We’ve made it a yearly tradition to celebrate our anniversary by traveling and flying off somewhere. Although, this year was a little different compared to previous years because traveling safely and responsibly was extremely important to us.  We decided to visit Joshua Tree since it is only a 2 hour drive from LA. It’s close to home but far enough to get away from the city! The desert has a special place in our hearts because we’ve always had wonderful memories there. In today’s post, I’m sharing details of our little getaway and where we stayed.

WHERE WE STAYED

I’ve had Villa Kuro saved in my Airbnb favorites for as long as I could remember, and thought our anniversary was the perfect occasion to stay there! What initially caught my attention was Villa Kuro’s minimalist interior design. Their design concept is inspired by nature and wabi-sabi—a Japanese philosophy about finding beauty in imperfections, and the charm of what seems weathered and lived-in. The interior and decor consists of earthy tones and nature-inspired elements, which really gave off a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

This mid-century ranch style property was originally built in the 1960’s, and later transformed by interior designer Mini Inno to create a minimal and serene desert hideaway. Upon entering Villa Kuro, slippers are provided for your use. The beautiful home comfortably sleeps 4 guests with 2 bedrooms, 2 king beds and 2 bathrooms.

There are multiple indoor and outdoor living areas where you’ll have plenty of room to lounge in! Villa Kuro has the following amenities (just naming a few that I personally find important): fully fitted kitchen (with coffee and coffee makers), outdoor fire pit and hot tub, smart TV to watch Netflix and the like, and charging station for electric cars.

Everything was top notch, from the cleanliness, hospitality, location, design, amenities—you name it. The hosts were very helpful and responsive, and made sure we had an incredible stay. 

If you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or romantic getaway, look no further! Villa Kuro is the place. It was such a unique and unforgettable experience, and we had the most wonderful time there. We left feeling recharged and rejuvenated, and already looking forward to coming back in the future! For now, I’ll let the photos speak for itself. If you’re interested in checking out their listing + booking a stay, CLICK HERE.

Last month, I had an opportunity to visit the Big Island with Four Seasons! I’ve only been to Oahu and Maui before this trio, so I was excited to see what the Big Island was like! Located along the Kona-Kohala coast of Hawaii Island, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is truly a site to see. It is a whopping 32-acre property with stunning ocean views, luxurious amenities, and top-notch service. Keep scrolling to read about my experience and why you should check it out for yourself!

REASONS WHY I LOVED MY STAY: 

LOCATION – After about 6 hours of travel from Los Angeles, we arrived to the Big Island. It only took us about 10 minutes or so to arrive at the hotel from the airport, which made it very convenient. We were greeted promptly as we arrived to the property, and check-in was such a breeze! 

ROOMS - I stayed in one of the ocean view guest rooms, and I have to say that I absolutely loved it! The sunrise over the ocean was the best thing to wake up to! It was so beautiful. My room was also complete with warm furnishings that immediately felt homey, and a spacious balcony I really enjoyed. The room service and cleaning service was exceptional as they were very prompt with any assistance or requests I have. 

SPECIAL SUITES - Our first night, we checked out the Dom Perignon suite, it’s the only one in the US and one of their special suites on their property! We popped a bottle as the sun was setting and we even got a few snaps of it. It was the best way to start off our trip and Its definitely worth checking out for yourself. SPA

DINING - Our first meal was at ULU Ocean Grill and we had the best seafood hands down. Looking back at our meal, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! I love seafood, and also anything grilled, so this restaurant just screams my name. if you love seafood, you definitely have to check them out. Heck, even if you don’t love seafood, this place will change your mind! All their seafood tasted so fresh, and each dish had so much flavor, you’d want to keep coming back for more.

CULINARY EXPERIENCE – we were blessed to experience a dinner under the stars, as well as a chef’s table dinner by chef Thomas Bellec. Our dinner under the stars was magical to say the least. It was the most intimate, romantic set-up by the beach, with a live performance. It was something i’ve never experienced before, and I definitely recommend for couples out there. The chef’s table dinner was exceptional. A very well-thought out menu to excite your taste buds. This is something a recommend for larger parties of 4 or more! 

