All posts by Stefanie

African Safari: Everything you Need to Know

Travel Tips, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

When you say you want to visit Africa, it is like saying you want to visit Asia. There is so much diversity that it would be a shame to bundle them together as one. However, no matter where you go, you will find a commonality: a striking beauty whichever direction you go.

To help you narrow down the infinite options of wildlife spotting, see below by country the best time to go, wildlife to see and what to pack.

Best time to visit by country:

Tanzania: Dry season between June and October. June and July are best to see the wildebeest migration

South Africa: Dry season between May and September

Botswana: Dry season between June and September

Kenya: July to November, January and February

Zambia: Dry season between May and September

Zimbabwe: Dry season between May and October

Best parks to visit by country:

Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Grumeti

South Africa: Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and Royal Natal National Park

Botswana: Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe

Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nukuru, Tsavo East National Park and Namunyak Wildlife

Zambia: Victoria Falls, Kafue National Park, Banweulu Wetlands, Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa

Zimbabwe: Matobo National Park, Mana Pools and Somaliza Camp

Wildlife by country:

Tanzania: Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, lion and hyena

South Africa: White rhino, elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and lion

Botswana: Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and hyena

Kenya: Wildebeest, elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and hyena

Zambia: Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and hyena

Zimbabwe: Wildebeest, elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and hyena

Recommended immunization by country:

Tanzania: Malaria. CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Tanzania. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.

South Africa: None. There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa. The government of South Africa requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Malaria is not very common.

Botswana: Malaria. There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. The government of Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Kenya: Malaria and yellow fever. Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Kenya, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.

Zambia: Malaria. CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Zambia. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.

Zimbabwe: Malaria. There is no risk of yellow fever in Zimbabwe. The government of Zimbabwe requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Countries to avoid: According to the US travel warnings the following countries are not recommended to visit at the moment.

Libya, Kenya, Lesotho, Guinea, Chad, Burundi, Eritrea, Somalia, CAR, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria. Algeria, Sudan, Republic of Sudan, Congo, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

What to bring:

What to Wear for a Safari

Travel Tips, , , , , , , , ,

Packing for a safari trip has to be the easiest, most laid back packing I have ever done in my life.

When taking a safari trip, whether its in Africa, India or Asia, there are a few rules to keep in mind: Do not use bright colors, long sleeves and pants are a must and no formal clothes.

I was once told that when you are packing you should use a base color, brown or black. After that you can create your wardrobe based on that. For this trip I decided to do brown and accessorize with whites, khaki and green colors.

Yes, we all know the typical safari outfits. However, I decided to put a twist with some fun pants and backpacks to make your mornings a tad more exciting.

The Importance of Travel After Babies

Travel Tips

 

img_9901-1

I was 6 months pregnant with my first child when my husband and I decided to start a tradition: A romantic getaway to an exotic location 4 months after having each baby.

Having a baby is the most incredible experience anyone can go through. Making a baby is a surreal feeling, especially when it is a human that is exactly half of you and half of the person you love. However, this tradition has been one of the best decision of our lives and here is why:

1. Connect with your better half: When you have a baby, the sleep deprivation and crazy schedule take a toll not only on your body, but on your relationship as well. Being tired all the time is not a fun feeling, and it isn’t fun for anyone around you, either. So, I decided that after 4 months of being a 24/7 mommy, it would be the optimal time to take a break, recharge batteries and reconnect with my spouse. I realized that for me, an exotic location, good food and endless conversations over a glass of wine were the best ways to go back to being the person my husband fell in love with and vice versa.

In order for this to work out, I booked and paid the entire trip when I was 6 months pregnant. This would eventually force us to go no matter what. Every parent knows that once the little bundle of joy makes it’s entrance, is hard to plan and convince yourself to leave them, but when everything is ready to go, it is even harder to cancel a fabulous trip.

2. Regain perception of world: When you spend your days nursing, changing diapers and burping for months on end, you often times lose perception of who you are and what’s happening in the world around you. Traveling to Morocco last year and Tanzania this year gave me an incredible boost that shook me up, woke me up and made me love and appreciate my life (and family) even more. Why? Because I had time to look at my life from outside of my daily routine.

3. Dodge judgement: Living your life the way you think is best without dwelling on other peoples opinions is important for your happiness. When I told my friends and family about my trip, not everyone understood why I was doing it only 4 months after giving birth. To be honest, people closest to us disagreed and urged us to cancel the trip.

I didn’t cancel it and this is why: Everyone tries to be the best parents they can, and doing things differently doesn’t mean we are right or wrong, we are just individuals that have different priorities and dreams. My priority, besides being the best mommy, is to be the best wife, and my dream is to explore the world. And how do I do this? By carving out time to touch base with my husband, and explore countries I have not yet visited.

