Posts in TRAVEL
HOTEL XCARET ARTE REVIEW
 
Hotel Xcaret Arte: Lobby

HOTEL XCARET ARTE REVIEW

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate Links for products I’m currently using, by using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!


To start I just want to say how AMAZING this hotel was and I CANNOT wait to return! Also, I was not paid for this review nor was the hotel for free. We actually used credit card points for this booking.

My husband and I just finished our stay at the brand new adults-only all-inclusive Hotel Xcaret Arte. We booked the Jr Suite Ocean Front Adultos Room in Casa Artistas. Our room was number 2615.

I definitely recommend to use a travel advisor when booking this property! Seriously, there is so much that is included and so much to know about this property that a travel advisor will be super helpful to you! (And you’re supporting a small business, win-win!)

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Jr Suite Ocean Front Suite in Casa Artistas

We arrived at the airport in Cancun and met with the Xcaret hotel representatives that were waiting outside the terminal for us. Transportation is included with your stay at both Xcaret Arte and Xcaret Mexico. If you book in Casa Artistas, then you receive a private transfer for your stay that is in a Mercedes mini-van. The ride was super comfy! From the moment we arrived, to the moment that we were in the van and on our way, it was probably 5 minutes. We were also offered refreshments for the journey! (It would be nice if they had some beer, but alas, they did not!) The transfer from the Cancun airport is about a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.

 
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Upon arrival at Xcaret Arte, we were greeted by the bell boys that took our luggage. Next, we were escorted by a personal concierge that welcomed us. She took us to grab a freshly made popsicle and then showed us to our room where we were greeted by our two butlers, Roberto and Jose. Roberto and Jose welcomed us and privately checked us into our room (inside of our room). We were then given a room tour and shown where everything was and how to work everything. The amenities that were offered in our suite were great. Our luggage was delivered to our room immediately after checking in. Roberto and Jose, our butlers, were amazing throughout our stay and were so helpful with every request that we had! The very first night, they walked us to our first dinner reservation at Tah-Xido as we had just arrived and had no clue how to get around the resort. They were awesome!

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Premium liquor in Jr Suite Ocean Front Adultos in Casa Artistas

Pro-tip: email the hotel to make your restaurant and park reservations 30 days before your stay! (If you are using a travel advisor, then they can do that for you!)

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Tah-Xido Restaurant
 

The first night, we had dinner at Tah-Xido. We chose to do the hibachi, but I would love to go back and try just their normal menu. The hibachi was so delicious and my husband even liked it (he doesn’t care for hibachi)! It was probably the best hibachi that I’ve had at a resort!

The next day we chose to relax at the rooftop exclusive pool that is just for guests of the Artist building. They had so many pool servers it was crazy! The bartender made me a delicious drink, a cucumber spritz, and Jazmin and Maria were amazing at constantly keeping us hydrated and fed. The Artist pool has a menu of poolside snacks that you can order. The chicken tacos were delicious and so was the guacamole!

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Rooftop pool for Casa Artistas Guests
Hotel Xcaret Arte: View Rooftop pool for Casa Artistas Guests
 
Hotel Xcaret Arte: Sunrise view from Ocean Front Jr Suite in Casa Artistas
 

We didn’t experience any of the parks unfortunately (they are all included in your stay with the hotel as well as transfers) because we have a newborn at home so we used this time alone to recuperate. Xcaret has 8 adventure parks that are included with your stay. The thing to know is that some of these can be reserved by emailing the concierge 30 days before your stay while others do not require a reservation. Xcaret, Xplor, and Xplor Fuego do not require a reservation while the other parks do. Also, Xcaret and Xel Ha parks have optional extras that are not included in the ticket price of admission. These optional excursions have to be booked and reserved for a specific time at the park.


RESTAURANTS

The other restaurants that we ate at were Arenal, Encanta, Kibi-Kibi, Cayuko, and Chino Poblano. (you can see my blog post here on Arenal). Arenal was seriously amazing (we ate there twicelol!). Feel free to see what we ate and my thoughts in full detail in the blog post. Arenal had just opened a week before we arrived so the service was a little slower than I would’ve like (it took us 2 hours to eat) during our first visit. Also, this restaurant was outside and there was no breeze because the wind was blocked by the lagoon. I also got eaten up by mosquitos, but the hostess had bug spray so it was all good!

