Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

This week on Passport to Everywhere, the focus is on the charming, mystical country of Ireland. Melissa is joined by Indagare Destinations Director John Cantrell as they swap tips for making the most of a trip to the Emerald Isle. John – with his decades of trip planning experience –– speaks about some of his favorite castle properties, top activities (don’t miss the Trinity College Library or the Ballymaloe Cookery School), and other itinerary musts. From Northern Ireland to Dublin and across to Galway, John and Melissa dive into everything you need to know before planning your visit. Melissa also speaks with Liam Krehbiel, the co-owner of Ballyfin, one of Ireland’s most historic and spectacular hotels. Located in County Laois (approx. 90 minutes by car from Dublin), the grand country estate was built in the 1820s. After a love at first sight experience, the property was purchased by Liam’s father in 2002, and he spent nearly a decade restoring it and shaping it into the refined 5-star luxury hotel it is today. Liam and his brother have continued their father’s legacy at Ballyfin, and the hotel remains in a class of its own with its one-of-a-kind rooms, stunning gardens, impressive art collection and romantic library. As they walk through the history of the grand yet intimate property, Liam and Melissa explore the culture and approachability of Ireland. He also reveals his favorite golf courses, speaks to the Irish art scene, shares what’s exciting him most in Dublin and more. Tune in to discover not only how this “fancy house in a Jane Austen novel” still feels warm and approachable, but also to determine what to do on your next trip to Ireland. For more on Ireland, head to Indagare.com to check out our destination guides and sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest travel news and tips. For more information about Liam Kreihbel and to learn more about Ballyfin and its offerings, visit www.ballyfin.com. To stay up to date with the hotel check out @BallyfinDemesne on Instagram and DemesneBallyfin on Facebook. To take part in the Power of Travel global survey, which enters you for a chance to win a three-night stay in Paris, click here.

Potter, author, and renowned global designer Jonathan Adler joins Melissa to talk about travel style and design. Jonathan has created one of the leading design labels of our time through his colorful and modern American glamor patterns and designs. He left his day job in film to pursue his passion for pottery, and 10 years later opened his first store in SoHo. His namesake brand is now a leading global design company with stores in Chicago, New York and a new location in London. With humor, Jonathan shares his unexpected path to success with Melissa. He reveals how following his love for pottery redirected his life with purpose, as well as his inspiration behind the design of the iconic Parker Palm Springs in California, and who he identifies as his favorite muse. In this episode, Melissa and Jonathan explore the idea of re-inventing oneself, both stylistically and in one’s career. Jonathan also shares the story behind his work with Aid to Artisans and how he stumbled into love with Peruvian weaving. As Jonathan says, “modern, clean design with soulful craft is about the magic” and Jonathan delivers magic through charm and wit. He also shares his favorite places to travel, including an intense enthusiasm for everyone to experience Japan, and where he wants to go next. Melissa ends the episode by sharing Jonathan’s favorite favorite hotels with design in mind. . For more information about Jonathan Adler and to view his collections and retail locations, visit www.jonathanadler.com. For Jonathan’s latest updates, and to see more of his Modern American Glamour vision, follow him on X, @jonathanadler, Instagram @jonathanadler and TikTok @jonathanadler. For more information on the hotels mentioned in today’s episode and for the latest travel news and hotel openings, visit Indagare.com to sign up for our newsletter.

Frances Mayes is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Under the Tuscan Sun, which was turned into the beloved romantic movie starring Diane Lane in 2003. As the film just celebrated its 20th anniversary, Frances joins Melissa to talk about how her love for Italy transformed her own life while also capturing the attention of women ready to make a change around the world. Plus, with her newly released book, A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home, she explores the mysterious concept of home and what it encompasses, from the homes we build to the countries we visit. She explains how “the house protects the dreamer” and the value of a home in magnifying creativity. In the episode, Frances also shares the story of how Under the Tuscan Sun was turned into a film through a serendipitous meeting with the director of The Talented Mr. Ripley, and the story behind how the iconic farmhouse Villa Bramasole became her home. She shares special insights into her life in Italy, as she's written countless memoirs and novels on the country. She discloses some of her favorite destinations and regions (including where to eat bread comparable to cake), and details how Italy differs from anywhere else in the world. They talk about the art of travel, beauty, the unexpected gifts of writing, and how to get under the skin of a place to really experience it. Plus- don’t miss Melissa’s latest intel from her trip to Rome as well as Frances’ favorite secret spots and cities to add to your list. For more information about Frances Mayes and to view her book collection, guides, and events visit www.francesmayesbooks.com. To stay up to date with Frances and her travels and writing, follow her on Instagram @francesemayes. Frances’ newest release, A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home, is available to purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Penguin Random House. Under the Tuscan Sun, the movie starring Diane Lane adapted from Frances’ memoir, is available to stream on Amazon Prime, Disney +, and Apple TV. For more on Italy and to explore Indagare’s favorite cities, hotels, and restaurants in the country, visit Indagare.com. If you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to start planning your Italian getaway.

