Mary’s Writing Portfolio

The Top Boutique Hotels in Berlin

Featured on LuxuryBerlin.com 

Berlin, Germany, is the most populous city in the European Union – and one of the most exciting. Germany’s capital is an historic, edgy cultural gem and is one of the top places to visit in Europe. Visitors to Berlin have their choice of historic, contemporary, and chic luxury accommodations, and this piece on LuxuryBerlin.com features some of the top boutique hotels in this vibrant city.

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The Top Luxury Hotels in Cayman Islands

Featured on LuxuryCaymanIslands.com 

Pristine white sand beaches, impossibly blue water, a refined tropical vibe – a Cayman Islands vacation is what we all need right now. Whether you’re actively planning a trip to this tropical paradise or simply dreaming of one, this piece on LuxuryCaymanIslands.com showcases the top luxury hotels in this tropical paradise.

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The Top Niagara Falls NY Hotels & Places To Stay

Featured on LuxuryNiagaraFalls.com 

Straddling the border between Ontario, Canada and New York state, Niagara Falls draws millions of visitors each year to witness the majesty of the stunning waterfalls. Spectacular Niagara Falls is one of the top wedding and honeymoon destinations in the United States and is also a popular family vacation spot.

This piece on LuxuryNiagaraFalls.com features favorite hotels and great places to stay in this breathtaking North American travel destination.

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The Top Luxury Hotels in Barcelona

Featured on LuxuryBarcelonaSpain.com 

With distinct architecture, amazing markets, outstanding cuisine, and an idyllic coastal location, Barcelona, Spain is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a weekend escape, you’ll have your choice of premium luxury hotels in Barcelona.

This piece on LuxuryBarcelonaSpain.com features the top luxury hotels in the vibrant capital of Catalonia.

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Enjoy A Barcelona Bike Tour With Steel Donkey

Featured on LuxuryBarcelonaSpain.com 

When traveling, one of the best ways to get an up close and personal introduction to an area is by taking a small-group bike tour with a local guide and Barcelona’s mostly level terrain makes it the perfect city for a tour on two wheels.

This piece on LuxuryBarcelonaSpain.com features Steel Donkey Bike Tours, which offers private and small-group Barcelona bike tours led by passionate guides who love the city.

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The Top Chelsea Restaurants for Fine Dining

Featured on LuxuryChelsea.com 

The affluent neighborhood of Chelsea is a popular London destination for those seeking upscale ambiance in a fashionable setting. With world-class galleries, exclusive shops, and unique boutiques, it’s no wonder that Chelsea is also home to some of the best fine dining restaurants in London.

This piece on LuxuryChelsea.com features the best restaurants and fine dining experiences in London.

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The Top Oakville Restaurants & Fine Dining Experiences

Featured on LuxuryOakville.com 

The affluent lakeside community of Oakville, Ontario is a popular destination for those looking for a respite from the city life of nearby Toronto. Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, this charming town is brimming with some of the best restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area.

This piece on LuxuryOakville.com features the best restaurants and fine dining experiences in the area.

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The Top Westlake Village Hotels and Resorts

Featured on LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com 

If you’re planning a California road trip, a local ‘staycation’, or a visit to the Golden State,  Westlake Village is the ideal base for exploring all Southern California has to offer. Westlake Village is home to several unique lodging experiences, including award-winning luxury resorts, an exquisite boutique inn, and trusted hotel brands. This piece on LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com will help you choose the perfect spot for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, business travel, or a dream wedding.

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Luxury Te Hapara Riverfront Home For Sale

Featured on LuxuryGisborne.com and RiLEY – Living The Life

LuxuryGisborne.com is your go-to source for the latest news and reviews related to the very best luxury experiences, lifestyles, real estate, and travel opportunities available in this most beautiful corner of New Zealand. This piece features a luxurious Te Hapara riverfront home for sale in Gisbourne–where you can be one of the first in the world to glimpse the sun each morning  as it rises over the gorgeous coastline of Gisborne and the South Pacific Ocean.