Encanda and Chino Poblano are both tasting menus. They are super accommodating with food allergies and specific diets (e.g. vegetarian). Chino Poblano was my favorite as it was a Chinese Mexican fusion that melded into such amazing flavors (the mole sauce – omg yum!). Encanta was an 11 course tasting menu that was also fantastic! I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that I was eating like this at an all-inclusive resort!

 

We had breakfast at Kibi-Kibi, Mercado San Juan, and Cayuko.

Kibi-Kibi is such a unique experience and exclusive to the guests that are staying in Casa Artista. The chilaquiles were so fresh and flavorful and the almond pancakes were amazing! Mercado San Juan is so beautifully decorated and has a ton of options to choose from. We loved it here! Cayuko was our least favorite. It was just a buffet by the main pool and they didn’t have a ton of breakfast options available. Also, it felt as if there were not enough servers.

Restaurant Kibi-Kibi

Restaurant Kibi-Kibi

Additionally, another really cool thing is that this resort has a speakeasy! They have nightly entertainment and the area is huge! It was a really fun adventure to try and find the speakeasy too.

Lastly, check out was a breeze and made super simple by our butlers! They had the bell boys come to our room and grab our luggage and then they escorted us to checkout from our building. We were then taken to the front of the hotel and placed into our private transfer for the return trip to the airport. We were so sad to leave the resort and we cannot wait to go back!

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Lobby
Hotel Xcaret Arte: Lobby

If you made it to the end of this review, congrats, haha! Check back soon for my guide to this resort!

Again, I cannot recommend enough to use a travel advisor when booking this property. As you can tell there are a ton of things to know! If you don’t have one, you can reach out to me and I would be happy to help you book. My email is lauren@thatblondetravels.com!


 
 
 
HOTEL XCARET ARTE: EATING AT RESTAURANT ARENAL
 
Hotel Xcaret Arte: view from jr suite oceanfront room in Casa Artistas

EATING AT HOTEL XCARET ARTE: RESTAURANT ARENAL

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate Links for products I’m currently using, by using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!

Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal
Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal

My husband and I just finished an amazing stay at the brand new adults-only all inclusive Hotel Xcaret Arte. It was seriously one of the most amazing all inclusive experiences that I have ever had! (and that’s saying something as I have been to a ton of all inclusive resorts haha!) This post is just about their comfort food restaurant, Arenal, but a full review post on the resort will follow shortly!

ARENAL

This was some of the best food that I’ve ever eaten in my life. (Seriously!) The burger was so good that I had it again the very next day!

Every restaurant had a special welcome drink and Arenal was no different. They brought out a special watermelon spritzer that was so refreshing and not too sweet or too watermelon-y. My husband actually enjoyed it and he hates watermelon!

 

For starters, the chef prepares a special sample that is different everyday. Ours was a fresh shrimp mixed in a spicy sauce, layered with a piece of dragon fruit on top, and placed on a piece of jícama.

It is also important to mention that this resort does an amazing job of dealing with food preferences. They have a vegan restaurant and have alternatives for the tasting menus that don’t involve meat! I thought this was so awesome!

Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal daily chef prepared starter

Appetizers that we ordered:

Black Cocktail - Chiapas shrimp with cocktail sauce and avocado. This was so yummy! The cocktail sauce was a mix of like a spicy mole sauce. I really enjoyed the unexpected twist on a traditional cocktail sauce that normally comes with shrimp cocktail.

Yellowfin Tuna - this was a yellowfin sashimi served in a lime emulsion sauce and topped with pickled green papaya and pumpkin seeds

Tubers - vegetables sautéed with a pumpkin seed and coriander and served topped with pine nuts on a bed of honey ricotta pesto. Magnifique!

Grilled corn - fresh grilled corn that was topped with a dry chili mayonnaise and fresh cheese. They had this precut into shareable portions that made eating this very easy!

Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal appetizer black cocktailr
Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal appetizer black cocktail, tubers, yellowfin tuna
Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal appetizer black cocktail, tubers, yellowfin tuna
Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal appetizer grilled corn elotes

MAIN COURSE

My husband ordered the roasted chicken with white recado and the French fries. The fries reminded me of those potato sticks in a jar from when I was little lol. The herb infused olive-oil on the side was my favorite over the gravy. I ordered the burger (two days in a row!) that was topped with caramelized onions and mozzarella cheese. The sauce that was on the burger was so smoky in flavor that the onions and cheese just all blended so deliciously together. It was divine. The fresh potato wedges were like the super yummy ones that you get at a gas station, but make it fancy! I really enjoyed dipping them into the olive oil that was a little spicy in flavor.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal main course roasted chicken
Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal main course beef hamburger

DESSERT

My favorite dessert by far was the Maria cookies with soft toffee! This was served with a homemade popsicle. The other desert was a corn sponge cake with salty caramel sauce and Dutch cheese ice cream. I didn’t care for this one as it was a little salty and I was not a fan of the texture.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal dessert corn sponge cake
Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal dessert maria cookies with soft toffee
Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurant Arenal dessert maria cookies with soft toffee

If you are contemplating a trip to the new Hotel Xcaret Arte, then DO IT ASAP! You will NOT regret it! You can find a link to the full menu for Arenal here.

I do recommend using a travel agent when booking as you are supporting a small business and secondly, the resort is very confusing during the booking process. Also, there are so many added things that you are unaware of when booking yourself, so save a headache and let someone else do all the work for you!


 
PIN FOR LATER!

PIN FOR LATER!

 
 
GREECE LUXURY HOTELS
 
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TOP LUXURY HOTELS IN GREECE

Disclaimer: This Luxury Greece Hotels List contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!

ATHENS

ATHENS CAPITAL CENTER HOTEL

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PAROS

PARILIO

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MYKONIAN UTOPIA RESORT


Contact me to plan your Greece getaway today!


PIN FOR LATER!

PIN FOR LATER!

 
TRAVELING WITH A BABY: BEACH EDITION
 
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Traveling with an infant requires a ton of preparation and planning. We have taken two trips with our infant now to Mexico. Here are the things that we used most while at the beach and I would say are essential to enjoying your vacation!

Disclaimer: This Beach Baby Packing List contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!


ESSENTIALS TO BUY IF YOU DON’T ALREADY OWN THEM

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ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST


Download your free checklist here!


PIN FOR LATER!

PIN FOR LATER!

 
ULTIMATE CROATIA GROUP TRIP: SEPTEMBER 3-10, 2022
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Destination: CROATIA
Travel Style: Active/LUXURY
DATES: SEPTEMBER 3-10, 2022
PRICE: $2999 PP (Based on double occupancy)

Day 1: Arrival Dubrovnik

Day 2: Dubrovnik City Tour

Day 3: North Elaphite and South Mijet Island Tour

Day 4 Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split - Evening city tour

Day 5 Full Day Hvar and Pakleni Island Tour

Day 6 Plitvice Day Trip from Split

Day 7 Free Day with optional Krka or Canyoning Tour

Day 8 Departure from Split

DATES & PRICES

September 3-10, 2022| From $2999 pp (based on double occupancy) | All-inclusive package including accommodation, activities, and meals as listed below.

International and intra-country airfare and visa fees not included

Payment schedule:

  • $1000 per person deposit due upon booking (Non-refundable 180 days prior to departure)

  • Balance due 120 days prior to departure

Optional Add-ons:

  • Hotel single supplement (contact for accurate pricing)


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ITINERARY

DAY 1: SEPTEMBER 3RD - ARRIVE INTO DUBROVNIK

After arriving into Dubrovnik. transfer to hotel, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik. This will be your home for the next 3 nights.

GROUP WELCOME DINNER PLANNED FOR TONIGHT AT RESTAURANT Dubravka.

DAY 2: SEPTEMBER 4TH - DUBROVNIK OLD CITY TOUR

Today we will spend the day getting to know and learning about Dubrovnik.

The tour lasts for about four hours and it begins with a drive to Srdj mountain. This is a place from which you can see the entire city, along with its two-kilometer-long walls and, believe us, it is breathtaking. Srdj is a place of historical importance since, during wartime, that is where the military front was located. It also hosts the Homeland War Museum.

After Srdj, we will begin our descend into the heart of the Old Town where you will see all the most important locations. After that, we will climb the famous walls that encompass the Old Town. During the hour and a half we spend there, you will see the postcard view of Dubrovnik and all its terracotta roofs.

Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 3: SEPTEMBER 5TH - NORTH ELAPHITE AND SOUTH MIJET ISLAND TOUR

Private boat tour on the Phantom and Ferratti from Dubrovnik to North Elaphiti and South Mljet Islands .During north Elaphiti islands tour you will visit Island Sipan and it’s Sipanska Luka Bay. Sipanska Luka ( Port of Sipan) is the main port at Sipan, therefore is very popular destination for sailors being well protected harbour. There are numerous architectural monuments from the Middle Ages, vineyards, pine tree woods, crystal clear Adriatic sea.