New York Times Bestselling Author Anna Kloots joins Melissa to talk about her new memoir, My Own Magic: A Reappearing Act, which details her travels around the world entwined in a coming of age story. After her marriage ended at the age of 30, Anna decided to fulfill her lifelong dream and move to Paris. In this heartfelt episode, she shares her journey with Melissa and explores why travel serves as a vehicle for finding confidence and rediscovering the magic within. Anna also shares what living in the “real Paris” is like, including a very romantic love story with her neighbor…yes, it is even better than Emily in Paris, as well as the challenges she faced moving during the height of the pandemic while losing her brother-in-law to Covid-19. She reminds us all through her daring, adventurous story that failure creates growth and that our dreams are always within reach. Anna has traveled to over 83 countries across six continents and has been featured in Travel & Leisure, The Los Angeles Times, Coastal Living and more. From Joshua Tree, Bali and, of course, Paris - in this episode, Anna also gives a glimpse at what makes these places so transformative and special. Plus- don’t miss Anna’s personal, insider recommendations for some of her favorite restaurants, small museums, bakeries and shops in Paris. For more information about Anna Kloots, to stay up-to-date with her book events, read about her travels, and purchase her city guides including “Paris Comme Moi,” head to www.annakloots.com. To check out Anna’s travel & lifestyle content, follow her on Instagram @annakloots. Anna’s book, My Own Magic: A Reappearing Act, is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books-A-Million, and BookShop. For more details about Paris along with other destination spotlights, visit Indagare.com to sign up for our newsletter and learn more about our membership. If you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to begin planning your Parisian adventure.

Dian Fossey was an American conservationist and primatologist known for her work studying endangered mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda, where she worked from 1966 until her murder in 1985. Dian’s book, Gorillas in the Mist, which was published two years before her death, chronicles her scientific work. It was later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Sigourney Weaver, which turned Dian Fossey into a household name. To this day, Dian’s legacy continues, carried out by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and its remarkable CEO Dr. Tara Stoinski. The Fund itself raises money for conservation, brings awareness, and provides protection to gorillas and our planet’s ecosystem while empowering communities to do the same. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund—its new, multi-acre, eco-friendly facility—is located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, situated along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a hub for scientific research and ecological preservation, where students and researchers are given the tools to better understand individual gorillas, who share 98 percent of our DNA. The campus has an exhibit available for public viewing, which is a must-do when in Volcanoes, and private, behind-the-scenes tours can also be arranged. Tara’s held a fascination for animals from a young age, and for over two decades has been at the forefront of gorilla conservation. Initially as a scientist and, for nearly a decade, as the CEO of the Dian Fossey Fund. In this episode, she discusses the challenges of gorilla conservation, how special it is to experience seeing the primates firsthand, and the evolution of the fund. Plus, Melissa is joined by Indagare Productions Director, Kathryn Nathanson to share what you need to know before your gorilla trek. Listen for valuable planning tips, what to expect through the trek, and what to wear. For more information about The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, visit gorillafund.org where you can make a donation, adopt a gorilla, take the gorilla personality test, and view details about the organization’s mission and what to expect on a site visit to its newest facility, The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. For the latest updates and fascinating gorilla facts, be sure to follow The Dian Fossey Fund on Instagram @savinggorillas. For more details on planning a gorilla trek and for the latest news and travel tips, visit Indagare.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter and learn more about our membership. And, if you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to start planning your journey to Rwanda.

