Born and raised on Long Island, New York, I will always be a South Shore girl at heart. I first ventured away from home after high school to study Business and Spanish in the “Sunshine State” at the University of Miami. Pursuing my love of Spanish language and culture, I studied abroad in Barcelona and kicked off what would become an endless love affair with travel. After college, I moved to Barcelona where I lived and worked for 2 ½ years with my current husband (whom I had first met during that fateful semester abroad). Working in nightlife and events during this time allowed me the unique opportunity to travel often and all over Europe. In 2011, I moved to my husband’s home city of São Paulo, Brazil where I learned Portuguese and “fell” into the luxury travel industry. I eventually made my way back home to New York in 2014 to continue my dream career as a Senior Travel and Lifestyle Consultant at Fischer Travel. I am truly grateful for and humbled by the travel opportunities I have had so far and look forward to passing along this wanderlust to my daughter (she is only 1 ½ and has already been to 5 countries!).
Alexandrea Padilha
Fischer Travel
Favorite Memory
I will never forget our FAM trip welcome lunch at Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany on the deck of Trattoria sull’Albero – the most beautiful “treehouse” I have ever seen! Even though it was raining, it made the surrounding hills glisten and sparkle, making the scene that much more memorable. The meal was simple but impeccable – imagine devouring all your favorite Italian delicacies in one sitting, made from only the freshest ingredients from the property’s own farm. Coupled with great company and easy conversation with our gracious hosts, it is truly one of my favorite Querido travel memories (and meals!) to date!
Insider Tip
Find a moment of “you” time to enjoy some peace and quiet in any of the beautiful nooks and crannies that comprise the common areas of any Querido Hotel. During your next trip to Italy, sip “un caffè” on the terrace of In Salotto at Hotel Vilon, stroll through the picturesque gardens of Borgo Santo Pietro, or indulge in an icy Aperol Spritz poolside at Villa Cora. All Querido properties have the unique ability to make you relax and feel at home from the moment you enter so embrace it and make the little moments count!
Next Dream Trip?
Sublime Comporta is at the top of my list. Portugal is still a highly requested destination for the American market and Sublime seems to offer the perfect beach addition to any Lisbon and Porto itinerary.
I would also love to visit São Lourenço do Barrocal in Alentejo. This property seems incredibly soulful, one that simply cannot be described and must be “felt” firsthand.
Borgo Egnazia is another property that I plan to visit soon. Puglia is one of the few regions of Italy I have not been to and this property seems to encapsulate all that makes it truly unique and authentic.
Cannot travel without...
A good book.
- Family Travel, Food & Wine, Honeymoons, Milestone Trips, Multi Generational Travel