I truly believe that there are two types of people in this world: ones who like nice flights, and ones who like nice hotels. I, for one, am the latter of the two. I will fly the absolutely cheapest, tiniest airline you could possibly imagine....but I love a good hotel. And honestly, it works out because I ultimately save money on the flight and put it towards my lodging. In doing this, I've stayed at quite a few fun hotels over the years, from international destinations to right in my hometown of LA. These are worldwide, some of the best hotels out there that you should definitely add to your travel wishlist too. These 10 nice hotels will make you feel like you're living in a movie, so keep reading to see all the places that will make you wanna book a flightASAP!
Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or
Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or in Eze, France
Tucked away in a small medieval town in the South of France called Eze is the dreamy 5-star hotel, Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or. This hotel truly makes you feel like you're living in the movie The Bucket List — maybe because it was also featured in the film, but still. The picturesque views of the ocean, stunning amenities like the three cliffside pools, and the sprawling gardens all make for the perfect hotel and the reason why it's my number one nice hotel I've ever stayed in.
Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or is also one of the cheaper 5-star hotels I've stayed in, with rooms sometimes costing as low as $450 a night in the off-season. While this is still expensive, it's surprising when you see all that the property has to offer alongside the spectacular views and prime location.
Villa d'Este
Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como was another favorite destination of mine, and while you can't go wrong with any of the hotels on the lake, Villa d'Este was an favorite of mine. The service is simply unmatched, along with the to-die-for views of the water. Every day, breakfast is served right out on the patio with this stunning, serene view. The grounds are hundreds of years old, with acres of gardens across the property, so you truly can never be bored. The whole hotel just exudes old fashioned luxury, and it almost makes you feel like you have been transported to another time.
While Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or is my top choice, I have to say that Villa d'Este has the best service out of all the hotels I've stayed at — they truly treat you like royalty! Plus, there's a floating pool on the lake...so you really can't say no to that, right?!
Rosewood Miramar
Rosewood Miramar in Santa Barbara, CA
You will NOT want to miss out on staying here! The Rosewood Miramar is like stepping straight into a Nancy Meyers movie. It's a beautiful hotel right on the beach with some of the prettiest decor and interiors that you'll want to replicate in your own home (trust me, I've tried). The amenities include a pool right by the beach, plus top-notch service — a must for a nice hotel! I love this ocean-side stay for a relaxing, coastal vacay!
The Savoy
The Savoy in London, England
I particularly love The Savoy in London for their incredible spa. They offer a lot of fantastic deals where you can get a room, breakfast, and two spa treatments with your booking! I'd highly recommend this hotel for their stunning decor and luxury spa! I'm sure it will be a much-needed break for some solid R&R to enjoy while vacationing to London.
Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace
Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace in Versailles, France
Walking through the gates of Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palacewas like walking through Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. They have acres of gardens covered in flowers with the background being their massive chateau-style hotel. It was truly a remarkable stay! I adored eating breakfast in the garden room, and walking out to explore the grounds every morning. Plus, if you walk right out of the hotel gate, you'll waltz straight into the Palace of Versailles itself. So, it's proximity to all the tourist attractions nearby are super ideal! I loved the spa and amenities here, as well as looking out the large windows of our hotel room to see people riding horses right outside! This is a stunning stay that makes you feel like you're royalty in the countryside of your centuries-old chateau.
Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc
Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc in Antibes, France
Do you remember when Sofia Richie-Grainge broke the internet with her incredibly luxe wedding? Well, this was exactly where it all went down — the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc!I adore this hotel for so many reasons: the service is amazing, the rooms are to die for, the pool is iconic, and the location is prime! It's located in the adorable town of Antibes, France where there's a cute village filled with restaurants, shopping, and lots of action! There is no shortage of things to do when you're at this hotel. An added bonus is that they have the Dior spa located at the hotel, so make sure to stop in for a Dior facial! ;)
Passalacqua
Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy
This is another Lake Como hotel, but I had to add Passalacqua because it was recently named the #1 Hotel of the Year by The World's 50 Best! What I love about this hotel is the massive array of experiences they offer! To name a short few: private cinema screenings under the stars with canopy chairs, exquisite, Michelin-level fine dining, cooking classes, tennis lessons, and so many more! That's not even scratching the surface of this hotel. It's truly a remarkable place and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you get the chance to stay here, definitely do it!
Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri
Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri in Rome, Italy
Perched right on the hill in Rome is this massive — and incredibly beautiful — 5-star hotel, Rome Cavalieri. The property truly speaks to the beauty of Italian architecture, design, and art. I mean, the art and decor adorning the walls is centuries old, and it seems like you're sitting right in the middle of a museum. The rooms have a gorgeous balcony that look out over the whole city of Rome, as well as the hotel's sprawling green garden. I stayed here a couple of years ago, and I still dream of their free massive buffet breakfast filled with the most divine pastries, meats, and cheeses. I love this hotel!
The Ritz Paris
The Ritz Paris in Paris, France
If you're like me, you've dreamed of staying at The Ritz Paris at least once in your life. It's a legendary, iconic hotel, with the famous Bar Hemingway located inside. Words can't describe how beautiful this hotel is as soon as you step through the doors. Everything from the rooms, to the location, down to the stunning (and large) lobby is everything you'd expect from The Ritz. It's another one of those once-in-a-lifetime stays that you definitely should try and go to! As Hemingway once said, "When I dream of afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place in the Paris Ritz."Couldn't have put it better myself, Ernest!
