Whitney Haldeman
This Week in the World: Week 10

Rome, Italy: Where to Stay

where to stay in rome italy

Happy Monday, friends! This week I'm finally getting around to writing about my most recent trip to Rome. As I mentioned in my Top 10 Trips of 2016 post, Rome will forever be a page turner in the history of my life. 5 years ago I had never been to Europe (even though I always dreamed of going) and at long last my family planned a trip. I honestly can't think of a time in my entire life where I've been more excited than I was when those airplane wheels touched down that summer in 2012. My dad still recalls how my mouth hung open in wonder like a little kid at Disneyland. Going back for the third time this past October gave me all the same butterflies and warm-fuzzy-feelings that I experienced on my first trip. Because let's face it: Rome is simply magical. 

Where is the best place to stay in Rome? Unlike many destinations that I've been to more than once, I've never stayed in a proper hotel while visiting the Eternal City. While there's certainly no shortage of options, I've always found apartment-style accommodations to be incredibly charming (not to mention, very Eat, Pray, Love). My experience with Italian hospitality is that they actually treat you like family (and this is true of all the apartment hosts I've had). So if there were ever a time to forego a traditional hotel for the apartment life, I'd encourage you to consider doing so in Rome. 

 

YOUR SUITE ROME: GRAND SUITE RICCI

your suite rome apartment

In the heart of the city just around the corner from Campo de Fiore (one of my favorite spots in Rome) is Grand Suite Ricci: a luxury apartment where my friends and I stayed on my most recent trip. This 2 bedroom 80 squared meter apartment is the perfect size for a group of 3 or 4 (we even had a spare room for all of our luggage!) The apartment was so beautiful and bursting with character (especially those rustic wooden-beam ceilings!) We could easily walk to so many great places (Vatican City, Campo de Fiore, the Pantheon, Piazza Novana... the list goes on).

Our hosts at Your Suite Rome provided us with everything we needed: wifi, assistance with airport transfers and most importantly: amazing food, drink + sightseeing recommendations (stay tuned for the posts later this week for those details!)  

your suite rome apartment
your suite rome apartment italy
your suite rome apartment

I spent a bit of time on my own in Rome after my friends flew back to the states and before I flew back to London, so I decided to try another apartment. For my last night, I stayed in the Banchi Vecci suite (which is also owned by Your Suite Rome and is just around the corner from the last, so all previous comments still apply!) This 65 square meter apartment came with all the same luxuries as the last, just with one bedroom instead of two (perfect for people traveling solo or as a couple). The living room was so spacious and had the same gorgeous wood-beam ceilings (I loved sitting in there, drinking wine and people watching out the window). 

I had a fantastic stay in both of these units and I can say with confidence that staying here offers the best of both worlds. So whether you're traveling solo or with a group, you can experience Rome as a local without compromising modern, luxury amenities and a friendly, knowledgable host.

Thanks so much to Your Suite Rome for having us!

 

DI RIENZO PANTHEON PALACE

gruppo di rienzo rome italy

My other apartment experience in Rome was my very first visit. My family and I stayed at Di Rienzo: a family-run bed and breakfast that offers luxury accommodations, shopping and dining experiences. 

Pantheon Palace is a historic building in style of the fourteenth century. All of their apartments are located on the same Piazza as the Pantheon, one of Rome's most iconic landmarks. My family and I spent every night at their restaurant (which I'll get to in my "Where to Eat" post later this week) drinking wine and marveling at this ancient masterpiece. While that memory alone is enough for me to recommend staying here, we truly couldn't have had a better experience with our hosts. Every time I've been back to Rome since, I've made a point to go to Di Rienzo to see my friends (who treated me like family).

While it's been a few years since I've stayed there, I still can't say enough wonderful things and I have no doubt that anyone would love it. If you're looking to stay right next to an iconic Roman landmark and experience the hospitality of a wonderful Italian family, look no further than Di Rienzo. 

Again, there are tons of great places to stay in Rome (although I'd argue the ones above are hard to beat). Have any other questions about accommodations in the Eternal city? Let me know in the comments below!


Stay tuned for more Rome travel tips this week-- we still have a lot to cover about where to eat and what to do!

xx

Whitney

WHERE TO STAY IN ROME ITALY

24 hours in Granada, Spain

GRANADA SPAIN IN 24 HOURS

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain's Andalusia region, you'll find Granada- one of the most interesting cities I've ever visited. You can practically throw a stone to Morocco, so naturally there is tons of Moorish influence peppered all throughout the city (my favorite bits? the architecture + the cuisine). 

While you could easily spend weeks exploring all it has to offer, we were able to cover the most important bases in just about 24 hours. No matter how long you decide to stay, here are some of the must-see attractions in Granada

 

1. MARVEL AT THE LAVISH ALHAMBRA PALACE

It’s no secret that Al Alhambra is the most popular attraction in Granada (and one of the most popular in all of Spain.) Not only is this beautiful complex the only Arab palace in all of Europe and the largest monument in Spain, but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It beautifully exhibits the country’s most significant and well known Islamic architecture. Regardless of what you know about it’s rich history, you simply cannot miss the impressive vaulting and domes, intricate tile mosaics and so many other forms of architectural genius. 

