TRAVEL JOURNAL

TRAVEL JOURNAL Exploring IN STYLE

Callhan Soldavini has deep roots in Naples—she went to Lake Park Elementary, Gulfview Middle School, and Naples High School—and is now married to Neapolitan James Matthew Soldavini, whom she started dating right before college. A graduate of Stetson University, Stetson University College of Law, and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Soldavini works tirelessly as a human rights lawyer as a staff attorney at Legal Aid Service of Collier County. She also serves on the board of directors for Naples Pride and Pads 4 Refugees, Inc. In college, the Lake Park resident and avid traveler spent time in Europe and China and has had many global adventures with her spouse. “My travel regularly takes me to cultures and places that intensely contradict Naples,” she shares. “Most often, they are not nearly as clean, or beautiful, or safe. But they represent reality, and reality is easily forgotten in our beautiful bubble of paradise. I love to be reminded just how fortunate I am to call Naples home and, sometimes, bring back a lesson or meal from another culture to incorporate into my daily life here.” Below, Soldavini’s travel musings plus what’s next on the itinerary—this time with their new baby in tow. —Christina Cush

Callhan and James Soldavini

Clockwise from top: Visiting ancient places; Hôtel La Comtesse in Paris; Hotel Escalante in Naples; Turkish coffee; Paying respect in a house of worship. Where do you hope your baby’s first trip will be?

Provence, the Highlands in Scotland, Iceland, or the Cotswolds.

Where have you been that you hope to visit again?

The Amalfi Coast of Italy overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea with fumes of lemons and flowers, cheese, and gelato, and lots of wine. We married in Ravello, Italy, in May 2018. Our rehearsal pool day and reception were at Villa Cimbrone, 20 acres that were once a private residence, now converted to a five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Is there a city you prefer?

Paris, forever and always! Our favorite is Hôtel La Comtesse. Every room has a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower, it’s walking distance to many monuments and our favorite cafés, and serves the best breakfast.

Describe your best meal on a trip.

A bowl of noodles from a woman running a food stall on a long-tail boat during a canal tour of Bangkok, Thailand.

List your favorite hotels.

For tranquility, there’s the Arctic Treehouse in Rovaniemi, Finland, where you can watch the Northern Lights with a glass of wine in bed through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Peninsula in Chicago never disappoints, from the food to the spa, bar, lobby, views, and five-star services. We recently tried the Only One Suite Collection in Mérida, a single suite located atop its famous perfumery with a private rooftop pool, and were floored by the attention to detail, interior design, immaculate cleanliness, and thoughtful functionality.

Can you pick a top cultural experience?

No one does gardens better than France: The Palace of Versailles and Giverny Gardens.

Best spa on a trip?

Chablé Yucatán, in the jungles outside Mérida, has a spa that overlooks a private cenote and incorporates traditional Western spa experiences and Mayan rituals.

Where do you shop till you drop?

For home goods, clothing, and accessories, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, and the Medina of Marrakesh in Morocco. For highend shopping, the shops of Capri, Italy.

Can’t travel without?

My Away luggage set is durable and lightweight. I always bring a stylish hat and travelsize Revision Intellishade tinted moisturizer. I plan my outfits in advance, depending on where I’m going and the activities. My favorite shoes, Cole Haan Zerogrand sneakers, are extremely lightweight. I have them in white, black, and tan.