July 2016

Chances are you're not visiting Costa Rica to sit indoors all day. Below we've outlined the top outdoor activities that will make your trip unforgettable!

1.   Tour a coffee farm

Coffee is a huge part of Costa Rica’s economy, but also its history as well. The beans produced here are considered some of the best in the world. Costa Rica offers the experience of a lifetime; you get to see where that brew in your cup originated. Take the time while you’re visiting and book yourself a tour of a coffee farm. Not only will you become educated in the subject matter, but you will gain a greater knowledge of Costa Rican history as well!

2.   Hike Up Cerro Chato

While often times overlooked by the Arenal volcano, this dormant volcano is a

…

Saint Tropez is located on the French Riviera, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. This southeast France coastal town is known for its luxurious beaches and nightlife. In its past life, it was known as a popular fishing village. But today its a lavish destination for jet setters and big yacht owners. Large mega yachts and sailboats line Vieux Port and artists post up as they paint the breath taking coastline. If you find yourself itching to visit this lovely seaside town, consider our list of things to do!

1. Sentier du Littoral: Scenic Seaside Path

Whether you want to make it an all day event or just a path to take to the beach, this scenic route along the coast is a must-do. Pack a swim suit, towel, and your hiking shoes for a full day of picturesque

…

 

1.  Nice

This city offers everything you could want. The capital of the French Riviera, Nice provides some of the best beaches around the world. It is combination of old and new with so much to see and do. Take a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, dine at some of the best restaurants in all of France, or visit stunning cathedrals and museums. Some highlights we suggest  include the Musée Matisse, the Opéra de Nice, and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

2.  Gordes

While it’s hard to take the time to focus on lesser known areas, Gordes is a sure sight when visiting the south of France. With a population of about 2,000, the village is placed upon a series of mountains and hills. It boasts some of the most beautiful architecture with most

…

Scuola del Cuoio—Leather School of Monastery of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy

People from all over the world travel to see the leather workshop, Scuola del Cuoio, live and in action and Handsome Properties International was lucky enough to visit the workshop on a recent trip to Florence! The school and boutique are combined in the original dormitory of the Monastery. When you walk in you feel as if you are stepping back in time, to a place where people cherished their craft and workmanship. Back to a time when it was honorable to dedicate one’s life to their profession—no matter how glamorous (or unglamorous) it was. The passion, education, and sheer dedication that goes into making these leather goods is truly incredibly and almost a humbling

…

   

1. Visit Shakespeare and Company

An independent bookstore, the first of these was opened by Sylvia Beach in 1919. The bookstore became a gathering for many renowned, but then aspiring writers like Ernest Hemmingway and Ezra Pound. While the first bookstore closed down, the second was opened in 1951 and carries on as a very popular place for tourists and locals alike. If you’re lucky, while strolling through the secondhand books and novelties, you can even here an ambitious poet or writer reciting his works outside of the store.

2.   Shop on The Avenue des Champs-Élysées

This boulevard, located in the 8th arrondissement offers some of the best cafés and shops around all of Paris. Stores vary from Louis Vuitton and Cartier to Zara

…