At Rachel Harrison Communications, travel is something we all cherish. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an adventure halfway across the world, the thrill of exploring new places is a shared passion amongst all of our team. In this monthly column, we share a selection of travel stories from members of RHC located around the world, along with our best recommendations for some of the globe’s most exciting destinations. From unique local dishes to hidden gems and breathtaking sights, these trips have provided us with unforgettable memories, and we hope our insights will help guide your own adventures.
Margaret Lindsay, Junior Publicist
Xábia, Spain is a hidden gem that is sandwiched in between Montgó mountain and the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The town is entirely walkable, filled with authentic seafood-inspired tapas and boutiques filled with casual-chic beachwear. Spend your days at Javea Port Beach, a pebble beach that sits right along many authentic Spanish restaurants. It has calm and turquoise waters and a floating dock, making it a swimmer’s paradise. If you are not a swimmer, that’s more than ok, because you can watch the waves from Restaurante Cala Bandida Jávea-Xàbia and overlook the coast with a fresh paella and mojito in hand. If you want to explore other areas near Xábia, look no further than La Puerta Azul del Portichol. This beach is a short drive from Xabia’s port, making for a secluded getaway from the bustling town of Xábia. Bring your snorkel and swimming shoes; this area is known for its marine life, making it beautiful but not fun to step on! In the evening, head back to town to dine at Volta i Volta for an exquisite dinner. Tucked within the winding streets of Xábia, Volta i Volta provides a set menu of traditional Spanish dishes with a contemporary twist that pairs perfectly with a glass of Spanish Wine. Lastly, I recommend a night of dancing during your stay. Start your night at Chabada, a beach bar renowned for its unique cocktail menu, and end at Achill, whose eclectic beats will see you through till morning!
Sacha Bell, SVP
Last month I was lucky enough to visit Lisbon and Madrid on two separate trips. Lisbon was first and we stayed at Hotel Hotel, a gorgeous gem of a hotel that came highly recommended by journalist, travel expert and good taste extraordinaire, Alia Akkam. We could not stop eating at their restaurant, Animal – which serves incredible sushi (not expected in Lisbon), and truly memorable inventions that play on classic Lisboan dishes. The perfectly cooked wild broccoli florets rolled in peanut cream, black garlic mayonnaise and puffed rice, were divine. There is much debate about which is the best Pastel del Nata in Lisbon, but after quizzing a few locals, it turns out that the best Pastel del Nata can only be found outside of the city, and also that it’s purely up to personal preference – how crisp you like your pastry, how dense the custard and how caramelized on top. That didn’t stop us sampling and ranking the Pastel del Nata in every single bakery we passed.
Madrid I fell in love with immediately, the Gothic architecture, the wide, clean streets, sunny blue skies and late night cafe culture were all major ticks for me and it’s somewhere I could imagine living year-round. We enjoyed tapas and quick chilly pool dips at the Thompson Madrid, which was ideally located right in the center of the city. Our evenings were a whirr of cocktail bars, with some standouts including Lovo and Marrufo Coctelería. The most memorable culinary experience was at Sala de Despiece, a cult-favorite restaurant in a captivating, almost lab-like setting. We sat at the countertop and enjoyed beef tomatoes injected with balsamic and sea salt; burrata with pistachios, and chocolate dulce de leche for dessert. This restaurant should be on the hit list for any food-lovers Madrid itinerary.
Jess Leiberman, Digital Associate
I went to New Orleans for the weekend and I cannot recommend the trip enough. It’s hard to narrow down all the things to do there, but if I had three recs (aside from the downtown Bourbon madness & beignets from Café Du Monde), they would be…take a walk in Audubon Park, and if you’re feeling sporty you can play golf on their course as well. Enjoy brunch at Saba – the hummus is some of the best I’ve ever had. And if you’re not full yet, have the best spring rolls ever at Jazmine Café.
Alec Dubois, Junior Publicist
In April, I went to Casey Key, Florida for the wedding of my childhood friend, who got married on the white sand beach. The key is very quiet, with one narrow road taking up its entirety, but some notable residents of the key include Oprah and Stephen King. Usually, I stay with my friend at their house on the key, but for this trip, I stayed at Casey Key Resorts – Mainland. Located just off the key in Nokomis, the hotel is just a 4 minute drive to the key. CKR has a secondary location of beachside rooms on the key, taking over a once dilapidated motel and transforming it into the boutique space it is now. Dining on Casey Key is classic Florida– seafood and tiki bars. Casey Key Fish House and Pop’s Sunset Grill are on either side of the key, and both are wonderful places to sit with a drink and watch the boats come in from the Gulf. For dinner, Waterfrontoo is great for a nice dinner. If you are coming from Casey Key, Waterfrontoo has docs for your boat, and it elevates the experience. A short drive away is the town of Venice, which boasts a walkable downtown strip with gelato and Italian restaurants. The Limoncello at Trattoria Da Mino is the perfect liquid dessert.
Lilya Weisberg, Publicist
This summer, I went on a cruise to Bermuda, an island renowned for its vibrant pink sand beaches and rich history. As I explored the Royal Naval Dockyard, I was struck by the island’s storied past and its historical importance as a center of maritime activity. Sampling local dishes and enjoying Dark ‘n Stormy cocktails, Bermuda’s iconic drink – while taking in the island’s tranquil, sun-soaked atmosphere – was the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. The experience was both refreshing and unforgettable, it truly is a unique Atlantic gem.
