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Healing in Hilo, Hawaii

Take a deep breathe, love. It's safe to relax now.

This is how I felt when my partners car rolled up in our Air BNB just outside of Hilo, Hi. It really felt as if we entered into a dimension of relaxation, excitement and paradise.

I've spent time on the Hawaiian Islands (more time than the average traveller), but never to the big Island. I was so amazed by this Air BNB - the check in process was very easy and the host was extremely nice and communicative. I loved the island already.

Photo: Backyard, taken from the Patio of the Air BNB. Book here

Checking into the space, I absolutely loved how it was surrounded by so much nature. It felt like I was safe, nestled in the middle of the beauty of Big Island. There was so much space to explore, and a pool to swim in.

I had an amazing sleep on the comfortable bed, which made waking up tomorrow well-rested the perfect way to begin to explore the Island. During our stay, we took the quick drive into Hilo and stopped at Vibe Cafe for smoothie bowls, avocado toast + of course, Kona Coffee. Then, we proceeded to drive up to the Volcano's National Park to see the active volcano, lava tubes, and have such an incredible say immersed in the vast, majestic and eye-opening nature that the Big Island offers.

After a fun and exciting day on the island, coming back to this blissful Air BNB really elevated the quality of my trip. We cooked up an amazing vegan stirfry in the kitchen before heading to sleep before our flight out the next morning.

You know me - I'm picky about accommodations, but when I kept telling my partner that I wanted to move in here, I meant it. This was 100% the most ideal stay for the Big Island and I couldn't suggest it enough. Actually, BRB while I go text all my friends the link so they can book ASAP. And you should to.

I suggest at least two nights, but this space is perfect for a week long vacation as well, whether you're traveling solo or with your bestie or a partner.

BOOK HERE

See you on the next trip,

XO

Luxury Travel w/ Sarah

[luxurytravelwithsarah]

Healing in Hilo, Hawaii

Take a deep breathe, love. It's safe to relax now.

This is how I felt when my partners car rolled up in our Air BNB just outside of Hilo, Hi. It really felt as if we entered into a dimension of relaxation, excitement and paradise.

I've spent time on the Hawaiian Islands (more time than the average traveller), but never to the big Island. I was so amazed by this Air BNB - the check in process was very easy and the host was extremely nice and communicative. I loved the island already.

Photo: Backyard, taken from the Patio of the Air BNB. Book here

Checking into the space, I absolutely loved how it was surrounded by so much nature. It felt like I was safe, nestled in the middle of the beauty of Big Island. There was so much space to explore, and a pool to swim in.

I had an amazing sleep on the comfortable bed, which made waking up tomorrow well-rested the perfect way to begin to explore the Island. During our stay, we took the quick drive into Hilo and stopped at Vibe Cafe for smoothie bowls, avocado toast + of course, Kona Coffee. Then, we proceeded to drive up to the Volcano's National Park to see the active volcano, lava tubes, and have such an incredible say immersed in the vast, majestic and eye-opening nature that the Big Island offers.

After a fun and exciting day on the island, coming back to this blissful Air BNB really elevated the quality of my trip. We cooked up an amazing vegan stirfry in the kitchen before heading to sleep before our flight out the next morning.

You know me - I'm picky about accommodations, but when I kept telling my partner that I wanted to move in here, I meant it. This was 100% the most ideal stay for the Big Island and I couldn't suggest it enough. Actually, BRB while I go text all my friends the link so they can book ASAP. And you should to.

I suggest at least two nights, but this space is perfect for a week long vacation as well, whether you're traveling solo or with your bestie or a partner.

BOOK HERE

See you on the next trip,

XO

Luxury Travel w/ Sarah

[luxurytravelwithsarah]

[luxurytravelwithsarah]

Best Store for Your Shopping Needs in Scottsdale, Arizona

If you know me, I'm at the mall every single week. Scottsdale happens to have some of my all time favorite shopping centers. The Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale is amazing and high quality, offering stores from the likes of Forever 21 to Anthropologie, offering a well rounded shopping experience.

Shying away from the high-luxury stores that are all located at the Fashion Square (my other favorite shopping mall in Scottsdale, I'm looking at you YSL and Dior), the Scottsdale Quarter is an open-aired shopping experience. On both sides of the major street, you get 100's of stores, restaurants and cafes to choose from.

My absolute favorite store is Alter'd State (shop here ). They are a Christian Based clothing brand, which makes me feel so much better about shopping. Listening to worship music (and the occasional Taylor Swift) playing whilst I shop cultivates an incredible environment and makes me want to spend money on clothing.

Featured: White Cardigan in Size S, & Stacy Floral Midi Dress Size S

They have clothing from dresses, to skirts, to cardigans, to graphic T''s and even their own workout collection (AS Revival). Anytime I walk into the store, my dressing room willl look something like this...

their brilliant colors, high vibrational clothing, and the fact that they are a faith based brand makes Alter'd State my go-to, #1 shopping store in Scottsdale, AZ. Visit them in North Scottsdale beside Fabletics at the Scottsdale Quarter.

Buy something for me, will you?

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SPECIAL FEATURE: Best AirBNB in Scottsdale, Arizona

I am a frequent traveller to Scottsdale and Sedona, and as a retreat host for quarterly retreats to Sedona, I am always getting asked what is the best place to stay in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale is my town of choice to spend one or two nights in on your drive up or down from Sedona, being just a two hour drive south of Sedona and a 15 minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX).

Skip the hotels + stay in a gorgeous Air BNB, just like my #1 Top Choice in Scottsdale: The Scottsdale King!

The Scottsdale King is a three bed, three bath AirBNB right near Downtown Scottsdale, just a short drive away from the Fashion Center. This central location made this AirBNB perfect for my travel needs.

