HOTEL PRINCIPE DI SALINA - PARADISE

Welcome to The Principe di Salina, or better-known as paradise. This unique hotel will leave you thinking about your return. If you plan on doing a little island hopping around the Aeolian Islands Principe di Salina is a must. As soon as you arrive you are met by the heart and soul of this charming hotel, the Principe di Salina family…yes, it's family owned and operated. 

Welcome to paradise

Welcome to paradise

The Italian island of Salina is one of the Aeolian Islands, a cluster of 7 volcanic islands and is a destination for nature and tranquility lovers. Salina is made up of volcanic rocks, slopes of olive trees and caper flowers  seen growing everywhere. The island is known for its charming villages where time feels like it’s stopped,

Lobby View

Lobby View

Soon as you walk through the doors you look straight out to the terrace, where you have a birds-eye view of Stromboli and Panarea, and they let you know right away, not to miss the sunset.

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This lovely infinity pool faces the ocean and there is also a spa tub, at a high temperature coming for a natural spring below the hotel.

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It's the little things. There are twelve rooms, all which have private balconies overlooking the sea and the large common spaces, such as the roof terrace and the pool area, is the place where everyone returns to…or never leaves.

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The rooms decor is made by local designers and your outside terrace is surrounded with flowers and a view of the sea. Perfect for your dreamy stay.

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Principe di Salina has a way that keeps you present, you'll find yourself day-dreaming everywhere you are. 

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Happy to catch the son under the sun having a little down time ...catching up on his reading.

It never felt crowded, you could find peaceful moments anytime of the day.

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Buongiorno! Welcome to the communal table. The owner of the hotel is also the chef, Chef Silvana that is. Feel free to join in or dine inside the front living area that feels like home. Probably my most favorite time was sunrise and enjoying the best cappuchihosl  

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 Silvana makes sure breakfast, lunch and dinners arrive with just the right touch.

The food the wine the presentation.

The food the wine the presentation.

The local caper flowers create a perfect topper to Silvana's delicious meals. Dinner includes an entree, first and second plates, the dessert is homemade and prepared based on the fresh ingredients of the island. The internal restaurant is open only for the guests as they like to create a very “homey” atmosphere for the Principe family. 

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We'll have homemade pasta... more pasta, Rose and backgammon!! And why not!

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Don't miss a short walk into the quaint town, it's about 10 minutes, and if you continue down the hill for about 15 you'll be seaside. My favorite purchase was this bag I'm carrying, II bought it at the hotel, made by a local designer.

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At the bottom of the hill, you can rent a boat and zip over to Santa Marina for a lovely lunch. Walking time from our hotel to the marina took about 15 - 20 minutes and In no time you're off and exploring. The marina and the front desk will have the best suggestions if you plan to venture out.

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We took our boat to Lingua with a few stops along the way, it took about 30 minutes and well worth it. It's an easy day trip with fresh seafood and pasta restaurants to look forward to.

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We're were always thrilled to return to our home away from home.

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Principe di Salina is a place where you can hang your towel and when you return you'll feel right at home. Grazie Millie Principe, our family had such an amazing stay and every meal was incredible. All your special touches do not go unnoticed. We are grateful to have had such a loving experience with your family, and Grazie for making us feel like family. 

xoxo  Janet, Derek & Luca

ARRIVAL

The closest airports are Catania, Palermo, and Naples. Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) is the closest and suggested airport.

We spent the night in Milazzo - took the boat to Salina

Boat to Salina - the arrival time of your flight should not be later than 3 pm. On your day of departure, please make sure to book your flight after 11 am to ensure enough time to get off the island and reach the airport. If you manage to depart in the afternoon, you will have a more comfortable commute. 

From Catania - 

Hydrofoil from Milazzo to Salina SM (1h 50) / Liberty lines

Bus From Catania, (approx 1,5hours) 

ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Rental cars, scooters, bicycles – Organization of boat trips to other islands, or rent your own boat (you will need a boating license) –The hotel will inform you where to rent these boats. Organization of excursions and trekking – Wine cellar visits – Transfer to and from the Catania-Transfer from the airport and from the port. You can also enjoy snorkeling or diving activities. 

