Bacara Resort & Spa - Romantic Getway

Right after our very long vacation in Brazil we decide to take off for the weekend... it was kind of hard to adjust back to reality after an amazing time in Brazil, and Bacara Resort & Spa was the perfect option; a vacation after the vacation!

Some times we forget all the beautiful places and things we can do in our own backyard that don't need major planning.  It's like paradise only a couple hours away from home.
So keep in mind if you live in the Los Angeles area or are planning a trip to California the Bacara Resort & Spa is the perfect relaxation and romantic getaway. Rates are great right now! You can book spa treatments, explore the area biking, take walks on the beach, watch amazing sunsets, and romantic dinners at Miro Restaurant... And you don't need a lot of time, as we did all this in one day. So here is my suggestion for a perfect romantic getway, Bacara Resort &Spa.

Photos by Michelli Buback 

Hotel Unique - Sao Paulo

As the name already implies not only describing the "Unique" design by Ruy Ohtake but also the "Unique" experience. I used to live in Sao Paulo, and I have never seen this city from this angle. Definitely my new home away from home... From the moment you walk into the Hotel, the super high ceilings, the decor, the art, the extraordinary service to the perfect welcoming into your room. How simple and genius is to serve coconut water in the coco? After long hours of flying and delays... It made me feel like the staff read my mind. The rooftop has the most amazing views of Sao Paulo (I have guz bumps just remembering!)... the most metropolitan city in Brazil, a concrete jungle of super high buildings and the Ibirapuera Park almost transformed into a live painting, just breathtaking!

I was there for only 3 days, with a full agenda of things I wanted to do in Sao Paulo and simply had no time to experience all the amenities. Besides the roof top red pool there is also a cover pool next to the gym, spa and also the restaurant on the top floor on my list for next time.

Very well located, a hot spot during Sao Paulo Fashion week...  The Unique Hotel will make your Brazil experience complete, I totally recommend!

                      

Back from Vacation!

 First of all...

I'm so lucky to have two summers per year! I just got back from an AMAZING vacation in Brazil! Almost a month traveling between Sao Paulo, Espirito Santo, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba and Rio de Janeiro; only me and my hubby, meeting friends and family along the way and going thru some adventures! 

I will break  down my vacation into many posts within the next several days when I get the chance to sort out over 4000 pics I have in my computer and iPhone. Talking about iPhone... I got mugged in my home town and they took my iPhone, that really traumatized me!  I'm Brazilian and as much I know how careful I should be in Brazil I think living in the US for such a long time has made me a little innocent.  Yes!!! I was robbed in Brazil at gunpoint for the first time! Thanks to iPhone technology (http://www.apple.com/iphone/icloud/#find) and my best friend that happens to be well and bad related, if you know what Im trying to say, somehow after hitting the favela  the phone got back to my hands in less than 24 hrs! But the fear of that moment will never leave my thoughts. 

Moving on...

I'm skinny but I eat! I mean... I can really eat and I love all the exotic and heavy foods from Brazil, but the problem is that my body is not used to it anymore, lol. It is even funnier to look at the collection of medication I brought back home. #noregrets  So in my last stop, Rio de Janeiro I spent a day at a local clinic with food poisoning. I learned my lesson from last time, so instead of feeling sick for 3-4 days one day of IV and proper antibiotics solved my problem and the next day I was back in the Ipanema sands; nothing really got on my way to have the best time as I'm always learning and it is all part of the experience. 

We had pretty much perfect weather every day and as much I was missing home at the end I can't wait to plan the next one!

Bellow, some Instagram pics just to warm up what is about to come and above all the wonderful things I brought back in my luggage; souvenirs, gifts & lots of shopping! 

Follow me to see all @inspiresmi

SLS South Beach

The decor is Implacable! 

The SLS signature and the South Beach Art Deco flavor blend in a very sophisticated way, a great addition to Miami. The group also brought their amazing restaurants; Katsuya and The Bazaar both on top of my list of favorite places to dine in Los Angeles. I love The Bazaar but I was a little disappointed with the Miami version; I didn't like the Cuban fusion into such already perfect cuisine. As far as Katsuya, I only had snacks at Hyde Beach and it was quite good. 

I love the Beach in Miami but with such inviting pools and service at the Hotel I left the beach as second choice. I had amazing relaxing days by the pools. If you want a little more privacy you have the option to stay at the "guest only" pool, across from the cabanas but if you want a little bit more excitement, and more people "Hyde Beach" pool will be the perfect choice. 