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14 Fun Things To Do In Westlake Village

Featured on LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com

Year-round sunshine and a Mediterranean-like climate make Westlake Village a natural playground and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of fun things to do in Westlake Village whether it’s your home, your base for exploring SoCal and the Central Coast, or your luxury travel destination in Southern California. This piece in LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com highlights some of the best!

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The Top Westlake Village Restaurants & Eateries

Featured on LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com

The upscale, relaxed community of Westlake Village is home to some of the top restaurants in Southern California. LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com highlights the best – from casual, local hangouts to trendy cafés and deluxe bistros.

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Four Seasons Westlake Village – SoCal Luxury

Featured on LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com and RiLEY – Living The Life

Time for a luxurious “staycation” in Southern California? Ideally situated between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the elegant Four Seasons Westlake Village is a tranquil haven set amidst the Santa Monica Mountains just a few miles from Malibu’s best beaches. Recently named one of the top hotels in Southern California by Condé Nast Traveler, this stunning 5-star luxury resort is a AAA Five-Diamond award-winning retreat set in the heart of the beautiful Conejo Valley. An extensive, multimillion-dollar transformation project has elevated the already luxurious property, making it ideal for that family vacation, girls’ spa day, wellness getaway, or special wedding celebration you’re dreaming of! Visit LuxuryWestlakeVillage.com for hotel and area details.

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Art City – Detroit’s Trumbull and Porter Murals

Featured on RiLEY – Living The Life

At ‘Detroit’s Authentic Artisan Boutique Hotel’, Trumbull and Porter’s murals are an important piece of Detroit’s artistic portfolio and reflect the Motor City’s rich history and current vitality. This fascinating video shares how three intriguing Trumbull and Porter murals were installed on the hotel’s exterior walls by some of the Detroit’s most well-known visual artists: Ouizi, Michelle Tanguay, and Ellen Rutt.

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The Artsy Trumbull and Porter Detroit Hotel

Featured on RiLEY – Living The Life

On your next visit to Motor City, sample the chic accommodations at Trumbull and Porter Detroit, the city’s trendiest luxury boutique hotel that doubles as an art installation itself.

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Authentic Italy – Top 10 Things To Do in Tuscany

Featured on RiLEY – Living The Life

Dreaming of visiting Italy sometime soon? Let this piece guide you to some of Tuscany’s famous sites and delightful experiences, including hiring the perfect guide, renting a villa, touring a historic abbey, playing golf, and experiencing the Palio di Siena!

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Top Paris Street Markets – Parisian Pastimes

Featured on RiLEY – Living The Life

Join me for a stroll through the marvelous market streets of Paris in this piece showcasing the Rue Mouffetard and the Rue Cler (with gorgeous street photography by Mark Noe).

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The Fine Art of Tuscan Cooking

Featured on RiLEY – Living The Life

Join me as I learn to cook a traditional Tuscan meal from starter to dessert at Tuscany’s famed Scuola di Cucina di Lella in historic Siena.  



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Just Add Creativity

Featured in Edible Ojai & Ventura County

Read this inspiring interview with animation artist Jim Valeri, who upcycles found objects into joyfully ironic art and where surprising characters sometimes pop up in unexpected places.

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Samoset Resort – A Luxurious Winter Retreat on Maine’s MidCoast

Featured on LUXURYUS.COM

Dreaming of a winter escape to one of Maine’s classic coastal resorts?  Enjoy a luxurious winter retreat at Samoset Resort on Maine’s MidCoast.

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Black Point Inn—A Quintessential Maine Oceanfront Hotel 

Featured on LUXURYUS.COM

Imagine a traditional seaside inn on the rugged coast of Maine and you’ve conjured the Black Point Inn, which has been delighting guests since 1878. When planning your next summer or fall visit to New England, the Black Point Inn is a luxury destination not to be missed.

