British Virgin Islands

All I could think during my 9-day sailing trip around the British Virgin Islands was "wow." 

Let me set the stage for you.

You wake up on a sailboat, bouyed in the harbor of a near-deserted Caribbean island. The sun is out, warming your skin all over, but the breeze and passing clouds make the temperature nothing short of ideal. All you can hear for miles is the slightest calm crashing of the waves, and maybe a few seagulls flying. The water is aqua. Not blue, not green, not even turquoise. It is a bright, almost neon, aqua. You see the outlines of coral reefs surrounding the islands, and you can't wait to get your snorkel mask on.  On shore, there is little to nothing except maybe a few beach bars scattered around. Your days are filled with snorkeling, sailing, swimming, paddle boarding, and drinking delicious tropical cocktails. The nights are filled with dinners on the beach, stunning sunsets, and late nights at bars that you have to dinghy to because they are nothing but a decked-out pirate ship in the middle of the ocean. This is the life. This is the life I lived for a week in the British Virgin Islands, and I'm telling you all, this place is paradise.

So, you want to visit the BVIs? Here's your guide to where to go, how to get there, and what to do when you're there. You really can't go wrong here. The British Virgin Islands are a trip of a lifetime. I highly recommend planning your vacay to this sailing fantasyland (and bringing me along with you) as soon as possible.

know before you go

The British Virgin Islands are hard to get to, which is what makes them so stunningly unspoiled. Cruise ships can't dock in the harbors, so sailboats and private yachts are the only ones who enjoy the islands. I'm almost positive you can't get anywhere without a boat, so if you're planning a trip, you're going to want to look into sailboat rentals. Don't know how to sail? You can even rent one with a captain, or, if you're feeling the splurge, a chef! Many of the sailboats are more like yachts. Ours fit 10 people comfortably and had a huge back deck for eating/drinking/playing cards & liars dice. Our boat was a catamaran, which I loved, not only because of the smooth sailing, but because we loved lounging out on the hammock in the front of the boat. 

So how do you get there? We flew into Puerto Rico, and took an island-hopper teeny tiny airplane from there to Tortola (the biggest BVI). From Tortola, we picked up our sailboat and started our itinerary around the Islands.

The weather is key for the BVIs, so do lots of research. We went in May and it was PERFECT, but our friends had gone in the middle of summer and said it was deathly hot. 

the islands

The BVI's consist of the main islands Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over 50 smaller islands (about 15 of which are inhabited). Tortola, the biggest island, is only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide. Also a fun fact, Richard Branson (CEO/founder of Virgin Group) owns two BVI's himself, Necker Island and Mosquito Island)

where to go

Let's break it down by island

Yes, this place is real. Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke, BVI

jost van dyke

My very favorite island of the whole trip. If you're in the BVI's,you have to go here. No I mean it. You have to go to Jost Van Dyke. Right now. 

white bay

White Bay, as if the pictures don't do it enough justice, could not be more unreal. Pristine white beaches lined with beach bars, such as the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, make this bay a hotspot for anyone and everyone in the area. We came into White Bay during the day when the whole beach was hopping with boats blasting Jimmy Buffett, people paddleboarding and swimming into shore with beers in hand, and groups of sailors coming in for their mid-afternoon painkillers (a boozy coconut, pineapple, and OJ rum cocktail Soggy Dollar is famous for). This picturesque little slice of heaven was gorgeous, surreal and so much fun.

soggy dollar bar

We spent the entire afternoon at this bar and I can say, without a doubt, that it is the best bar I've ever been to. The bar is named the "Soggy Dollar" because there is no way to get there except to swim in, leaving travelers like us with our soggy dollars to pay for drinks. It is such an experience, and the painkillers (their famous drink) are to die for. They also have yummy food and some competitive ring-toss bar game that the guys loved.

