CHECKING IN / 002
From planning European birthday trips & spending 36 hours in Paso Robles to a charming boutique hotel in Paris and sharing what I'm packing for a weekend in New York, it's all here + then some.
Welcome to “CHECKING IN” - a series where I’ll cover what I’m working on, where I’m traveling, recent hôtel critiques, what’s on my radar, and more. I hope to share inspiration and details on unique destinations, honest reviews, mini-location guides, a little bit of fashion, and a little bit of everything in between.
Planning | What I’m currently researching and booking for some of my clients:
I am putting the finishing touches on my client’s Italian Honeymoon by dotting the itinerary with dining reservations and activities. We are adding everything from Michelin-star dining to cozy local restaurants, cooking classes, a boat day along the coast, beach clubs, wine tasting, museum tours, and downtime to explore and stumble on places of their own.
A European birthday trip staying at Suvretta House in St. Moritz, Eight Hotels in Portofino, and Villa d’Este in Lake Como.
Another birthday trip to Paris + Copenhagen. I'm excited about this one because I adore Paris and have plenty of recommendations for things to do and places to eat. Plus, I’m excited to pair this trip with Copenhagen, as opposed to the typical Amsterdam duo (in my opinion).
A hotel-only booking in London with personalized recommendations. I lived in London last year for 7 months and can’t wait to send this client to all of my favorite spots since we share very similar tastes.
A few other destinations are in the beginning phases of planning: Portugal, Paris in the fall, Southeast Asia for the holidays, and hopefully, a personal trip to Egypt with my husband.
Hôtel Critique | Hotel Il Pellicano
It all started with two lovers and a hideaway-
In the 1960s, an American socialite and a British aviator created a private romantic hideaway in a secret cove of Monte Argentario, captivated by its beauty and stunning views. Their glamorous friends, from Hollywood stars to European high society, gathered there to enjoy the pristine sea and moonlit parties. In 1965, this enchanting Tuscan home became Il Pellicano.
In 1979, Roberto Sciò, a renowned businessman, fell in love with the property and purchased it, ensuring it retained its inviting atmosphere. Today, his daughter Marie-Louise, the Creative Director and CEO of Pellicano Hotels Group, leads the property, maintaining its unique blend of free-spirited charm and timeless elegance.
Hotel Il Pellicano exudes a chic Mediterranean vibe, blending luxurious, timeless charm with a laid-back, stylish atmosphere.
The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, many with sea views and private terraces. For the best views, request a room in the Main Building or Cottage G. Keep in mind that Cottage G requires a golf cart ride, which can make it less convenient to return to your room during the day. While the rooms are clean and well-maintained, some could benefit from a refresh to give them a bit more life.
Amenities include a Michelin-starred restaurant, a casual grill, a very private beach club, a pool (though small, the ocean nearby makes up for it), and a wellness center with beauty treatments. Guests can also enjoy fitness activities like tennis or a leisurely boat day ranging from 1-4 hours (with options to charter through a local company), boutique shopping, and excursions to explore the surrounding Tuscan beauty.
Don't miss The Teller, an innovative take on the classic Negroni crafted by Bar Manager Federico Morosi at Bar All’Aperto.
Traveling |
I recently spent about 36 hours in Paso Robles celebrating a friend’s engagement and fell in love. The town feels like something out of a Hallmark movie.
-I loved our morning coffee at H. Cheval Coffee in downtown Paso Robles, next to Hotel Cheval- an intimate 16-room boutique luxury hotel tucked just off Paso Robles' historic town square.
-I highly recommend Booker Wines; it strikes the perfect balance between modern and authentic charm. We had our tasting in their wine cellar and it was beautiful.
With over 200 wineries and plenty of great restaurants, you can easily spend a weekend here sipping and enjoying.
I am heading to New York over Memorial Day Weekend, and I can’t wait to share where we eat + sip, what we do, and where we stay. After that, personal travel is a bit in the air as I’ll be heading back home to Manhattan Beach and then possibly meeting my husband in Southeast Asia after he finishes his job in Malaysia in mid-June.
On My Radar | It’s always so hard to narrow this down…
Eat: La Matriciana dal 1870 is a no-fuss setting for Roman dishes like pasta, meats & seafood, known for their bucatini all’amatriciana.
It is cooked everywhere and imitated by many, but the original “amatriciana” was born in Amatrice. A courageous woman from Amatrice arrived in Rome near the old Termini Station and began preparing the renowned "bucatini all'amatriciana" for passing greengrocers with limited resources.
With the passing of time, enthusiastic Romans joined greengrocers going to the market in order to taste the appetizing bucatini of the “Amatriciana” (the woman coming from Amatrice).
Due to a mispronunciation in the Roman dialect, the sign became La Matriciana, and the dish was renamed the "5 P's dish": pasta, pancetta, pomodoro, pecorino, and peperoncino.
