Loulou's views

When travelling, I take full advantage of being on vacation mode. This means where I stay is as important as where I go. Splurging on accommodations is something to consider when you're travelling to south Florida–especially in Miami–because there are so many fabulous hotels that will make you feel like you're a million miles from home. Just a short drive from downtown Miami you'll find the exclusive and luxurious village of Bal Harbour, home to the iconic St. Regis hotel —recently named the best hotel in south Florida. There are not many St. Regis hotels in the world (50, to be exact) yet each one offers the same incredible service in a luxurious setting where you can truly unwind and feel a bit like royalty. You'll even receive a glass of champagne upon check-in. The St. Regis Bal Harbour, recently awarded the coveted Forbes Five-star and AAA Five Diamond award, is an oceanfront haven of elegance, and the place to go for people with impeccable taste for the good l...

One of my favourite places to escape to is Bal Harbour in Miami. For those who love the life of luxury, there is no better place to go in south Florida. The Bal Harbour village is stylish, luxurious, and relaxing. From oceanfront hotels to the best shopping in the world at Bal Harbour Shops, there is always something to do, whether you're travelling with friends, family, or as a couple. People watching at Carpaccio's in the Bal Harbour Shops, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying a cabana at the Ritz-Carlton, or relaxing by the pool, Bal Harbour is simply paradise. Quarzo Bal Harbour The Bal Harbour Quarzo Boutique Hotel is a modern European-style waterfront hotel next to the Ritz-Carlton. This hotel features spacious accommodations and residence-style studios and suites—truly a home away from home for people travelling with a large family and children. I loved the clean and spacious rooms. Our suite had two large bedrooms, (one with two que...

I'm back from my warm and sunny south Florida vacation, and I'm already planning my next trip back, because Bal Harbour is my happy place. Last year, I stayed at and reviewed the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour —and it was every bit as fabulous as you'd expect from a Ritz-Carlton stay. If you haven't been to Bal Harbour yet, here are four reasons why it should be on your travel bucket list. Four Reasons To Fall In Love With Bal Harbour: Bal Harbour Shops :  Bal Harbour Shops, named the world's most productive shopping centre, is paradise found for a shopaholic. Shopping in Bal Harbour is an experience like no other, and no matter what you're looking for, you'll find it. All the best designer stores can be found here: Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Rag and Bone, Tory Burch, and many more. There's also Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, on either end of th...

We just returned home after a 10 day vacation in Florida. We escape every winter and come back with lasting, beautiful memories. This trip was even more amazing than other trips, because I had the opportunity to stay and review the stunning Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour. What can I say about my luxurious stay? It was perfection, from start to finish—and I was very, very spoiled. I arrived to the Ritz-Cartlon Bal Harbour for a site inspection, and I instantly fell in love with the clean, spacious resort lobby—and not just because of the complimentary champagne upon arrival. The grounds were beautiful and clean, and the pool was large, with Atlantic Ocean views all around. The beach, although not private, is quiet and peaceful—the perfect place to relax, swim, and unwind. I noticed right away the attention to detail at this resort, including the stainless steel bottles of sunscreen for guests to use. The staff at the Ritz-Carlton were helpful, friendly, and always smiling. ...