All posts by Stefanie

Four Seasons at Sayan. Ubud, Bali.

June 11, 2015Hotel of the Week5-star hotels Ubud, Bali, best hotels indonesia, Four Seasons at Sayan, Four Seasons Hotels, Indonesia, luxury Ubud hotels, top hotels in Ubud, UbudStefanie

Ubud is the inland jungle area of Bali, known for it’s rich culture, rice paddies, traditional villages, and stunning jungle landscape. I have to admit, I’m much more of a beach person, I could live and die by the ocean. But, something about Ubud has me smitten. It is unlike any other place I’ve ever experienced and is a sight to be seen.There are many wonderful hotels in Ubud that have stunning views of the jungle valley and rivers (they could’ve filmed Jurassic Park here), but the Four Seasons at Sayan is much different from the rest. The entrance to the hotel is very hidden and leads you down a road that is so narrow you wonder if this is the right way through. Down a winding driveway you go all the way to there reception where you are greeted with the Four Seasons customary blessing ceremony. From there you are guided down a long pathway over a huge bridge into the heart of the valley. The FS At Sayan has one of the most extraordinary entrances for a hotel I have ever seen, I literally stared in awe for about 10 minutes just taking it all in. The draw bridges leads to a giant pond of water with koi fish and lily pads, which leads to the lobby down a staircase through the pond.

The lobby is a canopy treehouse that is large and open-aired with spectacular views of the river down below. A guide will lead you to your villa or room, which are situated among giant rice paddies to give you the feeling that you’ve left the hotel and entered some luxurious village. They wanted to keep the hotel more intimate and exclusive, there are 18 spacious suites and 42 private villas. The top of the villas have thatched grass roofs and staircases winding down to your private pool and extraordinary room. I recommend the 1-bedroom villa with river view, the villas come with infinity pools overlooking the river and a private lawn where you can do a romantic candlelit dinner for two along the river. The beds are huge four post beds with large mosquito netting draped around it and each room comes equipped with indoor/outdoor showers and a soaking tub.

There are two dining options: the pool club which is situated right along the river bed with a 30 meter infinity pool, or the terrace restaurant which serves excellent breakfast. Both have amazing views but opt for the pool club for dinner, it is very romantic with amazing bistro french food curated by Head Chef Jocelyn Argaud. If you’re on your honeymoon, you must do the couples spa day in your own private spa villa. The spa treatments are amazing and the private villas are perfect for…relaxation. One of my favorite things about the hotel is the vast number of complimentary activities the hotel provides daily. From sunrise yoga to guided bike tours of the villages, the Four Seasons truly wants you to experience and appreciate the culture of Ubud. My favorite activity is the guided walking tour of the rice paddies and village, followed by a couples spa treatment and picnic riverfront lunch.

The Four Seasons at Sayan spares no expense at this hotel, with top level service and amenities, this hotel is the perfect place for people seeking the right balance of adventure and relaxation.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Alila Villas Uluwatu. Bali, Indonesia

June 3, 2015Hotel of the Week5-star hotels Bali, Alila Hotels, alila villas, alila villas uluwatu, luxury hotels Bali, luxury hotels Uluwatu, top hotels in Bali, Top hotels in UluwatuStefanie

Alila Villas Uluwatu was the first stop I made after leaving the airport. I had heard great things about the Alila Villas, they were sleek and modern, without sacrificing Balinese culture. The first thing I noticed about Alila Uluwatu was how open-aired it was, it brought a sense of calm and well-being to my frazzled and jet lagged emotional state. The lobby was very clean and very white, with hints of dark recycled wood furnishings on the walls and ceilings.

One thing I have come to realize about the Alila villas Uluwatu is how different it is from all the other hotels in Bali. Most of the hotels use traditional dark wood paneling and Balinese stone to outline their hotels, Alila did the opposite. The hotel is clean and fresh white, with green from nature and blue from the sky and water. You feel revitalized just by looking at it. It is also, arguably, the most Eco-friendly hotel in Bali, without sacrificing luxury or service. They use recycled water for their fountains, locally source their food & ingredients, and hire people from the local village to support the economy.