North from Sipan towards the Island Mljet, we will cruise along uninhabited Islands Jakljan and Olipa. This is where you will discover beauty of the Adriatic and untouched nature. Hidden bays, wonderful rock formations, cliffs and woods. Due to it’s privacy and nature this area of Adriatic often attract Mega Yachts so you might see some celebrities there. After a swim in one of the bays, we will head towards Island Mljet and visit Prozurska Luka.

Prozurska Luka is a small bay on Southern Part of Island Mljet and attracts families and sailors for it’s tranquility. Another stop on your private boat tour is Limuni Beach. Peaceful sandy beach with shallow waters. On your way back, we will stop at the Blue Cave on Island, Kolocep, if you wish to swim inside the cave. Overall, North Elaphiti and South Mljet tour will take you to places where we can truly escape the ordinary.

Drinks, Towels, Snorkeling masks, and Stand up paddle boards included on the tour.

Lunch on your own (Recommend Konoba Tauris)

DAY 4: SEPTEMBER 6TH - PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM DUBROVNIK TO SPLIT

After breakfast, we will enjoy a private transfer to Split. The drive is absolutely gorgeous!

Upon arrival into Split, we will get settled into the hotel and then regroup for an afternoon walking and history tour of Split.

Our guided tour will be followed by a group dinner at a local restaurant where you could possibly try the local cuisine “Peka”.

DAY 5: SEPTEMBER 7TH - FULL DAY HVAR AND PAKLENI ISLAND TOUR

Today we will have a full private day boat tour of Hvar and surrounding Pakleni Islands.

Hvar – everyone knows about it – 1h boat ride from Split – you have all the time in the world to explore the old town. After free time for sightseeing, we’ll take you to Pakleni islands archipelago (“Hell islands”). Just 5-10 minutes from Hvar town – amazing archipelago consisting of 16 islands, with numerous bays, beaches, beach bars, etc. – approximately 2 hours of free time.

Drinks, Towels, and Snorkeling masks included on the tour.

Lunch on your own in Hvar

DAY 6: SEPTEMBER 8TH - PLITVICE DAY TRIP FROM SPLIT

Today we will head from Split to Plitvice National Park.

Lose yourself in the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park on this full-day tour from Split. Take a short hike around the magnificent tree-lined Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera); stand in awe before Veliki Slap, Croatia’s biggest waterfall; and enjoy a thrilling cruise around the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera).

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed natural wonders of the Plitvice Lakes

  • Hike around the magnificent Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera)

  • Soak up the scenery with a boat cruise around the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera)

DAY 7: SEPTEMBER 9TH - FREE DAY WITH OPTIONAL KRKA OR CANYONING TOUR

Enjoy a day at leisure or opt to take a day trip to Krka National Park or Canyoning adventure.

Farewell group dinner.

DAY 8: SEPTEMBER 10TH - INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT HOME

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel and then your transfer to Split airport is included.

End of Services

**International flights not included**


Email me to reserve your spot today!

WHAT I'M READING LATELY
 
 
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Here are some of the books that I have enjoyed recently! Check them out and let me know what your favorites were! If you have any suggestions for what I should read next, leave me a comment below!

Disclaimer: This What I’m Reading Now list contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!


PRETTY THINGS

 

CILKA’S JOURNEY

Follow-up to the Tattooist of Auschwitz

THE LIGHT IN HIDDEN PLACES

 

PASSION ON PARK AVENURE


ON MY LIST

THE SANATORIUM

 

LOST APOTHECARY

 

NORTHERN SPY

 

THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME

 

 
7 DAYS IN EUROPE: LONDON AND PARIS ITINERARY
 
Europe Itinerary - London + Paris. Notting Hill

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!


LONDON AND PARIS ITINERARY

Recommended 7-day London and Paris itinerary:

Europe Itinerary - London + Paris. Notting Hill


London (3 nights)

Paris (3 nights)

Total days: 7


LONDON

DAY 1:

Upon arriving into LHR, grab a taxi, take the tube, or get in your scheduled car service and head to your hotel.

If you arrive early enough, then you have a full day to explore the city! Check into your hotel and drop your bags. If you arrive early enough, then make a reservation at The Gallery for high tea and lunch.

After lunch, check out the London Eye or just walk around and acclimate yourself with the city.

