My Travel Diaries With Stephanie Waxberg
I was recently in Paris for fashion week, and it really is the most beautiful city. We stayed at Hôtel Madame Rêve set in the old Louvre Post Office building. It’s in a great location and everything is super chic, from the bar and restaurant to the rooftop, which has stunning views. Ritz Paris is another favourite spot, and probably the most romantic place I’ve visited. It so special and the rooms are like something from a fairy tale. The concierge is fantastic at arranging anything and everything, and the spa is amazing – those gold swan taps. I always start a trip with lunch at Hotel Costes, which is still the best spot for people watching. I’m already planning to return in the summer with my husband and daughter, when I’ll spend less time in heels, and more time exploring the parks and cafés.
The most memorable place I’ve been to is Cuixmala on the Pacific Coast in Mexico. It’s set within a 30,000-acre nature reserve, which is mind blowing in its beauty. The wild landscape contrasts with the colourful architecture of the property. You can go horse riding on the beach at sunset, visit its herd of zebra, take a sunrise boat tour on the lagoon past crocodiles and migratory birds, take a picnic to the private beaches, and enjoy yoga, meditation and sound healing. They have a beautiful approach to conservation with turtle release programmes, and the produce from the biodynamic farm, which is led by phases of the moon, is used in all dishes on the menu.
I’ve been on a few US road trips, but my favourite was driving through Arizona and Utah. We landed in Phoenix and drove down the longest, bumpiest road to Castle Hot Springs, which is a real oasis of a hotel. We then drove up to see the red rocks of Sedona, and continued to a tiny town called Williams where we got on the Grand Canyon Railway. It’s a vintage train with restored carriages from the 1920s and 1950s that take you at a very leisurely pace to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We stopped by Wupatki National Monument and the Sunset Crater Volcano, and our final stop was Amangiri, which I can confirm is incredible. The property looks like a Bond lair, and the landscape is like being on another planet. There are loads of fun activities in the area like visiting the slot canyons, taking a boat tour on Lake Powell, or a raft trip down the Colorado River.
I love the Caribbean and my favourite beach in the world is on Jumby Bay. It’s a little private island off Antigua. It looks exactly how you’d imagine a paradise island – the perfect curved sweep of beach with swaying palm trees, crystal clear water, and a tiny beach shack that serves the best rum punch.
As a family, we love Ibiza in the summer and Barbados for New Year. I’ve been going to both for over 20 years now – originally with my sister and parents, then my and my sister’s husbands joined, so now we’re a big group. Both are great for family trips because there’s something for everyone. In Barbados, we stay at Sandy Lane and the lovely staff think it’s so funny they’ve seen my sister and I grow up, go out partying as teenagers, and now return with our husbands and kids.
My happy place is Jondal in Ibiza. The food is just delicious. Rafa Zafra has created an incredible menu which takes inspiration from traditional chiringuitos, with dishes like langoustines cooked in oil with garlic, with the same metal pan used to cook crispy potatoes, peppers and fried eggs. It’s such a special place to us, especially as we held our daughter’s first birthday party there.
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Madrid is the perfect city break destination. There are beautiful hotels for all budgets and the food is fantastic. El Retiro is a great park to wander around, and the Prado Museum is a must-see for some culture. I love going to Calle de Ponzano for a little tapas tour – Sala de Despiece is incredible for modern, inventive dishes, while El Doble is great for an old-school experience. Next month I’m planning to visit Seville, which I’ve heard is great for a short break. There’s culture, flamenco dancing, incredible food and guaranteed sunshine.
Closer to home, I love Coworth Park for a staycation. It’s easy to reach from London and, as soon as you arrive, you just relax. There’s a great spa and an excellent restaurant. There are lots of activities, including horse riding around the grounds which is so fun.
I’ve got my packing essentials down to a tee. I love Tumi suitcases – they’re an investment but they are made to last a lifetime. I always fold my clothes, rather than rolling them, and put them on the open side of the case, with my accessories, electricals and toiletries on the zipped side. I use pouches to store different items, so I’ll have one for chargers and adaptors, and another for jewellery. I always put a bikini and a slip dress in my hand luggage in case my bags don’t arrive, alongside my passport, phone and charger, laptop, lip balm, a good book and some snacks.
On holiday I’m never without my go-to sunscreen products. These include the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen and Altruist SPF. I also swear by the Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, and Oribe’s conditioners. I’m currently using the Gold Lust Repair & Restore. I also take Dr Paw Paw’s Original Balm, which is a great all-rounder, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Look Palette (which has unfortunately been discontinued). Now, I use the Super Nudes Easy Eye Palette.
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I always plan full day and evening outfits before a trip. I have a few go-to bikinis and dresses that I always take on beach holidays, then I’ll add in new pieces. I love Rat & Boa, Baobab, De La Vali, and Charo Ruiz. I also pack an oversized shirt, a straw fedora and my Celine Triomphe sunglasses. For city breaks, I like to take pieces that you can dress up or down, like a slip dress and a tux jacket, with Sambas or heels, and I always have a cashmere jumper for chilly evenings or to fend off aeroplane AC. Finally, I always take a party dress; Alessandra Rich has the best selection.
I like to bring a few swimwear styles to mix and match. I always take a triangle bikini, a strapless bikini and a square-neck swimsuit. I love Alicia Swim and Away That Day for wearable pieces, while Isa Boulder, Oséree and Leslie Amon are great for something more interesting.
We’ve got lots of celebratory trips which I’m really looking forward to later this year. I’m off to Ibiza for one of my best friend’s hen parties in May – we’re staying at Six Senses Ibiza which looks incredible. Then, we have a wedding anniversary party in Saint Tropez, a midsummer trip on Sweden’s western archipelago, and a wedding in Lake Como. In August, we’re going to Barbados for my brother in law’s birthday where we’ll experience its annual carnival. Then, we’ll be back in Ibiza for a family holiday to celebrate my daughter’s second birthday. In terms of bucket-list trips, I’ve never done a safari so that’s on the list.
For more travel & style inspiration, follow @StephanieWaxberg on Instagram
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