🏆✨ TELLY AWARD UNBOXING! ✨🏆 I’m beyond thrilled to share this magical moment — unboxing my Telly Award for my Tourism Ireland segment on The Jet Set TV! From falconry at Dromoland Castle to storytelling at Giant’s Causeway, traditional Irish dancing, crafting a bodhrán, savoring chocolate at Kylemore Abbey, and hula hooping across the country — this adventure was unforgettable. And now, it’s award-winning! 💚🍀 Huge thanks to the @TellyAwards for this incredible recognition, to Tourism Ireland for your amazing support, and to the fabulous team at The Jet Set for bringing this journey to screens across the country. 🎥 A big shout-out to Anthony from Money You Should Ask for filming the unboxing and capturing all the joy behind the scenes! This sparkling statue reminds me that storytelling matters — and that through travel, we find deeper connection, history, joy, and community. 🌍
📺 Watch the award-winning segment: https://t.co/jv0WOlNJPD 📦 Watch the unboxing video below!
#TellyAwards #Unboxing #AwardWinning #TheJetSet #TourismIreland #MoneyYouShouldAsk #TravelTV #LisaNiver #TVHost #Ireland #CelticCharm #Gratitude #travel #Journalist #Women #MakeYourOwnMap #tv #awards @moneyyoushouldaskpod @tellyawards@tourismireland
After taking a polar plunge in both Antarctica and the Arctic, I never imagined I'd voluntarily step into another kind of extreme cold. 🥶🇦🇶➡️🇨🇭 At the new QUELL Spa at Appenzeller Huus in Switzerland, I tried cryotherapy for the very first time. The chamber is cooled to -120°C (-184°F), and while guests can stay for up to three minutes, I decided to go the distance and stayed for the full time. It was COLD. Instantly, unbelievably cold. Kevin, who guided me through the experience, suggested I keep moving, so I found myself dancing around the chamber while watching the countdown. 💃❄️
Was it freezing? Absolutely. Was it something I'd ever done before? Not even close. Am I glad I was brave enough to try it? Definitely. Appenzeller Huus felt like the perfect place for my first cryotherapy experience. The hotel's beautiful new QUELL Spa and L3 Longevity Circle combine innovative wellness with thoughtful luxury, making it the ideal place to step outside my comfort zone.
I shared more about this experience and how it compares with taking polar plunges in Antarctica and the Arctic in my latest Travel + Leisure article: “3 Minutes in Extreme Cold Changed the Way I Think About Wellness Travel” https://t.co/q0Ei6lKT5e Some of my favorite travel memories come from saying yes to something I've never done before. Would you try three minutes at -120°C (-184°F)? 🥶 @Switzerland@TravelClassics@TravelLeisure
One of the biggest surprises during my stay at Appenzeller Huus was the vast wine cellar complex, including the champagne, white wine, and red wine cellars. Everywhere we turned there were more bottles, more magnums, and another beautiful space waiting behind a glass wall. What fascinated me most was the contrast. Part of the collection is housed beneath a hotel built with traditional Appenzell craftsmanship, yet access is controlled by facial-recognition technology and the inventory is managed digitally. Old-world hospitality meets cutting-edge innovation. The numbers are impressive too: more than 20,000 bottles, over 2,000 different wines, and a cellar complex spanning about 350 square meters. Appenzeller Huus describes it as the largest wine cellar in Switzerland. I expected beautiful rooms, incredible tapestries, wellness experiences, and a rooftop pool. I didn't expect to find one of Switzerland's most ambitious wine programs hidden below ground. 🍾✨ #AppenzellerHuus #HUUSQUELL #Switzerland #wine #champagne
What a magical way to celebrate the Fourth of July and America's 250th! 🇺🇸✨ Watching the fireworks light up the sky over the Hollywood Bowl, surrounded by live music, special friends, and a picnic under the stars, was everything I love about summer in Los Angeles. Grateful for an unforgettable evening filled with music, laughter, and a spectacular finale. The Hollywood Bowl truly is one of the best places to experience summer in LA! ❤️🎆
The past two months have taken me from conference halls to cruise ships, from colorful Swiss villages to tiny Liechtenstein, from television interviews to new stories on the page. Thank you for reading, watching, listening, commenting, and cheering me on. Read more: https://t.co/7Zulu75bqz
