All posts by Stefanie

Aman-i-Khás. Rajasthan, India

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Perched on the edge of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park, is the beautifully rugged Aman-i-Khás tented camp. Only open from October to May of each year, this camp of 10 canopied tents is the ultimate experience in luxury camping. Especially for those looking for a similar experience to a tented camp in Africa, this is the perfect safari trip for a family or you and a loved one because it’s not so isolated that you feel disconnected from the world. 

Each of the 10 luxury tents comes with air conditioning (what the what?!), soaring canopies, standard bathroom amenities (again, flushing toilets, what the what?!), and beautiful draped silk curtains that separate the living rooms from the bedrooms.

The Park is composed of deciduous forests, grasslands, and waterholes, which make for the perfect big game hunting grounds. At Aman-i-Khás you will witness indigenous game including tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles and chital deer. The twice-daily safari excursions will show you into a world rarely seen by outsiders. The main focal point of the luxury camp is the large outdoor fireplace, which is the perfect place for an apres-safari drink or to watch the sun go down along the hills. 

Aman-i-Khás offers 3 exclusive tours you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Incredible Wild Escape is a spectacular four-night escape in search of India’s elusive tigers and other wildlife. Aman India Journey is a six-night itinerary to experience the vibrant culture of India. Last but not least, Aman’s Camp and Oasis Journey is two 3-night stays at Aman-i-Khas and Amanbagh to help you truly experience Rajasthan. 

If you’re looking for a safari experience with a little more amenity and less seclusion, this is the luxury tented camp for you. Just picture yourself listening to the sounds of the wilderness settling down for the night, as you discuss the day’s sightings.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Barsnley House. Cotswolds, England

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Continuing with our exploration of the magical Cotswolds, this week’s Hotel of the Week is the Barnsley House Hotel. The Barnsley House Hotel sits on 11 acres of beautifully manicured grass and gardens, meticulously designed by former owner, Rosemary Verey, who continues to add in the finest details to her beloved property.

With 18 rooms, 11 of which are suites, you are sure to find your home away from home in this perfectly-English countryside setting. Bedrooms and bathrooms here are awesome – some of our favorites include rooms with two bathtubs side by side, romantic but still relaxing, right? Request Room 2 if you want a jacuzzi inside your room, or Room 7 if you want your very own garden. The Stableyard Rooms are two stories with bathrooms upstairs, which is a great option as well.

The Barnsley House Hotel flawlessly mixes old with new with their modern spa and private, 30-seat, onsite cinema. This hotel’s amenities go above and beyond – they have a helipad, tennis court, stunning gardens landscaped by Verey herself, and their spa uses not only holistic healing methods, but has a hydrotherapy pool as well. Definitely pack your bathing suit and book an amazing treatment before you arrive.

Dine onsite at Potager for Modern European cuisine; most ingredients are picked straight from the property’s garden, so you are guaranteed to have the freshest meal you could imagine. The menu changes according to season and to what is growing, so expect an amazing meal each time. Request Table 4 in the bay window, it’s our favorite spot.

There is a ton to do around the property, including a couple of polo clubs that are perfect for an afternoon picnic and sporting entertainment, as well as many local pubs that will give you a true feel for the area. Concierges at the hotel are extremely knowledgeable and will not lead you astray. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, opt for a balloon ride or skeet shooting.

This hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway – it is for grown ups only, though, so leave the kiddos at home and enjoy an amazing and relaxing trip in the Cotswolds.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Travel Tip: A Day in the Life of Downton Abbey

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If you have ever watched the hit show Downton Abbey, you have probably lusted over the stunning setting of the Highclere Castle. Posh Voyage is here to take you back to 1912 and tell you exactly how to explore Newbury and make you feel like you have just stepped into the show. Spend a day being charmed by all that this lovely part of the UK has to offer.

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10:00am- Start your adventure in the lovely little town of Bampton, which is host to some scenes in the show. Anytime one of the characters, namely the late but handsome Matthew, heads into town, the scenes are done in Bampton. Have coffee, tea and scones at Bampton Coffee Shop to begin your day. You can also visit St. Mary the Virgin, which is the church called St. Michael’s and All Angels in the show and it is where Lady Edith took Matthew sightseeing in season one.