Over all I had an amazing week at the SLS South Beach and I totally recommend!

I was there last Jully but couldn't waste on sharing such cool photos and experience.

In New York for VS Fashion Show 2012

This was really exciting... I was actually there!!! Kind of last minute plans with some obstacles, canceled flights but we made it! I thought I had to save the post until the show aired on TV but with the amount of press out why not now,  right? What an adventure... going to NY for 24 hours with a storm watch... but Lorrayne & I were really excited specially to see Alessandra Ambrosio wearing the fantasy bra! Almost no sleep... travel with your best friend is a lot of fun and since we don't get to do this all the time we forgot we were on the redeye and talked most of the flight... we got to NY early then we added one more, Renata.  More excitement... a quick nap and it was almost show time. End up not wearing what I planned... but didn't really matter was super cold and wet and comfort was more important. The storm wasn't as bad, at least for me and Lorrayne brazilian/californian we were actually excited about the snow! 

What a production... OMG! It is a real show... 

The transformation of The Stage/Runway, when you thought it couldn't get better it goes beyond your expectations  

The music... Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber can it get any sexier than that? Rihanna was so amazing I already got tickets for her concert in April of next year in LA.

Impeccable sexy girls! Excuse me, I know they work hard for those bodies... impossible not to get jealous... They are like flawless you actually stare to find something wrong, lol...  I couldn't believe Adriana gave birth over a month ago and looked the way she did, amazing! Ale couldn't look any better and expensive wearing the orchid wings and the VS Floral Fantasy Bra set by London Jewelers. 

Great fashion crowd and a spectacular time!

After the show we went back to Renata's to change and off to a girls dinner at Milos... by the way an amazing Greek Restaurant. Since we were in the City that never sleeps it doesn't end there, we met with Ale at the Victoria Secret's after Party. What a fun time!!! Cant wait to watch all over again this time from home. 

The show will air on CBS, Tuesday, December 4th, 10 PM Eastern/ 9 PM Central.

Partners in crime... Lorrayne Mathias in Rack 75, Renata Maciel in Issa, the view from her place in NY, VS invites, Snow, I wore 10 Crosby by Derek Lam Leather Tulip Dress, Burberry Coat, Balenciaga Booties and Chanel Bag.

Alessandra in Zuhair Murad dress at the VS Pink Carpet

Photos - Alessandra in the runway google search & all other by Inspires Mi iPhone

Seduced by St Barts

It was my first time in St Barts but already on the top of my list of places to return! What an amazing time... From the unbelievable view from the tiny propeller plane, the charming little airport, and the driving along the coast to Guanahani Resort & Spa. We had a spectacular room facing the ocean and the food, OMG! French cuisine with a Caribbean twist and great wine... Every little detail made this vacation so special. 

The Island is very small and quite delightful.  Sun, crystal clear sea and picture perfect beaches.  Far from the everyday cliches, it is beautiful preserved nature with a genuine hospitality of the islanders. 

It is actually off season time, but perfect to enjoy some unforgettable experiences; you can get reservation in all restaurants on the Island in the same day and the weather couldn't be more perfect!

Twenty idyllic beaches! Of course I didn't have time to see all but that gives me one more reason to go back! Perfect place to recharge your senses to their fullest... Now you understand why I dint check my e-mails or open my computer?

What to Pack for St Barts:

Bohemian and Resort Chic vibe, keep that in mind

• swimwear & cover-ups
• sunscreen & mosquito repeller
• shoes: wedges & flat sandals
• long and short dresses 
• hat & beach bag

Restaurants I've tried

I believe all places are really amazing there. I didn't have one bad experience, I wish I had tried all!

• Barto at Guanahani Resort & Spa
• Nikki Beach, Sexy Salad is a must try!
• L'Isola, in Gustavia. The best italian in the Island and the best I've ever tried!!!
• Bonito Omg! must!!!
• Le Ti Caribbean Tavern

Beaches

• San Jean is by far my favorite! Beasides Nikki Beach making really easy with great food and amazing drinks you can just relax in one of the beds for only $100 euros (lol) and it's the most lagune like beach with almost no wind and really calm water
• Saline is a perfect peace haven and you don't really need to wear anything! That's right after a little walk to get to the beach on your left is a nudist Beach.
• Gouverneur is really beautiful!
• Colombier, I didn't go but I heard is another really calm one.
• Shell Beach
• Cul de Sac

Amazing Time!!!