This summer has been my “season of not staying put,” as my family likes to call it. Without even realizing it, I have somehow planned a trip every weekend and booked over a dozen flights—and it’s only August. I’ve flown from California to Copenhagen and everywhere in between, and while it’s been so much fun to travel, quite frankly, I’m exhausted. Flying takes a toll on my health, but I’ve curated a routine that has kept my wellness in check all summer long (*knocks on wood*). My carry-on is stocked with digestive aids, immune support, hydration essentials, and sleep accessories that make red eyes more manageable. I’m certainly no wellness expert, but I swear the following items have been complete lifesavers. Keep scrolling to shop for the products I can’t travel without.
This vitamin C supplement was made with travel in mind. It contains anti-viral properties, immune boosters, and stress-relieving adaptogens for the ideal on-the-go concoction.
I’m the type of traveler who needs daily movement (we can sit still when we home) but not necessarily two hours in the gym. Jump ropes are an easy thing to pack for a quick cardio burst.
The greatest hack of all is adding a couple spoonful of chia seeds to a glass of water and mixing it with the Liquid IV packets above. You get a hydration and digestion boost (if you get what I’m saying).
The first thing I do when I get back to my house after a red eye is throw on this frozen mask. It looks crazy but feels amazing and de-puffs instantly.
If you’ve been keeping up with Beauties Who Travels, you know we’re tapped into the best of the best when it comes to must-visit destinations. All summer long, we’ve been keeping you up-to-date on everything from complete destination guides to thehottest vacation trends of the season. Depending on where you set your vacation sights, the options for luxury accommodations can be downright dizzying. As fashion people, we have a high standard when it comes to where we’ll stay, and not just any hotel will do. We look for tastefully designed interiors, a rich history, unique dining experiences, and, most of all, an A-list guest list.
All year, we’ve been clocking the coolest stays and earmarking the places where celebs and fashion people are checking in. Now that we’ve reached peak travel season, it’s about time we review some of the buzziest and most Pinterest-worthy hotels of 2023 so far. Ahead, you’ll find our edit of eight standout stays that boast guests such as Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, and fashion editors at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Consider this your download on the most exciting new and on-the-rise hotels of the year.
Situated on the immaculate white sand of Seven Mile Beach on the island of Grand Cayman is one of the most glamorous destinations for the style set right now. Palm Heights, a 52-suite hotel and resort, is a magnet for A-listers, and its guest list reads more like the model call sheet for a Proenza Schouler show. Bella Hadid, Chloë Sevigny, and Emily Ratajkowski are all repeat visitors, though you won’t find much evidence among the hotel’s tagged Instagram photos. For its buzzy clientele, Palm Heights is not something to shout about, lest its secluded feel loses its luster. Founded by Gabriella Khalil in 2019, every last detail of the property is tastefully curated, down to the sunny-yellow striped loungers and interiors decorated in the ’60s and ’70s mid-century style. The hotel boasts everything from a world-class spa and wellness programs curated by best-in-business trainers from Nike and Forma Pilates to its on-site boutique, Dolores, featuring collaborations with Christopher John Rodgers, Bode, Tekla, and more, making it a true destination for the fashion set.
New York’s iconic Hotel Chelseais simply brimming with history from every corner. Andy Warhol, Mark Twain, Bob Dylan, and Patti Smith are just a few of the artists and musicians who roamed its halls and gleaned inspiration from its Victorian Gothic architecture in the ’60s and ’70s. Despite its status as the city’s cultural landmark, the hotel hadn’t booked a single guest for the past decade. Now, a year after its highly-anticipating reopening by the team behind downtown favorites like The Ludlow and The Bowery, “The Chelsea” as many of its bohemian residents affectionally referred to it, is once again serving as the backdrop to the city’s most fashionable creatives and noteworthy celebrities. Whether you stay in one of its suites lined with rich velvet draping or head to its sprawling lobby bar to sip on a martini, stepping into the space is a confirmation that a certain old New York glamour is alive and well.
Set away from the nonstop nightlife that has earned Mykonos its party-island reputation is the immaculateCali hotel, a serene antithesis to the rest of the island’s bass-thumping beach clubs and already called one of the best new hotels in the world by Travel + Leisureand the best hotel for the fashion crowd byVogue. The property is an assortment of sleek, minimalist suites nestled in an exclusive corner of the island and boasts a private beach just for guests. But perhaps the most photogenic of the hotel’s endlessly Instagrammable corners is the dramatic cliff-top infinity pool and largest on the island.
