{travel: new york city}

"One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years."

~thomas wolfe

. . . a few summer weekends ago, spent a few hot and hazy days in new york city, days filled with early morning swims, bellinis and brunches and sundrenched terraces, afternoon markets and dusky shops with herringbone floors, glasses of perfectly chilled champagne and red velvet cupcakes, sunset in the park and long, lingering moments soaking in the intoxicating energy all around, leaving with memories of dinner on the very last night among topiaries and carrera -- oysters to start, followed by seared sea scallops, rocchetta, medjool dates, lardoons with champagne vinaigrette . . . and it was farewell until next time . . .

{images: all photography by p & this is glamorous © august 2010; p.s. if you follow on twitter, you may have already heard about some of our adventures xo}

Hotel Abalú

Hotel Abalú, located in Madrid, is a hostel turned boutique hotel. Located off of the Gran Vía it's at a great location with a very hip feel. Sign me up.

(Via La Dolce Vita)

{travel: swedish dreams}

Dreaming, dreaming of this lovely boutique hotel in Sweden that promises idyllic afternoons in the fresh country air, delectable dishes and a warmth and hospitality that time has forgotten . . .









{images: wreta gestgifveri via lantliv i stan + felicity - thank you!}

{travel: lake placid}

Spent part of last weekend in Lake Placid, where fresh mountain air, a cozy chalet, a gondola ride, and dinner overlooking Mirror Lake chased away any traces of the past whirlwind week.

{home away from home}

{view from across the lake}

{all images taken by {this is glamorous} - August 2008}

{travel, taj lake palace}

. . . a day off to catch up on a few things and a moment to dream about the 250-year old Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India, a marble palace that appears as if it's floating on the waters of Lake Pichola. Guests, of course, arrive by boat.

Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar, Taj Lake Palace was originally built as a summer palace. It has recently been transformed to its former glory and is now possibly one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Filled with marble pillars, glasswork, silks, intricate paintings and ornately carved wood furniture, the palace is every bit as luxurious inside as it is dramatically stunning on the outside.

{the glass house, edinburgh}

If you find yourself in Edinburgh, Scotland, and looking for a seriously lovely place to lay your weary traveler's head, check in to The Glass House, a boutique hotel that offers a rooftop garden with an amazing view of the city and the coast, spacious balconies, lounge areas with an indoor firepit, and the best service you're likely to receive anywhere. Also, since I'm a little like The Princess and the Pea -- completely fell in love with the amazingly comfortable beds that almost made me forget I was not at home . . .