Where Culture Meets Luxury in Central America There are beautiful destinations—and then there are places that live and breathe culture, history, and soul. Antigua, Guatemala, is firmly in the latter category. Nestled among towering volcanoes and cobblestone streets, this UNESCO World Heritage city is a vibrant tapestry of colonial charm, indigenous heritage, and elevated hospitality. Whether you're a culture lover, foodie, art enthusiast, or simply looking for a travel experi

Honeymooning to Europe is a bucket list event for many Texas couples. Since most of the flights from Texas route through Munich or Frankfurt, Germany is a great European choice. What better town than Munich, Bavaria’s capital which is known for culture and tradition. So much more than just the host of Oktoberfest, here you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of this world-class city. Don’t be surprised to see people walking around the old city in traditional dress called Lederhose

When the relentless summer heat of Houston starts to wear you down, there’s a perfect escape waiting just a few hours away: Kimpton Mas Olas in Baja California Sur, Mexico. A quick three-hour direct flight from Houston whisks you to Los Cabos International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to this luxurious oasis. In September, the summer crowds have thinned, the weather is spectacular, and the vibe is pure relaxation. It was exactly what I needed. My recent stay at Kimpto

Photography: Support Zebra Paradise in El Nido Located in the southwestern corner of the island of Palawan, the Philippines, El Nido is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, majestic limestone cliffs and lush jungle-fringed islands. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations on Palawan. Boating at its Best With 45 islands and islets, each boasting unique geological formations, you can explore the beauty by cruising on a private boat and hopp

Did you know San Antonio was named one of the “Best Places to Get Married”? When we think Destination weddings we think of the Caribbean or Europe, who would’ve known our destination dreams would be right at home in Texas! Take a look at some of the finest venues & wedding locations located in San Antonio, TX. The St. Anthony Hotel The St. Anthony Hotel is known for its historic elegance. It’s known to have hosted presidents and royals such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt,

Planning a destination wedding in the mountains? Look no further than the sleepy town of Telluride, Colorado. If your guests intend to drive, choosing a southern Colorado town makes sense. Offering panoramic mountain views of the San Juan mountains and an old-fashioned main street with the mystique of an old mining town, Telluride is the perfect location to welcome your family and friends. The historic area is connected via free gondola to the Mountain Village, home to Madeli

Lake Austin Spa is designed to make you feel like you are on water. From the reception area, dining room, tree house (seminar area) and work out room; it’s hard not to feel as though you are floating on Lake Austin. You can even float to the spa via water taxi. It’s no accident a garden is the first thing you see as you enter the meticulously maintained grounds, herbs and vegetables are served daily in the dining room. The front garden contains a sugar kettle turned fountain

Pack your bags, folks, because we're headed to Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe! This place has been around the block a few times with different names, but it's back and better than ever with a fresh new vibe that's sure to make your inner Parrothead sing. From the moment you set foot on the property, you'll be transported to an island paradise. Surfboards line the entrance, a massive flip flop greets you in the lobby, and palm trees dot the landscape. And don't even

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres A beautiful pool surrounded by a crystal clear blue water beach. Few paradise-esque destinations match the intimate seclusion and lavish luxury of the island of Taha’a. Located on its own little Polynesian islet, or motu, Le Taha’a Resort and Spa sits off the coast of Taha’a. A short flight from Moorea to Raiatea and a private water taxi ride take you to this extravagant resort. The grounds are exquisite—expertly manicured sand and

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres ' As a seasoned travel writer, I don’t want to say the travel gets old, but one might think, another island in the Caribbean? What on earth could THIS island show me that the last one didn’t offer? Well, for one thing, Anguilla, was rated the BEST island for the third year in a row. Anguilla, a British territory in the Caribbean, is one of those islands that makes you stand corrected. The island itself is small, only 16 miles long b

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres Beautiful views in New Zealand. Bay of Islands and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is set into 6,000 acres of farm, forest, and beach land. The Kauri trees here are 700 to 900 years old. This slow growing tree was previously used to build houses and repair ships. Get to know the property by taking a guided quad-bike tour. Follow Malcolm from SeaToys or see what it’s like to be a farmer with farm manager Jonathan. Although I’m from Texas,

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres The streets in downtown Franklin all lit up. Do you love spending Saturdays on the couch watching Hallmark movies? Then visit Franklin, Tennessee, a picture-perfect Americana town. So perfect several Hallmark movies have been filmed here. The local bookstore, Landmark Booksellers, inspired the novel “The Bridge” which also became a Hallmark movie. That’s the sort of town Franklin is. It’s also the site of the Battle of Franklin, so

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres A picture perfect sunset lights up the streets of Austin. For years I’ve heard about the bat bridge in Austin but have never seen the bats. I scratched out some time in my schedule headed to Austin with hopes of finally seeing Mexican Free-Tailed Bats take off at sunset from the Congress Avenue Bridge. A little on-line research finds the bat population has swelled since a 1980 renovation of the bridge created an ideal bat cave. The

Written by: Marisa Byers Photographed by: Laurette Veres Very pretty wedding overlooked by the perfect blue water. Antigua is108 square miles of paradise nestled in the West Indies of the Caribbean. It is a small but mighty island boasting 54 miles of coastline and 365 beaches, one for every day of the year! The luxurious and tranquil Carlisle Bay Resort is on the island’s southern shore. The all-inclusive beach and spa resort has bright, white sandy beaches and calm turquois

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres Beautiful crystal clear water overlooks the resort. Don your sundress and flip-flops, leave the stress of your wedding behind, and head to French Polynesia for a dream honeymoon. This idyllic retreat can be yours on the intimate island of Moorea. The best way to travel to Tahiti from Houston is to catch the 7 pm Continental flight to Los Angeles and connect with Air Tahiti Nui. The Hilton Hotel Tahiti is in an industrial area nes

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres A city with huge on music and huge guitars. Memphis is having a moment. New construction is everywhere and historic buildings are being rehabilitated. Not only is Memphis the birthplace of rock-n-roll and the hub for barbecue and civil rights history, it’s now one of the few places where you can get married at the train depot. Yes, the old train station in downtown has been born again. The Central Station Hotel, Curio Collection by

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres Scenery at Six Flags at Fiesta Texas San Antonio, socially distant, yet pretty close to home Photos and story by Laurette Veres It’s the perfect time for a road trip. The most popular destination in Texas has always been San Antonio and the people in the Alamo City are rolling out Texas-sized safety measures to put you at ease. San Antonio is open and ready to safely greet you and your family. Where to stay The River Walk is the

Written and photographed by: Laurette Veres Scenery at his beautiful beach in Bora Bora. Honeymoon a la Nicole Kidman and Kate Walsh on the secluded, mystical isle of Bora Bora. This past spring we were privileged to experience the allure of this French Polynesian island first-hand. We couldn’t dream up a more majestic place to celebrate the beginning of a new life together. When we landed in Bora Bora, a private yacht picked us up from the airport and escorted us to the

Written and photographed by Laurette Veres The Kauri trees in this image are often 700-900 years old. 'Bay of Islands and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is set into 6,000 acres of farm, forest, and beach land. The Kauri trees here are 700 to 900 years old. This slow growing tree was previously used to build houses and repair ships. Get to know the property by taking a guided quad-bike tour. Follow Malcolm from SeaToys or see what it’s like to be a farmer with farm manager Jonath