Travel Inspiration


Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

Favorite Hotels From TV Worth A Real Life Visit

If you’re anything like me, you’ve had the “White Lotus” theme song stuck in your head all week. And while I await the the tragic hero Tanya’s fate, I'm providing your daily dose of wanderlust — this time, courtesy of the small screen.

TV shows can provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life; those set at stunning hotels offer an even more welcome hiatus: travel without leaving the couch. But what if we could actually visit the TV destinations we dream about? Well, it turns out we can. Many hotels featured in some of the latest popular shows — including Season 2 of “White Lotus” — are indeed open for business, ready to treat and pamper real-life guests, just as they do on the screen.

Here, I’ve amassed a list of some of my favorites, all worth a trip off the couch and across the globe. It’s worth noting, though, that TV shows take certain liberties with names, locations and the like. (Example: "The Resort,” a new comedy-drama on Peacock takes place in Mexico, but was filmed in Puerto Rico, at different locations.)

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Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

An Insiders Guide To Where To Eat, Stay and Play in Ireland

Ireland is small and mighty (it’s about the size of South Carolina). You can really experience a lot — luxe countryside castles, charming towns, bustling cities, stunning seaside cliffs, rolling green hills — without traveling too far.

The people are witty and welcoming, inhabiting a delightful blend of friendliness and crackly humor that result from overcoming historic struggles (famines, political strife). The Irish people are tough — they’ve endured a lot — and they’ve come out on the other side as warm as ever.

The country, too, is as vibrant as ever. Dublin is a dynamic city brimming with local pubs, gourmet restaurants, beautiful hotels, museums, parks — not to mention a rich literary and intellectual history (many an author and playwright has called Dublin home). There are several other towns worth exploring, each with their own unique vibe and energy. Ireland’s natural splendor, from enchanting woodlands and lakes to rugged mountains, captivates. And then there are the castles, of course.

Despite its small size, Ireland has something for everyone, and does not disappoint. When you connect with me, I’ll work with you to understand what you’re looking for, and craft your dream itinerary from there. In the meantime, below is a sampling of things to do, places to eat and where to stay in a few lovely Irish cities, a little Ireland travel inspiration, if you will.

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Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

An Insider's Guide to Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi doesn’t seem like it should be in the United States. The tropical archipelago in the South Pacific is a veritable paradise, a geological marvel brimming with greenery and wildlife.

Hawaiʻi consists of six major islands — Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui and the The Island of Hawaiʻi (also called The Big Island) — plus several smaller islands and atolls. The islands themselves are the result of volcanic activity in the middle of one of Earth’s tectonic plates. In fact, the Big Island is still technically being formed, in a way, by its active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. A little over 20 miles southeast of the archipelago is the Kamaʻehuakanaloa Seamount, an active underwater volcano that may one day become Hawaiʻi’s newest island.

Here is where to go for a mix of everything: lounge the day away on the beach, embark on satisfyingly grueling hikes, explore laid-back towns, golf, snorkel, eat outstanding food, connect with the local culture…Hawaiʻi offers something for everyone.

Below is a collection of recommendations for where to stay, what to do and where to eat on Hawaiʻi’s five habitable islands — the Big Island, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi and Maui. This is just a sampling, of course — a little travel inspiration — as Hawaiʻi’s options abound. You won’t be at a loss for things to enjoy.

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Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

3 Days In Rome Travel Guide

Rome is not just a destination; it's a promise—a promise that every moment spent in Rome is a moment well-lived and etched in the memories of those who embrace its magic.

Pro tip: Opt for October through April for the perfect weather—summers can be quite warm.

Rome is well-known as a city rich in history, but if you enjoy exploring beyond what is highlighted in the guide books, read on! This guide highlights the must-see historic sites of Rome with some of my favorite slower-paced wanderings, including neighborhoods to explore, and fountains to photograph. I've also included some local customs around evening habits and dining that are helpful to know for your visit to Rome.

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Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

An Insider’s Guide To Where To Eat, Stay and Play in Central and West London

You’ll likely be spending most of your time in Central and West London, where you’ll find the city’s most popular attractions, like Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben. These areas are especially great if you're a London first-timer, or if you want to check off the city's greatest hits from your bucket list. But Central and West London are also home to posh neighborhoods, each with their own distinctive feel. Unsurprisingly, you’ll also find many of the city’s best hotels here, where glamor (or rather, glamour) and luxury reign.

Witness the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, don your chicest ensemble for afternoon tea, rent a paddle boat on Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake, visit the city's world-class museums — immersive activities abound. But you should also budget ample time for wandering and serendipity, as London is full of hidden gems.

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Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

3 Beautiful Hotels in Budapest

Budapest, the charming Hungarian capital straddling the Danube, is a gem of a city; in fact, it’s really two cities, Buda and Pest. Walk from one city to the other via the Széchenyi Chain Bridge (a must), wander around the cobblestoned streets of Castle Hill, where you’ll find the historic Buda Castle complex, listen to the grand organ at St. Stephen's Basilica, savor goulash and chicken paprikash in a cozy bistro (or at a Michelin-Starred restaurant)...I could go on.

You won’t be at a loss for things to do in Budapest. There are numerous neighborhoods to explore, from the bustling Terézváros to the under-the-radar Józsefváros. As for where to stay, let me help narrow down your options. Read on for a few of the best hotels in Budapest.

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Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

5 Magical Hotels in Prague

Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital straddling the Vltava River, is fit for a fairytale. There are medieval castles and charming narrow streets (perfect for wandering) and beautiful bridges offering stunning views...the list goes on.

Prague is also, unsurprisingly, home to some pretty spectacular hotels.

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Kelly Melillo Kelly Melillo

4 of My Favorite Hotels In Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s magical capital city, deserves a spot on any bucket list. Stroll along the Danube, marvel at the Gothic architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, wander in the lush Belvedere gardens, peruse the chic local boutiques of the Neubau neighborhood, walk the Ringstrasse — a boulevard that surrounds Vienna’s historic inner city — enjoy a night at the opera house...I could go on. But an excellent trip requires an excellent place to stay, of course, and Vienna has some serious hotel game. From fun boutique stays to five-star hotels, these are the best hotels in Vienna.

Hotel Sacher Wien

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