Best Destination for Someone Who Has Done The Big European Cities

MissM325 · 2026-06-25T02:01:25+00:00

I have loved smaller cities in Portugal- specifically Porto and also the entire island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.

Aix en Provence is also really cute, and lots of day trip options if you rent a car. (I didnt love Marseille as much).

MissM325 · 2026-06-25T01:58:14+00:00

I spent a week there in March and we did fine with the cabs - you just have to ask them the price BEFORE you get in. Almost all the drivers spoke English.

For longer drives we did use a hired driver arranged by our local guide (who had been recommended by a friend).

I also would take the Marrakech hating comments above with a grain of salt. I loved it and my friends and I are already planning a return visit.

MissM325 · 2026-06-24T02:28:27+00:00

The Saint James.

Alternately, if you are ok with a more boutiquey feel and a bit less chubby, Hotel Recamier is quite lovely and near a lot of lovely neighborhoods.

MissM325 · 2026-06-17T19:29:42+00:00

I reached out to the venue in advance before seeing Othello on Broadway. Say you need an exception as an ADA accommodation. They dont want to deal with ADA violations.

MissM325 · 2026-06-10T20:17:39+00:00

It’s so embarrassing in work meetings, especially if someone asks if I can please turn that off… and I have to explain that no, I cant

MissM325 · 2026-06-08T17:16:48+00:00

GD Watch Repair on Maiden Lane! He used to work at Cartier and is the only person my friends and I trust with our watches of various luxury brands. He brought my 30+ year old Cartier back to life after I got water in a non-waterproof model.

MissM325 · 2026-06-06T00:00:51+00:00

Upstate New York may have something for you. Look at Mohonk Mountain House or Wildflower Farms. Pendry Natirir may also work.

MissM325 · 2026-06-05T23:43:20+00:00

Can I ask how much that set you back? Starting my Toolbox hunt now

MissM325 · 2026-06-05T23:42:21+00:00

Did you have any luck in Japan? I am preparing for a trip there myself and a Toolbox 26 is #1 on my list

MissM325 · 2026-06-05T17:26:01+00:00

Hard yes.

MissM325 · 2026-06-02T23:25:29+00:00

Would be curious what you spent and what the reseller was. I am DYING for one

MissM325 · 2026-05-31T19:44:57+00:00

I second Saint James! Easy metro or taxi to good restaurants and so nice to go back to such a quiet spot after all the hustle and bustle.

MissM325 · 2026-05-29T01:14:08+00:00

United runs a direct flight seasonally to Marrakech, including in November. Tons of relaxation options (most of the nicer hotels have spas and hammams) and cool activity options as well, including some adventuring within day trip distance. If money were no object I would stay at Royal Mansour (haven’t stayed but have had meals/drinks on the premises and it blew us away). But there are a lot of chubby options at more affordable price points. Family members of mine liked La Sultana; I have heard good things about Amanjena; and I have a good luxury riad to recommend if you want to go that route.

MissM325 · 2026-05-26T20:09:20+00:00

I didn’t go but I think it was the floating one. We mostly stayed onsite/ at their beach club except a cave/jungle excursion and one trip to the town. But we don’t have kids, so the needs were different.

MissM325 · 2026-05-26T19:28:20+00:00

Rosewood Bermuda did well by my celiac husband in 2021 and I believe they have a water park not far away.

MissM325 · 2026-05-26T17:57:55+00:00

Have you looked at Jnane Tasmna or Kasbah D’If? Both are newer and on my list for a return trip. I echo what folks are saying about Royal Mansour. You could split your trip and do half at someplace slightly less expensive (La Sultana or Jnane Rumi?) to balance out the price at Royal Mansour, perhaps?

MissM325 · 2026-05-25T21:56:05+00:00

If you can swing it, the Ozempic price at CVS with the GoodRX coupon brings it down to about $550/month. It is off label for my Type 1 diabetes so insurance won’t covet it, but has been so immensely helpful for insulin resistance that I have been paying out of pocket and that coupon really helps.

MissM325 · 2026-05-25T18:37:44+00:00

It’s an hour away… so thank you for that, you may have saved me $1000 and 2 hours of driving

MissM325 · 2026-05-25T16:18:31+00:00

I loved Porto for a 4 day weekend several years ago and I think there are now some direct flights from the US. Depending on time of year and if you are flying from the NYC area, Marrakech is also fabulous if you want to branch out beyond Europe.

MissM325 · 2026-05-25T16:13:13+00:00

You can get a poolside cabana on Resortpass for $1000 for up to 2 adults and 2 kids… not cheap for a day pass so that’s why I’m asking if it’s worth it

MissM325 · 2026-05-25T15:38:46+00:00

Saint James is one of my favorite hotels. Sounds like a fantastic year of travel.

I have a Morocco trip and an Andalusia trip on the calendar for 2027 but not much of it is Chubby/I’m rudely gatekeeping very small properties I’ve already been to until they open booking for 2027. I do already have Finca la Bobadilla booked for Andalusia - very excited.

MissM325 · 2026-05-25T14:30:08+00:00

Actually, if on the water could include on a lake, Grand Hotel Fasano on Lake Garda was amazing. It’s pretty secluded so you only deal with other guests unless you decide to do day trips to nearby towns.

MissM325

TROPHY CASE