The hotel boasts a huge infinity pool over looking their private beach (walkable but not swim able) and 9 “nests”. These nests are large wooden structures planted on the side of the building with a drop-down view of the cliff side and beach, along with some of the best sunset views imaginable. Alila Villas Uluwatu truly wanted to put an emphasis on structure, design, and most importantly, food. Their two restaurants showcase the best seafood and Balinese cuisine around. One of the best activities at the hotel is actually an all-day cooking and culture class. First you head to the local fish market to pick out your fish and tour the local village. Then, you head back to the hotel for a picnic lunch followed by the cooking class with the head chef.

With only 56 One Bedroom villas and 9 Three Bedroom villas, they wanted to keep the resort small and intimate. Each villa comes with a private butler service who is there for you 24/7. The villas are very open and flow nicely, any feng shui master would approve. They also come with private garden pavilions and private plunge pools in case you would like an intimate dinner from the privacy of your home.

The villas also come equipped with a gym, which offers daily sunrise yoga, and a fantastic spa perfect for any couple in need of some TLC after a long flight. What’s really standout about this hotel is the intimacy it provides. Alila wants to respect the privacy of it’s guests by maintaining it’s distance, but also wants to keep the hotel small enough so you’re never far away. Which vastly contradicts the humongous resorts that have planted themselves along the more populated beaches of Bali. This hotel is perfect for those who want a more modern hotel without sacrificing culture.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Bvlgari Hotel. Bali, Indonesia

June 2, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest bali houte, best hotel indonesia, bulgari, bulgari hotel, indonesia hotel, indonesia travel, lucury bali hotel, travel indonesiaStefanie

30+ hours of travel and I have finally arrived. I would gladly do the overnight layover in a strange and unknown airport just to be sitting where I am now, toes dipped in my cooling private plunge pool. I wasn’t sure what to expect going on this trip, but whatever it was my experience has far succeeded my expectations. After visiting some beautiful hotels (articles coming soon) I finally checked in to my slice of heaven.

The Bvlgari Hotel sits on a cliff in the Uluwatu region of Bali, a little off the beaten path. A steep downhill turn brought me to the lobby entrance, an open terrace with a large dark roof. The kind concierge greeted me with what may be the most delicious mojito I’ve ever had! The terrace has views of the surrounding jungle and ocean, making me catch my breath at the sunset. My private butler, who is at your service 24/7 during your trip, greeted me and proceeded to take whisk me away on a tour of the hotel. Thick cobble-stoned roads surrounded by lush forest rushed past me in our golf cart.

The Bvlgari Hotel wanted to stay true to Balinese culture, making sure the hotel was Eco-friendly and supported local villages by decorating the interior rooms with their art. Each room comes with at least a partial ocean view, which can be rare in Bali. The rooms are made of natural dark wood and stone, with large outdoor sitting areas and private plunge pools. Privacy comes first at this hotel, with each door to the villas looking like a secret passageway only you know about.

Il Ristorante, their award-winning Italian restaurant, has traditional music playing and I can faintly hear it over the ocean waves and sounds of nature. As we speak I am devouring a delicious 5-course tasting meal I can only describe as “euphoric” (let’s blame my constant diet of airplane food for the past 30 hours on that word). The hotel also has a 6am to midnight restaurant that is more casual dining and a beach club for lunchtime.

The Bvlgari Hotel is the only hotel in Bali with it’s own private beach that is actually swimable. My butler has already planned a private yoga session for me early tomorrow morning to help me combat the jet lag. Already today I have met wild monkeys, seen shooting stars, ate glorious food, and met some of the kindest individuals to date. To say Bali has touched me would be an understatement.

But what most attracts me to the Bvlgari Hotel is the level of service. Every staff member knew me by name and the even the servers at the restaurant were as friendly as can be. They truly made me feel like I was the most important guest at the hotel.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Baccarat Hotel. NYC

May 29, 2015Hotel of the WeekBaccarat crystal, Luxury hotels Baccara, luxury hotels in NYC, the Baccarat HotelStefanie

I have a very good sense of direction, and I will freely admit this. However, walking around New York City can be a little disorienting and even though I arrived to the address of the hotel, I could not find it. Standing in front of this giant onyx-colored building with sparkling glass walls, I thought to myself this must be some invite-only club or some over-the-top business building, this great building cannot be the hotel. Sure enough, I was standing in front of The Baccarat Hotel.