Dr. Frank Lipman is an author, doctor and pioneer in the field of Functional Medicine. He’s written numerous bestsellers covering sleep, mindfulness and healthy habits including How to Be Well: The 6 Keys to a Happy and Healthy Life and The New Rules of Aging Well. He’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Women’s Health and appeared on Today, The Dr. Oz Show, and more. In today’s episode, he shares his expertise for healthy living and reveals simple tools you can use both at home and while traveling. Tune in to learn why the gut is referred to as the second brain, techniques for improving anxiety and depression and discover why he’s a fan of saunas, cold plunges and intermittent fasting. He also shares the supplements he recommends for brain health (including what he puts in his daily coffee), the science behind peptides, and what to look for if considering using therapeutics. Plus- Melissa and Dr. Lipman will look at wellness trends, techniques and ways of life around the world; they’ll dive into what we can learn from the slow pace of life in Italy, Ubuntu in South Africa, and the future of wellness in travel. Melissa ends the episode with a round-up of practical, simple tips from Dr. Lipman for living healthier, happier and more connected lives. For more tips on healthy living and aging well from Dr. Frank Lipman, head to drfranklipman.com or check out his books How To Be Well: The 6 Keys to a Happy and Healthy Life and The New Rules of Aging Well.

Luke Russert is an Emmy-award winning journalist who left his career covering American politics on NBC Nightly News, TODAY, and MSNBC to travel the world. After the death of his father, the legendary journalist Tim Russert, Luke set out on a three month trip that turned into three years as he traveled to six continents covering 67 countries. He journaled every step of the way, and it was only upon returning — in his grandmother’s kitchen in San Francisco — that he realized his journey was much greater than his trip. He turned his journal entries into a NY Times Bestseller, Look for Me There, which details how travel helped him process his grief and ultimately led to self-discovery. Through beautiful storytelling, Luke shares the greatest lessons he learned on his adventure around the world. From profound moments of awe in New Zealand to his travels in the birthplace of wine in Tbilisi, Georgia to the best meal he (and Melissa) have ever eaten in Uruguay; Luke shares a deeply personal, internal journey and reminds us of the power in travel. Show Notes: For highlights of Luke’s travel advice and more information on where to find his book, Look for Me There, see below: Luke’s Travel Takeaways • Don’t wait to travel because you may be able to participate in certain activities now that could become more challenging later in life due to health and physical limitations. • Be curious and think critically about how new environments differ from your own. • The more you travel and push yourself outside your comfort zone, the more comfortable you will become in uncertainty. This gives you the ability to explore any uneasy thoughts with more clarity. • Build moments around the day to give yourself downtime, whether it’s unwinding in your hotel room or enjoying leisure time in a cafe. • Ensure that everyone is on board with the daily activities planned. Be mindful that what you desire may not be what your travel companion desires. • Embrace spontaneity while traveling as schedules can change while on the road. Having the ability to adapt to the changes will make your trip more enjoyable. • Ultize travel as a way to decompress from the constant hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute-mindset. This time will allow you to process deeper emotions. To read more about Luke’s road to self-discovery, check out his NY Times Bestseller book, Look for Me There available on Bookshop, HarperCollins, and Amazon. To follow along Luke’s journey, check out his Instagram @lukerussert.

Catharina Hedberg is the co-founder of the legendary Ashram, a boot camp retreat, nestled in the Santa Monica hills of Calabasas. Originally from Sweden, Cat and her business partner (the late Anne-Marie Bennstrom) opened The Ashram in 1974 decades before the boot camp concept became popular. Almost 50 years later, it continues to book out months in advance, welcoming both new visitors and return guests. Cat has created an environment for nurturing the mind, body and soul through yoga, hiking, farm-to-table community meals and simplicity. In today’s episode, Cat shares her philosophy with Melissa. She discusses how her childhood influenced her approach, the necessity of nature and how she strives to meet the needs of every individual who stays at the Ashram. She also discusses the latest weight loss fad: ozempic and shares her thoughts on the drug. With contagious joy and enthusiasm, she dives into the exciting future of wellness tourism. She reveals how the Ashram continues to expand around the world with retreats in Mallorca, Iceland, the Camino de Santiago and Japan. To learn more about The Ashram and the wellness practices discussed in today’s episode, see below: Activities at The Ashram include hiking, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, massages, gym sessions, pool volleyball, spending time in nature and more. Guests can enjoy mindful meals, incorporating farm-to-table cuisine, whole foods, and vegetarian ingredients. The Ashram hosts seasonal retreats to Mallorca, Iceland, and the Camino de Santiago. To honor The Ashram’s 50th anniversary, journeys will be offered to the Camino de Santiago along the Portuguese route, as well as to Kumano Kodō, a Japanese pilgrimage. If you’re looking to try some of The Ashram’s recipes, keep an eye out for the restock of The Ashram’s cookbook: The Ashram: The Way We Eat.