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Maine Food For Thought Tour

Featured on LUXURY.TV

Portland, Maine is a popular destination for foodies and culinary connoisseurs, and one of the best ways to experience Portland’s evolving culinary, restaurant, and environmental scene is on a Maine Food For Thought tour. Join Luxury.TV as we take a virtual peek into this award-winning culinary experience…

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Glenfiddich 14 Year Barrel Reserve-A New Release

Featured on LUXURYYORKVILLE.COM

Just in time for the chilly winter months, Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt scotch whisky, releases its all-new 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve across Canada.

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The Canadian Opera Company Gala: Subaqueous

Featured on LUXURYYORKVILLE.COM

This piece for LuxuryYorkville.com highlights the Canadian Opera Company’s 2019 fundraising event of the season–the fabulous Subaqueous Gala.

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LUXURYUS.COM

“Hacienda Encantada Resort – Luxury Infused with Authentic Mexican Culture”

LuxuryUS.com’s Travel section features the world’s top luxury travel destinations. Check out my feature on Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences–one of the top luxury resorts in Los Cabos, and the perfect base for your next Mexican adventure. Nominated for the Travel + Leisure 2019 World’s Best Awards, the 5-star, 4-Diamond Hacienda Encantada Resort is situated dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the Sea of Cortez, and every room has a spectacular ocean view.

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LUXURY.TV

“Mexico’s Ultimate All-Inclusive–Cabo’s Hacienda Encantada

Luxury.TV  highlights the very best in carefully curated video content from leading luxury travel destinations around the world.  Join Luxury.TV behind the scenes as we virtually explore the stunning Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences in Los Cabos, Mexico.

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LuxuryMuskokaLakes.com

“Bellevue Estate Lake Rosseau – The Ultimate Muskoka Cottage”

This piece features a stunning compound in Lake Rousseau, one of the most beautiful lakes in Ontario, Canada’s “cottage country.”  LuxuryMuskokaLakes.com is your guide to the best luxury experiences, lifestyles, real estate, and travel opportunities in this beautiful corner of Ontario.

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LuxuryHaliburton.com

“Grass Lake Cottage Features Plenty of Rustic Charm”

LuxuryHaliburton.com is your go-to source for the latest news and reviews related to the very best luxury experiences, lifestyles, real estate, and travel opportunities available in Haliburton Ontario,  one of Canada’s most popular cottage country destinations. This piece features a rustic retreat on beautiful Grass Lake.

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LuxuryGisborne.com

“Mangapapa Luxury Family Home Offers Amazing Views”

LuxuryGisborne.com is your go-to source for the latest news and reviews related to the very best luxury experiences, lifestyles, real estate, and travel opportunities available in this most beautiful corner of New Zealand. Take a peek at a new Mangapapa luxury family home fore sale that features incredible views of the Gisborne area and coast.

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Edible Ojai & Ventura County

“For The Love of Bread”

Westlake Village restaurateur Graham Harris didn’t set out to launch a hot new restaurant–he just wanted to bake and share homemade bread. In the summer 2019 issue of Edible Ojai & Ventura County magazine, read about how his experimentation with baking led to a fantastic culinary adventure–and the launch of local favorite Decker Kitchen.

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Southern California Life Magazine, Summer Issue, 2019


“Best Beach Bike Paths in Southern California”

No matter where you are in Southern California, the coastline beckons. Blessed with great weather year-round, “The Golden State” offers miles of bike paths, many along the ocean. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, the coast is edged with cycling paths perfect for riders of all abilities, guaranteeing views that will soothe the soul and capture that California feeling! Discover the best beach bike paths in SoCal in this cover article from the summer 2019 issue of Southern California Life magazine.

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LUXURYUS.COM

“The Apparatus Room at The Detroit Foundation Hotel”

“The Apparatus Room at The Detroit Foundation Hotel” is the ultimate guide to luxury experiences, lifestyles, and travel in the United States. This piece showcases The Apparatus Room–helmed by award-winning chef Thomas Lents– at the luxuriously historic Detroit Foundation Hotel.

