If you’re searching for one of the best hotels in Tokyo, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku might be the one. I had such a pleasure staying at this serene retreat in the heart of Shinjuku just a couple of weeks ago. I’m already thinking of when I can visit again when the weather isn’t too hot for a longer soak in their open-air onsen while taking in stunning views of the city skyline.

With a modern take on a traditional style inn, this hotel offers a perfect mix of relaxation and convenience, making it an ideal staycation spot if you’re visiting/staying in Tokyo for a long time. The minimalist design throughout the hotel and rooms with natural wood details create a calm atmosphere that feels worlds away from Shinjuku’s busy streets.

For me, the traditional Japanese breakfast, included with the stay was definitely the highlight. It was beautifully presented, with such nourishing dishes like grilled fish, steamed rice, miso soup, and pickles. It was the perfect start to my mornings and also part of the overall relaxing stay.

Since it is located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is perfectly situated for exploring Tokyo’s top attractions, shopping, and dining — but if you’re in the mood for something new and delicious nearby, I recommend having lunch at GRIN, a chic Italian place right outside of Shinjuku Gyoen.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I’ve curated a special collection of my favorite stays in the country and some of the best hotels in Tokyo through my very own Expedia’s Travel Shop. My "All Around Japan" collection features handpicked hotels like Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku and other hotels that I’ve stayed at and loved. These are places I personally recommend for anyone seeking a memorable experience across Japan. Make sure to check out my Travel Shop when you’re planning for your next Tokyo adventure!

Press/Media Stay. All opinions are my own. Discover more unique hotel stays in Japan like Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku. See more Asia Destinations on FOREVERVANNY.
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Camera Gear Used: Nikon D750 (body only) with 50mm F1/4 and 24-85mm F3.5 lens.

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Summer's Clean Slate

I was standing on the bathroom line at Bangkok’s airport a few nights ago and jotted down this quick note: “social trends come and go but our thoughts are not temporary”. Yes, I had the chance to quickly visit Bangkok for the first time recently, and really fell in love with the people of Thailand from what I’ve seen and felt so far. It’s a place that I can’t wait to visit again just because it was one of those places where being there felt like receiving a big hug.

Pretty sure that with the lack of blog posts in the past year, you probably already know that I’ve taken quite a step back from sharing a lot of my deeper thoughts online. These days, as a content creator, every time I hop on an application I’m faced with a dilemma of posting for the sake of posting or curating it so that it actually reaches the people that I hope that it reaches, people who opted in to hear me. And I guess in a way, this is my fault, and it’s something that I don’t think most creators will admit, but I just haven’t been able to stay consistent. There isn’t one specific source to blame for this, but mainly, I will personally own up to the fact that my thoughts just haven’t been swayed much to keep up with how quickly social media trends turnover. And I just hate the idea of social trends making me leave permanent temporary thoughts to be traceable in this (my own) digital space.

All in all, I guess this is also my big excuse for this pretty plain outfit that I’ve been repeating all summer long in Tokyo. Beach-coverups is probably my biggest tip for wanting to layer in Japan’s summer heat, even if you’re in the city.

It’s been over 10 years since I’ve kept this blog going, and as I look back on some older posts, I realize how permanent some of the things I’ve thought to be are and how some of those thoughts have manifested in certain aspects of my life too. Of course, it’s not wrong to be on the lookout for the next new thing, but with these thoughts, I just want to let you know that I’ll be here, drifting slowly, the way that I’ve been since you chanced upon me.

If you’re reading this, I hope you’ve been well. Hopefully, I’ll have some more realtime thoughts to share with you next time.

Top: Ambra Maddalena white coverup, Free People cropped tank
Pants: FRAME Denim
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch in Raffia

Photo by Shun S.

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Shearling in Seoul

Had the chance to visit Seoul for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and it was the perfect place to break out this shearling coat by Sandro that I haven't been able to wear in the past couple of years due to living in South America. It's difficult to explain just how warm this coat is, so that's why even though it was one of the coldest days in Seoul so far this year, I was able to layer a couple of my summer tops together underneath while strolling Bukchon Hanok Village early one morning.

