Carmela Staltari

Travel Specialist

Mine was a travel-hungry family: when I was one we explored Italy, and although I don't remember, trips to Mount Etna in Sicily, boat rides along the Tyrrhenian Sea from Tropea, and visits to the white cliffs of Capo Vaticano must have altered my DNA. When I was a little older, I backpacked through Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Since then I’ve spent time in the Caribbean, Argentina, and the US, too, and next in my sights is Asia to experience the region’s beauty first-hand.

Carmela'stop Mr & Mrs Smith stays

  • Alentejo, Portugal

    São Lourenço do Barrocal

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    This family-owned estate has a beautiful two-bedroom cottage that opens out onto a quiet courtyard and private pool. Coupled with bike rides through the surrounding olive groves and walks around the restored farm, this gorgeous farmstead makes for an incredible stay.

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  • London, United Kingdom

    11 Cadogan Gardens & the Chelsea Townhouse

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    Located in the heart of London’s elegant Sloane Square, 11 Cadogan Gardens offers a number of cosy rooms that are each individually designed to complement the building’s original architecture. I personally loved visiting the hotel’s library after devouring poached eggs for breakfast at Hans’ Bar and Grill.

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  • Marbella, Spain

    Nobu Hotel Marbella

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    I stayed in a beautiful deluxe room that overlooked Puento Romano’s central plaza, where locals gather to party and enjoy a variety of cuisines, including the iconic Japanese dishes at Nobu and the coeliac-friendly meals of Celicioso. I also saw some of the most beautiful sunsets during my time here – and enjoyed the DJ at the disco lounge.

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Travel Tips

Always take a journal and a phone charger for moments when your battery is low but your memory is full. I always have a tub of tea-tree cream to soothe insect bites, too.

Carmela'sdream destinations

  • Aruba

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    Home to cacti covered hills, snake-skin-dotted deserts, crystal clear waters, and aloe vera farms, Aruba offers a diverse holiday that never fails to impress. The California Lighthouse and Alto Vista Chapel are also a must-see during your time there.

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  • Buenos Aires

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    I will always cherish my time in Buenos Aires for its Franciscan Recoleta, leather shops of Palermo Barrio, the passion of its tango dancers, the beauty of the Tigre River Delta, and the thick grass of its local parks.

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  • California

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    Feeling free and safe to explore San Diego alone was an extremely refreshing experience, and when coupled with the friendliness of the locals, the Latina atmosphere, and the impressive scenes of Jolla Beach, it can’t be faulted.

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I wish I was...

…on the sandy beaches of Aruba drinking a Balashi beer at sunset.