Category Archives: Uncategorized

Corinthia Hotel. London, UK

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I tend to be set in my ways when it comes to hotels in cities like London. I have my favorite hotels which are typically the gorgeous landmarks and rarely give other properties the opportunity, because why bother right? Well, I was missing out.

Last year I stayed at the Corinthia London for the first time, and I can only say it will not be my last.

Perfectly located only steps from Trafalgar Square, Westminster, the River Thames and Covent Garden, the Corinthia combines grandeur and heritage (which I love) with exquisite, smart design. It features 225 rooms, 51 suites, seven penthouses. However, it feels like you are checking in into your own private London flat. It feels secluded and exclusive from the moment you step in.

The hotel also has two world-class restaurants which I enjoyed for the two nights I was there. It was so good I canceled my reservation at the chic Annabel’s just to have the decadent duck at Kerridge’s.

Since I was in London for work, I didn’t have time to get a treatment at their unrivaled spa, but when I toured it I made a mental note that it was going to be my first stop on my next visit.

Amanera. Playa Grande, Dominican Republic

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Have you ever heard of the term Aman Junky? Well… if you haven’t, now you have. I am also the newest member of that elite clan and here is why:

Every Aman property is meticulously designed to blend in with the natural setting as well as offer an extreme sense of privacy and peace, hence the name “Aman”, which means peace in Sanskrit.

A few days ago I returned from staying at  the new Amanera in the Dominican Republic, and oh what a stay. The hotel executed the perfect balance between a luxurious and relaxed ambiance. Think Swiss Family Robinson meets modernist Aman luxury, and add to that a 4:1 staff to guest ratio.

The moment you walk in, the staff welcome you as if you are an old friend with the backdrop view of Playa Grande, a cold lavender towel and a mouth watering pomegranate and mint drink. After pinching yourself a few times, and taking in the chic, but understated decor, you are swift away to your very own private casita in confortable golf carts.

Amanera has only 25 casitas, which makes the experience even more private. Most villas have a private pool, but not just any pool, a private 30 meter (350sqf) pool, decked out with a gigantic terrace with a sunbed area, outdoor dining, outdoor siting and an outdoor shower. The inside of the villa is as impressive as the outside. The casita is around 90 sqm (850sqf) with a gigantic walk-in closet, separate bedroom, gorgeous living room and a bathroom that makes you feel like you are in the middle of the Caribbean jungle, with floor to ceiling windows showcasing lush vegetation.

Your meals can severed anywhere at anytime, so you can forget about waking up early and rushing to breakfast.  Amanera’s main goal is to have you relax and have whatever you want, whenever you want. How is that for a rule?

They have two restaurants, one in the main lobby and a second one in the beach. Both can serve any dish you desire in addition to their standard delicious menu. My favorite dishes were the ceviche, cod and beef Wellington. However, you cannot go wrong with any item on the menu.

Amanera is perfect for anyone looking for a romantic getaway, golfers or family with small or big kids.

Amanera is the only Aman resort which offers a private golf course for guests only. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, and renovated by his son Reese Jones, it is expected to be one of the most scenic golf courses in the Caribbean.

The hotel also has plenty of activities for children to be entertained like pottery class, cupcake decorating, pizza making class, zip line, surfing and more.

All in all, this vacation was one of the most memorable stays in my recent years, and we cannot wait to go back this next winter.

Singita Explore. Serengeti, Tanzania

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A 45-minute game drive from Sasakwa Lodge and we had arrived to what I consider to be the most authentic “glamping” experience Serengeti has to offer. Explore Singita is a private camp on the plains of Serengeti that moves around according to where the migration is happening.

The camp can take anything from two people to twelve people depending on how big your group is. Since the camp is private, it gives you the freedom to choose anything you want at whatever time you desire, with the authenticity of a safari and a great attention to detail.

Although the camp is the most rustic option of the 5 Singita lodges in the Serengeti, it does not compromise luxury nor service. It is appealing to the travelers looking to connect with the wildlife in a way they have never done before.

With a private guide, chef, camp host and camp staff, activities can be arranged on a whim, game drives may be as long or as short as you choose. This is particularly important for wildlife lovers and photographers.

All the food is cooked in an open fire and it is widely known among Singita regulars that the food has a decadent flavor and it is usually the favorite cuisine between all the camps.

The Grumeti reserve where the camp is located was created by the Tanzanian government in 1994 in order to protect the path of the annual wildebeest migration. In 2002, the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund, a not-for-profit organization owned by Paul Truder Jones, was granted the right to manage and conserve 350,000 acres, for the benefit of Tanzania, Africa and the world. Four years later, Luke Bailes from Singita, took over the management of the property, at the request of the concessionaire.

