6 Ways to Recharge and Refresh

Kiliç Ali Paşa Complex, Istanbul

by Sylvia Kouvali

The mosque here was built for an admiral who, they say, demanded that the architect Sinan build him ‘something like that,’ as he pointed across to the Aya Sofia. The complex also includes a newly renovated hammam where I take...

Blue @ the Blue Lagoon

I traveled to Iceland in September 2011 with my mother en route to Norway. I had time to visit the Blue Lagoon and experience the amazing 100 degree waters in the spa and enjoy these hyper-real blue colors. The creamy blue of the water contrasted...

View from Rockhouse

Rockhouse is a gorgeous hotel set on the rocky coral of Negril, Jamaica. The cabins are beautiful, the food is simple and terrific, and the Dirty Banana drinks go down way too easily.

Floating Down the Russian River

The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is a wonderful day trip from San Francisco. Pack a picnic and reserve a raft from SOAR Inflatables, and spend a summer day moseying down the river. Go early or late in the season to avoid crowds and have...

January in Palm Springs

The Ace in Palm Springs has my number. I check in, catch up on email, read books, swim in the salt-water pool, eat irish oatmeal, get a massage, and look up at these gorgeous mountains. It's the perfect mini-vacation.

A quiet moment at Amansala, Tulum

In early April, I spent a week on a yoga retreat at Amansala in Tulum, Mexico. We had four hours of yoga and Pilates practice a day, and I spent the rest of my time on the beach, swimming in the ocean, reading books (I finished Gabrielle...