The Ultimate Spa & Wine Escape at Delaire Graff

Turning thirty deserved something extraordinary and Delaire Graff delivered a day that felt nothing short of cinematic. Nestled between the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch and the dramatic Botmaskop Mountain, this iconic estate became the backdrop to one of my most memorable birthday celebrations.

A Spa Experience That Redefined Luxury

My two best friends and I started the morning at the Delaire Graff Spa, tucked away in a peaceful enclave overlooking their lush vineyards. I chose the 90-minute full-body massage, and I can confidently say it was one of the best treatments I’ve ever had. The therapist’s technique, the calming atmosphere, and the scent of the essential oils flowing through the room all blended into pure bliss.

And because it was my birthday, the spa surprised us after our treatments with a chilled bottle of champagne. We carried it out to the infinity pool and lounged for hours; just us, the warm March sun, and panoramic views stretching across the valley. We were the only ones there, making it feel like we had rented out an entire private spa for the day. It was luxurious. It was peaceful. It was magic.

Icon Range Tasting at Sunset

After reluctantly peeling ourselves away from the pool, we headed to the tasting lounge for the Icon Range Tasting, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. With Simonsberg Mountain glowing in the late-afternoon light, we sipped our way through their signature reds and crisp whites, savoring every moment.

A Cozy Dinner at Hoseki

To end the day, we made our way to Hoseki, the estate’s intimate Japanese restaurant. We enjoyed fresh sushi, warm tea, and the coziest atmosphere — the perfect close to a day that felt indulgent and deeply grounding all at once.

Would I Go Back? In a Heartbeat.

Delaire Graff lives at the intersection of luxury, serenity, and world-class hospitality. It’s a place where time slows and beauty takes center stage. There’s no better way to step into a new decade than surrounded by that kind of intentional luxury.

A Perfect Girls’ Weekend in Wine Country: My Donum Estate Experience

There are certain places in Wine Country that stay with you long after your glass is empty—and Donum Estate is absolutely one of them. On a girls’ weekend with my mom in Napa, we decided to take a spontaneous drive into Sonoma for my very first tasting there… and I genuinely had no idea that it would become one of my all-time favorite wineries.

If you’re someone who loves world-class Pinot Noir, breathtaking art, and experiences that feel intentional and beautifully curated, Donum belongs at the top of your list.

The Carneros Experience: Art, Architecture & Wine in Perfect Harmony

We booked The Carneros Experience, a guided, 60-minute journey through Donum’s vineyards and its extraordinary outdoor art collection. I knew they had installations—but I was not prepared for the scale, the creativity, and the emotional impact of it all.

Each piece feels like it belongs to the land, as if the vineyards and sculptures are in conversation with one another. It’s peaceful, surreal, and inspiring all at once.

There was something so special about walking from installation to installation with my mom—just the two of us, wrapped in sun, fresh air, and that soft Sonoma breeze. It felt like the perfect blend of culture, nature, and the warmth of spending time with someone you love.

The Pinot Noir: A Wine Lover’s Dream

Let me say this clearly: Donum’s Pinot Noir is unforgettable.

I knew it would be good—Sonoma is known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the world—but this was on another level. Elegant. Silky. Balanced. The kind of wine that makes you stop mid-sentence and just feel it.

But the real surprise?

When I later discovered that Donum is carried at The French Laundry, everything clicked into place. You don’t get placed on the wine list at one of the most iconic restaurants in the world unless your wine is truly exceptional. And Donum’s absolutely is.

My Favorite Installation: The Maze by Gao Weigang

Out of all the art we explored, the piece that captivated me most was The Maze by Gao Weigang, a brilliant Chinese sculptor known for working with metals like stainless steel and gold.

The structure is mesmerizing—clean lines, reflective surfaces, and an almost meditative energy to it. Walking through it feels like you’re part of the artwork, not just observing it. It’s playful yet intentional, modern yet somehow timeless. It was the perfect embodiment of Donum’s spirit: bold, thoughtful, and beautifully balanced.

A Winery That Stays With You

What makes Donum so special is how seamlessly it blends three worlds—art, wine, and landscape—into an experience that feels both elevated and deeply grounding.

It’s not just a tasting.

It’s not just a tour.

It’s a sensory journey, a creative escape, and a memory you carry home with you.

My mom and I still talk about that afternoon—how peaceful the vineyards were, how much we laughed, how stunning the art was, and how we both fell in love with Donum’s Pinot Noir. It was one of those rare experiences that feels intimate, luxurious, and meaningful all at once.

If you’re heading to Napa or Sonoma, I can’t recommend Donum enough—especially if you’re looking for an experience that combines beauty, culture, and truly exceptional wine.

A Stay to Remember: My 27th Birthday at Hotel Plaza Athénée

There are hotels that are beautiful… and then there are hotels that become part of your life story. For me, Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris will always hold a very place in my heart.

I spent my 27th birthday here a few years ago and to this day, it remains one of the most magical hotel experiences I’ve ever had. Everything, truly everything, felt flawless, thoughtful, and timeless in a way only Paris can deliver.

The Arrival: Parisian Elegance from the Very First Moment

From the moment we stepped out of the car on Avenue Montaigne, it felt like entering another world. The red awnings, the ivy-draped façade, the quiet hum of Paris… it’s impossible not to feel something.

And then, something I will never forget: we were personally greeted by the hotel’s General Manager.

It was such a small but meaningful gesture—one that made us feel like honored guests rather than just another check-in. That warmth and intentionality set the tone for everything that followed.

As if that moment wasn’t enough, we learned that our room had been upgraded by two full tiers, placing us in one of the most breathtaking suites on the property.

The Junior Suite Montaigne: A Dream Above the City

Our upgraded suite—the Junior Suite Montaigne overlooking Avenue Montaigne with an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower—was unreal.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, sunlight pouring in, and the Eiffel Tower standing proudly right outside our room… it felt like stepping into a painting. One of those surreal “Is this really my life?” moments that only Paris seems capable of giving.

The space was bright, classic, and effortlessly elegant. Plush bedding, soft textures, and those signature Plaza Athénée details that make everything feel curated and intentional. I remember walking in and literally stopping in my tracks because it didn’t feel real. Waking up here, with the Tower shimmering in the background, is something I’ll always hold onto.

A Sweet Birthday Surprise

Plaza Athénée made my birthday feel truly unforgettable. Waiting for me in the suite was the most indulgent, rich chocolate cake—absolutely divine—and a perfectly chilled bottle of champagne. It was such a thoughtful touch, and one that made me feel celebrated from the moment I arrived.

Breakfast Worth Waking Up For

I will say this boldly and without hesitation: Plaza Athénée has THE best French toast on the planet.

Breakfast became a ritual—fresh pastries, silky coffee, perfect eggs… but the French toast? Next-level. Crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside, and lightly dusted with sugar. I still think about it.

There’s nothing quite like starting your morning watching the Eiffel Tower in the distance while eating what might as well be the gold standard of French toast.

The Service: Impeccable From Start to Finish

What sets Plaza Athénée apart isn’t just its beauty—it’s its people. Every interaction felt warm, intentional, and genuinely caring. From the concierge who seemed to anticipate our needs to the team who went above and beyond at every turn, it was world-class hospitality in the truest sense.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Paris for a special occasion—or if you simply want to treat yourself to an experience that stays with you long after you check out—Hôtel Plaza Athénée is in a league of its own.

It’s not just a stay.

It’s a feeling.

A chapter.

A moment in time you never fully come back from.

I can’t wait to return one day… and if you’re heading to Paris soon, I’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable escape.