“Travel brings out the best version of ourselves, it’s a version that’s very curious and open-minded and open-hearted. And having your children being able to see you in that mode, and you being able to see them… is a very powerful thing,” Eliza Harris shares in this week’s episode on family travel. Indagare Editorial Director Annie Fitzsimmons and COO Eliza Harris join Melissa this week on Passport to Everywhere to explore the joys, magic, challenges, pains and practicalities of traveling with family. Annie has a four-year old daughter (who has already traveled to three continents), and Eliza has three sons ranging from high school to college who have traveled the world with her, and during this episode the Indagare trio shares some of their favorite hotels, must-have airplane essentials, destinations ideal for various ages, and questions to consider before planning a trip. They also exchange their own favorite family travel stories - from moments with the Masaai in Tanzania to seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time through a child’s eyes - and discuss how these trips have transformed each of their lives. See below for more information on the family travel tips mentioned in today’s episode: What to take into account when planning a family trip: • Ages • Schedules • Preferences • Goals • Stamina for activities • Time zones and jet lag • Length of your stay • How often you’re changing hotels • How independent your kids are • Events and sporting activities • Cultural differences • Time of day you plan activities • Involving your kids in the planning process Kid-Friendly Hotels: • Four Seasons • Belmond • Marbella Club Hotel • Märchenhotel Braunwald • Victoria-Jungfrau • Disney Keep an eye out for Annie Fitzsimmons’ book with National Geographic and Disney Publishing: 100 Hotels of a Lifetime which releases in 2024.

The Camino de Santiago, also known as ‘The Way of Saint James’, has welcomed Christian pilgrims, or peregrinos, for thousands of years. Its path across northwestern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela remains one of the most popular pilgrimages for people from all over the world, seeing spiritual seekers, adventurers, everyday travelers and more. In this episode, actor, travel writer, author and director Andrew McCarthy joins Melissa to talk about his new book Walking with Sam: A Father, A Son and 500 Miles across Spain which details his second journey on the Camino. McCarthy shares his raw account of how the 500 mile trek transformed his life, and details the so-called gifts he received through miles of walking. He speaks about his fascinating career path –– from ‘Brat Pack’ actor to award-winning travel writer, including a job as the editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler, and he and Melissa dive into the best ways to forge connections as travelers (hint: let go of expectations, and leave your phone at the hotel). Melissa ends the episode with her personal takeaways from her own trek on the Camino as part of an Indagare Insider Journey (small, group trip). And in case you’re inspired to join Indagare for our return to the Camino on a future Insider Journey, you can find further details on the itinerary and sign up here. Show Notes: If you want more information about Andrew McCarthy and walking the Camino de Santiago, click the links below: Camino de Santiago or “The Way of St. James” is the world famous 500 mile trek located in northwest Spain that was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. If you want to learn more about Andrew McCarthy’s experience walking the Camino, check out his website www.andrewmccarthy.com and his latest book - Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain - which is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Indiebound. Tips and helpful notes for walking the Camino de Santiago: • There are seven paths to choose from when walking the Camino de Santiago: o The French Way, the Portuguese Way, the Northern Way, the Original Way, the Silver Way, the English Way, and the Camino Finisterre o The most popular route departs from Saint Jean Pied de Port in the Pyrenees mountains (in France) and arrives in Santiago de Compostela; this is the French way o All Camino paths lead to Santiago de Compostela which is the final destination of the trek • People of all ages and fitness levels can walk • Remember to pack lightly and comfortably • Try walking alone part of the way for a heightened personal experience • Break your shoes in before the trip, whether they are hiking boots, trail running shoes, or well-cushioned sneakers • Wear wool socks for extra comfort and apply Foot Glide or Vaseline to prevent blisters • Take time to view the churches, cemeteries, and cathedrals along the way including one in Pontevedra that is particularly well known • Stop in the Cathedral Santiago de Compostela for the Pilgrim's Mass • Travelers have the opportunity to receive a Compostela certificate, a document verifying the journey that is awarded for completion. To do so, you must walk the last 100km and get at least two stamps per day in your booklet, called the Credencial del Peregrino. To watch before you walk: • Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago To read before you walk: • Off the Road by Jack Hitt *This book inspired Andrew McCarthy’s first walk If you’re interested in walking part of the Camino de Santiago, join an Indagare Insider Journey (small, group trip) this fall or next spring. To learn more, reach out to insiderjourneys@indagare.com and visit our website: http://www.indagare.com/insiderjourneys/.