Time is flying by so quickly and after spending a couple of years in the southern hemisphere, I'm quite dreadful of the winter months again to tell the truth. That said, I'm looking forward to some mild winter days in December while I'm in Tokyo this year. At least this shearling coat's performance in Seoul gave me some reassurance of actual *warmth* once winter actually arrives.

Shearling Coat: Sandro Paris (similar)
Top: Cecilie Bahnsen (also worn here)
Pants: Agolde Balloon Jeans (in light wash)
Shoes: By Far Sofia Boots
Bag: Yuzefi Pretzel Knot Bag


Photo by Shun S.

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Back in Tokyo, Again

5 months flew by so quickly, but hello, I'm back. I hope the new hair color is easy on your eyes too, but for me, it's been an inspiring some new wardrobe updates. I'm excited to pick up on this blog again, and share some of the outfits I've been dying to wear in the past year or so. I'll start us off with this pair of cargos from Acne Studios that I've had on my wishlist since last season. I have always been a fun top, boring bottom type of person, but now I'm going all out with fun top and bottoms. Orseund Iris tops are always dreamy to me, but this one is just the perfect transition top from late summer to early fall. It's so flattering, but also so soft. I wish I can also have this in back or gray too!

Top: Orseund Iris "La Sirena Top"
Pants: Acne Studios Cargo Denim
Shoes: Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers
Bag: Bottega Veneta
Accessories: Completed Works earrings, Justine Clenquet necklace

Photo by Shun S.

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Denim Jacket and Beaded Skirt in CDMX

Long skirts are having a moment, from satin, to denim, and even tailored ones, but it was just the right timing for me to bring this beaded skirt back out to play on the last trip to CDMX. For those with keen eyes, you might remember seeing this somewhere before, and yes, it was a skirt I wore to ring in the New Year back in 2021 at the EDITION Barcelona. It's not anything new around here to see me repeat pieces and even outfits, but I just thought I'd update you on how to wear this beaded skirt in a very everyday, casual way.

Denim Jacket: Burberry x Supreme (Agolde oversized option)
Top: Aritiza Sculpted Knit Tank
Skirt: Asos (another beaded skirt)
Shoes: Nike LDWaffle (on Farfetch)
Bag: Bottega Veneta Mini Rafia Pouch
Accessories: Notte Jewelry

Photo by Shun S.

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A Design Stay at Uma Casa in CDMX, Mexico

Finally sharing this gem of a hotel with you guys after just staying there again for the second time on our most recent trip to CDMX. I get really lucky on my travels because most of the hotels end up meeting my expectations, but Uma Casa was one of those that exceeded them completely. This family-run boutique hotel located in the upscale Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood offers an unparalleled experience that's both modern and elegant, with a touch of Mexican heritage that truly sets it apart from any of my other hotel experiences in Mexico City.

While the hotel's design is sleek and sophisticated, with luxurious amenities and spacious rooms, it is the cozy feeling like you're in your very own home that makes it difficult to leave. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood making it the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine in the evening. What really makes Uma Casa one of my favorite hotels in Mexico City is the impeccable and attentive service. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that their guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay, from providing recommendations on nearby restaurants and activities to making sure that every need is taken care of. On our first trip, the hotel even helped me coordinate a whole excursion to see Teotihuacan with just a day's prior notice.

While the hotel isn't located in the bustling areas of CDMX such as Roma Norte or Polanco, having stayed here during our very first trip to Mexico City, and this second trip, I would argue that the location is ideal for those looking to return to a cozy room to recoup and recover for exploring the city. For me, Uma Casa is the perfect choice for anyone looking for the best hotel in Mexico City. It offers a luxurious and comfortable retreat that perfectly captures the city's vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage, with impeccable service that's second to none.

Bookmark this boutique design hotel Uma Casa for your next visit to Mexico City. See more unique hotels on FOREVERVANNY.
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Camera Gear Used: Nikon D750 (body only) with 50mm F1/4 and 24-85mm F3.5 lens.

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