If I'm being honest, Uruguay was never a country that I thought I would end up visiting and experiencing with such leisure. For a long weekend, while I'm currently living in Peru, the boyfriend and I stumbled across Sacromonte Landscape Hotel and Vineyard in Maldonado Uruguay, which we thought would make for a comfortable first look at what this country had to offer. As it is a vineyard, one does have an option to visit for lunch and wine tasting experience or stay a night, we chose the later. Upon arrival, we were greeted with such amazing landscapes that I thought that we were lost somewhere in the countryside of Spain. Random to say but I think we passed by more cows than cars or people along the drive to the vineyard, and later learned that there's just about as much as 4x the amount of cows as the population of Uruguay. Which means, beef is amazing here- and what we ate plenty of during our stay at Sacromonte and Uruguay for the next few days.

While we are currently in the summer season in Lima, the sky is still overcasted most days, so getting to see clear skies and super green grass was something I felt like I always took for granted after how excited they made me feel in Uruguay. Our room at Sacromonte was fully mirrored to blend in with the landscape and also not be a disturbance to the animals who are also free to roam around here. We were right next to a small lake, making it super easy to spot animals throughout our stay that stopped by for a sip of water or to cool off. And even around the vineyard, we would catch this family of sheep grazing with one another.

Though we only stayed for one night, we felt super recharged from just absorbing the nature of Maldonado while enjoying some of the best wine and meals we've had in awhile.

Wearing Cecilie Bahnsen top, DISSH satin bias pants, Birkenstock sandals


Experience wine culture in Uruguay at Sacromonte Landscape Hotel & Vineyard. See more South America 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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Staycation in Lima at Atemporal

To start the year on a slower pace, my boyfriend and I have been indulging in a few staycations here in Lima to get a feel for different neighborhoods in our current city. We had the most incredible weekend at Atemporal, a charming boutique & 5 stars luxury hotel in Lima, Peru. The hotel is also under the same group as another beautiful hotel that we got to stay at when we visited Arequipa late last year, called Cirqa. With that previous expectation, we knew from the moment that we arrived, we were in for a treat. The hotel's unique character and attention to detail really stood out to us, from the stylish decor to the friendly and attentive staff. We were so impressed that this gem has been here the whole time, only a few minutes away from where we are currently living in Lima.

There are a few things about Atemporal that I really love. The first has to be the daily breakfast and the all-day open kitchen with snacks at the "honestly bar." Another thing that I also love about Atemporal is its location. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Miraflores district, which means that there are a few key museums and attractions within walking distance, specifically Huaca Pucllana. But the fun doesn't stop there. Atemporal is also close to some of the best dining and shopping in Lima. I spent one of the afternoons wandering the streets of Miraflores, popping into shops and boutiques, and sampling some of the local ceviche dishes. And when I returned to the hotel, I was greeted with a super cozy room. Did I mention that there was a bathtub in our super spacious bathroom? I definitely took the opportunity to soak up every night from all the walking and exploring during our stay there. And that brings me to the last highlight of my stay at Atemporal, the hotel itself. My room was cozy and beautifully decorated, with all the amenities I could ask for.

That said, whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a cozy home base for your Lima adventures, this boutique hotel has it all. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the biggest rooms out of the six rooms available at Atemporal, but I got a peek of the other rooms upstairs, and they were all equally cozy and spacious. Overall, the wonderful breakfast, museums and attractions close by, and personalized service made this an unforgettable staycation for us, and I couldn't recommend checking Atemporal out more!

Press/Media Stay. All opinions are my own. Experience the Best of Lima: A Weekend Staycation at Atemporal, A Boutique Hotel. Book your next stay with Expedia.
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Camera Gear Used: Nikon D750 (body only) with 50mm F1/4 and 24-70mm F3.5 lens. Atemporal by Andean Experience

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An Andean Experience at CIRQA in Arequipa

Formally, the word 'Cirqa' comes from ‘circa’ which refers to its meaning with a certain moment or period in time. It is written with a 'Q' as in the city's name, Arequipa. We had the pleasure of lodging for one full day and one night at this wonderful property in the heart of this city. Staying at CIRQA a Relais & Châteaux hotel was such a treat as it is not just a chic place to rest but it is also a site with great historical significance. The hotel's architecture combines sillar stones that are unique to the formation of this city as it is also nicknamed, Arequipa - La Blanca Ciudad (The White City).

For the majority of our stay, we loved hanging in the common area as it is always well-ambiance with relaxing music and the staff is always ready to offer up something calming to drink. Our room was cozy and we had a wonderful night of rest. We also took advantage of the spa and had one of the best massages that we both have had in a long time. The property also comes with a super hip rooftop where we enjoyed drinks on our first evening after our massages. All of the amenities along with the thoughtful staff that remains really connected with you during your stay make you feel incredibly welcomed. After being in many luxurious accommodations, I've come to realize that what sets some apart from others is replicating that feeling of being cozy at home, and anything you may ask for doesn't come off as an inconvenience.

Wearing: The Frankie Shop blazer, Urban Outfitter bodysuit, Reformation skirt, Common Project sneakers and Yuzefi pretzel bag.

Press/Media Stay. All opinions are my own. Book your next stay with Expedia. CIRQA by Andean Experience - Relais & Châteaux
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Camera Gear Used: Nikon D600 (body only) with 50mm F1/4 and 24-70mm F3.5 lens.

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A Day in Cadiz, Spain

Desperate to escape our cold little town in Valladolid, our friend decided that we would take a quick road trip (by quick, I actually mean 6 hours) to Cadiz. Cadiz is a coastal town in Spain, full of palm trees and beaches, and even though it wasn't that much warmer, it felt a whole 10 degrees hotter, hence my dress paired with a coat through the entire day.

I've had this linen Sleeper dress for a while now, and I always find it to be the easiest thing to throw on whenever I'm packing light for a weekend trip somewhere. Of all the dresses I have in my wardrobe, this one is probably one of the most versatile all year round. This puff sleeve linen white dress also works as a lounge piece, and that's exactly what it was when we would take our 'siesta' during that weekend. For going out, it dresses up my usual white sneakers and any oversized jacket. While it was nice to stroll around Cadiz with this outfit, I'm looking forward to taking it on more tropical places in the next few months.

Cocoon Beige Coat: 12Storeez via Farfetch
Dress: Sleeper via Toward
Shoes: Common Project (another white option)
Mini Bag: Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch
Accessories: Pearl Strand Earrings (similar pearl and gold)

Photo by Shun S.

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