“I’ve had the privilege of staying in some pretty spectacular accommodations during my editorial career, and it’s not hyperbole when I say that my experience at Cali Mykonos was simply best-in-class” shares Victoria Hoff, a brand strategist and contributing writer. “My room was outfitted with a private pool and outdoor shower that opened up to a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of the Aegean. The property is situated on a quiet cliffside, which was a nice respite from the party atmosphere of Mykonos (which was still accessible by a quick boat ride when the mood struck). Even the toiletries (by Naxos Apothecary) were to die for—I immediately ordered full-size bottles when I returned home.”
The resort that was once home to James Bond author Ian Fleming now boasts a vacation experience fit for Bond himself. This is GoldenEye, a collection of beach huts and villas on a sprawling 25-acre property on Jamaica’s famed north coast. Lipa and The Attico co-founder Gilda Ambrosio are among its star-studded guests already this year.
“Octavia Casa is extremely special,” beams Who What Wear Editorial Director Lauren Eggertsen. “It’s a peaceful oasis tucked away in the La Condesa region of Mexico City that has only 7 rooms which make the entire stay feel very intimate. Octavia Casa originates from the Mexican clothing brand OCTAVIA, so the taste is exuding from every corner of this minimally designed space. The hotel serves a stunning small breakfast every day in the lobby and drinks and snacks in the evening. You might be thinking this sounds like a bed and breakfast, but I can assure you the atmosphere here is much more refined and private than what you would expect, especially due to the size of the property. The staff is extremely friendly, the location could not be more idyllic, and your camera rolls will thank you since every corner of this property is wildly photogenic.”
“I recently went to the Dolomites in Northern Italy during the offseason. High season is, of course, during the winter, as it’s a popular ski region, but it’s pretty spectacular to visit in late spring and summer. There are beautiful hikes and tons of scenic lakes, and there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and a winery at every turn, so you eat and drink exceptionally well. I stayed at the luxuriousForestis Dolomites, which was full of honeymooners (the spa is insane!), so I guess the secret’s out now.” — Monica Mendal, contributing fashion, travel, and lifestyle editor at Vogue
Transformed from the private home of Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé as the final residence of the designer, Villa Mabrouka is undoubtedly one of the most exciting hotel openings of the year. Immersed in one of Tangier’s largest and most enchanting gardens, the intimate 12-room estate is a haven of tranquillity and calm. It’s located in a beautiful 1940s modernist house, offering sweeping views of verdant green, blue sky, and glittering sea from every turn.
Although Sicily is experiencing a spike in international buzz this year, its neighboring island to its south, the volcanic and Tunisian-influenced Pantelleria, has managed to remain an insider destination that stylish Italians keep all to themselves. When they opened the boutique hotel Parco dei Sesi, owners Margot and Massimiliano wanted to imbue the pillars of slow living that define the island into their space which is also home to an organic farm and an artist residency. The result is a 13-bedroom stay that TikTokdescribes as “rugged but luxurious” and where you can easily abandon your grasp on time and reality while you take in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean and North Africa.
You have the right to say no (or yes) to others without feeling guilty.
There are many reasons why we say yes when we want to say no. We might be worried about rejection or what others will think of us. If we are conflict avoidant, it might feel easier to “go along to get along,” but in the long run, denying your truth is a one-way ticket to bitter town.
You have the right to make mistakes, to course correct, or change your mind.
Many of us feel once we make a decision, whether it’s in a relationship, our careers, or something as simple as saying yes to walking our neighbor’s dog on our lunch break, we’ve got to stick with it forever. You have the right to change your mind. Every choice doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
You have the right to negotiate for your preferences, desires, and needs.
You are the only one who knows what your unique preferences, desires, and needs are, and you are the only one who can negotiate for them. When we don’t share what we want and need, the people in our lives don’t know who we are. Many of us were taught to be “easy-going” and not to be “difficult.” The truth is, sharing a preference isn’t difficult. It allows people to truly know us.
You have the right to express and honor all of your feelings if you so choose.
Being fully expressed is part of being a Boundary Boss, but it also means you get to choose what you share, when you share, and with whom. You are not obligated to share or confess all of your feelings to everyone. You have the right to be discerning.
You have the right to voice your opinion, even if others disagree.
If you’re a peacekeeper or a people-pleaser, it can be difficult for you to share your opinion if others disagree. Again, discernment comes in here. Just because you have the right to, that doesn’t mean you have to share all of your opinions with someone aggressive or abusive. You have the right to talk true when it’s right for you.
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You have the right to be treated with respect, consideration, and care.
The way others treat you all starts with your relationship with yourself. You set the bar! When you hold yourself in high regard and prioritize yourself, others will follow your lead. If you’re overworking, over-functioning, and overgiving, chances are you will attract people who will expect you to keep doing that. Begin treating yourself with the respect, consideration, and care you deserve, and set that bar HIGH, baby.
