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Fran Endicott Miller is a travel and wine writer for a wide variety of luxury lifestyle publications and websites. Additionally, she serves as editor-at-large for JustLuxe.com, senior writer for Napa Valley Life Magazine, and California editor for luxury travel club Essentialist. She also ghost writes and edits web content for varied travel and wine websites. Prior to her journalism career she established and managed the Golden State Warriors' first official community relations department and efforts. Principled and genuine, she’s known for thoughtful and thorough coverage. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retriever Nate. Follow her adventures on Instagram: @frandicott, and find below a small sampling of her many articles.
frandicott@comcast.net
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Palermo's Villa Igiea Terrazzo Bar serves up nostalgia.
As one of Tuscany's most prestigious estates, Tenuta Luce crafts one of Italy's most iconic wines.
Considered one of the world's best restaurants, Kyle and Katina Connaughton's SingleThread combines the art of sustainable agriculture with culinary distinction.
Mention of the obscure Caribbean island often brings blank stares; Canouan Island's affluent fans prefer to keep it that way.
As Chef Dominique Crenn evolves, so too does her Michelin star San Francisco restaurant, Atelier Crenn.
When world traveler Richard Sharman became frustrated with the multiple bags necessary to properly transport his personal items, he decided to create his own perfect bag.
With an eye towards sustainability, Brussels-based landscape designer Bas Smets intends to create a better Notre-Dame experience for both tourists and Parisians.
Napa Valley's most intriguing people of the year are profiled in this always anticipated annual issue.
Centro Canalejas Madrid is poised to become Madrid’s most luxurious destination.
The culinary equivalent of an Academy Award, a Michelin Guide star denotes quality, creativity, consistency…and the promise of a really great meal.
A Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours river cruise provides a deep dive into all that makes Bordeaux so powerfully appealing.
A three Michelin Star restaurant and a Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel make Akelarre a San Sebastián 'must.'
HOTELS : RESORTS
Every guest feels like a celebrity at generational family-owned Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni , Lake Como.
As Spain's first ever Four Seasons property, the stunning hotel presents a new level of hospitality in the capital city.
A waterfront setting and Bay Bridge views make 1 Hotel San Francisco a dream destination.
A recent, super chic renovation of the already elegant Four Seasons Hotel Milano reveals an urban sanctuary wholly befitting of its location in the heart of Italy's fashion capital.
Enviable and extravagant design make Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville as destination-worthy as Rome's most iconic attractions.
Located on a quiet street in one of the poshest regions of the Eternal City, the hotel is within walking distance of Rome’s greatest attractions.
This tiny British West Indies isle charms with spirit, soul and authenticity.
The Duomo. Palazzo Vecchio. The Uffizi Gallery. Florence's list of most desired destinations also includes a less obvious but equally impressive locale - the Renaissance-era Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.
At Sensei Lana’i, a Zen-like vibe permeates the 24-acre property, within which are walking paths that meander through colorful gardens and groves that ring a central, koi-filled lake.
Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar phased renovation, Nobu Hotel Palo Alto’s boutique property features 73 guest rooms that perfectly reflect the brand’s luxurious Nobu Hospitality standards.
Located in diminutive Glen Ellen, the Italianate Queen Anne-style exterior of Gaige House belies an unexpected secret within.
Having enjoyed the hospitality of nearly every Napa Valley hotel over the years, I'm not quite sure how this Silverado Trail gem escaped my travel writer attention.
Loews Regency New York Hotel has defined Park Avenue hospitality from the moment it opened its doors in 1963.
Yountville in home to some of the best things in life, and at the center of the bliss is Bardessono, the town’s crown jewel of hospitality.
Elegant. Glamorous. Unrivaled. Rosewood Miramar Beach is the American Riviera's most stunning resort.
The recreational offerings are plentiful at The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, but you'll not be faulted if your ideal activity is simply to sit on your porch and gaze westward toward the beautiful Santa Ynez mountains.
Cloaked for the past three years in The Ritz-Carlton’s aura of understated elegance, Bacara takes full advantage of its stunning natural setting while offering impeccable hospitality and innumerable activities.
Edgewood Tahoe's magic is found in its combination of authenticity and luxury.
San Luis Obispo finally has a hotel befitting its stature as home to one of California's top-ranked higher learning institutions.
The Francis House artfully marries the building's historic past with modern comforts.
Spacious, tranquil, and scenic. The Inn at Newport Ranch more than delivers.
Grand, elegant, and historic – like the city itself - Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace provides full access to the best of Budapest.
No matter the season, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is always a feast for the senses.
Those who ‘get it’ know; Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is greater than the sum of its parts. More than a hotel; it’s a lifestyle.
It’s a winning combination - the Four Seasons brand of luxury hospitality and California Health and Longevity Institute's personalized nutrition and fitness services.
The charming Olea Hotel welcomes guests with a level of gracious hospitality typically found in five star establishments.
To stay at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is to abandon allegiance to any other favored Hawaiian locale.
At Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the Four Seasons brand of stellar service has never presented itself so completely.
The Dominican Republic's Casa de Campo is more than the sum of its spectacular parts.
The Big Island is home to yet another of Fairmont's dream worthy-destination hotels.
Of the multitude of resorts that line the Southern California shore, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has no equal.