WHAT TO PACK

You won't need much but think flowing caftans for that island breeze with a touch of elegance. Sun protection, a hat, shorts and simple dresses. Pack your sneakers if you like to hike, run or walk. A good book, but they have plenty there.

CHILDREN

Kids of all ages are welcome, but the hotel can only accommodate two tots at a time, so book well in advance. The restaurant has a highchair and the chef is happy to adapt the evening menu and heat up baby food. The infinity pool is six meters deep.

LOCAL SPOTS

Ask the front desk, they have the best suggestions. We had most of our meals there, we preferred to enjoy the hotel and Silvana's cooking!  Why leave?

 Email me if you have any questions & sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on my travel post.

Grazie!

xoxo Janet

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SHOP THE POST

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SHOPPING FROM INSTAGRAM - HOW TO USE THE LIKETOKNOW.IT APP

If you are on the Instagram platform I'm sure you've scrolled across your favorite influencers post and read "Just follow me on the LIKETOKNOW.IT App and shop my look here"  Here is a "how to" for downloading the LikeToKnow.It App and shopping your favorite styles with a simple screenshot. FYI with the Nordstrom Sale coming up, this will be helpful for finding your favorite items before they sell out.

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I have several influencers I love to follow for inspiration and styling tips. You can get creative with clothing and accessories you already own.

You can shop a look from head to toe, and here's how.

Download the LIKEtoKNOW.it app on your smartphone in the app store.

App Store

App Store

If you follow me and other influencers on Instagram, you’re probably already familiar with the LIKEtoKNOW.it. platform. If you're not familiar, this app allows you to shop the outfits, home goods, and etc. your favorite influencers post on Instagram. When you screenshot the photo you will receive an email with the photo and the items you saw in your inbox. But... here's the easiest way...

There's an upgrade now, and you no longer need to check your email for shopping.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

Once you download the app, simply search for your favorite influencers. Tap the search symbol at the bottom of your screen or type in the name at the top - ex: Janetgunngratefulgardenia - in the influencer search box.
You’ll see my account or your other favorites pop up quickly - simply tap "follow"  Once you are following me, all my posts will pop up in your LTK feed on the home screen. You can also just tap any photo of mine in the app and image product links will pop up and are ready to shop from.

STEP 1 - GO TO THE APP STORE

STEP 2 - TYPE IN LIKE TO KNOW IT

STEP 3 - DOWNLOAD THE APP

STEP 4 - TYPE JANETGUNNGRATEFULGARDENIA IN THE SEARCH BOX of the app

STEP 5 - CLICK FOLLOW

STEP 6 - CLICK IMAGES TO SHOP

STEP 7 - YOU’RE DONE!

APP STORE

APP STORE

TYPE IN YOUR INFLUENCERS YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW

TYPE IN YOUR INFLUENCERS YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW

CLICK ON THE ITEM & PURCHASE

CLICK ON THE ITEM & PURCHASE

BEGIN TO ADD YOUR FAVORITES -  MELISSA MEYERS

BEGIN TO ADD YOUR FAVORITES -  MELISSA MEYERS

It’s super easy and makes it so much simpler to shop your favorite looks. Now with the app, you no longer have to wait for an e-mail. You can still ‘like’ my photos on Instagram and get the email if that’s what you prefer!  The screenshot just simplifies and makes it much easier. So, if you ever see that little “heart” icon in the corner of my pics (on ANY influencer pg.), that mean’s you can get the outfit details through a screenshot. Not all of us use the heart image all the time, but if you have downloaded the app you'll know when we are posting a LIKETOKNOW.IT post. Influencers who are members of Rewards Style use the liketoknow,it app so we can   share our picks with you.

Some images have the HEART symbol - some don't. (personal choice)

Some images have the HEART symbol - some don't. (personal choice)

Liketoknow.it is a helpful service for shopping your favorites. it's easy and after a few times, you'll see how simple it is.  it allows you to quickly buy anything you see in an Instagram Photo when you look at the "liketoknow.it tag. 