Being a mom every day, all day is great, but in order for me to feel whole, I need balance. I need time to be a mom, to be a friend, time for myself and time for my husband, it makes me happy and as a result it makes me the person I always dreamed of becoming.

If you are a new daddy or mommy and love to travel, ask the grandparents to babysit and do it! If you are waiting for the right time, there isn’t one. The best time is when you say to yourself: I need a trip.

We are in this world once. Live and travel like you have one shot.

St Regis Bal Harbour. Miami, FL

Hotel of the Week, , , , , ,

After a few months of maternity leave, I decided to dive in to my typical crazy travel schedule by visiting the most spectacular hotel in Miami, St Regis Bal Harbour.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour is absolute haven for travelers that like a mix of elegance, ocean, anticipatory service and tasteful amenities. This exclusive enclave is directly across from Bal Harbour Shops, which is perfect for the shopaholic in all of us,  and mere minutes from the whirlwind energy of South Beach.

The hotel has 227 ocean view rooms. The decor is chic and soothing with soft colors and effortless style.  The rooms are ideal for a couples retreat, all the way to a family vacation. There is a family pool as well as an adult pool if you need to unwind. They also have an adorable kids club with dozen activities to entertain the little ones while you indulge in some r&r.

My favorite room by far was the Deluxe Oceanfront Suite. However, even the most entry level category is to die for, so no matter what room option you choose, you will be in hotel heaven.

Hotel Cuixmala. Costa Alegre, Mexico

Hotel of the Week, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

This month we are featuring the hottest spots around the world, and this one is by far one of our absolute favorites. Casa Cuixmala is an oceanfront palace hidden on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Embraced by over 25,000 acres of nature reserve, Casa Cuixmala rises majestically above a two mile long private beach. The palatial building designed by renown architect Robert Couturier (Rizzoli: Designing Paradise) is an exuberant combination of styles from Morocco, India and Mexico.

An imposing tiled dome defines the property and inside are fountain courtyards, sweeping
staircases and expansive living areas with panoramic views. An attentive staff attends to the guest’s every whim. It is an intoxicating mixture of ultra luxury and eco adventure. Casa Cuixmala is Nature Reserved.

 

Cuixmala actually has three parts, Casa Cuixmala, the beachfront ultra luxury hotel with 4 suites and 7 bungalows (this is where most people want to stay, its an exotic oceanfront palace, nothing else quite like it). Then there are 3 private villas which are popular with families and celebrities (for the privacy) and finally the Casitas which are on a ridge above the coconut plantation. 10 small casitas in tropical gardens that share a pool and clubhouse that has a restaurant.

 

All of the accommodation has access to the amenities like horseback riding,  zebras riding, miles of hiking and biking trails, a picture perfect calm beach with paddle boarding, snorkeling and kayaking, fishing plus an additional two miles of beach for beach combing and jogging.

 

However, the best part is not only how decadent the food is, but that it is about 99% organic, most from their own bio-dynamic farms.

 

Finally, Cuixmala is a celebrity magnet. Celebs like Mick Jagger, Madonna, Tom Cruise, George Lucas and Cara Delevingne have stayed at Casa Cuixmala. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, Ralph Lauren, designer Alice Temperley, Mark Ronson in the villas and Gael Garcia Bernal and director Alfonso Cuarón in the Casitas.

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Uncategorized

When you are married or you have a husband that is a wanderlust, the gift giving process can be a little overwhelming. Questions like: What doesn’t he have? What does he need?, as well as comments like: He has everything! might have you drowning in a glass of water.

Worry not, because with the below list, you will be sure to impress the jet-set daddy all the way to next Fathers Day!

Hospes Palacio de los Patos. Granada, Spain

Hotel of the Week, , , , , ,

Located in a historical palace in the financial district of Granada, Hospes Palacio de los Patos hotel is mightily impressive. Classic on the outside but particularly modern on the inside, the design is clean lines, natural light, whitewashed walls, and uniquely designed rooms. The ceilings are particularly high, which is rare for hotels in Granada.

The rooms are a mixture of historic and modern to pay its respects to it’s 19th Century Palace origins. You access the rooms via a giant marble staircase that perfectly compliments the modern chandeliers hanging from the ceiling three floors above.

Los Patos is their outdoor dining option, which is perfect for a clear warm day. Christmas lights hang above you to create a beautiful ambiance you wont soon forget. The moor pastela, influence of the mozarab cuisine or the scallop salad with citrus and saffron, or the tuna fillet with lime cream and wasabi are just a few highlights from the menu.

After your 2 hour luncheon and siesta, head to the Bodyna Spa to have your feet massage after a long day of walking and sightseeing. Their Turkish spa is also fantastic and worth a try.