LUXURY.TV

Luxury.TV Video: Virtually explore The Apparatus Room Restaurant at the Detroit Foundation Hotel

Luxury.TV  highlights the very best in carefully curated video content from leading luxury travel destinations around the world.  Join Luxury.TV behind the scenes as we virtually explore The Apparatus Room with #EatsInTheD, the YouTube series produced by Visit Detroit to showcase the city’s classic, quirky, and delicious restaurants. This edition explores Date Night at Detroit Foundation Hotel‘s stunning restaurant and features an exclusive interview with award-winning chef Thomas Lents.

LUXURYUS.COM

“The Detroit Foundation Hotel… Class in the Heart of Motor City”

LuxuryUS.com  is the ultimate guide to luxury experiences, lifestyles, and travel in the United States. This piece showcases the stunning Detroit Foundation Hotel–the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters at the epicenter of Detroit’s rejuvenation.

Southern California Life Magazine, Holiday Issue, 2018

“Six Flags Magic Mountain”

Discover the “Thrill Capital of the World” in this feature article highlighting Southern California’s iconic theme park and roller coaster mecca.

LUXURY.TV 

Luxury.TV Video: Explore Barcelona’s Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I

Luxury.TV  highlights the very best in carefully curated video content from leading luxury travel destinations around the world.  Discover why Barcelona’s award-winning Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I is an ideal base for a Spanish holiday!

LUXURYUS.COM

“The Top Boutique Hotels in Nashville”

LuxuryUS.com  is the ultimate guide to luxury experiences, lifestyles, and travel in the United States. This piece showcases Nashville’s top boutique hotels and highlights some of the fun, eclectic, and cool places to stay while exploring ‘Music City’.

VisitVenturaCA.com

“A GUIDE TO THE 2018 SUMMER UNDER THE STARS CONCERT SERIES AT OLIVAS ADOBE”

This post on VisitVenturaCA.com, the official website of the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, showcases the Music Under The Stars 2018 summer concert series at Olivas Adobe in Ventura. Saturday nights this summer, picnic beneath the spreading branches of an ancient flowering magnolia tree in the historic courtyard while enjoying live music from some of the area’s premiere bands.

LUXURY.TV 

Luxury.TV Video: London’s Elegant Milestone Hotel and Residences

Luxury.TV  highlights the very best in carefully curated video content from leading luxury travel destinations around the world.  Check this out to see what (and who) makes the Milestone Hotel and Residences so special:

LUXURY.TV 

Luxury.TV Video: Meet The Founders of Nashville’s Luxurious 21c Museum Hotel 

Luxury.TV  highlights the very best in carefully curated video content from leading luxury travel destinations around the world.  Here is your personal introduction to the founders of the “decidedly different” 21c Museum Hotels experience:

LUXURYLONDON.COM

“Afternoon Tea at the Milestone Hotel and Residences”

LuxuryLondon.com  showcases the finest luxury experiences, lifestyles, and experiences London has to offer. This piece captures the elegance of a classic English afternoon tea at the historic Milestone Hotel and Residences.

Southern California Life Magazine, March, 2018

“Get Fit Fast”   This article in the March/April 2018 issue features fun “Off The Beaten Path” ways to get fit in SoCal, including hiking in the Channel Islands National Park, rock climbing, and yoga on the beach!

LUXURYUK.COM

“Tea at sketch London – Eat Music Drink Art”

LuxuryUK.com  is the ultimate guide to luxury experiences, lifestyles, and travel in the United Kingdom. This piece highlights a luxurious afternoon tea experience at sketch London that will delight your senses and whet your appetite for contemporary art.

Southern California Life Magazine, January 2018

“LA’s Famed Grand Central Market”   This cover article on LA’s Grand Central Market is featured in the Gourmand section of the January, 2018 issue of Southern California Life magazine, SoCal’s premier print publication. Includes great images by photographer Mark Noe.

LUXURYUS.COM

“Museum Peace – Restful Stays at Luxurious 21c Museum Hotel Nashville “

LuxuryUS.com highlights some of the best luxury lifestyles and experiences in the United States.  Luxury US kicks things off with a piece about my recent stay at the ultra-luxurious 21c Museum Hotel Nashville. Part of the 21c Museum Hotels group, this part-contemporary art gallery, part-luxury hotel is a must-stay when in Nashville, Tennessee.