Just as its Royal Family muse has embraced modernity, so has Victoria B.C.'s Grand Dame, the Fairmont Empress.
WINE : SPIRITS : CUISINE
The Antinori family has been honing its craft since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the "Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri," the Florentine Wine makers' Guild.
'Sultry French bistro' is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when the historic financial district is mentioned.
The Food Network star's fine dining San Francisco restaurant exudes throwback glamour that guests find irresistable.
In this corner of Montalcino, Tenuta Luce claims an exceptional, westward-oriented spot overlooking what seems to be the whole of Tuscany.
The American Riviera overflows with epicurean surprises, fueled by passion and creativity inspired by the region's abundant bounty.
How is it that rum somehow escaped my cocktail-making attention? I'm a brown liquor lover, after all. While visiting the Caribbean island of Nevis, I corrected the oversight.
Italy's ICONIC Ornellaia passionately fuses wine, art and philanthropy.
The majority of Napa Valley wine attention is directed toward Cabernet Sauvignon , but this world-class grape growing region is also well-regarded for its stellar Chardonnay.
If the mention of rum elicits images of tiny umbrellas floating in coconut-shaped mugs, perhaps it's time to reacquaint oneself with the popular spirit.
The PRESS culinary team draws inspiration from around the globe while staying rooted in the style and ingredients that make the Napa Valley so special.
Gourmands, wine aficionados, and auto enthusiasts know that the annual Lexus Culinary Classic, held at Sausalito's Cavallo Point, is never to be missed.
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s hottest dinner reservation for which both gastronomes and design enthusiasts are clamoring.
In addition to her role as a Harvard and Stanford educated emergency room physician, Dr. Laura Catena serves as Managing Director of her family's Argentine winery Catena Zapata .
It was the early influence of his father’s storied career that set Jesse Katz on his winemaking path.
When those in the know are asked to name the most beautiful Napa Valley winery, Kenzo Estate unfailingly makes the short list.
From Naval missile navigation engineer to product manager for IBM to award-winning winemaker, Tony Arcudi's path to Napa Valley was not of the straight and narrow variety.
How and why Crescere Wines tapped London-based artist Yehrin Tong to design its ethereal logo.
The Central Coast AVA supplies fruit for top makers around the state.
Pierre Seillan and his children Hélène and Nicolas steward their vineyards on two continents utilizing Old World expertise and flawless, modern winemaking technique.
Few Napa Valley wineries - or any throughout the world for that matter - can claim history and proprietorship as compelling as that of Palmaz Vineyards.
ADAMVS wines possess the purity, precision, and elegant tannin structure of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons.
Cain wines are definitely not for everyone. But fans claim there is nothing quite like them.
PROFILES
After struggling with his ethnicity, highly respected brand and marketing wiz Eric Toda finds new purpose in advocating for the AAPI community.
Philanthropy comes in many forms. The philanthropists gathered here run the gamut in their "giving."
Bottega Veneta. Bvlgari. Ducati. Gucci. As members of Italy's Altagamma Foundation, these and 107 other high-end brands are recognized globally as authentic ambassadors of Italian style.
With boundless energy and optimism, each of these three San Francisco hospitality icons has persevered to continue providing fans and admirers with entertaining diversion, inspiration, and hope for a brighter tomorrow
With an artistry and passion undoubtedly shaped and influenced by his great uncle Pablo Picasso, Jacob Vilató is finding creative success on his own terms.
Chatting with the formidable Casa Dumetz founder Sonja Magdevski about her love of Pinot Noir.
Napa Valley vintner Dave Phinney is no ordinary winemaker. And now he's no ordinary distiller.
Warning: Friendship with Chris Strieter may lead to unforeseen entrepreneurial activity.
TRAVEL
From Peruvian mountain peaks, to Adriatic Sea-fronting beaches, we’ve gathered intel on some of the globe’s most sought-after destinations, each of which is guaranteed to refresh, rejuvenate, and inspire.
Norwegian Cruise Line introduces its newest ship, the Prima, and it's spectacular.
Many attempts have been made to replicate the flavors of Emilia Romagna's gourmet foods and beverages, but there is no substitute for the real thing.
Anyone can visit a museum. Few are able to enjoy a sumptuous meal beneath a masterpiece, with the museum's curator or a famous artist as host.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has long served as a haven for artists, writers, and intellectuals drawn to the inspiring atmosphere of this unique, oceanfront hamlet.
The Danish capital of America is no longer your grandad's Solvang.
Long characterized as California's quintessential surf town, Huntington Beach shows off a new, sophisticated side.
An AmaMagna Danube river cruise is always destined to woo.
Where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in the Emerald City.
'Blown Away' is great entertainment; but why settle for television when you can experience the real thing?
AmaMagna’s experienced guests cautioned that I had started at the top of the river cruise ladder – that there is no better ship. After seven days and nights of pampering, fine dining, and exquisite wines, I knew this to be true.
Aboard Rocky Mountaineer, luxurious attributes combine to create a little bit of travel magic.
Torontonians share a passion for fashion, food, and culture - the fusion of which is found in the tony village of Yorkville.
Open space and little traffic reveal a side of California long thought lost and gone forever, but it’s real, and it’s spectacular.