If you're in the BVI's, don't even think about missing out on the Soggy Dollar. Day drinking followed by an afternoon nap on one of the hammocks that line the beach? It just doesn't get much better. 

http://www.soggydollar.com/soggy-dollar-bar/default.aspx

foxy's beach bar

Located in Great Harbor, just down the island from White Bay, Foxy's is another famous beach bar experience. Whereas Soggy Dollar takes the cake on the daytime scene, Foxy's is your nighttime go-to. They serve a great dinner, have lots of TV's for sports, and have DJs or bands playing at night. So much fun! 

have some pizza in paradise

I'm not even sure this pizza place on the beach has a name.  Look for the awning that says "pizza" down the beach from Soggy Dollar and you'll find it. This place is amazing. The owner, Joe Cazik, a Colorado ex-pat, had just taken over the restaurant and was so awesome to us. We showed up for dinner, to the deserted beach (white bay is a daytime hotspot, but is beautifully quiet at night), and he re-opened the entire restaurant and turned on the pizza ovens for the ten of us. We talked with him for a while, ate our DELICIOUS pizza at a table on the beach and enjoyed what was definitely one of our favorite meals of the entire trip. We were lead here by word of mouth from a couple we had met at the Bitter End Yacht Club, who said they had been around the islands at least once a year for the last thirty years. (THE LIFE!!!!) Anyways, they told us this was the spot, and it is! 

the bubbly pool

If you're looking for a day trip on Jost Van Dyke, the bubbly pool and lunch at Foxy's Taboo is a great option. The bubbly pool, kind of like a natural hot tub formed by rocks in the ocean, are really cool but you have to go at the right time when the tide is high, or else it is underwhelming. Around the pool, you can climb up the rocks on the back side of the island and see some great views. After this, grab lunch at Foxy's Taboo, owned by the same Foxy we met at Foxy's, this place has some GREAT food and drinks for lunch. http://foxysbar.com/email/pictures-from-taboo-from-nathanial.html/attachment/foxys-taboo

virgin gorda

Virgin Gorda, one of the largest islands, is full of pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and great sailing. It's definitely a must-do, and here's why.

bitter end yacht club

I'm not sure what heaven looks like, but if I had to guess, it would look something like this. One look at this Yacht Club Resort's website and you will understand why I was in awe at every turn here. Located at the bitter end (fittingly) of Virgin Gorda island, this STUNNING resort has some of the best views I have ever seen in my life. Everywhere I looked, I couldn't believe my eyes. Talk about sensory overload. The food could admittedly be better here, as could the service. But you won't get any better views, so it's worth the trek to the bitter end.

http://www.beyc.com/

Yep. Lounged here and felt like I was walking in a computer screensaver. 

the baths

This gorgeous area on the southwest coast of the island is unlike any other beaches in the Caribbean. White sand beaches framed by HUGE granite boulders create caves and grottos with amaaaaazing snorkeling and some of the prettiest sights you'll ever see.  I could have easily spent the whole trip here. Heavenly. 

tortola island

the last resort

This restaurant, on an island in the middle of Bellamy Cay in Tortola, serves up delicious local seafood and caribbean fusion cuisine in a fantastic unique island setting. Fitting that it's called the Last Resort as we went here on our last night in the BVI's! The restaurant is really close to the airport, so if you're looking for a last lunch or dinner hoorah, this is your place. 

C&F

We ate at this local dinner place and loved it. Great vibe, outdoor dining, and delish caribbean lobster. Just beware they may take over an hour to make your food, but that's pretty normal in the BVI's--- everyone is on island time. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the islandey atmosphere.

norman island

Norman was another one of my favorites!!! We had a great day snorkeling here, and moored in The Bight. 

pirate's bight restaurant

We loved this place!! Gorgeous setting, good food, and an awesome dinner on the beach looking out onto one of the most scenic harbors in the BVIs. http://www.piratesbight.com/gallery.htm

Willy T's

A pirate ship bar in the middle of the bay that you have to dinghy to get to. Known for it's wild parties where the bar gives free drinks all day to any girl who jumps off the top of the boat topless. This floating bar and restaurant is fun, crazy and so unique. We loved it. Definitely a must-do, day or night, if you're on Norman Island. 