Zita Cobb, the extraordinary woman behind the captivating, yet somewhat undiscovered Fogo Island Inn, has impacted and inspired the tourism industry in a multitude of ways. As the founder and CEO of the Canadian foundation Shorefast, and the creator and innkeeper of the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, she’s harnessed the power of community in the sub-arctic to create something uniquely innovative. On today’s episode of Passport to Everywhere, Zita joins Melissa to share why Fogo Island Inn is a “place you can’t believe but always hoped existed”. “Far away from far away”, Fogo Island is four times the size of Manhattan with ten different communities and seven seasons surrounded by wild, powerful geography and heart stopping views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Zita details her journey in creating Fogo Island Inn, what to expect when traveling to the island (including how it takes three days to fully arrive: first your body arrives, then your mind, then your soul), and her thoughts on the future of travel as AI continues to grow. And to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hotel, Indagare has partnered with Fogo Island Inn to offer a 3-night stay. Head to travel.indagare.com/fogo and enter for your chance to experience this remarkable place in person. If you want more information about Fogo Island Inn and the island mentioned in today’s episode, click the links below: Fogo Island - located on the Northeast coast of the most Eastern province of Canada with an environment shaped by labrador current, “it’s like a place you can’t believe but always hoped existed” - Allen Doyle Fogo Island Inn - the hotel focused on creating an experience of wholeness for its travelers in a place to connect with nature and culture Activities - whether you’re into hiking, boating, fishing, or biking, Fogo Island Inn offers a chance to unwind, adventure, and experience cultural and environmental immersion during the island’s seven seasons Shorefast Foundation - a registered charity of Canada that is focused on strengthening local economies through the culture, social, ecological well-being of the communities known for its saying, “many luxury properties have a charitable foundation, our charitable foundation has a luxury Inn.” Fogo Island Arts - a residency based contemporary art program; one of the many environmental programs within the Shorefast Foundation Giveaway - to celebrate the hotel’s 10 year anniversary, Indagare and Fogo Island Inn have teamed up to offer a 3-night stay. To enter for a chance to win, visit travel.indagare.com/fogo

