Mary Charlebois & Kevin Scanlon

PUBLISHED BY LuxeBeat Magazine 07/01/25
Eat all of Europe one city at a time! Florence was our first European feast with Eating Europe. Join us as we eat our way through Florence, enjoying not only great food, the city's history, and great company.

PUBLISHED 07/01/25 by LuxeBeat Magazine
We planned a scouting trip to Hotel Mulino di Firenze in April 2025. Mulino is an enchanting hotel situated on the River Arno, just outside Florence, Italy. But floods on the River Arno changed our plans. Here is a sneak peek until we can return to Florence for a complete review.

PUBLISHED 06/25/2025 By LuxeBeat Magazine
Have you ever fallen in love with a hotel the moment you set eyes on it? After walking for a few minutes, we arrived at the square, where our destination, the Grand Universe Lucca, stood sentinel over t...

Published 06/17/2025 By LuxeBeat Magazine
The Walk from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station was much further than we thought. Rolling our bags on cobblestoned streets, dodging zipping cars, and making our way through tour groups, following a guide proved to be challenging.
But our arduous trek was forgotten the moment we stepped through the exquisite brass and glass doors into La Gemma, Florence’s most captivating five-star hotel.
The agave green reception area combined ...

PUBLISHED 06/13/2025 by LuxeBeat Magazine
Above the banks of the River Arno, Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 Hotel was our home while scouting the magical city of Florence.
We found Antica Torre situated next to the lovely 13th-century Basilica of Santa Trinita in central Florence. As you enter the lobby of this historic building, you pass the polished brass door buzzers used in the mid-twentieth century when Antica Torre was an apartment building catering to Firenze’s elite.
There is a vintage porter’s station just inside the first...

Our retirement to Gozo, Malta, has been one of the best decisions of our lives. After almost three years in Gozo, we are settled and have adapted to a new way of life that has brought us health, happiness, and a renewed sense of adventure.
We’ve had many inquiries from folks interested in Malta as a retirement destination. That inspired us to put together this list of things that will be handy to know whether going for a vacation, extended stay, or taking the retirement plunge.
1. More than o...

PUBLISHED 03/30/25 BY LuxeBeat Magazine
The tires rumble across the cattle guard and roll onto the gravel drive. An ancient cedar tree dominates the skyline with its grey twisting trunk and branches. To the north, cattle graze in the headlands and meadows. To the west, the Pacific Ocean crashes against the rocky, wild Mendocino Coast. The inn’s peaked metal roofs and cozy chimneys stand out against the bright blue sky. The Inn at Newport Ranch (INR), indeed, is a ranch and a five-star hotel.

PUBLISHED 03/30/25 by LuxeBeat Magazine
We hailed a taxi standing outside London Bridge Train Station in the 35°F winter weather, bundled in our wool coats and gloves. The ride to The Hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey Hotel was captivating. The route was similar to a sightseeing tour. As the cab drove along the Thames, we saw the brightly illuminated London Bridge, Scotland Yard, MI5, and the London Eye.
We were mesmerized as we reached Big Ben. When the cabby turned right, taking us past the House of Commons and Westmins...

St. Ermin’s Hotel, London — When you arrive at St. Ermin’s, the garden-lined driveway is breathtaking. A secluded setting shelters St. Ermin’s from the endless traffic a block away. A doorman invites you into a hotel “exactly like nothing else.”

PUBLISHED 01/21/25 BY International Living
“You left California to live here? Why?”
We answer this question more than any other when discussing our expat move from Northern California to Malta. We’ve lived in Gozo for over two years but called California home for over 25 years. Why did we make the move?

PUBLISHED 01/20/25 by Wander With Wonder
ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA offers an outstanding opportunity for rejuvenation and relaxation. Nestled among breathtaking natural landscapes, it merges luxury with wellness. It provides unforgettable views of the Mediterranean Sea and Sicily’s rolling green hills.

PUBLISHED 01/21/25 BY Luxe Beat Magazine

When arriving at Phoenicia Malta, you sense the history of this legendary hotel. Phoenicia sits alongside the 16th-century bastion walls of Valletta, built by the Knights of St. John. The historic city teems with history and beautiful baroque architecture.

As you enter Phoenicia’s polished brass doors, it becomes apparent why dignitaries, heads of state, kings, and queens have graced Phoenicia’s lustrous marble floors. This is an old-world luxury hotel.

PUBLISHED 01/18/25 BY Luxe Beat Magazine

A trip to Gozo, Malta’s little sister island, promises an unforgettable experience for everyone, regardless of your interests, age, or budget. However, the highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the warm and welcoming Gozitan hospitality.

On this charismatic island, you will immerse yourself in the Mediterranean way of life, whether in cozy hotels, inviting B&Bs, quaint guest houses, or luxurious villas. Each option offers a unique glimpse of the heart of Gozo, making your stay truly special.

PUBLISHED 01/18/25 BY Luxe Beat Magazine

One of the buildings caught our attention — Hotel Royal. It was similar to the others on the square but stood out. Perhaps it was the color or perhaps the balconies. Maybe it was the valets greeting guests and quickly taking their cars to an out-of-sight car park. No matter why, we couldn’t take our eyes off the impeccable Hotel Royal Varna.

PUBLISHED 01/17/25 BY Luxe Beat Magazine

Staying at Hever Castle offers a unique blend of luxury and history, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Tudor England. Experience the grandeur of beautifully decorated bedrooms in a five-star bed and breakfast setting, complete with sumptuous furnishings and lavish breakfasts.