Walking in to the hotel, the entrance has walls of Baccarat crystal glasses with lights inside of them, creating a dance strobe-like effect on the walls. You also smell something beautiful, the signature scent created specifically for Baccarat, which I’m sure they pump through the air vents to create the illusion you are staying in a flower garden. You take the elevator up to the lobby on the second floor where you walk into their Grand Salon: three rooms separated by giant Baccarat crystal doors or walls. There are grand bouquets of roses on every other table accompanied by little Baccarat crystal glasses, even the basic water glasses are made of Baccarat crystal. Enormous crystal chandeliers hang from the ceilings adorned with little ruby detailing, the rarest form of crystal that can be made. I do not exaggerate when I say that anything that could be made of crystal at this hotel, is made of Baccarat crystal. Also, did I mention that the wallpaper was made of silk?

By any standard, their lowest-level bedrooms are very large, but by New York City hotel standards, their showers are HUGE! It is rare to find rainforests showers and a soaking tub in the bathroom without having to pay a million extra bucks. The four-post beds are insanely fluffy and comfortable, and the TV is located in a giant mirror in front of your bed. The room comes stocked with the latest in technology, including your own private butler app in which you can close the blinds, order room service, and turn off all the lights just from your phone.

The hotel has three wining and dining options. You can choose to eat in the Grand Salon, which I definitely recommend going at tea time for scones and tea sandwiches or during their wine tasting hour. The Bar feels like Moulin Rouge meets Alice in Wonderland. It’s quirky and fun and ridiculous in all the right ways, not to mention their cocktail pack a mean punch! Their downstairs restaurant, Chevalier, was rated one of the top new hottest restaurants in New York City for 2015. I recommend dining at the Chef’s Table for a 15-course meal of utter perfection.

When designing the Baccarat Hotel, management told the interior designers only two words, “implosion” and “explosion”. The hotel is a masterpiece and must be seen to be believed. However, for being as high-class as it is, the hotel is not stuffy or snooty because they do not believe in turning down patrons who would like to come up for a drink even if they’re not wearing Prada or Tom Ford. The Baccarat has set a new standard for class in New York City.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The St. Regis. Osaka, Japan

May 22, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotel in Osaka, luxury hotel in Osaka, St. Regis OsakaStefanie

Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, is known for it’s rich cultural history and cuisine. It is an up-and-coming cosmopolitan city that offers exclusive fashion boutiques, galleries, and sophisticated restaurants and cafés. Located on the tree-lined Midosuji Avenue, Osaka’s Champs-Elysées, the St. Regis Osaka is by far the most outstanding hotel in Osaka. Just minuted from the hotel are some of the best attractions such as the ancient Shitennoji Temple, the Municipal Museum of Fine Art, and the city’s most exclusive shopping boulevard.

Although Japanese decor and architecture can sometimes be hard-lined and cold, The St. regis exemplifies warm hospitality without sacrificing traditional Japanese culture and service. Upon arrival, the St. Regis Butler serves you warm green tea and is at your service during your entire stay. From a perfectly pressed suit to a favorite book at hand, no request is too small or unattainable for your Butler.

Since it is a cosmopolitan hotel, you will not find any traditional Japanese bedrooms, each of the Guest Rooms come with two queen, or one king bed, along with amazingly soft sheets and pillows. The design is Japanese-infused, with hints of color int heir overall neutral palette. On the 27th floor of the hotel is the Matsu Suite, which comes with a fireplace, dining room, rainforest shower/jacuzzi tub, and some of the best views in the hotel. If you can’t seem to afford the Presidential Suite (because who can?), this is the next best room!

During your stay, a must-try is the IRIDIUM featuring SOTHYS, which offers a sublime retreat where guests may experience quintessential body treatments. The treatment specialists are trained at the Sothys Institut de Beauté in Paris and the products are all SOTHYS, so you know your experience will be rich and luxurious.

The hotel offers two dining options, Rue d’Or and La Veduta, which are French and Italian, respectively. There is a huge French influence in Osaka which is easily found in it’s cuisine and aesthetic. One cool fact about the St. Regis hotel: the first Bloody Mary was created in 1934 at the New York St. Regis, and each hotel has it’s own signature Bloody Mary. Osaka’s signature drink is called the Shogun Mary and I kid you not, top 5 Bloody Mary’s I’ve ever had, but be warned it’s very strong!