What happens when a 700-year-old village embraces the future? 🇨🇭✨ During my stay at Appenzeller Huus, I toured all three properties and quickly realized this is much more than a luxury hotel, it's a celebration of Appenzell's heritage, craftsmanship, and culture. I stayed in the newest property, which opened in October 2025, and absolutely loved it. From the gorgeous tapestries and embroidery-inspired details to the stunning ceiling design and cozy window seat, every corner reflected the region's rich textile traditions. Everything was carefully thought through and felt luxurious including the thick robes, soft towels and a Dyson hair dryer waiting in the room. Throughout the property, local wood, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design come together beautifully. Built with local pine harvested during the winter "moon wood" season, the hotel honors centuries-old building techniques while embracing modern innovation. And then there was the rooftop pool. Swimming while looking out over the surrounding countryside was one of my favorite moments, followed by time exploring the expansive wellness area with its pools, saunas, and longevity-focused experiences. The L3 concept isn't about living longer—it's about living healthier. What stayed with me most, though, was the sense of place. The remarkable tapestries, local herbs used in cocktails and treatments, centuries of textile history, and deep connection to Appenzell's traditions make this destination feel truly special. Luxury is wonderful. A hotel that could only exist in this place? That's unforgettable. 🇨🇭✨ #AppenzellerHuus #Appenzell #Switzerland #travelclassicsswitzerland #travel
Thank you to Appenzeller Oforom. We loved the piano concert by Benjamin Engeli playing Agathe Backer-Grondahl, Amy Beach and Frederic Chopin. @benjaminengeli
https://t.co/c9vL96sy0v https://t.co/ITZkf1D6lL @MySwitzerland_e@TravelClassics
🌺📖 In print and in my hands! 📖🌺There is something incredibly special about holding a magazine and seeing your story on the pages. I'm beyond excited to have my latest travel feature in Pasadena Magazine, sharing my return to French Polynesia, a destination I fell in love with years ago and always dreamed of revisiting. This adventure had everything I love about travel: flying across the Pacific with Air Tahiti Nui, diving with Fluid Tahiti, staying at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, and sailing through the islands aboard Windstar Cruises' all-suite Star Breeze. From manta rays and coral gardens to private motu lunches, Bora Bora sunsets, incredible meals, and unforgettable people, every day felt like a gift. As a travel journalist, there is never a moment when I take publication for granted. Every assignment starts with a blank page, and every published story feels like a celebration. Thank you to the editors at Pasadena Magazine for the opportunity, and thank you to everyone who helped bring this journey to life. 😊✨🌺 https://t.co/SXsGHa6fnu #PasadenaMagazine #Travel #FrenchPolynesia #WindstarCruises #starbreeze https://t.co/KwG4QjJHep @PasadenaMag@WindstarCruises@LDPR@AirTahitiNui@zapwater@InterConHotels@IHGhotels@Allisonww_
Just a few train stops from Appenzeller Huus, our group arrived in Appenzell to wander through one of Switzerland's most colorful towns. A light drizzle may have fallen from the sky, but it did nothing to dampen the vibrant facades, warm welcomes, local flavors, or our spirits. 🇨🇭🍺 Between local shops, regional specialties, conversations with residents, and a final stop at the brewery, we discovered that this small Swiss town holds centuries of history behind its colorful buildings. As we explored, we learned that much of Appenzell was destroyed by a fire in the 1500s. Builders from different regions came to help rebuild, each bringing their own architectural style. The result is the eclectic mix of facades and details that gives the town its distinctive character today. One of the most fascinating stories was about the Landsgemeinde, Appenzell's annual open-air assembly held on the last Sunday in April. Citizens gather to vote by raising their hands in one of the world's oldest forms of direct democracy. Historically, men carried swords as proof of citizenship and their right to vote—some still bring ceremonial swords today as a symbol of that tradition. The contrast is striking because Appenzell Innerrhoden was also the last Swiss canton to grant women the right to vote in cantonal elections, finally doing so in 1991 after a ruling by Switzerland's Federal Supreme Court. It's a powerful reminder that while traditions can endure, democracy continues to evolve. From family-owned businesses and local specialties to colorful streets and centuries-old customs, Appenzell proves that small towns often tell the biggest stories. Small town. Big history. Unforgettable memories. 🇨🇭#Appenzell #Switzerland #travelclassicsswitzerland #travel #appenzellerhuus