http://www.williamthornton.com/

peter island

A chic luxury resort island in the middle of the Caribbean? This is my kinda place!! Yes- the whole island is one resort! We pulled in here for the day and had a lunch looking out onto their picture-perfect beach. The drinks were amazing (I had a champagne and white wine sangria with fresh island fruit!) as was the food. This is definitely a honeymoon-type spot, with gorgeous quiet paradise beaches and amazing landscaping and resort facilities. http://www.peterisland.com/index.php

If you're like me and live for sun, sand and snorkeling, you just found your paradise. I know I did-  I've got the tan lines to prove it. 

xoxo,

Christina

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Hawaii

What do you think of when you think of paradise? I'm willing to bet that it's some combination of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, sunny rays and lazy beach days. Well, throw in snorkeling, surfing, volcanoes & leis and say alooooha to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. 

Growing up in California, we have always gone to Hawaii at least once a year on a family vacation, and thinking about it, I think I've been to Hawaii more than I've been to any other destination in the world! This is because it is simply the perfect spot for families, for beach-lovers, and for everyone. Some of my best memories as a kid are sliding down the hotel water slides, dancing with hula girls during a luau on Ka'anapali beach, and seeing my first sea turtle while snorkeling. I treasure all of our family trips to Hawaii, which is why I continue to get the can't-fight-it urge to keep coming back year after year, and why I know that all of you will love it.

Hawaii is made up of eight main islands, all that cater to a different traveler... 

so, let's break this up by island: 

Maui.

My personal favorite. 

Stretches of beautiful beaches, luxe hotels, and great snorkeling make this island the top Hawaiian destination. There's a reason Conde Nast readers have voted Maui the best island in the world again this year -- for 17 years and counting!!!!

where to stay

Sheraton Maui. 

This has been one of my favorite resorts my whole life.  Located at the end of Ka'anapali beach at Black Rock, the hotel boasts some of the best snorkeling on the island right outside of your hotel room.  The pool is to die for, winding around most of the property, and the hotel staff does everything they can to make your stay memorable, from their luaus and activities to their nightly sunset jumps off of Black Rock (daring hawaiian men jump off of the famous rock and into the ocean for the sunset show!). It's also a Starwood Preferred Guest ( spg.com ) resort (look into becoming a member if you travel a lot, great discounts and earn points for luxury hotel stays). 

sheraton-maui.com

Westin Maui. 

Located a couple miles down Kaanapali beach from the Sheraton is the Westin. Another one of my personal favorites. It has five pools, complete with slides and waterfalls, a golf course, and great oceanfront restaurants. It is a top notch family resort with tons of activities that will definitely make your trip. Another Starwood Preferred Guest resort!

westinmaui.com

Grand Wailea- A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

It's expensive, but you won't find a more perfect hotel for the family. With countless waterslides, beautiful coastal views, and more activities than you can imagine, this hotel is gorgeous and, as its name implies, grand. Although there is a little more going on in the area of Kaanapali, (where the Westin & Sheraton are located) the Grand Wailea has enough activities at the hotel to keep you and your family more than occupied during your stay. They also have a gorgeous seaside chapel that is always booked with beautiful coastal destination weddings. www.grandwailea.com

for the foodie

Mama's Fish House

Located pretty far away from where I usually stay in Maui (Ka'anapali), I always find this restaurant worth the drive. The fish is incredible. Without a doubt the best, freshest fish I have ever tasted. The menu is contemporary Polynesian, putting a modern twist on Hawaii's culinary history, and it is delicious. Do not miss out on this restaurant. Take one look at the menu and you'll see why. Fresh caught swordfish sauteed in coconut milk over coconut rice? Crispy kahlua duck? Taha'a Island vanilla seared ahi? Take a sip of Mama's famous Mai Tai, watch the sunset over the Pacific, feel your fresh caught mahi-mahi melt in your mouth and boom. You're in paradise.

www.mamasfishhouse.com

Duke's.