The hotel also offers a wonderful business center and gym, perfect for any traveler on business. This home away from home is sure to help you transition to culture-shock, although you won’t feel it for very long after you realize how amazing Osaka is.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Travel Tip: Eating your way through Osaka

May 20, 2015Travel Tipsbest restaurants Osaka, Eating Guide OsakaStefanie

One of the best ways to navigate your way through Japan is eating your way through. Especially if you’re a Japanese food ~~fanatic~~ lover like me, this would be a dream trip. No other place in the world will you find such top-grade sushi or Wagyu beef as you will in Japan. The second largest city in Japan, Osaka has been named “the nation’s kitchen”, and for good reason. Osaka has a huge variety of restaurants from Michelin-starred cuisine to budget-friendly dining in the best Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) restaurants.

Below are the best of the best in dining in Osaka, some of our personal favorites and some lesser-known hole-in-the-walls.

Fujiya 1935

The head chef, Tetsuya Fujiwara who had previously trained in Italy and Spain, earned three Michelin stars in 2012 for his use of the freshest ingredients and seasonal vegetables. The food is innovative and beautiful Japanese cuisine, and I recommend ordering the carb spaghetti.

2-4-14, Yariyamachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-city, Osaka, 540-0027, Japan

Mizuno

Mizuno is the oldest Okonomiyaki restaurant in Osaka, built in 1945 right after World War II. The dough of Okonomiyaki is traditionally made of flour and eggs, but Mizuno’s “Yamaimo-yaki” never uses flour, only yam instead, hence being called Yam-Okonomiyaki. It makes the texture of the dough very soft in a way that is totally different from any other Okonomiyaki in Osaka.

1-4-15, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

Creo-Ru

Most people are familiar with Takoyaki, since it is now widely cooked across the world, especially in top Japanese restaurants in the U.S. For those of you who do not know what it is, Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special takoyaki pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus , tempura scraps , pickled ginger, and green onions. It is not widely known that Takoyaki originated in Osaka and is of course home to some of the best Takoyaki you’ll ever find. Creo-Ru is a street vendor, but I promise you it’ll leave you wanting for more!

1-6-4 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, Japan

Hajime

After collecting three Michelin stars in only a year and five months, you know this restaurant is going to be note-worthy. The head chef studied electronics at a French university and used his skills to create innovative Japanese-French fusion food in his ~~laboratory~~ kitchen. The menu constantly changes due to what is fresh and in season and is at the forefront of fusion cuisine.

1-9-11-1, Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 550-0002, Japan

Saeki

Widely considered the number one sushi spot in Osaka, this Michelin starred sushi restaurant has only 10 seats in the restaurant, making it one of the hottest tickets in town. The restaurant boasts a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere and customers all sit at the counter table where you can watch your sushi being made in front of you. The chief chef Saeki will courteously explain the menu, the background of the ingredients, and their selection of plates for you.

Mori building 1F, 1-5-7, Sonezaki shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 530-0002, Japan

Yaekatsu

Yaekatsu specializes in kushikatsu, otherwise known as fried meat on a stick, and it’s downright delectable. There are dozens of kushikatsu restaurants in Osaka, but ignore them all for Yaekatsu. Order a dozen sticks and down everything with a cold beer and we guarantee that you will be the happiest person on Earth.

3-3-13, Ebisu higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 558-0002, Japan

Kigawa

We saved the best for last. While Kyoto has its kaiseki, Osaka takes pride in their cutting and cooking, hence making up the word ‘kappo’. Kappo is a lot more casual and puts an emphasis on the relationship between the chefs and the patrons. Kigawa is an institution for kappo and is where some of the city’s best chef’s first started their training. Dining at a kappo restaurant is like dining at some gazillion-starred Michelin restaurant, the menu only offer 5-10 course meals, all prepared before your very own eyes.

1-7-7 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-City, Japan

Ritz-Carlton. Kyoto, Japan.