While you can freely roam the outskirts of the grounds, you'll want to buy tickets in advance to properly tour the entire palace (otherwise you'll be waiting in line for hours). 

 

 

 

2. GET LOST IN THE NARROW STREETS OF EL ALBAYZÍN

This district of Granada has some of the most beautiful streets of the entire city (in my humble opinion). The windy, narrow roads are brimming with beautifully detailed architecture and seem to surprise you at every turn. This district is one of the oldest centers of Muslim culture in Granada and is also home to the famous Arab markets. Just stroll along Calle Alcaiceria and you'll find stalls that are bursting with spices, teas, silks and other unique goods. I gave into the tourist trap and paid a local a few Euro to paint a henna tattoo on my hand (which then stayed on for weeks). While we never made it over to this area at night, I'm told the hookah bars are incredibly lively and will surely entertain anyone looking for some good nightlife. 

arab spice markets granada spain

 

 

3. EXPERIENCE A PROPER HAMMAM AT HAMMAM AL ANDALUS

I was so upset I didn't get to experience a proper Turkish bath after my Istanbul plans fell through. Lucky for me I got to experience a Hammam, or a  Middle Eastern variant of a steam bath, at Al Andalus. While we couldn't get too many photos of the grounds due to client privacy, these "baths" (or pools, really) where you go soak before getting a massage are incredibly ornate and impressive. It was incredible to sit + relax while admiring the intricate detail and beautiful design that went into all of the architecture. At Al Andus, we were served tea, were permitted to stay in the pool area (which had multiple room options for water temperatures and varying design) for up to an hour, followed by a 20 minute massage. It was such a unique experience and I highly recommend trying it out for yourself. 

hammam al andalus

 

 

4. EMBRACE THE ARABO-ANDALUSIAN CUISINE (AND SANGRIA)

Some of my favorite cuisine from my entire trip abroad was in Granada. Not only do they have the traditional Spanish fare that I love (like jugs of sangria and tapas platters of manchego + jamón) but you’ll also find delicious Moroccan dishes served with incredible spices. My absolute favorite meal we ate was stumbling upon an idyllic courtyard in the El Albayziín area and ordering Moroccan chicken with pitchers of sangria (best of both worlds). I recommend finding someplace to eat near Calle Alcaiceria, as there are sure to be plenty of delicious Moroccan dishes to choose from. 

moroccan food granada spain

 

5. WATCH THE SUNSET AT MIRADOR DE LA LONA

This was hands down one of the coolest things we did. Our host told us to head to Mirador De La Lona (also in the Albayzín area) before sunset to watch the sky light up over the city against the Sierra Nevada foothills. As you probably already know, photos never do a sunset proper justice, but it was truly an incredible experience and something you need to see for yourself! 

granada spain sunset

 

 

Now that we've covered what to do, let's talk about what to pack. Most people (typically) visit Granada in the warmer months, so assuming that's you I would advise packing lightweight + breathable basics like a chambray shirt, linen pants, a light-weight scarf, a fedora, sundresses and some espadrilles. 

 

granada spain

There are so many amazing things to see and places to eat in Granada. If I haven't made it clear already, this city had an inexplicable wow factor that left me so impressed. If you're looking for a destination in Spain that's rich in history, diverse in culture and abundant in beautiful views, look no further than this wonderful city!

Have you visited Granada before? If so, let me know what you loved most in the comments below!

 

As always, thanks for stopping by friends! Have a great Thursday and stay tuned for some more travel content coming soon!

xx

Whitney

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POST TRAVEL REMEDIES: FITNESS TIPS AFTER VACATION

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Lately I've been discussing some post-travel remedies to get back on track after you overdo it on a holiday. We've already talked about some beauty tips and nutrition tips so today we're diving into fitness. 

If you want to indulge in all the delicious foods whilst traveling, you'll want to balance it with exercise. Even if you have a crazy fast metabolism and aren't concerned with the impact on your waistline, there are dozens of other health factors you should still consider (which are pretty obvious and not worth diving into). 

While I typically focus on yoga, I knew I needed to add some HIIT (high intensity interval training) into the mix if I wanted to shave off "my croissant layers." And while I knew this needed to happen, I still have no clue exactly how much weight fluctuated for a few reasons. First, Europe (and pretty much everyone else in the world besides the US) uses the metric system- meaning they track weight in kilos rather than pounds. If that's not confusing enough to an American, in the U.K. they take it a step further and then convert their weight into stones (6.35 kilos = 1 stone). Given my disdain for math, I simply relied on the "hey, my pants are feeling pretty snug" method. 