For something closer to your hotel, you can't go wrong with Duke's. And, as hard as it is for a UNC grad to be recommending you to go to a restaurant called "Duke's",  this place is pretty awesome. Duke's has expanded across Hawaii, so you can find one on pretty much any island you go to. The Maui Duke's is right on Ka'anapali beach, a perfect beach walk from your hotel away. Great fish and hawaii faves! A great drink list as well, so if you're not feelin' a full meal, go for drinks and pupus (pupus is hawaiian for appetizers!)

www.dukesmaui.com

Merrimans. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just need an excuse to eat some amazing food and pop some champagne over the Hawaiian coast, Merriman's is your place.  Amazing sunset dining! The food is fantastic. A little pricey, but so fun for a special occasion. My favorite pupu? The warm crusted goat cheese with strawberries salad. Ah-mazing. You also can't go wrong with a little tasting of the kalua pig and maui sweet onion quesadilla- yum. For your entree, you'll have your choice of fresh seafood or impeccable meats, and don't forget to save room for their delicious desserts. Merriman's. One Bay Club Place, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.

Gazebo

Enjoy my breakfast overlooking the white sandy beaches of Hawaii in a beautiful gazebo? Why thank you, I shall. This breakfast place is soooo cute, has the best view, and is delicious! A little out of the way, overlooking Napili bay, but it's worth it for the stunning setting.  Gazebo 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI 

Longhi's
Longhi's in Lahaina is a great place to go! I love their breakfasts (especially the french toast) but they serve lunch and dinner as well. In old town Lahaina, so go for a sunny breakfast and of course a pretty oceanside view :) 888 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii www.longhis.com 

for the tourist

Go to a Luau.

Hawaiian luaus, a big dinner/dancing/drinking cultural celebration complete with a pig roasting, are definitely a must-do on your trip to Hawaii. Throw on your hawaiian party shirt and go out and have a great time. Your hotel will most likely host their own, and they don't differ too much luau-to-luau, so my recommendation is to sign up for your hotel's and enjoy your celebratory evening on the beach!  Sometimes, hotels will also offer hula lessons for the kids. I did this at the Sheraton when I was little and they brought me and a few other girls, dressed up in hula skirts they gave us, up on stage during the nighttime luau to dance with the beautiful hawaiian girls- definitely memorable for my all-too-excited seven-year-old self. 

Lahaina. 

Old town Lahaina is definitely a fun activity to do while in Maui. It's a separate, less resortey area of Maui with great shops and restaurants. 

Sit back with a tropical drink and watch the sunset. 
Maui is all about relaxation. So don't worry about planning your trip out too much and realize your most memorable moments in Maui will be doing a whole lot of nothing. All while seeing some of the most spectacular sights & sunsets you'll ever get to see. Take it all in and enjoy the island life.

Kauai
The island farthest away, Kauai, is one of the most scenic islands. It is more of a rainforest climate, with gorgeous, lush topography and absolutely stunning hikes and beaches. 

where to stay

St. Regis Princeville 

Although this is the only place I have ever stayed in Kauai, I have to say it is THE only place I ever want to say. This property is stunning and ranks among Starwood Preferred Guests elite "level seven" resorts, with a picture-perfect pool and an even more idyllic beach, not to mention world-class service that will have you feeling more relaxed than ever before. And, with the volcanic mountains as your backdrop, it's hard to imagine a better view in the world. 

for the views


The Napili Coast Hike -
This hike is TOUGH, but it is the most popular hike in Napili, and trust me, the views are worth the workout. If you go all the way to the waterfall, you're looking at an all day hike, but we chose to do the "half hike" just to the beach, which was absoultely breathtaking. 






