Can Shana + Global Shortlist Giveaway

Always ones to do it right, Mr & Mrs Smith are now offering some amazing self catering properties as a part of their collection. Over the past few years I have been converted to the world of self-catering, especially for long-term holidays. It’s a great way to live like a local and not a mere visitor.

It’s especially fun to seek out homes with local flavor and ones that are vastly different from your everyday surroundings. Can Shana (Ibiza) is just such a place. I could instantly imagine myself as a guest for a week. Rustic on the outside, thoroughly modern on the inside, the restored villa is light and airy. Situated in the countryside of Santa Gertrudis, the villa boasts not only alfresco dining and a swimming pool, but an outdoor pool table! I can only imagine that my husband and son would go nuts for the pool table, and then I could have the pool all to myself.

Next Monday we will giveaway a copy of Mr & Mrs Smith Global Shortlist.
To enter send an email to [bestsmithhotels@googlemail.com] subject line: 'giveaway' - one reader will be chosen randomly. Good luck!

Casa Duquesa

While doing online research I came across the magnificent Casa Duquesa, a 17th century Spanish Finca in Mallorca. The photos were just too beautiful not to share with all of you.

Casa Duquesa is a private and secluded villa set in 150 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, with a large pool, a summer kitchen and outdoor dining area.

The house boasts 9 bedrooms, a large sitting room with a fire place, a dining room that seats 16 comfortably, two fully equipped kitchens and a chapel. Enjoy the photo tour!

Travelogue 2009

Masseria Torre Coccaro in Pulgia ranks near the top of my travel list. Set in a historic fortified farmhouse it's a short distance from the Adriatic.

One of Masseria Torre Coccaro's beautiful bathrooms. Every room comes with it own private garden.

As most of you know, travel has become central to my life these days. In part, living in Scotland has facilitated countless transatlantic flights to be with my family in the States. However, it is more than just the distance and a desire to see family and friends, travel is now a passion and way of life.

On the agenda is the majestic Calistoga Ranch tucked into a private canyon in the Upper Napa Valley.

A big part of our decision to move aboard was the travel opportunities it afforded our family, especially our son. Over the course of the past few years I have become a sufferer of wanderlust. I relish searching for an out of the way destination, a charming village or the perfect hotel. I especially enjoy the occasion to travel and meet the many wonderful people I have encountered since founding All the Best—and the list is ever growing.

Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona is on our list of places to stay this fall. The boutique hotel in Barcelona city centre boasts a spectacular rooftop pool.

This year travel will play an ever-increasing role in my life and on my blog. I plan to take All the Best “on the road” when possible, to meet the many fabulous readers I have come to know and the extraordinary talents that have been central to this blog. A few destinations include New York, California, Texas, DC, West Palm Beach, Pennsylvania, Berlin, Barcelona and London.

70 Park Avenue was one of my favorite places to stay in 2008. It felt like my very own Park Avenue pied à terre. It was designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber and each evening guests are severed wine in the in living room.

I will unveil more exciting details over the next few weeks. Rest assured that the hotels, the interiors, the people and the destinations will not disappoint—there will also be a few surprises for all of you!