collection of 127 volcanic islands, islets and rocks inhabited by almost 9,000 different species of wildlife, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The islands are classified as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, and since 1934, the Galapagos National Park has been taking every measure to preserve and protect the natural state of the islands. </p>
<p>This means that the wildlife is so, well, <em>wild</em>, so abundant, and so blissfully naive to us humans, that you’ll find yourself stepping around sleeping sea lions, swimming alongside penguins, face to face with tortoises that are almost as large as you, and sharing the beach with hundreds of iguanas… just to name a few of the animal encounters that us humans are lucky enough to observe on a daily basis in the Galápagos. In the Galápagos, the animals are the main event for once, and us humans get to witness them in their (actual) natural habitat. </p>

<p>We ended up spending 2 unplanned weeks in the Galápagos this past September. How did we end up in the Galápagos with no plans? Long story short, we booked a one-way flight to Quito, Ecuador for a special wedding (one that was well worth traveling for). The idea to book a one-way flight was my solution to having absolutely no idea where to begin when researching where else in South America we should visit after the festivities wrapped. </p>
<p>Several wedding guests had arrived to Ecuador early to visit the Galápagos, and at the wedding they were buzzing with Galápagos excitement while showing us hundreds of wildlife videos on their phones. We were sold. So we booked another one-way to Santa Cruz Island, found a last minute hotel and showed up with no plans, and not really sure what to expect. </p>

<h1>How to (properly) experience the Galápagos </h1>
<p>
  <h2>And what you should know before you go</h2>
</p>

<h2>As fun as it is to be spontaneous while traveling, I don’t necessarily recommend a spontaneous Galápagos trip like we did, although ours worked out wonderfully. Do some research before you go to determine what type of experience you want to have, book your trip accordingly and be sure you’re prepared! </h2>
<p>A few things to note about traveling to the Galápagos: </p>
<ul>
  <li>The only way to get the Galápagos Islands is by flying through Ecuador, either Quito or Guayaquil. The same goes for return flights. </li>
  <li>To enter the Galápagos, you will be required to pay a National Park Entrance fee of $100 cash upon landing in Galápagos (this fee helps finance conservation efforts)</li>
  <li>There are only two airlines that can take you from Ecuador to the Galápagos: Avianca and LATAM. </li>
  <li>There are two major National airports in the Galapagos: Seymour airport on the island of Baltra (connects to Santa Cruz Island by water taxi) and San Cristóbal airport.</li>
  <li>There are only 4 inhabited islands that offer hotel options</li>
  <li>The islands that offer the most accommodation options are Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal </li>
  <li>Decide whether you’d like to have a land-based experience, or a live-aboard boat experience</li>
  <li>There are no massive cruise ships allowed in the Galápagos. The vessels permitted to sail these islands can hold at maximum 100 passengers. </li>
  <li>June - December is the “dry” season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean sunshine. Skies can tend to be cloudy and gray, but it won’t rain much. (We got lucky with the sunny weather this September!)</li>
  <li>January - May is the “wet” season, but that doesn’t mean cold! This is when the weather is warmer and the skies are bluer (in between rain showers, that is)</li>
</ul>

<h1>How to Galápagos, by land or by sea?</h1>
<p>There are two ways to do the Galápagos. A land-based experience: which involves staying in a hotel and exploring the surrounding accessible landmarks by taking daily land / boat excursions, OR living aboard a boat on a 5 or 8 day Galápagos exploration itinerary. </p>
<p>Usually you choose. We did both. Here are some options to consider for either experience! </p>
<h2>By land</h2>
<p>If you think you’d rather opt for a land-based experience, your hotel will mostly act as your home-base, and a place to sleep. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also pick a hotel that provides amenities that will assist in some much needed r&amp;r post-activities, though. Because if there’s one thing I learned from our experience, it’s that if you do the Galápagos correctly, you <em>will</em> be exhausted.</p>
<p>If you opt for a hotel, you will more than likely book all your daily tours through your hotel. Every single hotel on the Galápagos offers these excursions because the entire point of the Galápagos is to get out and experience it in all of its glory. Be prepared for early mornings, boat trips and car rides. The Galápagos is spread out, so even with daily excursions you won’t be able to see all it has to offer by staying in a hotel, but you’ll still get to see some major highlights. </p>

