Author: Nicole Isaacs

MIAMI SWIM WEEK 2015 RECAP

Last week after I returned from my Middle  East trip, I came back to LA for a day, unpacked, repacked, and headed to Miami for Swim Week! It was my first Miami Swim Week experience and I had the best time. I attended the 6 Shore Road runway show and hosted their after party, and went to Mikoh, Luli Fama Swimwear, Frankies Bikini’s, Acacia, and Indah. Check out my Miami Swim Week recap in my video below! Wearing: Naked Wardrobe, Luli Fama Swimwear, NBD, 6 Shore Road by Pooja (Check my Instagram @NicoleIsaacs for more credits)  

HAUTE LIVING – A HAUTE GUIDE TO EVERYTHING LUXE IN ISRAEL

I wrote an exclusive article for Haute Living about my thoughts and experience on Israel. I wanted to share it on my blog as well if you haven’t checked it out! Click here if you want to view it on the Haute Living website. Israel is one of the most fascinating and beautiful destinations in the world. Despite it’s rich history, culture and rapid growth, Israel along with much of the Middle East remains an untouchable warzone in the minds and media of most western countries. Growing up immersed in Israeli culture and surrounded by my Israel family, I feel extremely connected to Israel. Looking back on the summers I spent exploring the country, I feel a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for my homeland. Through media and misconception, the beauty and magic of Israel is largely lost behind a constant portrayal of war and terrorism. I constantly get asked the same questions about safety and if I’m scared to go, beyond that point people seem to be unaware of what Israel has to offer. That …

DAN HOTELS ISRAEL

Dan Hotels is the most prestigious hotel chain in Israel. When planning my trip there was no question in my mind that was where I was going to stay. It is the most recognized name in the Israeli hotel industry and very well respected. The Dan Hotel Collection includes 14 hotels within Israel, all offering a unique and special experience. I got the opportunity to stay at the famous King David Hotel in Jerusalem, as well as Dan Tel Aviv. I highly recommend this exquisite hotel chain if you are planning to visit Israel. It made my trip extra special and that much more enjoyable. Thank you to the Dan Hotels team! The King David Hotel, Jerusalem One of the world’s most legendary hotels which is known for accommodating some of the world’s most important people, The King David is a landmark in the unique and fascinating city of Jerusalem. With beautiful views of the Old City, the hotel is located just a short 15 minute walk away from the Old City walls where within lies the old …

ISRAEL

Israel has a very special place in my heart. I grew up traveling to Israel during my summers off school to visit my dad’s side of the family and I have so many amazing memories that have impacted my life and helped shape who I am today. Israel is, and will forever be a part of me. I feel very connected when I go there, and I think it’s truly one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in the world. Many people I talk to don’t know anything about Israel or what it’s like. They call me “brave” when I tell them I am going, and think it’s only desert, sand dunes and war tanks. It’s crazy to think how the media has portrayed Israel, and it’s sad that the majority of people have major misconceptions of how it really is. My goal for this trip was to show Israel how I know it. If I could live anywhere in the world besides America, I would choose Israel in a heart beat. There is so much history …

I’M GOING TO THE MIDDLE EAST!

Scrolling through Instagram and across travel sites I constantly feel inspired to travel somewhere completely new to me. I attribute a large part of who I am to the experiences I’ve had while traveling out of my element and I encourage travelers to push themselves in to uncharted territories. While for me, boarding a plane to Israel is more of a homecoming than an adventure; there is still an unknown element to the Middle East, which often deters travelers. But hidden beneath negative media and struggling tourism, the Middle East is home to some of the oldest and most significant ancient world wonders, natural wonders, historical landmarks, renowned beaches and popular cities worldwide. What’s all the fuss about? Scroll down to see the Middle East through the eyes of Instagram: • Petra, Ma’An, Jordan – Photo by @thefella • Pammukale, Turkey – Photo by @xoxo.msjasmie • Shiek Zayed Grand Mosqu2, Abu Dhabi – Photo by @worldwanderlust • Dead Sea, Israel Photo by @benny_refaeli • Dubai Photo by @weshacreature • Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey – Photo …

ROAD TRIP TO THE GRAND CANYON

I recently came back from a road trip to the Grand Canyon. It took almost 10 hours to get there, and my friends and I didn’t have any hotels booked. When we arrived at 4am, we were delighted (not) to find out all hotels were sold out and had no where to sleep. We had to drive back to the last town we passed over an hour away to find a hotel there.  I had just come back from a road trip to Vegas for my best friend’s bachelorette party the day before leaving to the Grand Canyon, so to say I was exhausted is an understatement. I usually am really good at planning trips ahead of time, but a lot of the times I wing it, which I think is also part of the adventure. We didn’t know where we were staying each day, and just drove to places we wanted to see and found a hotel at the last minute when we wanted to go to sleep at night. As tired as I …

NAPA VALLEY + CIROC

Visitors from around the world travel to Napa Valley for its famous wineries, restaurants and beautiful scenery. The Valley is 30 miles long, only a few miles wide and is home to over 400 tasting rooms. I drove from Los Angeles for an evening and a day just before Memorial Day weekend which is considered the beginning of Napa’s summer season. The vineyards were green with growth, the weather was warm and I never felt overwhelmed by the amount of people we saw. The City of Napa is located at the southern end of Napa Valley and is the beginning of many wine tours. The Napa Valley Wine Train begins just a stones throw away from downtown Napa or you can bring your own driver or hire a car for transportation around the Valley. I had 24 hours to make the best out of what Napa Valley had to offer, so below is what I suggest for a quick, well-rounded Napa Valley experience. WHERE TO STAY The Westin Verasa Napa is the epitome of luxury …

COSTA RICA TRAVEL TIPS

I just got back from Costa Rica and it was absolutely amazing. Costa Rica is such a beautiful country. I bought my ticket last minute and basically booked all accommodations the day before. Talk about winging it! My two friends and I decided to rent a car and drive through the country. We decided to hit up San Jose, Arenal, Tamarindo & Quepos, Manuel Antonio. I had an incredible trip. Take a look at my Costa Rica Travel Tips below… Miss Jetsetter’s Costa Rica Travel Tips My overall travel mantra when is: over-prepare then go with the flow. This is especially important when taking a multi-destination trip. The goal is to avoid anxiety and frustration while traveling. When deciding to road trip through Costa Rica it meant there would be no guidance from an experienced Costa Rican tourism company. I couldn’t say that any aspect of my trip was guaranteed, but by researching the destinations and knowing the lay of the land I felt comfortable and confident. This may sound like over kill- but creating …