May 15, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotel in kyoto, luxury hotels kyoto, Ritz Carlton Hotels, ritz carlton kyotoStefanie

Kyoto is known as the temple capital of Japan, and the brand-new Ritz-Carlton hotel will be your own personal zen sanctuary. It opened in February 2014 and is Japan’s first urbanized luxury resort in Japan. The resort sits just above the banks of the Kamogawa River and looks out on the Higashiyama Mountains, delivering views you will never forget.

With 134 guest rooms and nine luxury suites, you cannot go wrong in your room choice. Each room features either a city view, a view of the on-site Japanese Garden, or a Kamogawa River View. All rooms also feature modern designs mixed with traditional Japanese touches, which will give you a sense of the amazing culture you will find yourself emerged in.

Choose from 49 Deluxe, spacious guest rooms with a window seat to look out at the city, or one of 13 Deluxe Garden rooms, or one of 55 Luxury guest rooms with both river and mountain views. All rooms have the best in luxury amenities, including 600-thread count sheets, premium shower supplies by Asprey, handmade bath soaps and salts by Kyoto Shabon-ya, and Yukata Imabari bathrobes and slippers. If a luxury suite is more your speed, pick from one of nine amazing and unique suites. The Suite TSUKIMI or The Ritz-Carlton Suite are equally fabulous and the hottest rooms in the resort. Suite TSUKIMI is a 1,505 square foot room and has a private Moon-Viewing Deck with a panoramic view of the city, the river, and the stunning surrounding mountains. The Ritz-Carlton Suite is 2,279 square feet and has a bathroom that is absolutely to die for – a large marble bathtub to soak in and a separate rainforest shower, too. The huge living room with sprawling views is perfect to sit and have a drink (or two) in, and the suite also features a private dining room for eight.

The Spa is a healing and relaxation sanctuary with a waterfall that epitomizes the perfect spa feel. With seven treatment rooms and one spa suite, you can choose from the most luxurious treatments with spa products from ESPA, which are the best in quality that is offered. After your treatment, take a dip in the 20-meter swimming pool, a steam, or sweat it out in the dry sauna. There is also a fitness center, a relaxation room, and a hot bath in the locker room.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto has four on-site dining options, three of which offer traditional Japanese cuisine, and the fourth serves delicious Italian fare. La Locanda is the Italian spot, and it is set in a century-old dining room. At Mizuki, you can experience four separate aspects of true gastronomic expertise with Kaiseki Mizuki, Sushi Mizuki, Tempura Mizuki, and Teppanyaki. Each specializes in a unique aspect of true Japanese cuisine, and all are equally delicious. Before or after your meal, or both, head to The Bar, which has a 360° cellar with over 400 fabulous wines. Finally, stop into the lobby for breakfast or traditional afternoon tea, and, most scrumptious of all, the Pierre Hermé Boutique.

The Resort has partnered with Pierre Hermé Paris, the original Paris Patisserie, and we can vouch for the unbelievable deliciousness of each of their pasteries. If you are up for a taste sensation, treat yourself to the Infiniment Caramel Macaron…if they are good enough for Kim and Kanye, trust that they are absolutely divine.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is an absolute gem. We at Posh Voyage are thrilled to have this luxury resort in the heart of Japan.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Park Hyatt. Tokyo, Japan.

May 8, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotel in japan, best hotel in tokyo, luxury hotel in tokyo, park hyatt tokyoStefanie

Occupying the top 14 floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is one of the most grand and soaring skyscrapers in Tokyo reaching over 47 floors. With only 177 rooms, the hotel is definitely intimate by Japanese standards. You arrive at the hotel with an immediate sense of tranquility and well-being, which is exactly what the hotel is designed for. Designed by celebrated Japanese architect, Dr. Kenzo Tange, and American interior designer John Morford, the 47th floor is the crown jewel of the hotel. The 47th floor is a glass pyramid, allowing natural light to stream through, and is home to a gym, aerobics, studio, and huge swimming pool. It is also one of the only vantage points in Tokyo in which you can see the three main wonders: Tokyo city, Mt. Fuji, and Kanto Plain.

Located on the 45th floor is the Club on the Park, their luxurious and pampering spa. The spa includes whirlpools, wet and dry saunas, cold plunge pools, and the treatments rooms. The aestheticians provide specialize treatments based upon what your body needs. However, my favorite treatment is definitely the ‘Tokyo Journey’, in which they combine Japanese and Western techniques into a facial and massage. Talk about best of both worlds! They also have an exclusive line of treatments for mean from Collin’s line of products, based in France.