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12:00pm- Stop for lunch at The Vineyard at Stockcross, an elegant hotel with an amazing restaurant on your way from Bampton to Newbury. Maggie Smith is rumored to have stayed there during filming. Dine at the California Bar, where you can enjoy lovely French dishes and perfect wine pairings. They have a 3,000 bin wine list – drooling.

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2:00pm- Head to Highclere Castle, the site where Downton Abbey is filmed. It is open to the public during the summer and is a beautiful setting. Be sure to reserve your tickets way in advance because visits to the castle have quadrupled since the premiere of the show. There is no official tour of the castle, but docents are available in each room to answer any questions.

4:00pm- After you finish your afternoon inside the castle, stick around and stroll through the castle’s grounds – keep your eyes peeled for a bench underneath a Cedar Tree because it is supposedly known as “Maggie’s Bench”, for the great actress has been known to sit and sip her tea there.

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6:00pm- Once you have had your fix of the stunning Highclere Castle, visit the Esseborne Manor for pre-dinner drinks and canapés on the outdoor patio. Most of the cast stayed at this hotel during filming. To experience dining in the exact same location as the famed cast, eat at The Courtyard, an award-winning restaurant that overlooks the beautiful property.

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9:00pm- Head back to the stunning Barnsley House (Hotel of the Week article coming Friday!) where you can rest your heads in the pure luxury of a 17th century country home and watch an episode (or 12) of Downton Abbey in their 30-guest, on site cinema. Have a cocktail first in the adjacent Garden Room before you finish your night binge watching a show that you experienced in real life. Beats Netflix, right?
However, if you really want to live like Lady Mary, stay at the guest wing of the Highclere Castle. It is sold out for the next year, though, so make sure you book as far in advance as you can.

La Mamounia. Marrakech, Morocco

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La Mamounia in Marrakech has been an outstanding name in Moroccan luxury for the past 90 years. It is a wonderfully inviting place to enjoy a relaxing time in pure bliss for your Moroccan experience. The hotel is decorated to reflect both contemporary and antique Moroccan accents that will allow you to feel at home in this beautiful palace. 

With 135 rooms, 71 suites, and 3 riads, La Mamounia creates an in­-room sanctuary with the best in decorations and antiques. Whenever I come to Morocco I opt to stay in a traditional Riad, it compliments my adventure with authenticity. Hotel amenities include a 2500 sq. meter spa, an onsite clay tennis court, both indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness center to make your vacation absolutely ideal. The hotel has 17 acres of gardens with 700 year old olive trees, palm trees, orange trees, and more, all of which make for a lovely morning or afternoon stroll.  Hit Le Spa and choose from a variety of traditional Moroccan treatments and massages, or take a steam in the Hammam room, sauna or jacuzzi. 

The hotel has a number of onsite dining options as well, including Moroccan cuisine at Le Marocain, French fare at Le Français, Italian at L’Italien, and Mediterranean at La Pavillon de la Piscine. l’Italien by Don Alfonso has gathered 2 Michelin stars and is definitely a must-try when staying here.  There are also five bars to chose from for a pre-­dinner cocktail: Le Bar Marocain, Le Bar Italien, Le Bar Churchill, Le Bar de la Piscine and Le Menzeh Glacier et Påtissier. Needless to say you will never have to eat the same thing twice while staying at La Mamounia. 

La Mamounia has absolutely everything you need for your time in Marrakech. You will arrive eager to experience the Moroccan culture, and leave feeling fulfilled because you had the opportunity to experience all that the culture has to offer in the most luxurious way.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property. 

Dar Ahlam: The Memory Road

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If my first experience with Dar Ahlam couldn’t get any sweeter, it’s about to get even better. Even though I did not get to experience this first-hand, the trip of a lifetime has just appeared (all the more reason for me to go back again!).

Curated by Thierry Teyssier, Dar Ahlam has just created a trip to exceed all other Moroccan experiences, Moroccan Memory Road, starting September 15, 2015. The trip is six nights to discover the most amazing landscapes in Morocco: From the green Valley of Argan trees to the sand dunes, until Dar Ahlam. Only a maximum of 6 people are allowed on the trip, with only 100 trips per year, which will be a very exclusive club of people who have been able to experience something so magical.