AMENITIES – there are plenty of activities to choose from! There’s a total of 7 pools at the property, a fitness center, on-site water activities, on-site boutiques, and even kid’s amenities to enjoy.

SPA – there is also a spa and salon on-site for everyone to enjoy! I booked a lomi-lomi massage in an outdoor private room that even included its own shower. I loved hearing the breeze as I enjoyed my massage and felt so relaxed after my appointment.

If you’re looking for your next getaway, Four Seasons Hualailai is definitely the place! Put it in your bucket list for 2020 and book your trip now, and I promise, you won’t regret it! Big shout out to the Bollare and Four Seasons team for putting together such an amazing trip, and I can’t thank them enough for this wonderful opportunity! If you want to catch a live recap of my trip, checkout my intsagram here and head over to my “Big Island” highlights :)

It has been 8 years since I visited Oahu and I couldn’t have started this trip any better by checking into Alohilani. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the all-new Alohilani is an oasis of tranquility. The welcoming staff, relaxing vibe and elevated experience will sure to make your stay a very pleasant one. Keep scrolling as I give you a sneak peek at aloha chic.

A little history about the property:

Alohilani is proudly named in honor of Queen Lili‘uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. She was a music composer, an author, an ardent supporter of her culture, and loved by her people so dearly. To welcome a fresh perspective on resorts in Waikiki, her spirit is infused into the property just like her beachside home Ke‘alohilani, which means royal brightness.

The amazing view of the diamond head greeted me as I stepped into my room, and I immediately walked to my balcony to take a moment and enjoy it. I had a great view of the city; seeing all the hustle and bustle of the streets right in front of me, and the waves crashing in the ocean just right across it. The décor is minimal and features vibrant artwork in every room. It was very spacious and I loved how natural light filled the room thanks to the sliding glass doors to my balcony. I have to say that my experience was very comfortable and pleasant overall.

With just steps away from the beach, Alohilani is in nearby many hot spots in Waikiki. It was only about 10-15 minutes away to shopping centers like Ala Moana, and about 20 minutes away from Chinatown Market. There’s numerous options for great restaurants around the area and one of my favorites, Musubi Café, is just around the corner!

Note that they offer complimentary breakfast buffet during your stay! 

Alohilani features a stunning infinity pool where you can watch the most amazing view of the sunset. They also have two bars (O Bar is located by the lobby and Swell is by the pool), a restaurant (Lychee) and two more restaurants opening soon, a casual ramen spot and signature dining experience by Renowned Chef Morimoto.

I can’t thank Alohilani enough for such a wonderful stay, and I hope to be back very soon!

Photography by KSOLE

Wearing Free People Dress, Misa Tote, Chinese Laundry Slippers.

For my birthday this year, I really wanted a tropical getaway and decided to go to Tulum, Mexico! I’ve always been so curious about this place and thought it was the perfect time to do so. About two hours away from the Cancun airport, you can find the Tulum beach strip alongside the Caribbean coast. It's a small road that runs the length of the beach where most places are easily accessible on foot or bicycle—something most hotels provide for rent! You will find yourself relaxing at spas, doing yoga in the mornings, enjoying the secluded beaches, and eating fresh local foods that Tulum has to offer. I'm seriously so obsessed with this place and I cannot stop raving about it to my friends, so I hope after reading this blog post, you will want to check it out for yourself with a few of my recommendations below!

Wearing Free People Jumpsuit

Nomade Tulum

Oh my gosh, I don’t even know where to begin. This place was absolutely magical! The moment we arrived Nomade, we were greeted with a very welcoming staff and beautiful rustic interiors. We checked in to our Sea View Suite, which was facing the beautiful Carribean sea and only a few steps away from the ocean. Our private hut had its own outdoor hammock, an indoor bath, and air condition that made our stay very pleasant. Most importantly, there’s wi-fi in the hotel premises! Nomade Tulum is incredibly charming and aesthetically pleasing, and you will want to snap a photo literally anywhere you go.

