͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Hola from Mexico, where we're still enjoying coastal Oaxaca - waking to chachalacas feasting in the guamúchil tree, and spending afternoons exploring mountain coffee towns in the midday heat.

If you're planning a trip, check out our freshly-updated guide to the best breakfasts in Puerto Escondido—because there's no better way to start your day than with ocean views 🌊. And stay tuned… we've got the ultimate Huatulco dining guide coming soon!

But with spring just around the corner, we're turning our attention to two more irresistible destinations: Salento, Italy 🇮🇹 (where I made my one and only appearance on Italian national TV 🎥 -- let's just say Hollywood never called!) and Grenada 🌴, where we uncovered a Caribbean resort deal so good you might start packing immediately.

Plus, we're sharing a recipe for an easy side dish from Puglia that's perfect for spring! 🐣 🌷

Let's dive in!

Michele

Travel Tips and Planning

Grenada's Boutique Gem: A Shoulder-Season Deal

Dreaming of a wellness getaway or the ultimate chocolate lover's escape? Grenada is it!

This lush island is home to pristine beaches, spice-scented markets, and an incredible chocolate scene.

Contributor Jennifer Bain has found a boutique resort that offers personality, charm, and bargain prices.

Click to Read Article

Timely Travel

Spring in Puglia: A Feast for Saint Joseph's Day 🇮🇹

Each March 19th, regions in Italy celebrate Saint Joseph's Day, a religious festival rich in symbolism and tradition.

At the heart is La Tavola di San Giuseppe, a meatless feast where invited guests—dignitaries, local citizens, and even travellers—assume the roles of biblical figures.

While in Minervino di Lecce, I had the honour of portraying Elizabeth, mother of St. John the Baptist, during a televised reenactment of the feast.

Seated beside my "husband" Zacharias, I took part in the ritual of tasting symbolic foods.

Later, I danced the pizzica with the town tailor. It was an unforgettable few days!

If you're looking for an untouristy experience in Italy, consider adding a festival in Puglia to your travel list.

From Gallipoli's winemaking festival to summer events in Santa Maria di Leuca, they offer a true taste of local traditions, hospitality, and incredible food.

Plan Your Puglia Trip!

This feast includes pasta with chickpeas and lampascioni (wild onions).

Style Without the Splurge in Puerto Escondido

Looking for an adults-only boutique hotel that won't break the bank?

After a disappointing stay at a nearby "top-rated" hotel, we discovered Casa Bicachi.

With chic rooms (some with fully stocked kitchens), breezy balconies, and a stunning pool, it was a game-changer.

Welcoming staff and nature-inspired decor vaulted it onto our list of top hotels in town.

Check It Out!!

Adults-only luxury for under $100 USD a night.

Global Table

Puré di Fave (Fava Bean Puree)

In southern Italy, fava beans are a symbol of luck and abundance, and nowhere is this more celebrated than in Puglia.

Puré di Fave, a rich and velvety fava bean purée drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, is a beloved staple of the region.

Creamy and comforting, it's perfect with rustic country bread or sautéed greens—simple, hearty, and full of tradition.

Popular for Lent, try this authentic Italian recipe today!

Get the Recipe

Make this Easter dish -- Puré di fave e Cicorie (Fava Bean Puree with Chicory)

Beach & City Buzz

Notable news, updates, and happenings

Cook Like an Italian: The best meals in Italy aren't found in restaurants but around farmhouse tables, Cookly's latest experiences—from truffle foraging in Tuscany to pasta in Taormina Sicily—get you into the kitchen with locals.
Puerto Escondido will be the next World's Surfing Reserve says the Save the Waves coalition. The proposed reserve would cover 10 km of coastline and 8 surf breaks!
Shake up this Chamomile Whiskey Cocktail recipe for International Whiskey Day on March 27, 2025! This global celebration honours the rich history, craftsmanship, and diversity of whiskey while raising awareness and funds for Parkinson's disease research.