MARKET MAKER

While I may say I like to "just relax" on vacation, the truth is that by the fourth day I'm beyond restless and no amount of swimming or pool bar posing can quench my thirst for a little adventure.  My husband is usually up for a road trip too, so when I suggested that we head out early one morning  and look for the weekly market in the little town of La Romana, he was game. I was glad to have his company on the trip-I knew that his excellent command of Spanish coupled with his stealth NYC driving skills (better than most fearless taxi drivers) would prove invaluable as we made our way around a very sketchy neighborhood. I find that one of the best moments of a road trip is the anticipation of what you may find.  Will there be gorgeous woven bags, beaded wraps, perhaps a handmade necklace crafted of fine Dominican amber?  Unfortunately no such trinkets awaited us at the market that day. The stalls were mostly filled with sarongs made in China and kitschy shot glasses, but I did find some lovely shell bracelets-weighty, tropical pieces that look fantastic with a holiday tan. I took them home and will wear them this summer, my something found on our little adventure.

Do you like to travel off the beaten path on your vacation?

CASA CHIC

Now that we're back from our winter holiday, I've had a chance to review some of the photos from our trip and I've realized two things: Casa de Campo is an exceptionally beautiful Caribbean resort and I dislike coming home from a fun vacation. Of course we had to come home, at least that's what I repeatedly told my daughter as we both dragged our heels through the sand our last day. While I spent an exceptionally large amount of time at the beach (for someone who claims she doesn't like the sun), I also made sure I made my way around the nearly 15,000 acres of tropical paradise and experienced some incredible island architecture and design. While there were far too many chic casas for me to share, here's a bird's-eye view of a few of my favorites- 

 This estate is simply spectacular-it features a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a private beach.  There are several smaller casitas which surround the main house, perfect for guests. 

I'm smitten with the estate's elegant neutral palette-soft whites and beiges allow the gorgeous ocean to be the star of the show.

Look at the view!

White louvered doors are so light and airy-a modern take on the traditional dark wood thats typical on the island.

Most of the bedrooms have direct ocean access-perfect for a morning swim.

And this impressive estate which features a traditional island thatched roof and a stunning oceanfront location.

An enormous gazebo with several seating areas, perfect for entertaining.

 I love the use of color in this home-sunny terracotta on the gazebo and ocean blue in another outdoor seating area.

The thatched roof brings a rustic island touch to the decor.

Wishing you a wonderful day and a great start to the New Year!

LUNCH IN A TREE HOUSE

Let's have lunch in a tree house.  No, you won't have to climb a single tree limb or navigate errant nail heads or holes in the floor boards.  This tree house is nestled in the sand and simply gorgeous.  Enter through a chic canvas and teak pergola that seems to be supported by several majestic trees, their limbs climbing through the structure. The thatched roof feels faintly Polynesian-definitely exotic. Cozy up to a rattan chair and feel the faint breeze from the wicker ceiling fans. White table cloths, white wine, risotto-lunch by Le Cirque-see you at one!

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CHANGE OF SCENERY

The month of December has become a festive blur punctuated by school sing-a-longs, last minute home installations and holiday cocktail parties. With all the rukus, I'm sorry to say that my posting has suffered. (Add to New Year resolution list!)  It all finally caught up with me Sunday night as I hastily packed for a week in the Carribean. A holiday of sun, sand, and glistening beaches seemed so far away a week ago but there I was Sunday night looking for my Roberta Freyman coveups and wrapping last-minute Christmas presents.  I pulled an all-nighter getting my Holiday cards posted and bags packed-ready to kick things up a bit. We arrived at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic last night, bleary eyed and tired from our travels. A delicious pitcher of frosty rum and fresh orange juice cocktails and tray of plaintain chips were waiting for us-yes, a change of scenery can do wonders!
Are you ready for the holidays?