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California
I've stayed at the Waldorf Beverly Hills many times (I'm a Hilton member so I often get to stay for free — thank you points!), and I will never get tired of it. The staff are some of the nicest people and truly go out of their way to help you with anything you need. This hotel also has one of my favorite amenities: the house car. At this hotel, they have a house car that will, for free, drop you anywhere within 10 minutes that you need to be. For example, one day I wanted to get bagel on Rodeo, so I thought I'd take the house car not knowing what kind it was...up pulled a blue phantom Rolls Royce with constellation ceilings and plush carpet. Everyone thought I was famous because who gets dropped off at a bagel shop in a Rolls Royce?! Well, I did — but only because it was free! So if that doesn't convince you to stay here then I don't know what will!
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Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.
If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.
Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media
The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.
"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."
In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.
"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.
Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.
Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections
While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.
"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.
Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.
Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?
"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."
Give Back
The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.
Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.
"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."
Connect With Others Online
Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.
"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."
If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!
This post has been updated.
Chances are you're packing for your long holiday weekend, with a swimsuit or two stowed away in your travel tote bag. While you're trying to remember if you packed your new TSA-approved bottle of sunscreen and the cream blush you can't live without, it's a good idea to make sure your attitude is in check, too.
I like to believe that most people aren't intentionally inconsiderate while on vacation, but it doesn't mean none of us are immune to doing things that annoy other people. Whether it's accidentally kicking sand in someone's face because you're running to catch a flying volleyball, or screaming loudly next to someone who's reading their latest book club find, here are 8 rude behaviors to avoid at the beach.
Rude Behaviors To Avoid At The Beach
Beach Blanket Battles
Sigh. I'm not sure what it is, but we're all guilty of claiming 'our' space in public. Sometimes it's harmless, but there are those who take things to the extreme by making sure no one gets remotely close to a space they're interested in. We've definitely seen this in parking lots, but it can at the beach too.
If you feel like you don't want someone close to you on the beach, don't be petty by positioning your beach blanket in a way that doesn't leave room for them. You can either verbally express that you'd like space, or you can try to find a spot that's not crowded.
You and other visiting beach goers don't actually own the beach, so try not to act like it.
The Loud Music Hog
I don't know too many people who dislike music. It's something that unites people from all walks of life (hello, have you been to a Taylor Swift or Beyoncé concert), having an almost transcendent effect.
However, this doesn't mean that people on the beach want to hear your summer playlist when they might be trying to relax. Also, you don't want to be that person who has no regards for kids if you're listening to something that's on the more explicit side. We know that kids will be introduced to a number of things, but don't be an a-hole just for the sake of "living your life."
Unless there's an actual approved beach party going on, it's best to pop in your Airpods to avoid disturbing others.
The Inconsiderate Splashers
Splashing in the water brings out everyone's inner kid, but everyone might not appreciate being splashed if they're trying to sunbathe, read a book, or just...in general. Some people might be forgiving, but it could irritate others.
As a courtesy, move your splash war away from large crowds so that you're not disturbing others.
Heavy Smokers
You're an adult who can do whatever they want, I know. The thing is that people don't always want to smell the residue of someone smoking while they're trying to relax.
Never mind the fact the people may want to smell fresh air, but you also don't know who could have asthma. I'm sure you don't want to be the person who accidentally triggers someone's asthma attack from your second-hand smoke.
Parents Who Let Their Kids Do Destructive Things
I'm a parent who has a busy body for a toddler, so I get that kids need to burn excess energy. However, it doesn't hurt to teach them how to be considerate of others. There's nothing cute or funny about letting your kids disrupt a volleyball game that's not theirs, or smash someone's sandcastle just for fun.
If it helps, try to come up with fun activities the entire family can do together. You can build your own sandcastles, fly kites, or even go on a beach scavenger hunt!
People Who Ignore Their Dog's Poop
Every living thing has to use the restroom at some point, so no one's gonna be mad that your dog has to do their business. The issue is that some people refuse to pick up their dog's poop in public for whatever reason.
If you willingly let your dog go to the bathroom on the beach and pretend like you don't see it, that's pretty annoying. I'm sure whoever's going for a stroll on the sand won't appreciate stepping in a fresh (or old) pile of poop. Just pick it up and toss it out, okay?
Parents Who Leave Their Kids Dirty Diapers On The Beach Or In The Ocean
I don't have much to say about this except please spare everyone. I don't know why people continue to do this, but it's unsanitary and extremely uncool. Find a trash can to dispose of their diapers or see if you can change them in a nearby restroom, but please don't subject others to your child's waste.
Excessive PDA
Freedom of speech is one of those things that people can really try to take too far — especially when it comes to PDA. If you're headed to the beach to have a handsy makeout session with your S.O., don't. No one wants to see (or hear) the two of you getting hot and heavy while they're trying to relax. Leave that for a hotel room or the beach house you're staying at.
Don't forget to check out these bad work habits before you head back to the office after your beach trip!
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Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry
On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."
He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."
To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."
Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"
The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"
Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"
The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."
Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.
November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA
Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."
After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."
Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."
Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.
And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations
On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:
After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again
Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.
I figured it was about time I released it.
Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.
Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.
High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"
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