Wearing Indah Clothing Swim Set

Macondo

Macondo is a restaurant located at Nomade Tulum where they offer wholesome and holistic food. They also have a variety of vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options where they use local, organic, and sustainably farmed ingredients, something that I truly enjoyed. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious! 

Nomade provided complimentary breakfast during our stay and each meal included the following:

• toasted bread and pastries with butter and jam (this was my absolute favorite and still crave it until this day)
• fresh cut fruits with assorted nuts and yogurt
• coffee and a variety of freshly squeezed juice
• your choice of eggs, either poached, over easy, scrambled, or an omelette

Bread, pastries, yogurt, and freshly squeezed juices

Poached eggs and an omelette

Taqueria La Eufemia

Taqueria La Eufemia offers great tacos at a reasonable price! It was only a 10-minute bike ride from our hotel so we went here for lunch, and we loved the chill vibes and amazing food they had to offer. I definitely recommend this place to all my fellow taco lovers out there!

La Popular

located at Nomade Tulum

La Popular is also another restaurant you can find at Nomade Tulum where they offer a variety of seafood. It's a fish market-inspired beach restaurant that delivers fresh catches of the day, straight from the local fisherman's boat.

Kitchen Table

Left: Diablito (Mezcal); Right: Tamarind Margarita (Tequila)

Left: Crispy Shrimp; Right: Quesadilla

Top: Pork Ribs; Bottom: Ahi Tuna Steak

For my birthday dinner, we went to Kitchen Table. It was about a 20-minute cab ride from our hotel since it was closer to downtown area. We went right when it opened and started with drinks, and I have to say they were amazing! I definitely found a new love for mezcals and margaritas on this trip. Each dish was so flavorful and delicious, one of the best meals I had here forsure. This place is a must if you're in Tulum, and be sure to make reservations if you do.

La Zebra Restaurant + Bar

The La Zebra Restaurant and Bar is located at La Zebra hotel, which another great spot for food and drinks by the beach! We ordered (more) tacos and I love how they were very flavorful and satisfying. We went here for a very late lunch and watched the sunset as we finished eating, and it was such a beautiful sight to see.

Wearing Kendall & Kylie Swim Top + Bottom

Wearing Jasmyn Eliza Top + Shorts

Grand Cenote

Something that we were really looking forward to this trip was going to the Grand Cenote. The caves were absolutely beautiful and overall, it was an amazing experience to say the least. This is something you absolutely cannot miss when you’re in town! Also, beware of mosquito bites.

Wearing Shelly Belle Crochet Top + Shorts

Coco Tulum

Another place that I was really excited to check out in Tulum was Coco. With barely enough time to spare (as we were on our way to the airport back home), we stopped by to check out this very aesthetically pleasing spot! Coco is a rustic-modern hotel where everything was covered in white paint. It’s the perfect place to chill by the bar and enjoy the beach front, and take amazing photos while you’re at it!  

Wearing White Fox Boutique Top + Bottom

This trip was all I wanted and more, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to ring in my 25th birthday. You've reached the end of my Tulum travel guide, and thank you for revisiting this amazing trip with me! I hope this leaves you inspired and wanting to book your next destination here. Tulum definitely does not disappoint and I cannot wait to go back soon! Leave any questions you may have in the comments below :)

Located in Downtown Palm Springs, La Serena Villas is a Spanish colonial—style hotel bursting with charm and personality.

La Serena Villas is the perfect weekend getaway for those looking to relax and refresh in the desert.

A little history about the property.

La Serena Villas was originally established in 1933 and closed for demolition in 2002. The community came together and saved it from the wrecking ball after receiving Historic Status. The hotel reopened 2 months ago as a luxury boutique hotel with all the amenities found in a 5-star hotel.  An intimate bungalow style hotel nestled against the San Jacinto mountains.

Upon entering the lobby, I immediately fell in love with the décor. I was greeted with monochromatic interior and colorful accent pieces. The hotel exterior is dominated with whites and complimented with cool tones like grey and blue—something I truly appreciated because it helped me feel refreshed despite the 100-degree weather.