This week Melissa is joined by a remarkable force in the world of tequila, Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, Mexico's first female master tequila distiller and the co-founder and CEO of Tequila Casa Dragones, an esteemed small-batch tequila distillery based in San Miguel de Allende. Bertha's influence and expertise are widely recognized. Her accolades are numerous, as she has been named one of the 50 most powerful women in Mexico by Forbes and hailed as one of Mexico's top young businesswomen by Revista Expansion. Bertha worked as an executive at Jose Cuervo International for a decade before launching Casa Dragones, and today the luxury label – recognized worldwide – focuses on handcrafted, small-batch production and sustainable processes. Melissa also shines a spotlight on San Miguel de Allende, offering a glimpse into the allure of this enchanting place, so if you're planning a trip to San Miguel Allende, you'll want to stay tuned for Melissa's recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and hotels.If you want more information on the tequila, restaurants, galleries, and hotels mentioned in this week’s episode, click on the links below: Casa Dragones Tequilas Joven - made for sipping and pairing with food, the joven is smooth with a hazelnut-hinted finish and is best served neat. Añejo - featuring notes of fig and roasted almonds with a round finish, the añejo is perfect to sip after dinner. Reposado - rested in oak casks with notes of apricot and butterscotch, the reposado is best served neat or with one ice cube. Blanco - crisp and smooth with a bright aftertaste, the blanco is perfect for sipping on the rocks. Bertha’s Mexico City Favorites Lunch Contramar - the perfect place to enjoy a mid-day meal featuring world-famous seafood with amazing service and a memorable ambiance San Ángel Inn - serves modern cuisine surrounded by centuries of Mexican history Galleries Kurimanzutto - a small, modern art gallery exploring a wide range of exhibitions that highlight works by world-renowned Mexican artists Gallery OMR - a contemporary space featuring artistic works throughout Mexico and beyond that also opened Lago, a workspace-restaurant where you can have lunch and see the exhibit Labor - contemporary space representing artists who create projects that question the status quo and reflect on the relationship between art and life Bars Limantour - located in Polanco and know for its upscale cocktails, this trendy spot has a classic yet modern touch Handshake - feels like a 1920s speakeasy and serves classic cocktails Ticuchi - known as a culinary powerhouse by Chef Enrique Olvera, this bar in Polanca offers a beautiful cocktail list in a dark atmosphere Bertha’s San Miguel Favorites Hotels Matilda - a chic boutique hotel in a modern setting Rosewood San Miguel - sprawling, luxury hotel that meshes colonial Mexico with cosmopolitan flare Live Aqua - contemporary hotel on the northern edge of town that captures the historical and cultural charm of San Miguel in its design and features 153 rooms with 5 bars and restaurants Restaurants Hortus - located in front of the Plaza of San Miguel, you can sit outside and enjoy the view then head inside and order dinner off the Mediterranean-inspired menu Atrio - rooftop restaurant offering an incredible view of the town The Restaurant - Chef Donnie Masterton’s preparation of “world class comfort food” offering a restaurant, bar, and DJ booth with Asian and Mexican influences. His food is also featured at Casa Dragones at pairing dinners Bars Bekeb - an artisanal mixology bar in a beautiful setting where you can enjoy the sunset and try drink specialties from Fabiola Padilla, who Bertha considers one of Mexico’s new promises in terms of mixology Obsidian - the bar in Casa Dragones that is soon to open mixology experiences on Fridays and Saturdays and is covered in 4,000 obsidian tiles that are gathered and crafted from the agave fields Locations to further experience Casa Dragones in San Miguel Casa Dragones - the newly renovated headquarters showcases its trademarked blue facade and jungle-like corridor that leads you into the inner courtyard and Obsidian bar. Check out the rooftop for private events and group dinners and keep your eye out for the tequila around town! Reservations must be made in advance. Dôce 18 Concept House - visit the Casa Dragones tasting room here known as “the world's smallest tequila bar.” This intimate space seats up to six people and is available by reservation only. Melissa’s San Miguel Destination Hack Shopping Dôce 18 Concept House - a great place to shop at popups; the brands here represent the best in Mexican fashion, art, and design El Nuevo Mundo - stop here for local handcrafted goods, home decor, jewelry, accessories, and more Restaurants Áperi - featuring creative cuisine and a great atmosphere, Melissa recommends trying the delicious tasting menu here Moxi - located in Hotel Matilda, Michelin star Chef Vicente Torres presents a high-class menu with Mediterranean influence Luna Tapas Bar - located on the rooftop at the Rosewood Hotel, this spot is great for a cocktail while enjoying the sunset Cumpanio - a bakery/restaurant near Casa Dragones, Melissa recommends the chicken sandwich for lunch and taking back some of their famous breads Tacos San Francisco - a small but famous taco truck Hotels Rosewood San Miguel - sprawling, luxury hotel that meshes colonial Mexico with cosmopolitan flare Live Aqua - contemporary hotel on the northern edge of town that captures the historical and cultural charm of San Miguel in its design and features 153 rooms with 5 bars and restaurants Matilda - a chic boutique hotel in a modern setting Casa Arca - part of the Dôce 18 Concept House in a bright setting with modern decor For more information on pairings, daily tastings, dinners and private events at Casa Dragones, check out their website at www.casadragones.com or email Concierge@CasaDragones.com; to arrange a private event at La Casa Dragones contact Indagare at productions@indagare.com.