I Visited These 5 Chic Destinations in the Past Year—Here's What to Do and Pack
Welcome to Who What Wear Travels, a new series of curated guides to destinations the fashion set loves. Consider this your download on everything from the chicest stays to the most memorable meals to the perfect travel wardrobe, all vetted by stylish locals and well-traveled fashion folks.
If you've been keeping up with Who What Wear Travels, you know we're tapped into the best of the best when it comes to must-visit destinations. Our editors are here to assist with anything vacation related from complete city guides to packing lists. In this specific edition of WWW Travels, I'll be taking you through my recommendations of the must-sees, must-dos, and must-wears for the fashion person–favorite places I've visited in the last year.
Let's just say that over the past 12 months, I've spent a lot of time on planes whether I'm taking a mini getaway or going on a week-long excursion to a different country. At this point, my friends are surprised when I'm in town for longer than a couple weeks. And I'm never not posting photo dumps from my vacations on Instagram. (Sorry to my followers.) What can I say? I love escaping my Venice Beach apartment to immerse myself in new places. These past few trips have been exceptionally fun. I've hit some of the buzziest hot spots among the fashion set (hi, Lake Como) and some classic destinations. Looking to book your next trip? Keep scrolling.
What to do: I love Cabo because you can simultaneously indulge in relaxation and adventures. Stay the day at one of the city's luxury resorts for a full-service experience—Las Ventanas al Paraiso and Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection are Instagram-worthy favorites among the fashion set—or post up in one of the gorgeous rental villas with picture-perfect ocean views. I've done both and have enjoyed every second. When it comes to things to do, this Mexican destination has a little something for everyone. Taste delicious, locally grown food at Flora Farms for brunch, enjoy a boat day in the Marina, hire a local chef to host an at-home dinner, and finish the night with drinks at Acre (maybe one of the chicest restaurants ever).
What to wear: I can never be without a cute bikini when I visit Cabo. In fact, you could even wear your bikini and cover-up as a going-out outfit. (Monday Swimwear has beyond cute options.) Breezy dresses, sun hats, and beach totes are must-haves.
What to do: Is there anything more beautiful than standing on your balcony with a view of the Mediterranean Sea and the pink, purple, blue, and orange houses scattered throughout the hills? Maybe, but I haven't found it yet. If you want to be close to all the action on the Amalfi Coast, staying in Positano is perfect. You've likely seen engagement photos taken from the famous balcony of Le Sirenuse or read about the Hotel Poseidon in Rebecca Serle's novel, One Italian Summer. But if you're looking to be more low-key, I'd recommend staying in one of the lesser-known towns along the coast, such as Praiano. There, you can find stunning rental villas that are just a short car ride to the hustle and bustle.
A day trip to Capri is an absolute must. Take a boat tour around the island and jump in the water, or peruse the ritzy designer boutiques. When you're not on Capri, secure a day bed at One Fire Beach Club in Praiano, sip lemon granita at Café Mirante, book a cliffside reservation at Il Pirata, or attend an intimate cooking class to learn how to make the city's local Italian dishes.
What to wear: When people talk about the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, they like to leave out the steps—steps on steps on steps. You'll be walking up and down all day if you want to get anywhere, so I opted for comfortable but chic sandals and dresses that could be dressed down for days of exploring the shops and dressed up for fancy dinners. And of course, a luxe bag is necessary because it is the Amalfi Coast.
What to do: It was nothing but luxury the moment the train arrived at the Como San Giovanni station in Lake Como. While I thought I could never love anything more than the Amalfi Coast scenery, Lake Como boasts greenery and views like I had never seen before.
My husband and I were there for a friend's wedding and were very blessed that the couple put us up at Villa Bonomi (a favorite place to stay among fashion people such as Chiara Ferragni) for the long weekend. While we took a boat tour around the lake (an absolute must), our driver pointed out Villa D'Este, which looked deliciously luxurious. Finding a taxi in Lake Como isn't easy, so I recommend choosing a hotel that you'd be happy to spend a lot of time at (sometimes the best part of vacation is laying out by the pool with a book) and that's close to attractions you want to visit. I didn't visit many restaurants since we were there for the wedding, but I did sneak out for a little gelato at Gelataria Sottozero Cernobbio, which was amazing.
What to wear: I was in Lake Como in late May/early June, and while the rain was persistent the week before, it cleared up immediately when we arrived. My wardrobe consisted of lots of linen for lounging around the villa, and I always had a layer with me in case the sun went behind the clouds for a bit. A pretty dress for pictures on the classic wooden boats is a no-brainer.
What to do: There's no place like Paris—just ask any fashion person. I've been lucky enough to go multiple times, but our honeymoon was one for the books. My husband and I stayed at the Soho House Paris in the city's 9th arrondissement. We loved the location because of the cute shops and restaurants that lined the streets, which didn't feel touristy at all. But we could also leisurely walk to the big attractions including Tuileries Garden and Champs-Élysées. If you're working with a larger budget, the iconic Four Seasons Hotel George V is a no-brainer. We shopped and museum hopped our way through the city, stopping at places such as Galeries Lafayette (where I splurged on a designer bag), the Kith store (aka my husband's playground), and Bourse de Commerce. I don't know how to choose a favorite restaurant because all of the food we ate was incredible. You can't go wrong with pasta and pizza at Ober Mamma, dumplings at Chez Ann, tacos (yes, tacos!) at Candelaria, and a crêpe just about anywhere you see a crêperie.
What to wear: We talk about French-girl fashion often here at Who What Wear, and the number-one thing I've picked up from Parisians is that they're not fussy. Simple and effortless is the way to go. Pack a few elevated basics in your suitcase, and you're good.
What to do: For a while, my husband and I toyed with the idea of moving to Miami, so I've been quite a few times this past year. The South Florida city is a bit bougie, and it's fun to lean into it. We love staying at Soho Beach House, but if you want a pool that's private to guests, you can't go wrong with The Edition or the 1 Hotel. And even if you don't stay at either, grab a drink or a bite to eat and admire the chic décor. Spend your days lounging by the pool or on the beach, or window shop around the Design District, where you'll find every designer store your heart desires and some cool art galleries. Every time we go to Miami, I have to hit Mandolin Aegean Bistro for the best Mediterranean food and impeccable vibes. If you're craving pizza (who isn't?) and good wine, La Natural is for you.
What to wear: Extra, extra, extra. I like to go all out in Miami—colors, prints, and bold accessories. For beach and pool days, a bright bikini is a must. And when I'm going out for dinner, drinks, or dancing (Miami has impeccable nightlife), I love a fun minidress-and-heels moment.