The trip includes 2 nights at Dar Ahlam, one night in the camp in the sand dunes, and 3 nights in 3 different houses near Agadir, Guelmim, and Tata. 

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

NIGHTS AT DAR AHLAM

How to Travel While Pumping

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Traveling sans your newborn baby is tough, but what makes it tougher is traveling and pumping so your milk production doesn’t decrease when you get home.

When I decided to travel to Morocco in order to feature it on Posh Voyage, I was 8 months pregnant. My husband and I decided to book and pay for our trip in advance to force us to have a little romantic getaway 4 months after our baby was born (highly recommend it for all new parents). Although the thought of leaving your sweet angel is daunting, it is also extremely important to allow time for the parents to reconnect and catch up on sleep.

Since the day Isabella Louise was born, I started pumping to make my stash of breast milk for my 10 day trip. It took me about 3 months to save up 350oz of milk for my parents to feed my sweet baby while I was gone.

I decided to try to breastfeed for at least 6 months, which meant I needed to pump during my entire Morocco trip. However, little did I know that meant I had to pump in airplanes, taxi rides, hotel rooms, airports, in a wedding and in the middle of the Sahara Desert.

If you are pregnant or a nursing mom, find below a list of what to buy, what to do and what not to do during your next trip.

 

To buy:

1. Kiinde Breastmilk Storage Bags: These are the best quality bags and perfect for storing milk for a long time.

2. AO Breastmilk Cooler: Although it is not aesthetically beautiful, it is the best quality cooler with the strongest insulation.

3. Medela Breast Pump: Best and most popular pump in the market. Your insurance company might cover the cost.

A) Medela Power Adapter: First mistake, I didn’t bring an extra one and as soon as I connected the power adapter to a foreign outlet, it stopped working.

B) Battery pack: This is what I used the most given that I was pumping on the go most of the time.

C) AA Batteries: Bring at least 8 extra batteries in the event that you run out, the last thing you want to do is to have to find batteries in a country where you don’t speak the language.

D) Manual Medela Breast Pumps: Bring TWO in case your electric pump gives up on you and you are forced to do it manually, at least it will take you 30 min and not 1 hour every time you need to pump.

D) Medela Lighter Adapter: Ideal when you need to pump during a car ride and you do not want to use up your batteries.

4. JL Ice packs:  Great while traveling in between hotels, you want to keep the milk cold and you do not have access to a freezer.

5. Nursing Cover: I love black covers because most people won’t notice what you are doing.

6. Outlet Adapter: Perfect for every trip, pumping or not.

 

Do:

1. As soon as you check in to the hotel, ask them to put the milk in your cooler in the hotel freezer. Go with them to ensure they actually put it in the freezer and not in the fridge. I trusted my bellboy to do what I asked, but my request got lost in translation and they put the milk in the fridge, meaning it unfroze and had to toss it after I checked out. I was livid!

2. At night, put your pumped milk in your minibar fridge until the next morning when you can ask someone to add it to your frozen stash.

3. Make sure you have an adapter so you can connect your pump anywhere. (My Medela power adapter stopped working out of nowhere so I had to rely on my battery pack, this literally saved my life).

4. During your layover, ask for a family restroom, they usually have outlets so you can pump privately. Sadly in the London Gatwick Airport they did not have one, so I was forced to pump in the entrance of the lady’s room given that they only had one outlet.

5. Check your milk cooler if traveling in the UK. The rule changes from country to country, but I thought everyone had the same rules as the United States, which is that you can travel with unlimited amount of milk in your carry-on. I went through security in London Heathrow and they said that if I didn’t have the baby with me, I was not allowed to bring it on-board with me. This almost cost us our flight given that we had to run back, check the bag and sprint to the airplane.

 

Don’t:

1. If you are checking out of a hotel, make sure you pump right before you leave. This way you won’t have to pump in awkward places like in a taxi or a train (I learned this lesson too late).

2. Do not forget to ask for your milk before you depart the hotel. Sounds obvious, but you would be amazed at the amount of people that forget the milk.