Oahu

Oahu is not only the island with the biggest population, it is home to the capital city of Honolulu. I love Honolulu. It's one of the few true beach cities in the world (how many can you think of? Miami....Sydney....Rio) and it is bustling and beautiful. A completely different experience from Maui, but you don't miss out on the stunning Hawaiian beaches (see my pictures from my last trip!) If you want the perfect combination of a relaxing beach vacation with the excitement of an urban city- Oahu is your island.

where to stay

Moana Surfrider. 

Oh, the Moana Surfrider. Let me just start by emphasizing I love this hotel. First of all, the architecture is to-die-for. Secondly, the beach is to-die-for. Thirdly, it is just perfect. It's definitely a luxury hotel, located right in the heart of the downtown strip of beach in Honolulu-- the famous & beautiful Waikiki Beach. Built as the first hotel in Waikiki, it is within walking distance of everything. If you feel like splurging a little, or if you get lucky and get a good deal on a rate, the Surfrider is your place. 

www.moana-surfrider.com

Royal Hawaiian

A luxury resort also known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, the Royal Hawaiian has long been known as one of Hawaii's flagship hotels. Its iconic pink architecture has brought in celebrities and royal guests for decades, originally known as a getaway for classic Hollywood stars. Today, with multi-million dollar renovations and its prime Waikiki beach real estate (right near the Moana), the Pink Palace continues to be a traveler favorite on Oahu. www.royal-hawaiian.com

Want to get out of the city? You can also choose to stay on Oahu outside of Waikiki, as you can find more secluded beach resorts lining the beaches up the coast, as well as hotels on the North Shore, a stretch of Oahu famous for it's huge surfing waves.

Poolside paradise at the Moana Surfrider

for the foodie

Eggs n' Things.

If you love a great breakfast like me, you know the value of finding the perfect breakfast or brunch place while on vacation. Look no further. Yes, there will be a line. Yes, you will have the best breakfast you've ever had in your life. Too much to promise? Maybe, but I'm confident you won't be disappointed. Located a short walk away from where the hotels are in Waikiki. The pancakes are incredible, and the world knows about it! Their breakfasts became so popular that customers convinced them to start selling their pancake mix online! Just in case you're still craving those perfectly fluffy pancakes on your plane ride home-- which you will be. eggsnthings.com  343 Saratoga Road Honolulu, HI

Waikiki Beach view from Moana Surfrider Hotel

Cheeseburger in Paradise. Yes, I know what you're thinking... so touristy. But this is one of my favorite places in Honolulu. Open air patios right across the street from Waikiki Beach, delicious pina coladas and most importantly- GREAT burgers and fries. Trust me and get a grilled pineapple burger... so island-ey and SO delicious. 2500 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 

for the tourist
Pearl Harbor. A must if you like American history and are staying in Honolulu. The Pearl Harbor site is incredible. When I went, they even had one of the survivors there talking to visitors, answering questions and taking pictures. I still remember him and how every picture he took he threw up the typical hawaiian hand gesture for "hang loose". He was awesome, and told me and a group of friends stories about that day that will forever live in infamy. 

Sunset sail. Catamaran sail boats depart right out of Waikiki. Talk about a beautiful and romantic setting. Definitely look into taking one if you're staying on Waikiki Beach!

The Big Island

The Big Island gets its name because it is Hawaii's biggest island (duh). The best beaches and weather are on the Kona side of the island, rather than the Hilo side. So, if you're a beach and snorkel lover, you're going to want to fly in and book a hotel on the Kona side or the Kohala Coast. Kona (also famous for its coffee) has some of the biggest and best hotels ever. Here are my top picks: 

Hilton Waikoloa Village. A resort so huge you take a boat to get around. The Waikoloa Village prides itself on being "a destination in itself". It boasts it's own snorkeling lagoon, huge pools with slides and waterfalls, it's own Swim With Dolphins facility, a gigantic top-notch spa, and more all on 62 gorgeous oceanfront acres. This is the Atlantis of Hawaii.  I love big hotels, especially for family trips (so much to do!), and I've always found this hotel to be awesome. Between snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, the spa, the award-winning dining, first class shopping, golf and tennis, how could you not love this place? 