Our gorgeous bungalow had a swing so cute, it was asking for a photo op. Each room feature patios and free-standing tubs, which was perfect for a more private relaxation outdoors. I took this opportunity to a do rose bath-slash-concept shoot that resulted beautifully.

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast basket for two that includes 2 croissant pastries (with jam and butter on the side), 2 yogurt cups, a banana, an apple, and a glass of OJ.

Whispers, the hotel spa, offers a list of services where you can unwind and let go of your daily pressures. Check out their spa menu here.

Azucar, the hotel restaurant & bar.

You and a few friends can walk or bike to Palm Canyon Drive, where you can find the best restaurants, boutiques and galleries that Palm Springs has to offer. The hotel has four bikes available to rent upon signing a waiver. 

I had such a wonderful staycation at La Serena Villas and will definitely come back soon!

Photography by Virisa Yong

Here's a glimpse of my recent trip to Miami!

“Nothing matters very much... and few things matter at all.”

— Lord Balfour

This past weekend, Peter and I celebrated our 7-year anniversary in Miami. We were looking forward to this trip for a while now because we rarely get to go on vacation together! We wanted to relax and enjoy the beach, to get away from the bipolar LA winter we’re having lately. And all I can say is, this trip was definitely needed.

Upon arrival to Room Mate Lord Balfour at 9AM, we asked the staff if we can leave our bags until we can check-in at 3pm. And to our surprise, the staff was nice enough to let us check-in our room early! We were completely exhausted coming from a red-eye flight and losing sleep with the time difference, so we were thrilled to get some rest before we got our day started.

Room Mate Lord Balfour is located below Fifth Street, a less commercial stretch where it’s less crowded and a little more peaceful than other areas. The hotel was only a few steps away from the beach, which made it really easy to go in and out of the shore. We went for sunset dips and the skies were absolutely beautiful to watch! It was totally Instagram-worthy with different cotton candy hues each day, and with little to none crowds to photo-bomb your picture. It was one of the highlights of our trip because I really appreciated how we were able to enjoy the beach even at sun down. In regards to the nightlife, Story is only a few blocks away from the hotel where the party goes down until 5AM. You pretty much get the best of both worlds in the area: peaceful enough to relax but with an option to party hard. So if you’re looking to do both, I highly recommend staying at Room Mate Lord Balfour for your upcoming Miami trip. You can use my code DICTADOMATE to save some $$!

• 15% direct discount on the best flexible rate
• Promotion applies to all Room Mate Hotels
• Reservations valid through our Call Center or www.room-matehotels.com only
• Promotion may not be combined with other offers
• Discount applies to room only or bed and breakfast
• Reservations subject to availability of special allotment assigned to this offer
• Offer valid for travel dates between January 24th, 2017 and December 31th, 2017
• Reservations must be booked between January 24th, 2017 and March 31th, 2017

No room service here, but they provide complimentary breakfast, located at the first floor.

The room has big windows for great lighting.

The sunsets were absolutely beautiful.

The weather is perfect this time of year. Not too hot, and not too cold!

I have gone to NYFW a few times and I must say that I mastered the art of packing quite a bit. It can be stressful and tedious, but preparing yourself is key. Thanks to my friends over at CALPAK, packing has always been a breeze, and most importantly, I’m always traveling in style. We’re giving you a chance to win a 3-piece luggage CALPAK set of your own at the end of this post, so don’t miss it!

Here are a few things to consider before you start packing:

• What’s the weather like in the city you’re visiting?  I cannot emphasize how important this is! Make sure to pick pieces according to the weather. You don’t want to be wearing short shorts in 60 degree weather, or wool tops in 80% humidity. It still felt like summertime in New York, so I made sure I brought lightweight pieces to wear.
• How long are you staying? This helps you determine how many outfits you should pack. I always recommend bringing an extra outfit or two just in case—you might need it for any last minute agendas, or a wardrobe malfunction.

• Try to match and color-coordinate your pieces. My closet mostly consists of neutral colors so it’s not much of a problem. However, we often forget that we are limited with what we can bring, and that's why it’s important to plan your outfits accordingly. I usually play it safe and bring a pair of black sneakers and heels because I can pretty much wear them with any outfit. 