Luke Bailes took on the challenging task of generating (via low impact tourism) the funds necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserve through conservation and community partnerships.

Not only is the camp fantastic, but the passion behind the preservation of this beautiful corner of the world is as infectious as the people’s smile.

 

Ritz. Paris, France

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The most iconic hotel in the world recently opened its doors after a 4-year renovation speared by Egipcian owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed (also known as Lady Di’s future father-in-law), after pouring 500 million Euro for a major facelift to an already spectacular hotel.

The Ritz first opened in 1898, which makes one of the oldest luxury hotels in the world. The new hotel was constructed behind the façade of an 18th-century town house, overlooking one of the most exclusive Paris central squares, Place Vendome.

The hotel was reportedly the first in Europe to provide a bathroom en-suite, partly due to the ambition of Mr. Cesar Ritz of building the most luxurious hotel in the world. This attracted the most famous names of the XX century like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marcel Proust and Coco Chanel, who lived there for 34 years.

During the 1940’s it became the residence of Hermann Goering, the second most powerful Nazi after Hitler, as well as the headquarters for the German airforce. His quarters took up an entire floor and consisted of three bedrooms, maids’ rooms, several opulent salons.

Al-Fayed purchased the property from the Ritz family in 1979, he closed its doors for an overdue renovation to bring it back to its former years of glory. The wear and tear was starting to become obvious, and the hotel needed to catch up with the modern technology to stay competitive.

Thorough the two major renovations the essence of the 18-century palace still stands, which I think personally it is exceptionally hard to do. Grand hotels around the world like Waldorf Astoria in New York City and St. Francis in San Francisco have tried to mimic the same undertaking, only to find that the elegance and beauty of the old world has been vanished due to their desire to become part of big hotel chains, as well as their need to bring cost down and occupancy high at any cost.

The hotel closed its doors once again in 2013 for a four-year renovation which turned to be longer due to an unforeseen fire three months prior to their opening in 2016, the opening got delayed by a few months. Almost one third of the hotel is still being renovated to this day (not that you would ever notice).

From the moment you walk into the Ritz, the astonishing architecture, the elegant décor and friendly faces will make you feel like you are walking home. Well, I take that back, it makes you feel like you are walking into the home you have always dream about.

The attention to detail is superb. For instance: Every gold detail in the hotel (which by the way there are a lot) is all gold plated with the most exquisite details. Everything from door handles to furniture was sent to the best antique restoration company to ensure the history wasn’t erased out of any piece.

The number of rooms was reduced from 150 to 98 after the renovation, to ensure that every guestroom was more spacious and grand. There are 650 full-time staff which is more than any luxury hotel in Paris, all to make sure that the ration of staff to guest is at its highest to ensure perfect service.

 

Overall the Ritz was, is, and will be the Grand Dame of Paris.

Singita Sabora. Serengeti, Tanzania

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Three thousand zebras, that is the amount of zebras Herman (general manager at Singita Sabora) estimated were right in front of the camp a day before we arrived.

When my husband and I decided to visit Sabora, we didn’t know that besides visiting the quintessential African camp, we were going to be sharing our personal space with lions, zebras and buffalo’s. An experience I cannot put into words.

The camp is located in the Serengeti Plains, with no wall to separate your tent from the wild Serengeti, the lions roar and hyenas laugh right outside your tent. The thrill of knowing there isn’t much separating the comfort inside from the wildlife outside is a constant adrenaline rush.

Sabora’s style is reminiscent to a 1920’s British explorers camp. The opulence of the decor mixed with the canvas tents are utterly dreamy. Everything from sterling silver serving ware and Persian rugs, to crystal drink ware, the camp sets the bar high for any other camp across the African continent.

Sabora is conveniently located only 45 minutes away by car from Sasakwa private Airport, Faru Faru Lodge and Sasakwa Lodge. It has 9 identical tents (two of them connected for families) that are decorated with antique memorabilia from the first British settlers in the Serengeti.

Sabora is perfect for the adventure travelers. The location and style of the camp make it uniquely dangerous compared to other African camps (my favorite trait about it), so children under the age of 10 are encouraged not to go. No one is allowed to walk alone around the camp, a security ranger will escort you with a rifle everywhere you go, which made my African adventure even more wild.

 

 

 

African Safari: Everything you Need to Know

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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:

Hotel Cuixmala. Costa Alegre, Mexico

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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

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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 del Bailio. Cordoba, Spain

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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

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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.