The townhouse is a two story home with gorgeous, high quality interior design. With a master bedroom with a full bathroom attached, including office space, this bedroom was my favorite place to get some work done in the morning and relax after a fun day exploring Scottsdale, Arizona.

They also have an incredible back patio if you want to wake up and drink your coffee whilst basking in the gorgeous sunlight. This space is perfect for friend groups coming to Scottsdale to experience the nightlife, fine dining and incredible wine. I mean, they even have a place where you can leave your wine corks. Cute, isn't it?

My favorite part of this Air BNB was how fully stocked the kitchen was with the ability to cook full meals (such as lasagna, where I cooked an incredible dairy-free, gluten-free Wagyu Steak Lasagna). I loved sitting at the dining room table to enjoy my meal (of course, with a glass of wine)

I even baked a cake after dinner for a beautiful desert (Bake with Me On Instagram ). The grocery store is just across the street (Sprouts) which made cooking and making so much easier.

When you're not enjoying the beautiful Air BNB (which makes you want to relax in it alll day, especially with the on-site swimming pool), I highly suggest doing your luxury shopping at the Fashion Square. Dip your toes into Dior and YSL like me, and maybe even buy a bag as a memory of your incredible trip to Scottsdale, Arizona.

Grab dinner at Maple n Ash or Ocean 44 for fine dining, or Olive and Ivy for a bit of a lower-cost, but still fancy setting + nice meal.

Have an incredible night lounging in the living room and put on your favorite Rom-Com on Netflix, make some popcorn and then have a relaxing sleep in one of the three rooms featuring comfortable beds and beautiful design.

Book the Scottsdale King here: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/29160727?source_impression_id=p3_1707778679_uJ3PUMdGaUSnjWjV.

I highly suggest spending at least three nights here, but this location is incredible for a full week-long vacation. This is truthfully the only location you need to book in Scottsdale. With a communicative and kind host, you will have a smooth checkin process and an easy vacation. Book the Scottsdale King, and make sure to tell your friends to come along on your vacation with you.

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Milky Way at Gilgering, Western Australia

Nikon d810a - 85mm - ISO 6400 - f/2.8 Foreground: 16 x 25 seconds Sky: 62 x 30 seconds iOptron SkyTracker - Hoya Starscape filter

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Best Food in Sedona, Arizona

If you know me, I love fine dining. The higher quality the food, the better. Which is why I'm OBSESSED with Willow's Kitchen in Sedona, Arizona. Willow's is inside of my Poco Diablo Resort on state route 89A, a five minute drive from downtown Sedona and a five minute drive to Cathedral Rock and Chapel Hill.

If I choose a hotel in Sedona, it's almost always going to be Poco. If I choose food, it's also almost always going to be Willow's. The staff is absolutely exceptional and detail oriented and the menu is incredible.

Their turkey breast meal with roasted vegetables was a warm, comforting meal after a long day hiking the trails in the cold winters in the desert. Cooked to perfection, this meal came with a side of mashed potatoes (not pictured because I ate them before I could take a photo because ~chefs kiss~).

But my favorite meal?

The wild-caught Atlantic Salmon over Wild Rise and Steamed kale, with a drizzle of pesto. The salmon was cooked perfect to a medium well (and if you don't like the cook of your meat/fish, the chef will remake your full meal free of charge - my first time getting this meal I ordered medium rare and it was too rare, and the chef and waiters were extremely understanding and remade the full dish, offering me to eat the sides whilst I waited for the entire plate to be remade).

I love when a restaurant has exceptional food, intelligent and vast menu, and especially high quality customer service. This is why I highly recommend dining at Willow's Kitchen whilst in Sedona. Book a night or two at the Poco while you're there too if you want to try the complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. They have happy hour snacks + drinks too!

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Summer Milky Way at Lake Ninan, Western Australia

Nikon d810a - 50mm - ISO 6400 - f/2.8 Foreground: 11 x 6 seconds Sky: 30 x 30 seconds iOptron SkyTracker Nantong Foric H-Alpha 20nm narrowband filter

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Summer Milky Way at Lake Ninan, Western Australia

Nikon d810a - 50mm - ISO 6400 - f/2.8 Foreground: 11 x 6 seconds Sky: 30 x 30 seconds iOptron SkyTracker Nantong Foric H-Alpha 20nm narrowband filter

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Pleiades, Seven Sisters

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Finding your Soul in Colorado Springs

The birds are chirping as I wake up at the Kinship Landing Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. Just an hour south of Denver is this gorgeous little town in the Rocky Mountains, with a magical location called the Garden of the God's just a short 20 minute drive west.

Staying at Kinship was a magical + ideal destination for me. With their beautiful wood floors and ceilings, you get the rustic feeling of a mountain cabin whilst in the city.

I wake each morning and make my morning coffee whilst spending some time journalling and meditating. When I was done my peaceful morning routine I took a short two minute walk to a cafe across the street to get my daily Iced Americano with Vanilla Syrup, and opted for a Quinoa & Sweet potato bowl for lunch. After my lunch and some trip planning and photo editing, I took an uber 20 minutes to the Garden of the Gods.

This place was absolutely sacred and special. I spent hours here just meditating on the red rocks, breathing deeply, and writing about my souls purpose.

I felt so much peace and bliss at the Gardens, before I went back to Kinship and had an incredible evening of meditation, work, and phone calls with my best friends. I highly suggest booking at Kinship Landing during your trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado. I would suggest a weekend trip arriving early Friday (they let me check in at 11am, subject to availability) and leaving Sunday night (they have storage lockers for your luggage if you travelled without a car). This gives you three full days to explore the Garden of the Gods, & enjoy your time at Kinship.

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