Wanderlust Wednesday: Coron

It's almost cruel to myself to post about a place so warm and relaxing while I sit here in ten degree weather in Chicago, but looking back I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to take this trip. Here goes.

Last December I took a trip to the Philippines to attend a wedding just outside of Manila, so added a few island getaways to the mix during my 2 week trip. The trip was very reasonably priced once we finally got to the Philippines , but with 15 hours from Chicago to Hong Kong, 2 hours from Hong Kong to Manila and roughly an hour from Manila to Coron, you can only assume the transportation costs. But it's all worth it once you finally get there!

So here are some photos from Coron, an area of the Palawan Province, just about an hour flight away from Manila. Travel & Leisure highlighted Palawan as No. 1 on the World's Best Island list last summer, so it was only natural that I take that advice before it becomes the next big thing! Our Coron portion of the trip lasted only three days, but everyday we woke up early to go on boating excursions that took us to to fresh water lakes, deserted islands, prime snorkeling spots, hiking. Our boating tour guides helped us select fresh seafood from the "wet market" in the mornings and cooked it for us mid-excursion. We even drank fresh coconut water! Typing this out makes me feel like it was all a dream as the beaches were the most pristine that I have ever seen in my life, the people so accommodating and the seafood so fresh. Take me back.

Next up on the Wanderlust list: Boracay and Manila.

 

XOXO, IN LOVE WITH CHICAGO

Wanderlust Wednesday

One year ago I visited my favorite place in the world to date: Capri. There truly is something for everybody on the island, just off the coast of Naples. Luxury to bed and breakfast lodging, relaxing on the beach, high end shopping, amazing seafood, and even a bustling night life. Sean and I went to attend a wedding, but we had plenty of time to experience everything Capri has to offer. If I had to give one piece of advice it would be to all women: leave your heels at home-the cobblestone streets will kill you! I did wear heels a few of the nights but carried sandals in a stylish little sack. I cannot wait for my next trip to Capri!!

What we did during the day: Rented boats for an excursion all around the island, lounged after trekking our way to the Fontelina Beach Club, ate the freshest of the fresh at Fontelina Restaurant

What we did at night: Enjoyed some live music at Anema E Core, dined at the stunning STUNNING Da Paolino Lemon Trees Restaurant, enjoyed cocktails at Jacky, our hotel bar (term is used very loosely in this context), danced until an undisclosed hour at Bye Bye baby, attended a wedding at the breathtaking Il Riccio of the Capri Palace

Where we stayed: Capri Tiberio Palace. I believe I read the boutique hotel's style as "Mod Mediterranean" in a review and I just loved how the decor was not too beachy but rather chic.

How we got there: Chicago (ORD) flight -> Rome train -> Naples Ferry -> Capri

Getting around: lots of walking as many of the roads are too narrow and steep for cabs, cabs for main roads, cable car from the base of the island to the top