Sarah Wilson, Director of SJW & Co Public Relations

Sarah Wilson loves to travel and when not visiting one of her favourite travel spots, she runs SJW & Co.  Her company specialises in PR, Marketing, Events and Sponsorship for the Hospitality and Lifestyle industries.  They also operate a STO (Short Time Only) division, which specialises in Pop Up Restaurants, Bars and Venues from conception and planning stages, right through to production and management.

As our Guest Goddess this month, Sarah takes time out from her busy day to give us some insider knowledge on what to do and see in New York…

"As the epitome of a Type A personality, I find it very difficult to sit still for more than about 15 minutes let alone take a vacation. In the case that I do need to recharge my batteries and find some inspiration, it must be a vibrant, lively and highly cultured city – and where to find that more than in New York."

"Now I am not a 'boutique hotel' traveller, I must have the service and luxury that comes with a beautiful 5-6 star hotel. So, when in New York, I always stay at either The Carlyle on the Upper East Side or The Pierre in Midtown."

"The Carlyle is a little more private and is often frequented by many celebrities including the 'Beckhams.  The Pierre is classic luxury at its best. Both hotels provide memorable experiences and service and are just ashort stroll from Central Park and midtown shopping."

"New York has been home to so many of my brilliant culinary and night life experiences. However, one of my absolute favourites would be La Esquina – which is a private Mexican restaurant and bar on Kenmare Street in Soho. You would never know it was there. The entrance is hidden in what looks like a dodgy taco shop on a corner, but walk in and you will be presented with a rather large bouncer with an ear peace. The door secretly opens and you are escorted down the back of the kitchen to a fabulous bar and restaurant serving some of the best Mexican food and drinks the city has to offer."

"Another favourite of mine is The Boathouse in Central Park. The restaurant is situated by the pond and the view and food, not too mention cocktails, are incredible."

"Serafina is also another brilliant lunch spot that is loved by the locals and, if you have been shopping in Midtown, is very easy to stop by. The food is classically good Italian and a favourite to many familiar faces. "

"If its a hangover cure you are looking for, Balthazaar in Soho makes a mean breakfast. This can be easily followed and digested for that matter by some serious plastic damage in the boutiques of soho, where you can find yourself walking aimlessly along Greene, Thomson, Lafayette and Spring Streets to name just a few."

"However, if you wake up a little later on a Sunday and feel like continuing the fun from the shenanigans the evening prior, then you most certainly cannot go past 'Sunday Brunch' at The Standard and if you do, try their bloody Mary!  It gets pretty lively after 3pm when the dancing begins… but I won't ruin the surprise."

"Another favourite luxury travel destination or luxury inspirational city detonation in my case, is London, where you can always find me in most cases at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park or the Four Seasons Park Lane. Both are the epitome of luxury travel and service."

"When I am in London I expect to do a 'BIG' if not 'HUGE' Shop. I tend to buy some suitcases and enjoy filling them up on luxury and High Street items."

"After some serious shopping on Bond Street, followed by Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, you must also visit Restaurant 202 which is a fabulous bistro surrounded by fabulous clothing stores including Granger & Co. It gets very busy so expect to wait.  Another amazing restaurant/bar is Little House in Mayfair – an exclusive private club – although you must attend with a Member.  Soho House, Nobu and The Wolseley (Picadilly) are also fabulous and if its Italian fare you are after, then Locanda Locatelli is a must."

Alison Carmichael-Rulten

Hi, I'm Alison Carmichael-Rulten the Publisher of Vacation Goddess, and I want to thank you for visiting Vacation Goddess – the one-stop shop for insider travel news, deals, 'Guest Goddes's stories, and of course our personal travel experiences. Plus, as we love to cruise we also try to find some amazing cruise deals for you too. From luxury, longer escapes right down to weekend breaks we know you love everything travel related. Here at Vacation Goddess, we hope you will find loads of inspiration and of course some amazing travel deals. We love a holiday at a great price and that's why we seek out what we call 'Champagne Experiences, on a Sparkling Wine Budget.' We constantly showcase a variety of special deals and offers and from time to time some very special competitions. Our recent 'Win a Trip to London' competition received over 24,00 entries. We invite you to visit us often, join our mailing list and please tell your friends