Hospes Palacio del Bailio. Cordoba, Spain

Hotel of the Week, Uncategorized, , , , , ,

During my tour of Andalucia, one thing I noticed is how aw-mazing the Hospes Hotels were in each city I visited. Hospes Palcio del Bailio, located in the charming and historic town of Cordoba, was definitely one of my top highlights of the city. Situated in the center of the city, among a romantic maze of streets, sits this ivy-covered building. The palacio itself dates back to the 16th Century and even houses some archaeological remains of a Roman Villa.

Each of the rooms is uniquely decorated with original murals, hand painted stuccos, Egyptian cotton sheets, and lots of natural lighting. There is a very romantic and laid-back vibe to this hotel; you can picture yourself there, sipping an espresso in the garden courtyard and sitting across from a loved one.

The spa and food are the drawing factors to this hotel. The spa is down a winding staircase and the second you step in it smells like eucalyptus and immediately relaxes you.

The food is absolutely spectacular! The Iberic pork Gua Bao is out of the world, pair it with the delectable Burrata Cheese Salad and you’ll be in heaven.

Duns Castle. Duns, Scotland

Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

I usually like to save the best for last, which means leaving the magnificent Duns Castle  at the very last of the month-long Scottish castle theme. There are many things that make Duns Castle special, but their outdoor activities such as Clay Pigeon Shooting, Fishing,Archery, Falconery,Off road driving, Croquet and tennis are why discerning guests keep coming back.

This is a 12-bedroom  six hundred year old Border fighting tower which has been added to over the centuries by the three major Scottish families who have lived in it. The present owner Alexander Hay of Duns, married to Aline, descends from the first Earl of Tweeddale who bought the estates of Duns and Drummelzier in Peebleshire in 1696 for his first son by his second marriage, William Hay, who married the Lady Elizabeth Seton, related by ancestry to Mary Seton, the lady-in-waiting to Mary Queen of Scots.

Once you set foot in the castle, the interiors will take your breath away. The main dining room is the principal 14th century chamber, richly paneled and carved. The drawing room looks over landscaped lawns and lake, and there are 1100 acres of fields, woods and hills to roam in. Roe deer, pheasants and ground game are in abundance. Staffing and catering are in-house.  This is extremely uncommon for a castle of this magnitude, but for three centuries the Hay family have made Duns their home, and it is furnished from the 17th Century with paintings and furniture reflecting the rich tapestry of Scottish life since that time, Dutch, French, English, and native Scottish.

My favorite part is that it is also modernized to be warm and comfortable the timelessness and serenity of its atmosphere is unique.

The area is full of cultural, archeological and leisure interest and conveniently the house is five minutes from the little town of Duns, although you would never imagine it. The location is extremely convenient, Edinburgh is less than one hour away.

Balfour Castle. Orkney Islands, Scotland

Hotel of the Week, , , ,

If you are still daydreaming of suddenly being transported to Scotland with Jaime Fraser and Claire Randall, then here is a little bit more fuel to add to the fire.

The show takes place around Inverness, and although this stunning castle is located in the most northern part of Scotland, it still has the wow factor that Scotland is so famous for.

Balfour Castle was the creation of two distinguished men; David Balfour, the 4th Laird of Balfour and Trenaby and David Bryce, a preeminent Scottish architect of his generation.

In 1847 the foundations for Balfour Castle were put in place and the castle was completed three years later. The castle is home to 7 turrets, 12 external doors, 52 rooms and 365 sections of window. The views are second to none.

A constant issue with renting a castle is that the interiors tend to be a bit tired. Well not in Balfour, the interiors are stunning. Every room has a distinct feel, masterfully created by the choice of antiques with Balfour provenance and the bespoke De Gournay silk wallpaper. Chandeliers and opulent mirrors reflect the light of this ethereal island perfectly. The tactile and cool marble surfaces are contrasted against the warm richness of the fabrics from the deepest pile imaginable carpets to the pure wool comfort of their Scottish bed throws. Quiet spaces with writing desks or bureaus are found in every room perfect for reflective moments. However, my favorites are the bathrooms. They have luxury Heaven toiletries, linen robes and slippers for the pleasure and comfort of our guests.

Balfour Castle is located on Shapinsay, one of the Orkney Islands, just a short distance from the north- east coast of the Scottish mainland. Not close to civilization by any means, but it actually gives it an extra layer of exclusivity for a place this magical. This may sound remote, however, it is relatively easy to get amazing island location – commercial flights come from Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow or chartered private planes can take you direct to the airport just outside Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland. A helicopter can land on the front lawn by prior arrangement, but better still, jump on the castles own boat, Reggie, and arrive at the castle in style.

I write a lot of about fabulous hotels, villas and castles and this one is definitely at the top of my list.

Email stefanie@poshvoyage.com for inquiries.