3. As soon as you check-in, do not forget to give them your frozen milk. Once it unfreezes you cannot freeze it again. If it unfreezes you need to use it in less than 7 days if it is kept refrigerated, and 4-6 hours if it’s kept in room temperature. So it is important to keep it frozen if you do not intend to use it during your trip.

4. Never check your milk cooler if you are traveling in and out of a country that allows you to bring the milk on board. You do not want to risk losing the precious cargo. Check with your airline and airport before traveling.

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Dar Ahlam. Skoura, Morocco.

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You might think your driver is lost a couple times before you reach Dar Ahlam. The unassuming  road and location of this ancient Kasbah is what makes it so special and unique.

Dar Ahlam is located 5 hours south of Marrakech, in the outskirts of the Sahara desert in the town of Skoura.

As you arrive to the oasis in which the Kasbah is located in, you will see that the surroundings look very similar to the scenery in the movies of Lawrence of Arabia, Prince of Persia and Gladiator, it’s because they were all filmed here. 

The spectacular beauty of the desert with oasis’s scattered around Skoura has attracted travelers from all over the world, however, the most important one in my opinion was the owner of the stunning Dar Ahlam.

The crooked small door will make you think you are checking in to a local’s house rather than a luxury hotel, however, do not judge the book by its cover. As soon as you step in, you will be blown away by this 12 bedroom Kasbah.

The rules are, there are no rules and there is no restaurant. The restaurant is anywhere you want it to be. Reason why we had lunch inside the creek, in the rooftop, in the vegetable garden and in the middle of the desert.

Every meal is a surprise by Chef Mohammed, and each meal exceeded my expectations. All the produce is grown in their garden and all the flavors are as intense as their colors. If you want to explore the grades, the Chef would be happy to walk you around and explain every corner of their enchanting garden.

The balance between the simplicity and elegance was perfectly achieved. Our room, the birdcage room, was my favorite due to its size, the numerous fireplaces and decor. Every bedroom is slightly different, but the Deluxe Suite category are superb

The Kasbah is small, so staying active is a must. The walk along the oasis and ride with the camels is a great way to immerse yourself in their culture, however a day of relaxation in their dreamy pool is also a must. 

Abdul, the guide, is the most knowledgable and interesting man I met during my trip. His explanation of every inch of his country is beautiful and admirable. He was the one that took us glamping in the valley of the roses, my favorite experience of the trip, so make sure you do not miss this overnight camping tour. 

During the valley of the roses camp, the only guests there will be you and your better half. They have 10 people at your service at all times, setting spectacular tables in different locations depending on the time of day. At night they light everything wig candles and bonfires, so the scene is more than romantic. During the day you can visit caves nearby with nomads living in them. Most of them have never seen foreigners before so the culture shock is mind blowing.

My stay at Dar Ahlam was everything I thought a real Moroccan experience would be, an more.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Kasbah Tamadot. Atlas Mountains, Morocco

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Walking into Kasbah Tamadot is like walking into Aladdin’s castle. Sir Richard Branson’s stunning retreat, originally a private residence, is nestled in the foot of the towering Atlas Mountains in the Berber region. 

As you are driving up to the retreat, the red clay and mud wall towns surrounding the Kasbah are reminiscent to the real ancient Morocco. This area dates back to the 16th century and any new buildings such as the Kasbah have stayed true to that century, most of them avoiding any kind of modernization.

The hotel was a private residence for an Italian merchant in the early 1980’s until it was sold to Sir Richard Branson in 1998 and opened as a hotel in 2005. His mother happened to stumble upon this magnificent home during one of her trips, before telling her son he needed to buy it and turn it into a luxury hotel. 

Since then, Virgin did a mayor renovation adding spectacular tents, upgrading the existing bedrooms and building a gigantic breathtaking pool.

The service from the moment you set foot in the hotel is superb. You have a delicious cold towel, delicious Moroccan tea and appetizers waiting for you while you check in. Then they swiftly take you to your uber chic room and drill you on the amazing activities during your stay. Make sure you request the Afulky Berber Tent during your stay if possible, the private jacuzzi overlooking the second highest peak in Africa is pretty amazing.