• Leave ample room in your luggage, or bring an extra tote bag with you. There’s no reason to over pack because there’s always opportunities to shop! That’s one of the reasons why traveling is fun. I always try to leave room in my luggage because I know for a fact that I’m going to be bringing new goodies with me back home.

Moving on to my NYFW outfits, here's a round-up of all my looks:

NYFW Outfit Day One

Dahli The Label Top + Skirt / Dolce Vita Booties / Sunday Somewhere Sunnies

NYFW Outfit #2 Day One

Lysse Jacket / Blank NYC Tee / Dolce Vita Booties / Sunday Somewhere Sunnies

NYFW Outfit Day Two

Willow & Clay Top + Skirt / Chinese Laundry Shoes / MCM Bag

NYFW Outfit #2 Day Two

Lioness Dress / MCM Bag / Dolce Vita Booties

NYFW Outfit Day Three

Dahli The Label Jacket + Romper / Chanel Purse / Dolce Vita Booties

Now here's YOUR chance to get your very own 3-piece luggage set from CALPAK! Just follow these 3 rules to enter:

• Follow both @paudictado + @calpak on Instagram
• Subscribe to CALPAK’s email list
• Leave a comment below that includes your dream travel destination with a link to your favorite luggage

***Continental U.S. participants only***

Winner will be announced on my blog Friday, October 7, 2016 - GOOD LUCK!

My Miami Vlog is finally here!

I had such an amazing time in Miami for Swim Week with KYBOE! and I can't wait to show you my experience. Watch the short clip below for all the fun!

Please give the video a thumbs up and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel! xo

For my summer getaway to the Philippines, I had the chance to partner up with CALPAK to show you my travel diary on their blog! There I talked about visiting Manila, which is the capital city—and Boracay, which is one of their island destinations.

Read about all the places I enjoyed visiting and all the amazing food I ate. I had the best time with all my adventures there and I can’t wait to share with you, so check it out here! :)

Happy Monday, loves!

This last NYFW I had the chance to collaborate with Lafayette 148 New York, a contemporary woman’s line that redefines power-dressing with its exceptional style, fit and quality. They offer a wide range of styles for the sophisticated, cosmopolitan woman.

I chose a staple piece like this long blazer—the structure and padding on the shoulders gives it a strong look, perfect for business meetings and professional settings.

I paired it with a white button down shirt, a piece that’s versatile all-year-round. You can layer it with a long trench or slouchy cardigan on those chilly days, or wear it by itself on those warmer days.

Lafayette 148 New York Blazer + Tunic / Very Volatile Boots c/o Lulu's / Skinnydip London Bag

“Twenty years from now you’ll be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.” – Mark Twain

This year, I’m definitely planning to travel more. Chicago was on my list, so my boyfriend & I went for our anniversary—a short trip but fun nonetheless. Here's a recap, along with some tips if ever you plan on going to this beautiful city soon!

DAY 1

We arrived the city at 9am on a Friday and it started snowing—my first time seeing snowfall! It was really cold and I’m glad I was prepared and all layered up. Although check-in time is at 3 p.m., we were able to check-in early at The Godfrey and got to rest for a bit. The Godfrey is in the heart of the city and almost everything was walking distance or a $5 uber ride—it was nicely convenient.

A glimpse of our room and the city view from our window! It was a gloomy Friday morning.

First stop, Wildberry Pancakes and Café. I usually prefer waffles over pancakes but reviews say that their signature berry bliss pancakes were a must, so I ordered that instead and I loved it! After brunch, we headed to Millenium Park to check out the bean.

I love museums so we had to stop by and explore The Art Institute of Chicago. We didn’t have much time but I loved their exhibits! 

After a long day of exploring, we were famished. So we went to Giordano's for dinner because we've heard great things about their deep dish pizza, and they were right, it doesn't compare to the BJ’s deep dish that most of us know. All the toppings were inside the pizza, almost like a pie, and the cheese was just complete gooey goodness. This is a definitely a MUST when you’re in Chicago.