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 Just tap on the photo and you'll see the liketoknow.it tag (pictured above)  & other tags that might interest you. If you don't see the exact items in the photo available, we do our best to find other items that are similar and different price ranges. 

INSTA STORIES - ANOTHER SHOPPING OPTION

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Tap on Red circle above my name to see and shop Insta Stories.

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In the Instagram Stories - round icon at the top of page - scroll thru stories and you will sometimes see a "Swipe Up" option at the bottom right corner. Swipe up and the link to the item you like will take you directly to the site.

I hope this was helpful and now you can stay connected with the influencers you like to follow. Now that Instagram has added the IGTV - Instagram TV - most bloggers are spending time on the Instagram platform. We hope to see you there!

Have fun shopping & thank you for following along!

xo Janet

I've added a shopping carousel here as I do on most blog post if you are not on the Instagram platform.

ROSEGLOW DROPS - OLIE BIOLOGIQUE ORGANIC OILS

This Olie face oil has brought a welcomed rosy glow to my skin and is giving back to those in need. Olie Biologique is launching its first collaborative product, RoseGlow Drops Daily Radiance Face Oil, with LA-based lifestyle blogger and one of my favorite influencers Melissa Meyers.

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 RoseGlow Drops Daily Radiance Face Oil features a blend of rosehip, sea buckthorn, pomegranate, raspberry, camellia, pumpkin and carrot seed oils, which are known to improve skin’s radiance and texture. This oil has been formulated for use on all skin types, and has deep moisturizing properties that are perfect for dry or aging skin. As with all of Olie Biologique products, the oil is organic, paraben-free and has zero synthetics, toxins or chemical irritants. 

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The new facial oil combines an antioxidant-rich blend of organic fruit seed and plant botanicals to deeply hydrate skin, reduce inflammation, and brighten complexion.. The oil also combines ylang-ylang, palmarosa, and frankincense essential oils with mood-boosting properties perfect for any time of day.

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Linda Thompson, founder of Olie Biologique, is a pioneer in face oils of all types, and says of this launch, “We think everyone should have access to our line of face oils, the modern moisturizer, but the reality is that beauty and skincare products are a luxury to many, especially to those for whom fresh produce is out of reach. RoseGlow Drops deliver much-needed nourishment to the skin and also to those in need: one bottle sold means one week of fresh fruits and vegetables via Project Angel Food.”

Linda Thompson - Founder  Olie Biologique / Richard Ayoub - Executive Director / Project Angel Food / Melissa Meyers - Founder - The Glow Girl

Linda Thompson - Founder  Olie Biologique / Richard Ayoub - Executive Director / Project Angel Food / Melissa Meyers - Founder - The Glow Girl

Melissa and Linda shared a desire to create a product that would give back. Five dollars from the sale of every bottle of RoseGlow Drops will go towards Project Angel Food to provide a week’s worth of fresh fruits and vegetables to those battling serious illnesses.

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The campaign surrounding RoseGlow Drops promotes their mission by encouraging fans to share their photos with the hashtags #theglowthatgivesback, #unselfishselfcare and #selfcareforgood. I'm so proud of Melissa and her partnership with Olie and the fact that every bottle gives back to Project Angel Food.

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I use to be apprehensive about applying oil to my face, I would just imagine the possible breakouts. Now, these RoseGlow drops are a welcomed part of my daily routine. When I travel I apply over my face a neck. Not only does it feel fantastic, but the fragrance is beautiful. During the day just pat a little onto your skin and you're good to Glow! 

Olìe Biologique is a complete brand of bespoke, organic, oil-based and nourishing skin rejuvenators for men and women – and are even safe enough for babies. Olìe oils are finely handcrafted and harmonious in design with devotion to clean, non-competing ingredients.  With minimal packaging and maximum benefits, our certified organic skincare oils are harvested without taking advantage of the earth. 100% pure and equally luxurious, Olìe Biologique products contain the best botanical ingredients proven effective throughout time. 

I wish Melissa & Linda much success with the RoseGlow Drops and their partnership with Project Angel Food. #justkeepglowing

xo Janet