What happens when a book keeps opening doors? More than two years after publishing BRAVE-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, I found myself at SXSW for the very first time—signing books at the Female Quotient BookShelf, meeting readers, connecting with inspiring women, and staying at the beautiful Four Seasons Austin. In this Jet Set TV interview with Nikki Noya, we talk about courage, reinvention, storytelling, luxury travel, and why saying "yes" can lead to extraordinary opportunities. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this experience possible and honored that BRAVE-ish continues to connect with readers around the world. 📚 BRAVE-ish is available wherever books are sold. 🌎 Visit https://t.co/ZAeRBFbwbF for more travel stories, videos, and inspiration. https://t.co/uAbxQ2URDb #FourSeasonsAustin #Austin #SXSW #TheFemaleQuotient #Braveish
Country #103 to a Swiss fairytale! ✨🚆🇱🇮🇨🇭
I loved watching the landscape unfold from the train as I traveled from Liechtenstein to Appenzell, Switzerland. Green hills, postcard-perfect villages, and mountains around every corner—and then arriving at beautiful Appenzeller Huus!
One of the best parts of European travel is how quickly one adventure becomes the next. In just a few hours, I went from exploring tiny Liechtenstein to soaking up the charm and beauty of Appenzell.
Have you ever taken a train ride so scenic you didn't want it to end?
One of my favorite discoveries during my stay at Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami was Caña Restaurant. 🍹🌴✨ Located inside the hotel, Caña celebrates Miami's vibrant food culture with Cuban-inspired cuisine, creative cocktails, beautiful artwork, and the option to dine outdoors in the heart of Brickell. It's easy to see why it was named a Miami-Dade Favorites Gold Winner for Best Cuban Restaurant. Jen and I started with the Queso Fundido con Miel y Avellanas and Vegetales a la Plancha before diving into the Entraña a la Parrilla—a grilled hanger steak topped with caramelized onions that was packed with incredible flavor. Add in the sweet plantains, specialty cocktails, and warm hospitality, and every bite was memorable. Before dinner, we headed up to the rooftop pool deck for drinks and skyline views. Between the rooftop, the amazing meal at Caña, and my enormous Junior Suite, I honestly loved every part of this stay. I stayed at Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami before and after my Virgin Voyages cruise, and the location couldn't have been better. Close to PortMiami, surrounded by great restaurants, nightlife, and the energy of Brickell, it was the perfect home base for exploring Miami. Amazing food, an incredible suite, a rooftop pool and bar, and one of the best locations in the city—what more could you ask for? ❤️ @hyatt #hyattcentric #hyatt #miami #brickell @hyattcentric @hyattcentricbrickell
🌺📖 In print and in my hands! 📖🌺There is something incredibly special about holding a magazine and seeing your story on the pages. I'm beyond excited to have my latest travel feature in Pasadena Magazine, sharing my return to French Polynesia, a destination I fell in love with years ago and always dreamed of revisiting. This adventure had everything I love about travel: flying across the Pacific with Air Tahiti Nui, diving with Fluid Tahiti, staying at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, and sailing through the islands aboard Windstar Cruises' all-suite Star Breeze. From manta rays and coral gardens to private motu lunches, Bora Bora sunsets, incredible meals, and unforgettable people, every day felt like a gift. As a travel journalist, there is never a moment when I take publication for granted. Every assignment starts with a blank page, and every published story feels like a celebration. Thank you to the editors at Pasadena Magazine for the opportunity, and thank you to everyone who helped bring this journey to life. 😊✨🌺 https://t.co/SXsGHa6fnu #PasadenaMagazine #Travel #FrenchPolynesia #WindstarCruises #starbreeze https://t.co/1KQCnsftbi @WindstarCruises@InterConHotels@InterConHotels@AirTahitiNuiFR@AirTahitiNui@fluid_tahiti@VictoriaKingPR@LDPR@zapwater@GoKokoTravel