Whether you prefer my method or proper mathematics, if your goal involves weight loss you'll want to be sure to find some workouts that involve both cardio and strength training (again, HIIT is ideal). After trying several studios in London, and continuing this program once I got home to Nashville, I found a couple places that were exactly what the doctor ordered. 

 

 

BEST'S BOOTCAMP

During my first month in London, I decided to use ClassPass since I wasn't familiar with any fitness studios in the city. Whilst searching for a HIIT (high intensity interval training) option, I came across Best's Bootcamp right between the Embankment and Charing Cross tube stops and decided I'd give it a go. Straight away I was a big fan. Aside from it being an incredible workout, there were lots of other things I loved about it that made me want to be there. They boast a friendly staff, resident DJ (who mixes new music everyday), state of the art equipment, lavender-scented iced sweat towels after your work out, and luxe beauty products in the changing rooms (complete with L'Occitane shampoo + conditioner). 

 

When I extended my trip to spend another 6 weeks in London, I knew I wanted to work with Best's to get back on track in the fitness department. So I committed to 5 classes a week for 5 weeks, and then one week with 7 classes (yes, that means I went everyday). At first, it wasn't easy (my lungs and muscles hurt like hell) but I kept going. Aside from enjoying the studio environment so much, I quickly made friends with the staff and loved having their accountability. While they didn't actually have to do anything to get me there, the simple fact that they knew me by name and would notice if I was a no-show kept me committed to showing up each day.  

best's bootcamp charing cross London

While getting there is half the battle, giving it your all isn't easy either. At Best's there are no excuses to not give it... well, your best. Their ground-breaking instructor cam gives you total visibility on every move so that you can watch a 360-degree view of your trainer demonstrating each exercise while they talk through the main coaching points. And while the lights go down once class starts (to both allow you not to feel self-conscious of others watching + also to make you feel like you're in a night club rather than a gym) don't be fooled into thinking your instructor isn't watching. I can think of multiple occasions when I was called out because they knew could run faster (again: accountability).

If you're one that get's tired of doing the same class everyday (even if the exercises are changing) fear not. Best's also offers cycle classes in the same studio with all the same perks and amenities previously mentioned. I personally found enough variety in the Bootcamp classes but it was great knowing I had options all within one place. 

I felt significantly better when I left London than when I got there, all thanks to Best's. If I hadn't found a studio, workout + staff that I enjoyed so much, there's no doubt I would have struggled more to stick to my goals. For those of you in London, I can't recommend trying them enough! And now is the perfect time because they're offering 25% off a pack of 20 classes using the code NOSTRINGSATTACHED if you buy before the end of January.

Thanks so much to Best's Bootcamp for an amazing 6 weeks of workouts! I'll definitely be back when I come to London again this spring :) 

While on the "thank you" topic, thanks so much to Sweaty Betty for providing me with some new work-out gear while I was in London (I had seriously under-packed in this department so you saved the day!) I've always been a loyal Lulu-lover but I instantly fell in love with all the new bits I received. If you've never shopped at Sweaty Betty before, check out their online store (they do have a few US locations too!)

 

Having proper work-out gear that you feel good in (as silly as it may sound) really does help you get motivated to get dressed and out the door. Here are a few of my latest favorites to give you some inspiration for your next sweat session. 

 

 

Once I came home to Nashville, I knew that I wanted to keep up the progress I had made at Best's by including more HIIT classes in my current routine. So along with my 3-4 classes every week at Shakti Power Yoga (an amazing studio that I highly recommend), I've been going to 1-2 classes a week at Shed Group Fitness. 

 

 

SHED GROUP FITNESS NASHVILLE

shed group fitness nashville
shed group fitness

SHED is hands down the most intense workout I've done in Nashville. I tried it for the first time just before I left for Europe, so I was excited to go back when I got home. In every class, you're led through 3-5 stations of moderate to high intensity exercises. Each station lasts around 5-8 minutes and includes options for all fitness levels.  Not only does it tick the HIIT box, but it also is a studio environment that I enjoy. The music is always great, the staff is always friendly, and I love that you have some liberty to choose which station you want to start with (seems a bit less miserable that way!) So many of my Nashville friends love it here, so I always have a workout buddy to go with. 

If you’ve never tried SHED, you can get your first class for just $10, PLUS this Saturday, Jan. 28th all classes are FREE!

While this is the particular plan that has worked for me, I realize not everyone will have the same goals (or be in both London and Nashville!) Regardless of where you are, it’s important to stick to these general rules of thumb if you’re wanting to get back on track coming off of a holiday: 

  • Focus on HIIT (high-intensity interval training) to shed weight. 

  • Find a studio environment near you that you'll enjoy going to.

  • Find accountability (be it a friend or through your studio) so you're less likely to quit. 

  • Find proper work-out gear that you love to motivate you to get dressed + go everyday. 

Have you found any other tricks to be effective or motivate you in general in the fitness department? Let me know in the comments below! And stay tuned for some more travel posts this week on more European destinations!

 

xx-

Whitney