<h1>Best Galápagos Hotels</h1>
<p>For a by land experience, these are the hotels that I would recommend based on my experience and my research!</p>
<p></p>
<h1>1. <a href="https://www.finchbayhotel.com">Finch Bay Hotel</a> </h1>
<p>On Santa Cruz Island, Finch Bay is the front runner for a luxury hotel option. Finch Bay has access to a calm sandy beach, a relaxing pool, spa amenities, incredible service and great dining. </p>
<p><em></em></p>
<p><em>Keep in mind, to get to Santa Cruz Island involves flying into Baltra airport (different island), taking a quick ferry ride across the channel over to Santa Cruz Island, and then taking a taxi through the highlands all the way to Santa Cruz town. From there, to get to Finch Bay Hotel you’ll need to take a water taxi (this hotel provides this transportation service for their guests)</em></p>
<p><em></em></p>
<p>We didn’t stay at Finch Bay as it was fully booked by the time we decided we would head to the Galápagos on a whim (downside of spontaneous travel). We did however get a chance to relax poolside at the hotel and use their spa amenities which were top notch!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.finchbayhotel.com">www.finchbayhotel.com</a> </p>

<h1><a href="http://angermeyer-waterfront-inn.com">Angermeyer Waterfront Inn</a> </h1>
<p>A stroll away from Finch Bay, sitting right on the crystal blue clear waters of Santa Cruz port is the charming little boutique hotel that we stayed in, Angermeyer. After a lot of digging online (it isn’t listed prominently on many Galápagos travel blogs or even on google) we found this gem where we relaxed for the better part of a week until we embarked on the second part of our Galapagos adventure. </p>
<p>Angermeyer is a family run, bungalow style hotel that has incredible views of Puerto Ayora (the Santa Cruz Bay) and is attached to a renowned restaurant called Isla Grill that travelers flock to on a nightly basis. The food is absolutely delicious, which almost made up for the slow WiFi (I should probably mention that the WiFi across all of Ecuador is far from impressive). The hotel amenities are limited, but the spacious suites have everything you need for a comfortable stay, not to mention the amazing view. </p>
<p>They even have a old restored ship on the property that the grandfather of the hotel manager sailed in with his wife, that they have now converted into a hotel room called the “Nixe” room. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://angermeyer-waterfront-inn.com">angermeyer-waterfront-inn.com</a> </p>

<h1><a href="https://pikaialodge.com">Pikaia Lodge</a> </h1>
<p>This lodge is a Relais &amp; Chateux boutique hotel was actually our first choice upon initial research, but it was sadly closed for renovations over our dates. </p>
<p>Pikaia Lodge is also located centrally on Santa Cruz Island (in the heart of its own private giant tortoise reserve!) and while it’s elevated a bit from the water, it’s perched on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater and boasts stunning views. </p>
<p>This environmentally conscious hotel is equipped with luxury facilities, an infinity pool overlooking the archipelago, fine dining, modern rooms, and offers extra exploration and island activities to all its guests (for an additional rate). </p>

<h1><a href="https://www.galapagossafaricamp.com">Galapagos Safari Camp</a></h1>
<p>We also considered this option as it certainly seemed to be the most unique accommodation in Galápagos! It’s exactly what it sounds like, safari tents. Except these are luxury tents, with en suite bathrooms, private balconies and ocean views. The property also has a main lodge house, a farm to table restaurant, a library and an infinity pool. Safari Camp is also Located on Santa Cruz Island, perched high on lush farmland.</p>

<p><em>The next two hotels are located on San Cristóbal island. The benefit to staying here is the ease of travel - you simply fly into San Cristóbal airport and take a brief taxi to your hotel (as opposed to flying to Baltra airport and ferrying over to Santa Cruz Island). Keep in mind San Cristóbal is a bit more quiet of a town, but it has beautiful views and surfers love the waves that break right on the shore!</em></p>

<h1><a href="https://goldenbay.com.ec/wp/">Golden Bay</a> </h1>
<p>Located less than 10 minutes from San Cristóbal airport, Golden Bay is a modern, minimalist hotel that was awarded 5 stars by Ecuadors Ministry of Tourism. It’s across the road from a lovely sandy beach and is a great option if you’re looking for a more luxury option on San Cristóbal. </p>

<h1><a href="https://galapagossunset.com.ec/site/">Galápagos Sunset Hotel</a> </h1>
<p>A simple and affordable option in an optimal location, this family run hotel has 8 more basic rooms directly across the street from the bright blue ocean. If you stay here, try to snag their master suite which offers floor to ceiling windows and a private terrace with an insane ocean view (we sneaked a peak at this suite from their rooftop deck while we were waiting to board our yacht expedition… more on that next!)</p>