You have the right to determine who has the privilege of being in your life.
Imagine your life as a VIP section, and you are the only person on the guest list. You get to decide who gets the privilege of your company, your time, and your energy. If you don’t learn how to be the bouncer in your VIP section, you might find yourself endlessly twisting yourself into a pretzel and inconveniencing yourself for anyone who wanders past the velvet rope and plops themself down. Not everyone deserves a 24-hour backstage pass to your amazing life. YOU get to make a choice.
You have the right to communicate your boundaries, limits, and deal-breakers.
Again, only you know what’s right for you concerning these things. What is and what isn’t ok with you? What are your non-negotiables? Getting clear about your limits and needs is the first step to asserting yourself and healthily communicating your boundaries. And it is doable.
You have the right to prioritize your self-care without feeling selfish.
There are many myths and limiting beliefs around self-care. Many of us have been taught we should prioritize everyone else and put ourselves last. But when our self-care isn’t solid, we can end up feeling depleted, exhausted, angry, and resentful. The reality is, taking impeccable care of ourselves is the foundation for success in our relationships, our careers, and our entire lives. When we prioritize our self-care, we are at our best and give from a place of love and abundance rather than one of lack.
You have the right to talk true, be seen, and live free.
What I teach inside Boundary Boss is a process for lasting transformation. When you learn this life-changing skill set, speaking up with ease and grace, asserting your truth, and expressing your feelings and preferences become your new normal.
This is a safe space, so let’s admit it: we’ve all kind of wanted to read someone else’s diary before. You know, to get rumors cleared, tea spilled, or just to try to understand them a little bit better. Aside from people in my personal life (don’t act like you haven’t thought about it, too), a few celeb’s diaries are what I’d love to get my hands on. Not in a weird way, like to sell its contents to TMZ or pass any kind of judgment, but simply to get to know a more realistic version of these people that we talk about non-stop but know so little about. Well, lucky for us, celebrity memoirs do just that.
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Whether it’s adeep dive into their personal life and upbringing, obstacles they’ve faced, juicy tell-alls of Hollywood drama, or anything in between, celebrity memoirs are packed to the brim with content that’ll keep you sucked in just as much as a good mystery or true crime read. It feels like every celeb and their mom has written one at this point, so we’ve gathered some top-tier picks to help narrow down the search. With summer finally, here, you won’t be short of any 10/10 beach reads to enjoy this season. Here are 20 celebrity memoirs you need to add to your reading list ASAP:
As he navigated criticism and abuse from some of the most powerful people in Hollywood, a painful past, and a society dead set on forcing him into a binary, Elliot Page often stayed silent, unsure of what to do. Until enough was enough. The Oscar-nominated star who captivated the world with his performance in Juno finally shares his story in a groundbreaking memoir about love, family, fame, and stepping into who we truly are with strength and joy.
Paris Hilton is the most recognizable influencer in the world, but getting to this point was anything but easy. This powerful memoir follows her story of growing up in the spotlight and the struggles she faced behind closed doors, detailing the evolution of celebrity culture and emphasizing that everything is almost never as it seems. But most importantly, she shows us her path to peace while she challenges us to question the world’s role in her story and in our very own.
Before losing his mother, Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. However, grief changed everything. He struggled at school, experienced anger and loneliness, and because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight. He went on to find discipline and peace in his life, but he still struggled to find love—until he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance, but from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health were at risk, so Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee the Royal Family. For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty and diving into a life of love over grief and power.
From television actress, Broadway star, and New York Times bestselling author, Kristin Chenoweth, comes an inspiring memoir featuring philosophical-ish musings on connection, creativity, loss, love, faith, and closure. Just like Kristin’s grandmother inspired her to trust her heart and develop her own belief system, this memoir will inspire you to develop your own life philosophies, as you journey through some of Kristin’s most vulnerable and humorous personal stories.
From the magical moments on set as Draco Malfoy to the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, we get a backstage pass into Tom Felton’s life on and off the big screen. His adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame in beloved films like The Borrowers catapulted him into the limelight, but nothing could prepare him for what was to come after he landed the iconic role of Draco Malfoy, the bleached blonde villain of the Harry Potter movies. For the next 10 years, he was at the center of a huge pop culture phenomenon and yet, in between filming, he would go back to being a normal teenager trying to fit into a normal school. Tom shares his experience growing up as part of the wizarding world while also trying to navigate the real world in this entertaining, funny, and poignant must-read for any Harry Potter fan.