Ready to celebrate? 🥂✨ Open the Virgin Voyages app onboard, give your phone a shake, and Champagne delivery! 🍾 After an incredible evening show, Abbie, Brandon, Caylin and I headed to the pool deck and a few shakes of the app later, we were celebrating under the night sky with Champagne in hand. "Shake for Champagne" is completely on brand for Virgin Voyages. Sometimes the best travel memories aren't the big excursions or grand adventures. Sometimes they're laughing with new friends by the pool after a fantastic show, enjoying a beautiful evening at sea, and toasting to the journey ahead. Cheers to spontaneous moments, new friendships, and Champagne delivered with the shake of a phone. 🥂🌙🚢 #VirginVoyages #ShakeForChampagne #ResilientLady #cruise #travel Ready to sail? https://t.co/L39gm8Kbjt @virginvoyages@thejetsettv
One of the things that surprised me most about Virgin Voyages was the entertainment. This is not your typical cruise ship theater experience. For Persephone in The Red Room, the seats disappeared and the entire space was transformed into an immersive performance venue. Instead of sitting and watching from a distance, we stood in the middle of the action while performers sang, danced, flipped, climbed, and appeared on multiple stages all around us. This fresh retelling of the ancient Persephone myth was upbeat, fun, intense, sexy, and completely unexpected. The acrobatics were spectacular, the singing and dancing were fantastic, and the staging was unlike anything I've seen at sea. At times the performers were so close I could even take selfies during the show! I loved how the production used the entire room—from the floor to the air above our heads—to create a truly immersive experience. It felt less like watching a show and more like being inside one. The creativity behind transforming the theater space was brilliant, and honestly? I enjoyed it so much I would have happily watched it again the same night. Bravo to the cast and creative team for one of the most unique cruise ship productions I've ever experienced. 🎭✨🚢#VirginVoyages #ResilientLady #Persephone #TheRedRoom #CruiseEntertainment Ready to sail? https://t.co/L39gm8Kbjt @virginvoyages@thejetsettv
One of the things that surprised me most about Virgin Voyages was the entertainment. This is not your typical cruise ship theater experience. For Persephone in The Red Room, the seats disappeared and the entire space was transformed into an immersive performance venue. Instead of sitting and watching from a distance, we stood in the middle of the action while performers sang, danced, flipped, climbed, and appeared on multiple stages all around us. This fresh retelling of the ancient Persephone myth was upbeat, fun, intense, sexy, and completely unexpected. The acrobatics were spectacular, the singing and dancing were fantastic, and the staging was unlike anything I've seen at sea. At times the performers were so close I could even take selfies during the show! I loved how the production used the entire room—from the floor to the air above our heads—to create a truly immersive experience. It felt less like watching a show and more like being inside one. The creativity behind transforming the theater space was brilliant, and honestly? I enjoyed it so much I would have happily watched it again the same night. Bravo to the cast and creative team for one of the most unique cruise ship productions I've ever experienced. 🎭✨🚢#VirginVoyages #ResilientLady #Persephone #TheRedRoom #CruiseEntertainment Ready to sail? https://t.co/L39gm8Kbjt @virginvoyages@thejetsettv
My first visit to Bimini included two very different adventures: scuba diving in the morning and an afternoon at Virgin Voyages' Beach Club at Bimini. 🌴🌊☀️ After our two-tank dive, my dive buddies and I hopped on the tram and headed to The Beach Club. Waiting for us was a gorgeous stretch of Bahamian beach, turquoise water, plenty of lounge chairs, food, drinks, and a giant pool. The Happenings Cast kept the energy going throughout the afternoon with music, games, floats, and poolside fun, while others relaxed by the water and soaked up the sunshine. There's also an exclusive RockStar area with a more private beach experience. From diving the reefs to floating in the pool, Bimini was a fantastic day ashore with Resilient Lady. 💙🏝️🚢 #Bimini #VirginVoyages #Bahamas #cruise #pool Ready to sail? https://t.co/L39gm8KJ91 @VirginVoyages@TheJetSetTV@RWBimini@VisitTheBahamas