VisitVenturaCA.com

“A Bright and Jolly Night in Ventura Keys”

This post on VisitVenturaCA.com, the official website of the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, features the festive harbor holiday cruises offered by Island Packers in Ventura Harbor Village.  The jolly Island Packers crew will once again be spreading holiday cheer with their popular holiday cruises around Ventura Harbor and the neighboring Ventura Keys.

LUXURYITALY.COM

“Explore Authentic Tuscany–Top 10 Tuscan Treasures “

LuxuryItaly.com is a splendid guide to the very best in Italian luxury lifestyles and experiences.  This article highlights both some well-known and hidden treasures of Tuscany, including hiring the perfect guide, renting a villa, touring a historic abbey, playing golf, and experiencing the Palio di Siena!

Southern California Life Magazine, Holiday 2017

“Adamson House–Malibu’s Historic Gem”  This 750 word article on Malibu’s historic Adamson House–highlighting the enchanting annual Christmas tour–is featured in the holiday issue of Southern California Life magazine, SoCal’s premier print publication.

LUXURYPARIS.COM

“The Top Street Markets in Paris – The Quintessential Parisian Pastime”

LuxuryParis.com is your guide to the best the “city of light” has to offer! This piece features the marvelous market streets of Paris, showcasing the Rue Mouffetard and the Rue Cler. With gorgeous street photography by Mark Noe.

LUXURYITALY.COM

“The Fine Art of Tuscan Cooking in Beautiful Siena “

LuxuryItaly.com is a splendid guide to the very best in Italian luxury lifestyles and experiences.  This article highlights the fantastic cooking classes at Scuola di Cucina di Lella in historic Siena.

Southern California Life Magazine, Fall 2017

“Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail” This 750 word article on Santa Barbara’s walkable, downtown wine trail is featured in the Food & Wine issue of Southern California Life magazine, SoCal’s premier print publication.

VisitVenturaCA.com

“A Fantastic Father’s Day in Ventura”

This post on VisitVenturaCA.com, the official website of the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, features fun ways to spend Father’s Day in this quintessential California beach town, including spectacular places to golf, sail, kayak, hike, bike, or hang at the beach with dad!

Malibu–The Guide

“Getaway for the Weekend in Malibu”

Comprehensive piece in the Malibu Chamber Visitors Guide 2013 highlighting  ways to enjoy couple or family time in Malibu. Includes restaurant, shopping, tour, and cultural information.

 

Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, 4/17

“Sewing The Seeds of Service: Ventura County Master Gardeners “

This 750 word article ushers in spring with coverage of the Ventura County Master Gardener Program and highlights several certified Master Gardeners and the experience and knowledge they share with the community.

 

Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, 3/17

“Adopted Pets Find Forever Homes In Our Hearts”

1200 word article profiling rescued pets, humorously highlighting their likes, dislikes, favorite food, pastimes, hobbies, etc.  Readers also learn a bit about their lucky owners and details about how to adopt a shelter pet.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, 2/17

“Ventura County Arts Council”

750 word article highlighting the work of the Ventura County Arts Council, including galleries, grants, poetry and the Arts in Juvenile Justice program.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, 1/17

“Conejo Seniors Volunteer to Connect & Care”

The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program is the focus of this 750 word article recognizing the many ways local seniors contribute to the community.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, 12/16

“Celebrating Cristina Ferrare”

This 1200 word article features an interview with Cristina Ferrare –accomplished author, television host, chef, entrepreneur, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s Wise Wonderful Woman of 2016 — and her current work with Maria Shriver’s The Women’s Alzheimer’s Challenge.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, 11/16

“Remembering The Heroes: A Veteran’s Reflection”

This 1200 word article shares the Veterans Day reflections of John Milliken, a former Air Force C-21 and B-52 pilot who served in Vietnam.