DAY 2

We started our day with breakfast at The Eastman Egg Company, which offered a variety of tasteful egg sandwiches. I got The Captain and added avocados—so good! Then, Intelligentsia Coffee for a latte.

My favorite part of the trip was going to Skydeck that features The Ledge, which is a glass balcony extending four feet at the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. It supposedly gives you a view of four states. It was breathtaking (and a bit scary, haha). The regular line takes about an hour to a couple hours so I recommend getting the fastpass!

Dinner and drinks at The Purple Pig, and another breathtaking view of our room view at night.

DAY 3

Our last day in Chicago was pretty short since our flight back home was at 4 p.m. so we made sure our last meal was a good one. And If you knew me well, you know that I love eggs. There was a brunch spot called Yolk that was only a couple blocks from our hotel and I ordered a Tour De France, which was 3 different French toasts in one plate. It was sweet and fruity, just the way I like it! To complete the salty and sweet combo, Peter ordered the pot roast egg’s benedict—which I also recommend.

Our last stop was Café Integral, a cute little café at Freehand Hotel. They offer drinks and bites with a very homey setting!

Other Tips:

• If you’re going to Chicago during the winter time, don’t forget to layer up! Thermals, chunky knits, winter boots, gloves, scarves, beanie, etc.
• Map out all the places you want to go to and choose a hotel that’s in the vicinity. It makes it easy to go from one place to another (especially when in extremely cold or hot weather conditions).
• Try as much restaurants as you can. The food in Chicago is AMAZING. I have nothing bad to say about the places I went to. But WARNING: most good restaurants have about an hour to an hour and a half wait time, so don’t wait to go until you’re extremely hungry. Also, most restaurants have waiting apps where you can put your number down so that you can leave and come back when the table is ready for you.

Lastly, here’s a short clip of our trip—my first video ever, guys! You can check out my channel and subscribe here. Hope you enjoy!

About two weeks ago, I decided to go on a short trip to SF with my best friend! It was a last minute decision so we decided to drive up (yes, 6+ hours long) and booked an air bnb. Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun! This post is dedicated to sharing you my trip :) 

Hangin' at the Google headquarters! 

The colorful bikes~ 

Photo op on the infamous bike, of course.

Stopped over Philz Coffee in Palo Alto to grab an iced mint mojito.

Passed by Lombard St. and the view was breathtaking! This photo definitely doesn't do it justice.

The bread bowls at Fisherman's Wharf--a must!  

Watched the seagulls (not pictured) sleep by Pier 39 almost until the sunset hit.

First time at Boba Bear then shopped til we dropped (literally). 2 hour sleep + 6 hour drive + adventure-filled day = almost fell asleep while eating dinner at San Tung's, which had really good Asian chicken wings

DAY 2

Found this cute little cafe for a morning snack. 

Walked around the Golden Gate Park! 

Tpumps: my favorite boba milk tea place...ever. Did I say ever? YUP. I just love how you can mix 3 different flavors with your milk tea and make it extra sweet. So many flavors in one cup. My kinda drink!

Palace of the Arts. Classic. 

Got a thing for ancient architecture. 

Walked around and found a swan! 

We rented bikes to ride by the Golden Gate Bridge! 

Looking down to water gave me anxiety >_< 

Strolled by Pier 14. 

Stopped by Hog Island Oyster Co by the Ferry Building and had THEEE most amazing oysters & grilled cheese.  

No filter--watched the sunset and pretty colors everywhere. 

Always swooning over city night lights. 

Super Duper Burger in Castro District. 

Twin Peaks!

DAY 3

Sushirrito at Financial District. 

Boba Guys: Round 2. 

Billy Goat Hill. 

Stopped by Bi-Rite and hung out at Dolores Park. 

I had the best time at San Francisco! Amazing sceneries, great food, nice weather. It's nice to get out of LA once in a while. I love exploring other cities/places because it always gives me a different perspective of life. Moreover, it's relaxing and inspiring at the same time. Thank you for going through my photo diary :) Now, where to next?