http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Founded by the Rockefeller family, this luxury hotel boasts one of the top beaches in all of Hawaii. With golf, tennis, and picture-perfect beachfront property, you're all set for a perfect vacation in paradise in a low key luxe resort. Mauna Kea is consistently ranked among the World's Best Hotels, and, from what I've heard, it deserves to be.  I haven't stayed here yet, but one of my best friends' family goes year after year over Christmas and they absolutely love it. princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-beach-hotel

for the tourist

Volcanoes. 

When it comes to Hawaii, I'm admittedly more of a "drop me on a beach with a bikini and some magazines and pick me up in 7 days" kind of vacationer. I mean, cut me some slack, with beaches as gorgeous as these, sunny days as beautiful, and snorkeling for when I need to cool off in the water, I think I've got all I need. 

Luckily, I have a dad who managed to convince me, my mom and brother on a recent trip to get out of our 'tan, rinse, repeat' routine and go see the majestic Hawaiian volcanoes. Quite a drive away, but how many times in your life can you say you've seen HOT LAVA?! It is so, so cool. The Hawaiian islands were actually created from volcanic activity millions of years ago, meaning that they were originally just supposed to be the peaks of an underwater mountain range... Luckily for us and thanks to volcanic activity and plate tectonics, we now have the islands of Hawaii. 

Ask your hotel about tours or how to drive to the Volcanoes National Park. Definitely an amazing experience. www.gohawaii.com/big-island/volcanoes-national-park

Scuba/snorkel Trips. 

Daily scuba and snorkel trips depart out of Kona, and it's some of the best! They'll take you many places only accessible by boat, so it's great to do these boat trips if you love to snorkel or scuba.

Whale watching. 

From late December to early May, whales make their way migrating from Alaska all the way to the warm waters of Hawaii, keep an eye out for their beautiful breeches! Take a whale watching tour or just keep an eye out from the shore. It sure is a gorgeous sight to see them in the wild.

Swim with dolphins. 

Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you're staying at the Hilton Waikoloa, they have it right there. If you're willing to splurge for the experience, do it. Dolphins are my favorite animals, and I had the best time getting to swim with them :)

I've yet to find a more perfect beach vacation than Hawaii, and like I said it's that place that you just keep wanting to come back to year after year. I love it for the sunsets, the ocean, the relaxation, the unique island culture, the one-of-a-kind beaches, and, yes, for the beautiful luxe resorts... I can't help it- I'm a sucker for a great hotel. But, mostly I love Hawaii because of all the memories I have there. (Check out little me & my brother alex with our leis cerca '97!). 

Here's to all of you guys creating your own island memories in Hawaii...

until next time, ALOHA!

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Capri

Capri, Italy. Yes, I know you've heard of it. Maybe seen pictures of its idyllic coasts? Dreamt of taking a dip in its crystal clear aqua blue water? Gotten a postcard from its too-beautiful-to-be true blue grotto? The truth is, Capri may just be paradise. 19 miles off the coast of Italy, with hotels nestled in cliffs and some of the most breathtaking views you'll ever see, lies the isle of Capri. This is where the rich & famous come to vacation (I saw Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon & their twins walking the town shops while I was there this summer!) and there are many reasons why. Its beauty and its exclusivity make it a top-notch destination for any Amalfi Coast trip. I went to Capri for the first time at the young age of 12 with my family just for the day on our 2 week trek around Europe. It was my first time to Europe and I remember telling my mom as soon as we set foot on the Isle of Capri, "This is my favorite place in the world." Well, as you probably can already tell from my blog- I don't know how to play favorites when it comes to traveling. But, if I had to choose, Capri is definitely in my top 5.