In the afternoon, you could do a Jack the Ripper Tour and learn more about London’s dark past.

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DAY 2:

Grab breakfast at Peggy Porschen and then meet for your tour of Westminster Abby.

Once your tour is complete, grab lunch at Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden.

We opted to see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in theatre. You can get your tickets here. If you chose to see Harry Potter in theatre, then I would recommend either eating at the theatre or grabbing something quick during intermission between the two parts.

If you chose an alternate day 2 activity, then I would recommend making reservations at Little Georgia (Georgian food- get the hatchapuri!) or Dishoom (Indian food).

ALTERNATE DAY 2 IDEAS:

There are so many options for Day 2. You could do a full day city tour, take a day trip to see stonehenge, see a play at a local theatre (Hamilton or Harry Potter), tour Buckingham Palace and watch the changing of the guards, or do a Harry Potter themed tour.

Whatever you choose, it is sure to be an exhausting fun-filled day!


DAY 3:

Breakfast at The Parlour before your Harry Potter walking tour. Harry Potter not for you, then, try a half day city tour or another option mentioned above.

Lunch and then you can do a World War II history tour if its up your ally before dinner or just chill and take in the city.


PARIS

DAY 4:

Spend the morning exploring Notting Hill or chilling at a cafe for your last few hours in London.

Head to the airport to catch your flight to Paris. I find flying is usually cheaper and faster than taking the train. I like to check out low-cost air carriers like Ryan Air or Easyjet for intra-Europe flights.

After arriving and dropping your luggage, jump on with a tour to better acquaint yourself with Paris. We opted for the Hidden Gems of Paris tour. You can then grab lunch near the Effiel Tower and make that your next stop for exploring the city.

Alternatively, you could go to a local market and pick up some stuff for sandwiches and have a picnic lunch by the Effiel Tower instead.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city before having dinner at Juvenilles Wine Bar.

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day 5:

Grab breakfast at FTG Paris before heading to explore the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. If you start the day early enough, then head to Montmartre for a tour of the area.

Lunch at the famous Pink Mamma.

In the afternoon, spend some time at the Moulin Rouge or catch a show before dinner at Septime.


DAY 6:

Day trip to the Palace of Versailles.

End the evening with dinner on a Seine River Cruise. For the best view, book either the premier or privilege package.

alternate day 6:

Grab breakfast at HolyBelly before heading to see Notre-Dame and do some shopping in Le Marais. In the afternoon, tour the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.


DAY 7:

Say goodbye to Paris and head to the airport for your flight home.


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This itinerary is action-packed! If you prefer a slower traveling pace or just like to get to a place and enjoy the vibe, then that is totally ok too! I usually only go to a place once so I like to hit everything possible in a short amount of time but it is anything but relaxing and I usually need a vacation from my vacation! HaHa!

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ABOUT ME:

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
LO & SON'S BAG SALE
 

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!


I travel A LOT. I own three bags currently from LO & SONS and they are the best! They fit so much in them and they really help to keep you organized while traveling abroad. I really love the small Waverly cross-body that can transition to a belt bag. It’s super convenient and small!

I just noticed that they’re having a sale (up to 60% off) a lot of their bags.

Here are the ones that I would recommend:

THE OG 2 LARGE

I have this one in black with the gold hardware. Originally 333 - 338 and on sale for 170.10 - 179.10.

 
The O.G. 2 Large: Lightweight Overnight Tr...

The Lo & Sons O.G. 2 is a lightweight yet super functional overnight travel bag designe... [More]

Price: $236.60
 

THE CATALINA DELUXE

I have the onyx. Originally 153 - 158 and on sale for 86 to 112.50.

 
The Catalina Deluxe Large: Women's Weekend...

The Catalina Deluxe weekender is available in 13 different colors: dove grey, thistle, ... [More]

Price: $158.00
 

THE WAVERLY 2

I just bought this one. I have been on the hunt for a small cross-body/belt-bag for when I travel. I bought the black with gold hardware (sensing a trend haha) in the saffiano leather. I got the saffiano over the nappa leather since the saffiano is specially treated to be scratch and weather-resistant so it doesn’t show as much wear. Onsale for $84-88.

 
The Waverley 2 Large - Convertible Leather...

The Lo & Sons Waverley 2 was designed with an adjustable strap which allows to convert ... [More]

Price: $175.00
 

If you buy one, let me know what your thoughts are! :)