Your days will be filled with relaxing hours next to the spectacular pool, unforgettable hikes, traditional Moroccan delicatessens, dinners in the middle of olive tree gardens and outdoor screening of classical films like Casablanca. Dream come true!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Royal Mansour. Marrakech, Morroco.

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Bordering with the 11th century Medina, lies the most fantastic spot in Marrakech, The Royal Mansour Hotel. Walking into the hotel is to step into the vision of a grand Moroccan palace. And not just any vision, but the vision of the King of Morocco, who oversaw its construction over five years, completing it in 2009. The artisanal details are stunning; from the meticulously hand carved white plaster along the walls to the intricately laid marble and tile covering the floors.

With only 26 riads in total (mostly occupied at all times) the extensive grounds make you feel like you are the only guest in the hotel. The two and three bedroom riads are perfect for a family getaway, and the one bedroom riad is ideal for a romantic escape for two.

The spa is carefully decorated with white marble and white iron, transmitting a relaxing vibe. The deep tissue massage is second to none, be sure to ask for Nagiba for the best massage of your life. After the treatment, the relaxing room was the second best thing, comprised by little nooks with heavenly pillows, beds and treats.

They have three restaurants, La Grande Table Marocaine, La Grande Table Francais both for dinner and the main breakfast and lunch restaurant. The Moroccan restaurant is a must try the day you get there. The lamb shoulder with couscous will forever be in my list of what to order when in Royal Mansour.

Everything about the hotel is grandiose–the hallways and common areas are expansive, the rooms are all individual riads laid out on three stories, the palm trees rival the tallest buildings in the city. Every inch of the hotel is full of natural light, soothing fountains, and ever-attendant staff happily fulfilling ever request “with the pleasure”.

My stay was truly a regal one.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Amankila. Manggis, Bali

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When I first pictured Bali I pictured lush rainforest, white sandy beaches, birds of paradise flying everywhere, and monkeys playing in the trees. Although my imagination got the best of me a little bit with this idea, for the most part it was true. The Amankila truly embodied most of what I had dreamed Bali would be, with a few differences. Located along the Manggis coastline, just an hour and a half from the airport, I loved how the hotel was located away from the hustle and bustle of the city area. Bali has gotten to be quite a busy place, so it was nice to see what Bali was like before it became so developed. Unlike most Aman hotels, this Aman has white-washed walls and is very open-aired, a little more Bali than Aman.

Located on the cliffs of Amuk Bay, this hotel has some of the best views I’ve seen yet. Located among vast rice paddies, high volcanoes, and the ocean, this is the near-perfect location I’ve been searching for. There are 34 stand-alone villas nestled among the rainforest with alang alang thatched roofs fashioned after traditional Balinese beach homes. There are 6 different types of suites: Garden Suite, Ocean Suite, Pool Suite, Kilasari Suite, Indrakila Suite, and the Amankila Suite. Opt for the amazing Kilasari Suite, while all the rooms are pretty identical, this suite comes with Ocean Views and a 12m pool.

Above the romantic three-tiered pool over-looking spectacular views of the coastline is The Terrace restaurant, which serves Asian and Western cuisine and is open for lunch. The other dining option, The Restaurant, is available for evening dining with cocktails or aperitifs enjoyed in the open-air bar. The Restaurant also offers cooking lessons, in which a couple will travel to the fish market in the early morning and then travel back to the hotel where they will learn how to cook authentic Indonesian food for their lunch.

One of my favorite things about the Amankila is there beach club. It is a very rare find in Bali, especially to have such a beautiful black-sand beach that is actually swimmable. A path leads to the resort’s private beach which offers eight bales, windsurfers, kayaks, boogie boards, Hobie Cats and two outriggers. The beach club also offers a private restaurant, 41 meter lap pool, and butler service. The Amankila also offers numerous romantic activities for couples and family-friendly activities for those traveling with young kids. My favorite activity would be the privately chartered yacht for a cruise around the coast with snorkeling and diving activities, followed by a picnic on a private beach, and a sunset cruise with cocktails.The Amankila truly embodies what I feel Bali should offer for an island resort and is the perfect destination whether you are 30 on your honeymoon or 50 and traveling with your family.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.