So, that was my first experience with Capri. My second was another day trip with my family, while on a cruise through the Italian Riviera and the third, and most memorable, time I've ever been to Capri was last summer. We chose to forego the usual island day trip that most people do and stay two nights and three days on the island, truly experiencing everything Capri has to offer with an overnight stay. Sure I had fallen in love with Capri before with the daytrips, but THIS is the way to see Capri. 

Get yourself a hotel toppled on the cliffs of the italian riviera, spend days taking hikes from the heights of the isle all the way down to the water, swimming in the blue grotto (see pic), and tasting the incredible italian wines. 

Sound like perfection? Let's plan a trip.

staying on the island:

Hotel Weber Ambassador

We stayed in this darling hotel. It's in an area of the island called Marina Piccola, and they have a hotel shuttle that picks you up from the marina down on the water and brings you all the way up the cliffs to the hotel. The hotel has beach access which is great and also a pool overlooking the coast. I mean.. talk about good location. 

http://www.hotelweber.com/

La Minerva

JK Place

This boutique hotel is ranked #1 on tripadvisor, and it looks pretty darn close to perfect. Capri exclusivity at its finest, this hotel only hosts 18 rooms and is located on a pedestrian area overlooking the sea in the center of Capri. Talk about tranquility!

http://www.laminervacapri.com/

JK Place 

Looking for luxury and the best-of-the-best? Look no further than the JK Place Capri. At 22 years old, I can still only dream about staying in hotels like this (around $1200+ a night) but maybe you're planning a honeymoon or a special occasion? Or maybe you're a celeb... Have fun and stow me in your carry on?

http://www.jkcapri.com/ 

for the hikers

We hiked every day while we were in Capri!! Gotta burn off all those pizzas and glasses of italian vino! This is the hiking path we did, and it is stunning.

Me in Capri

Via Krupp. A stone hiking path originally laid out on the island in 1902! It features majestic views that you won't get anywhere else! Ask your hotel to lead you to where it starts! It takes you from the top of the island all the way down to the water so don't forget your swim suit! 

Took this from our hike on Via Krupp!

for the foodie  

The food in Capri is all delicious. After all, it is Italy. When have you ever had bad Italian food? The center of the island is very small and definitely full of eager italian waiters who would love to have you sit outside of their restaurant, so take your pick. We ate at a few different delicous local eateries, each time just walking around, looking at menus and meeting people until we found one we decided on. 

Pizza Aurora. One pizza place in particular sticks out to me that we went to - I still dream of their pizza. It's right off the square so if you're in Capri, eat here and think of me! The picture is of my dad and I holding our delish pizzas!

18-20 Via Fuorlovado, Island of Capri

for the view 

La Terraza di Lucculo

For the best view in Capri, you just gotta go to this restaurant. Located in Anacapri (the other side of the Island from Capri), the picture says it all. 

via G Orlandi 4 | Baia de Napoli, 80071 Anacapri, Island of Capri, Italy

for the shoppers

Shopping is everywhere in Capri- you can't miss it! A little expensive, but definitely fun to explore all that the island has to offer. Especially, as my mom's 120-lb suitcase on our way back from the Amalfi Coast will tell you, the Italian pottery. If you're going to shop as much as I did, make sure you've mastered the Italian phrase for 'how much does this cost?': "Quanto costa?" 

for the tourist

First of all, if you're going just for the day, you're going to be taking one of the hourly ferries from either Naples or Sorrento. Make sure you plan ahead so you get a full day on the island! Once you take the funicular up to the top of the island (where the town is), you can walk around, shop, get lunch, or take the hike I listed. It's a small town, so not much planning is required before you get there... but there is one thing you definitely need to make sure you see: 

The Blue Grotto. It's on every traveler's bucket list to see the unbelievably blue water in Capri's famous grotto. Pictured here, but unreal in real life. Tours will take you on a gondola into the cave. But if you go early in the morning (and in the summer!!) and you can even swim in there. Unreal experience and a gorgeous part of Capri.

Hope that's a good start to your next trip to my favorite Italian isle. Have fun and drink some limoncello for me! Arrivaderci, amicis!!!  

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