<h1>Galápagos by sea: our 7 day yacht expedition experience</h1>
<p>After almost a week staying in a hotel on Santa Cruz Island and feeling like we were missing out (mainly due to lack of planning, you can <em>totally</em> stay in a hotel and experience the Galápagos with daily excursions!), we decided it was time to take things up a notch. By this point we had gathered that there was probably no better way to immerse oneself in the Galápagos than by boat. Or yacht, rather. And so with a little research we found a yacht expedition that was embarking that Sunday… and the next thing we knew we were aboard a luxury yacht cruising through the archipelago.</p>

<h1><a href="https://www.ecoventura.com">Ecoventura</a> </h1>
<p>Ecoventura is a fleet of luxury Relais &amp; Chateaux yachts that set out on 7 night long intimate and immersive expeditions throughout the Galapagos, emphasizing the destination’s awe inspiring features while minimizing impact on the delicate ecosystem.</p>
<p>There are two Ecoventura yachts, Origin and Theory, and each one can take up to 20 guests aboard a 7 day itinerary. Each yacht has 10 spacious and high end staterooms, rooms so nice you almost forget you’re on a boat smack dab in the middle of the Galápagos. Think luxury 5 star hotel, but floating. </p>
<p>There is a spacious sun deck with chic day beds and an outdoor shower, a jacuzzi, a fitness center (we were way too exhausted from snorkeling to even consider using it), and a library where you can snuggle up with a book, probably one covering Charles Darwin. </p>
<p>There are two different itineraries that these yachts take through specific areas of the Galápagos, both with a handful of attractions reaching to the outermost remote islands in the archipelago. We took Origin on itinerary A, the Southern &amp; Central route. </p>

<p>Aboard each boat are two naturalists eager to share their expertise on the wildlife and history during island excursions. </p>
<p>By day you’re out exploring the untamed islands, or snorkeling with sea lions, or admiring penguins from the dingy boat, and by night you’re eating a beautifully plated 4 course meal. Every evening before dinner, one of our naturalists would brief us on the following days activities and attractions.</p>
<p>We loved the camaraderie between the fellow guests, the friendly staff, and the delicious food. After every activity you’re greeted back onto the yacht with an array of freshly prepared snacks (a personal highlight for me). There’s an open bar, at <em>all times</em>, and we took some of the best post-snorkel Chardonnay induced siestas in our little cabin. </p>
<p>As far as seasickness goes, we both managed to avoid it entirely, much to my surprise as both of us have had seasickness in the past. There was a communal bowl of Dramamine by the bar and everyone would pop one before bed and it seemed to do the trick just fine. Although there were some very rocky and wavy nights, halfway through the trip it actually became enjoyable, like being rocked to sleep!</p>

<p>One of the wildlife highlights for us was the renowned Blue-Footed Booby, a bird I vaguely remember learning about in history textbooks. These silly but captivating birds got their name from the Spanish word for “stupid”, “bobo”, which was in reference to their tameness around humans and their strange behavior. They get the bright blue pigment from their fish-based diet, and the bluer their feet the healthier the Booby, the more attractive the Booby is to potential mates. These blue footed boobies performed a mating ritual dance while we were on a nature walk, and I will never forget how beautifully bizarre it was. </p>
<p>From Blue-Footed Boobies to giant tortoises to baby sea lions to penguins, we had the rare chance to observe nature with almost no human interference whatsoever. </p>

<p>This will forever go down as the most unique travel experience we were lucky enough to be a part of, and I have a feeling I’ll be back with my kids one day... until then I have 18261 videos and photos of sea lions to remember it by.</p>
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<p>Watch my vlog of our experience here: <a href="https://youtu.be/q_9ppX0iflY">youtu.be/q_9ppX0iflY </a></p>

The Galápagos Islands - Our Experience and What You Should Know Before You Go — @undefined's mag on Magma

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Cabo San Lucas

<p><em>for Modeliste Magazine</em></p>
<li><em>on location in Cabo San Lucas</em></li>

<p>In July of this year I had the opportunity to go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to shoot my debut swimwear collection of HEROWN, the brand I recently launched, for a feature in Modeliste Magazine. But wait, it gets better. Not only did I get to shoot for Modeliste Magazine in my designs, I got to shoot alongside some of my best friends, also donning my designs. <em>Pinch me.</em> So I figured for my very first Mag, I should pay homage to these incredible photos of my incredible friends, taken in Cabo by Emma Bassil (she’s also incredible). </p>
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<p>A huge thank you to Modeliste for this opportunity and to my beautiful friends for their unwavering support. I will link each style throughout!</p>

Helen Owen