by Jan Mauer | Sep 19, 2018 | Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Tips
Ahhh…Maui: Almost everybody’s favorite island! It always lands at the top of travel polls in magazines like Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast. The beaches are pristine, the restaurants world-class, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the world are located there. While I will be the first person to take you up on an invitation to lounge poolside at the Four Seasons, or dine at Mama’s Fish House, my favorite way to spend the day on Maui has nothing to do with sand, surf or incredible dining. I always recommend that my clients and friends spend a day exploring Upcountry Maui. Its charms are sure to surprise and beguile. Upcountry Maui is located on the high elevations around the dormant volcano, Mt. Haleakala. The fertile slopes are home to ranches, botanical gardens, organic farms and liquor distilleries that boast soaring views of the sea. It is an easy drive in your rental car from either the Ka’anapali or Kihei/Wailea resort areas. The coastal town of Pa’ia, with its surfer-dude population and “anything goes” mentality marks the start of the drive uphill. If you get an early start, pause in Pa’ia for a cup of coffee and delicious bakery treat, but you will definitely want to stop back through on your return trip in the afternoon when everyone wakes up! Here are some of the best sights in Upcountry Maui: 1. Makawao Town Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Max Wanger Makawao is one of Hawaii’s last paniolo (cowboy) towns. There is a very popular rodeo held here each 4th of July. Makawao retains much of that... by Jan Mauer | Sep 5, 2018 | European Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Adventures
A view over Il Vecchio Maneggio, a working farm in Tuscany. Photo credit: IlVecchioManeggio.com The word “Tuscany” conjures a serene world of rolling, cypress-lined hills, fecund grapevines, and golden sunlight. It signifies an escape from modernity, back to a simpler time of peaceful afternoons on a quiet terrace with a good book, and plentiful wine. In short, to many of us, Tuscany is a place of magic. Tuscan Agriturismos In recent years, one of the most exciting developments in Tuscany has been the proliferation of agriturismos. These working farmhouses offer visitors the unique opportunity to escape into the allure of quintessential Tuscan life with a traditional family dining experience, or to sleep in luxurious accommodations on their farms. During our last visit to Tuscany, my husband and I stayed near the famous medieval hill town of San Gimignano. We read excellent reviews about a nearby agriturismo called Il Vecchio Maneggio, and decided to reserve two spots for dinner. The medieval towers of San Gimignano Il Vecchio Maneggio – The Old Riding School When we arrived a little before 8pm on the night of our dinner, I was pleased to see that we would be eating in the garden, with a stunning view of San Gimignano’s ancient towers in the distance. Tiziana, the big-hearted matron of the farm, greeted us warmly. She met us in her apron, inviting us to explore the farm grounds while she finalized dinner preparations. Her friendly, gregarious manner immediately made my husband and I feel at ease, as though we were enjoying an evening with family in a picturesque pastoral setting. A view of San... 