The luxury rooms and suites at the Park Hyatt incorporate a contemporary private residence concept coupled by sleek amenities and spectacular views of Tokyo at night-time. The spacious rooms average over 50 sqm and feature stylishly appointed interiors, with earthy tones of deep green and brown. The bathrooms are fitted with a deep soaking tub and separate shower, and each of the rooms display original hand-crafted artwork by a local Japanese artists. If you can, opt for the Park Suite, this suite has some of the best views of Mt. Fuji and has rare Hokkaido water elm panelling.

My favorite aspect of this hotel is it’s array of dining options. One of the reasons I love Japan so much is it’s food (this is no surprise to anyone who follows our Instagram) and the Park Hyatt spares no expense on it’s restaurants. There are three restaurants, 2 deli’s, and three bars to chose from when it comes to eating and drinking. Kozue is the contemporary Japanese style restaurant, insider tip: order the “Shun” tasting course. If you’re looking for the perfect place for some aprés-dinner drinks, The New York Bar is one of the hottest tickets in town, not to mention their Grill menu is fantastic. At sunset you must go to The Peak Bar for a glass of champagne to watch the sun go down under a sea of lanterns in their bamboo garden.

Park Hyatt was designed and built to be a luxurious, modern, yet subtly homey place to make this your go-to hotel in Tokyo. If it works for even the pickiest of travelers, then be rest assured you will not be disappointed at this landmark hotel.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Tokyo

May 6, 2015City Guide72 hours in tokyo, best hotels tokyo, best resaturants tokyo, city guide tokyo, things to do in tokyo, Tokyo city guideStefanie

Spring is the optimal time to visit Japan, the weather is warm but not too warm, tourists have no yet ravaged their way through Tokyo, and the Cherry Blossoms are in full-bloom. I swear there is no prettier place to be in April in the ENTIRE world. We at Posh Voyage love Japan- the food, people, sights, are all some of the best in the world, have I mentioned the food yet?

We have created this 72-hour city guide of Tokyo to help optimize navigation through this sometimes overwhelming city. Prepare to eat your way through Tokyo in the most luxurious way possible!

Thursday:

1:00pm- Check-in to The Park Hyatt Hotel (article coming Friday). For a classic Tokyo experience, this is definitely the hotel to stay in. The hotel is modern, located in one of the busiest districts, and has old-school classic elegance.

If you would like a hotel with a little more old-school grandeur, head to The Peninsula Tokyo. The hotel will pick you up from the airport in a 1950’s Rolls Royce then take you to the hotel, which is located across the street from the Imperial Palace and steps from the shopping capital of Ginza.

The new big-hitter to join the strong Tokyo hotel game in the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, located in the rich historical district of Nihonbashi, in downtown Tokyo. The service level, attention to detail, and award-winning restaurants are only a few reasons why this hotel is consistently rated one of the top hotels in Asia.

2:00pm- Take a stroll around The Meiji Shrine. This stunning shrine is dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West. This is Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine and is beautifully serene, and not a complete tourist trap. If you can go back on a Sunday, we recommend checking it out that night so you can watch a traditional Japanese wedding in process.

8:00pm– Dinner at Kanda. Awarded three Michelin stars in 2009, the traditional Japanese restaurant’s cooking is guided by the seasons.

10:00pm- Head upstairs to The Peak Bar for a glass of champagne and stunning views from The Park Hyatt’s rooftop.

Friday:

10:00am- Breakfast at Clinton Street Baking Co. This little breakfast eatery hails from New York City and if you plan on having a late breakfast expect a very long line to get in! Insider Tip: Order the pancakes

11:30am- If you’re visiting Tokyo in the spring during Cherry Blossom season, you must spend your day at the public parks. Head to Chidorigafuchi Park and rent a little rowboat and row yourself down the river. You can also head there at night, the trees are lit up. Insider Tip: perfect for a romantic outing with your significant other.

1:00pm- Stop at one of the many food stands near Yasukuni Shrine and grab some foods for a picnic under the trees.

2:00pm- Spend the rest of your day at Shinjuku Gyoen, where over 1,000 Cherry Blossom trees have been planted.

