Germany’s edgy capital offers wine and culinary experiences that push the envelope. Berlin’s progressive disposition is driving its trendy art and fashion scene. Just as controversial to some are its cutting-edge restaurants and bars, which attract visitors with a flair for wine and food. The richness of Berlin’s history becomes apparent within seconds. Immerse yourself [...]
Closing out the Year at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Before we entered the ancient burial ground on Kapaula, Clifford Naeole offered a chant introducing me to the 400-plus Hawaiian ancestors who lay 40 feet under in the lush gardens overlooking the Hawaiian islands. He touched my arm gently midway through the chant – a signal for me to make my introduction. “Melanie Nayer, from [...]
Tutto va bene…
Sydney, Australia; Los Angeles, California; New York City; Shanghai, China; Hong Kong; Miami; Santa Monica; Bermuda; New York City (again); Toronto; Vancouver, Canada; Austin, Texas; Newport, Rhode Island; and back home again to Boston, Massachusetts. This year has taken me around the world and back again, and while not without its complications, this year has [...]
Traveling To Your Center
I travel to experience new things, meet new people and offer a glimpse of the world that might not be easily viewed for others. My life’s work is a labor of love, but from time to time I forget about the simple pleasures and need a little ‘centering.’ I was speaking to a friend on [...]
Travel…Through the Eyes of a 12-Year-Old
As adults, we inherently worry about everything. We make things more complicated and often spend too much time analyzing something as simple as why he won’t call, why she said what she did, or whether forgetting where we put the car keys means early signs of Alzheimer’s. We take the easiest task and over-complicate it, and [...]
In-flight Observations: Breakups and Bad Flights
The Annual Airline Quality rating survey was released earlier this week and it got me thinking – with so many complaints about the airline industry, what happens to all the complaint letters? Do the airlines ever read the letters? Do they care? Maybe there is a person who is hired specifically to read complaint letters [...]