Today, owned by the Crisciotti family and run by brothers Fabio and Mauro, La Matriciana maintains its original Thirties structure. It offers traditional Roman cuisine with seasonal specials, complemented by a well-stocked cellar curated by the sommelier brothers
Sip: Foreign Exchange, a spot in London to enjoy a magazine, your morning newspaper, a perfect cup of coffee, or, most recently added, an apertivo.
Stay: Hôtel Château des Fleurs in Paris, France.
Vibe: Château des Fleurs exudes elegance and sophistication. Paying homage to the Belle Epoque era, the hotel has a charming and romantic ambiance, seamlessly blending classic French style with contemporary comfort. I personally love the illuminated keys at check-in and the accent of the red and cream tiling in the bathrooms and dip pool.
Location: Situated at the top of the prestigious Champs Elysées, just off the iconic Arc de Triomphe and within the renowned Golden Triangle, Château des Fleurs is in the heart of shopping, dining, and attractions.
Rooms: Arrive in their Art Nouveau-inspired rooms, where gentle curves, textured wood, and vibrant accents evoke the spirit of Paris' golden age. Soft, curved lines harmonize with either hardwood floors or cane-patterned carpets, while Parisian shutters bathe the space in natural light. The bathroom tiles lend a touch of historic charm. These rooms strike the perfect balance between elegance and a cheeky Parisian flair.
Restaurant: The chic and convivial living area is the place to taste the original, Korean-inspired cuisine of Chef Ji-Hye Park, who created OMA, and to discover the cocktails imagined - and the fine spirits sourced by Julien Quettier.
Spa: For relaxation and rejuvenation, the Omnisens spa offers treatment areas, a dip pool, a sauna, and a fitness area.
Do: The Los Olivos Jazz and Olive Festival is happening on June 8th, where you can:
Taste wines from 28 local wineries
Listen to world-class jazz musicians perform live
Sample 27 different olive-themed dishes prepared by local chefs
I would stay at The Inn at Matteis Tavern, shop at Coco Belle Los Olivos, dine at Bar Le Cote nearby, visit Bell’s in Los Alamos (+ a quick stop into Bodega Los Alamos for a glass of wine and a game of bocce ball) , or visit S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez.
Packing | I’m heading to New York for a little weekend getaway, and I’m currently packing:
Mid Waist Slit Jeans (similar)
Listening | A playlist with a laid-back, eclectic vibe and a French retro touch.
Reading |
First Lie Wins: *still reading* a twist-filled psychological thriller about a con artist/thief fighting to keep her identity a secret. It tells the story of Evie Porter, a con artist whose real name is Lucca Marino. “Evie” has been hired by a mysterious employer, known only as Mr. Smith, to infiltrate the life of a young, handsome businessman named Ryan Sumner. The tone is giving Rosamund Pike Gone Girl-esque, which makes the read more enjoyable for me.
Current Substack obsessions:
The Love List by
Chic Things by
The Strict List by
Yolo Intel by
Unpolished by
Gift of Gabs by
Remotely by
Happy Hoteling by
Jenny Sais Quoi by
Bad Influence by
Watching |
I loved "The Gentlemen," the Netflix series based on Guy Ritchie's original movie. Set against the backdrop of a sprawling weed empire, the show follows Edward Horniman's (Theo James - !!) unexpected inheritance of a vast estate and title. As he navigates the treacherous world of crime and deception, his encounters are laced with sharp humor and clever repartee, delivered in rich English accents (cue Kaya Scodelario). It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves charismatic characters and witty dialogue.
I always find it challenging to pick a movie at the end of the day when I'm not following a series. So, I've been using Letterboxd to keep a "watchlist" and create my own lists of favorite films. Letterboxd is like a film diary that lets you explore movies, see what's popular among your friends and the wider community, and build and share your own film lists.
Wishlist | This section serves as a fun outlet for me to compile what I'm eyeing in beauty, fashion, interiors, and more.
These Jacquemus Yellow Slingback Pumps are so fun!
Finding tops is rare for me as I usually stick with the basics, but I love this & Other Stories Sculptural Corset Top. It’s classic but still unique.
Spinelli Kilcollin Ring (the most simplified version)
I have business cards being made, and I think this Lutz Morris card holder is so beautiful.
A classic button-down always makes a good closet staple.
I’ve been eyeing these Still Here NY jeans for so long, and they finally came back in stock in my size.
I love the design and color of these glasses.
These simple strappy heels would be perfect for summer dinners out.
For the home: this pot, vintage plates, and a silver pitcher. We recently moved into a bigger home and have been taking our time furnishing and decorating it, but I love the juxtaposition of older pieces and modern touches.
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing this. Xx
Ahh! So much good stuff in here.
Can't believe how many links I clicked in a single Substack post—this has got to be a new record for me. I genuinely can't believe how much incredible inspo you share for free, Jordan! We're so lucky. Counting down the days 'til your NY trip! 🌼✨