8:00pm– Dinner at the Kozue in The Park Hyatt. No other restaurant in Tokyo has a setting to rival Kozue. Perched far above the fray on the 40th floor of the Park Hyatt, Kozue is still as swish as the day it opened in 1994, with a contemporary look (soaring ceiling, stylish tables and chairs) to match the confident modern inflections on kaiseki (japan’s version of haute cuisine).

10:00pm- After-dinner drinks at Sky Lounge Stellar Garden for one of the best views in Tokyo, located on the Prince Park Tower’s 33rd floor.

Saturday:

10:00am-Brunch at one of the hottest breakfast spots in town, Cafe Kaila. Cafe Kaila started in Honolulu and moved it’s way to Tokyo. Order the breakfast burrito or pancakes (comes with a healthy topping of fruit). If Cafe Kaila is too busy check out Moke’s Bread and Breakfast.

11:00am- After you have filled yourself to the brim, check out the Chanel, BVLGARI, or MoMa Design Store, located in the same building as your breakfast stop.

1:00pm- Have a fancy lunch at Sense in the Mandarin Oriental. The views are reason enough to come to this delectable restaurant.

3:00pm- Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market. This is the world’s largest, busiest fish market, and it is an awesome spot to visit if you need to kick start your jetlagged mind and body. At 5 a.m., you can watch the live tuna auctions. Spots are limited, but it will be one of the highlights of your adventure.

8:00pm- Obviously Tokyo is home to some of the best sushi in the world, so why not hit-up one of the top rated sushi restaurants in the whole world? Sushi Saito is your place for the freshest fish, but don’t expect it to be americanized sushi.

10:00pm- Before you leave Tokyo you MUST see a traditional sumo wrestling show. Try Ryogoku Kokugikan – Tokyo’s National Sumo Hall. If you do not happen to catch tournament season, try to go to an early morning training session at a beya (sumo stable). We promise, it won’t be as scarring as an Austin Powers situation.

Sunday:

10:00am- Have your last breakfast at Ivy Place surrounded by Japanese Zelkova trees. Insider tip: order the scrambled eggs with mascarpone and toasted brioche.

12:00pm- After breakfast wander over the the giant Tsutaya, one of the most beautiful bookstores in Tokyo.

2:00pm- Get your spa on at Club on the Park located in the Park Hyatt before you stressful travel day home. Insider Tip: opt for the “Tokyo Journey”.

Get the look:

Travel Tip: The Residence on Etihad Airlines

May 4, 2015Travel TipsEtihad Airlines, The Residence, The Residence on Etihad AirlinesStefanie

Etihad takes luxury air travel to new heights. With award-winning seats, the latest in entertainment, and an unrivalled focus on service, guests in all their classes enjoy the very best. Their latest creation, The Residence by Etihad, is located on the top deck of the A380 plane.

Etihad boasts, it’s “the only three-room cabin in the sky”. Designed for up to two guests travelling together, it was created by leading interior designers and hospitality experts who understand the discernment and sophistication expected by the private traveler. The Residence is a haven of tranquility, reflecting an exclusive lifestyle that offers the ultimate in high-end luxury.

Their VIP Travel Concierge Service takes care of guests booked into The Residence from the moment of reservation right through until the end of their stay with Etihad. From a luxury chauffeur to private check-in and lounge, we have designed every part of the travel experience to be seamless and discreet. On board, the Etihad Butler is on hand to ensure all arrangements are in place and plan both the in-flight and après-flight itinerary according to personal preferences. An in-flight Chef can prepare meals from a range of gourmet menu options or even create a guest’s favorite dish.

The Residence comes complete with a living room, separate bedroom, and private bathroom. The living room has a luxurious leather double-seat sofa with ottoman, two dining tables, cold beverages cabinet, and 32-inch flat screen TV. The bathroom comes equipped with a soft-carpeted hallway that leads to the bathroom with a shower, exclusive toiletries, and bathrobes.

Lastly, the bedroom in The Residence is decorated with a neutral color palette and furnished with natural fiber mattress double bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, and choice of pillows. Experience the ultimate in luxury high above the clouds and wake up to breakfast in bed over an expanse of beautiful skies.

If you have $40,000 usd to spare, go ahead and splurge.