Author: katie

  • Ronda

    One of Andalusia’s oldest towns, this historic Moorish settlement sits located on a rocky mountain, offering breathtaking views of vineyards, olive groves, and the valley below along the Rio Guadalevin. I visited Ronda twice, and both times I encountered a street musician beautifully playing his guitar. It was truly a…

  • Canyoning the Guadalmina

    I booked my canyoning excursion with South Coast Aventuras, based on a recommendation from a local friend. The excursion took place on the Guadalmina River. Julio, my tour guide, picked me up at my hotel in his van. We pulled over and suited up in our wetsuits. Two French tourists…

  • Marbella Old Town

    Old Town Marbella captures the true spirit of the city, with its charming cobblestone streets. Explore the charming, whitewashed streets lined with boutique shops. Discover the local history through iconic buildings and indulge in a delightful dining experience at some of Marbella’s top restaurants. Plaza de los Naranjos, commonly referred…

  • Puerto Banús 

    Puerto Banús is a playground for the rich and famous, renowned for its collection of high-end boutiques, its vibrant culinary scene featuring gourmet restaurants, and its lavish yachts. I ran about 2.3 miles on the Golden Mile, from Puente Romano to Puerto Banús. It’s a lovely beach path with some nice…

  • Córdoba

    Córdoba is famous for its Mezquita (Great Mosque), the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Synagogue, and the Roman Bridge. The city is characterized by narrow streets, squares, fountains, and flower-filled courtyards. My friend Christy and I took a 50-minute train ride from Malaga. Entry to the Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba…

  • Caminito Del Rey

    After renting a car in Malaga, Christy and I began our hour-long drive to Caminito del Rey, a gorge in El Chorro. Tickets are available at the entrance. We purchased guided tour tickets but left the group midway through the 4.8-mile hike.

  • Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

    This stunning resort is located along Kauai’s south shore on Poipu Beach. This luxury beachfront oasis with lush gardens offers ocean view dining, rooms with private lanais, championship golf and Anara Spa. There are many pools to choose from, including an adult only pool. There’s a lagoon to play in,…

  • Good Eats

    Merriman’s is an upscale restaurant renowned for its exceptional cuisine, live music, and world-class Mai Tais. Although we hadn’t made reservations, we were fortunate to snag a seat at the communal table, which was a lively and social dining experience. For my appetizer, I opted for the innovative tako “escargot,”…

  • Beaches & Sunsets

    Hanalei Beach, nestled in North Shore, Princeville, is a stunning beach renowned for its excellent surfing conditions. After soaking up the sun at the beach, I wandered along Kuhio Highway and treated myself to a delicious meal from a food truck. The town was vibrant with activity, offering plenty of…

  • Hiking Trails

    The Honopu Ridge Trail was a highlight of my trip. I hiked to the Na Pali Coast lookout point before turning back as the sun began to set. The round trip was about 4.5 miles. The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail at Shipwreck Beach is a hidden gem, offering 2 miles of…