Julia Fox is famous for many things: her captivating acting, such as her breakout role in the film Uncut Gems, her trendsetting style (including bleached eyebrows, exaggerated eyeshadow, and cutout dresses), and her mastery of social media, where she entertains and educates her millions of followers. But, all these share the trait for which she is most famous: being unapologetically herself. This commitment to authenticity has never been more on display than in this beautifully written memoir in which she dives into her upbringing, inspirations, lessons learned, and the unique transition from girlhood to womanhood while being a spectacle of the public eye.
Now if that’s not a title that grabs your attention, I literally don’t know what will. Jennette McCurdy, most famous for her beloved role as Sam on “iCarly,” talks about her struggles as a former child actor—touching on addiction, eating disorders, and of course her very complicated relationship with her mother. This memoir will have you crying on one page and cracking up on the next as it indulges you in the beautifully written story of how McCurdy found herself and retook control over her life.
Imagine if your mom wrote a book compiled of letters addressed to you in which she reveals her most wild life stories and all the valuable lessons she’s learned from them. That’d be unreal, right? Well, that’s exactly what Asian-American comedian Ali Wong does in her hilarious and heartfelt book written for her two baby girls. They’ll probably have to wait until they’re 18 to indulge, but it’ll definitely be worth the wait.
If you fell in love with Jonathon watching his lovable, larger than life personality on “Queer Eye,” you absolutely must snag a copy of “Over the Top.” This memoir uncovers the pain and passion it took for them to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance (and slay-ness) we’ve come to know and love. Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets and reveals sides of himself fans have never seen in this genuine, raw, and 10/10 read.
Actress, screenwriter, and comedian Mindy Kaling invites readers on a tour of her life and her hot takes on romance, friendship, and being a woman in Hollywood in this memoir that makes you feel as if you’re just chatting over coffee with your BFF. From reminiscing on her squeaky-clean childhood to thoughts on body image, topics of all kinds are talked about through the charismatic tone and girl next door vibe we all know and love.
One of the most well-known female comedians of all time, Tina Fey, gives us an equally funny and intriguing run down of her life from beginning to now in this humorous memoir. Starting from her childhood as a nerdy, smart-mouthed girl all the way to how she found such great success in show business, we get to hear from Tina Fey in a way we’ve never been able to before.
Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winner Billy Porter (SO close to EGOT status—you got this, Billy) recounts what it was like to grow up Black and gay in America, and his resilient determination to overcome the barriers set before him and discover his talents and voice. A multitalented, multifaceted icon gives us one of the most highly praised celebrity memoirs to date with his powerful voice and important messages.
In this incredibly written and revealing memoir, Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis shares an intimate look at her childhood and how she grew into the woman she is today, including what it was like growing up in poverty with an abusive father and healing along the way to becoming the Viola Davis we know now.
While Drew Barrymore’s first memoir recounts her younger days of fame and darker life moments, “Wildflower” meets an older, more confident Barrymore reflecting on her larger-than-life existence, from being emancipated from her parents and paving her own distinct path. It’s a story of how she successfully rescued herself and created a legacy of her own—a tear-jerker, for sure.
“Star Wars” fanatics, this one is for you. Entertainment industry icon Carrie Fisher tells an intimate, hilarious, and revealing recollection of what really happened behind the scenes of one of the most famous film sets of all time, the very first “Star Wars” movie.
“The Office” is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, and stars of the show Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey put aside their on-screen rivalry to become real life besties and create this sweet recollection of memories and never before heard details of the making of this cult-favorite series. Imagine getting to write a book with your BFF about all of your most memorable times together—the dream, really.
We all know that comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish is undeniably hilarious, but in this memoir, we learn that she had to be funny at an early age out of necessity, as it helped her get by in school and the foster care system. She writes so genuinely about how she came from nothing to become one of the most successful comedians in Hollywood, and how her old survivor tactic led her to her dream career.
Iconic comedian and newly renowned pottery artist Seth Rogen is basically the cool dad of Hollywood, and this incredibly funny take on a memoir shows just that. He shares a collection of personal essays and hilarious anecdotes about doing stand-up comedy as a teen, attending Jewish summer camp, moving to LA, and some of his favorite high stories, obviously.
Wildly talented actress Constance Wu, best known for her roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” delivers a powerful and poignant new book about family, romance, sex, shame, trauma, and how she found her voice on the stage as an Asian American woman.
In this unexpectedly brilliant memoir, model, actress, and activist Emily Ratajkowski talks about her own experiences navigating complicated and sometimes sexually abusive environments as a hypersexualized woman working in entertainment with crucial messages about feminism, power, and gender woven throughout.
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