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Maasai Mara Tented Camp was a real indulgence – we had gone on safari in Tanzania and in Kenya's Ambosoli Park and had stayed in places that ranged from decent to very good, but nothing like this. We had a beautifully decorated tent overlooking the river with a fancy bathroom and large outdoor enclosed shower with a view (also an indoor shower if you prefer). The rugged tent kept out the monkeys that liked to sit on our front porch and had a large canopy bed and even a Nespresso machine. There were lots of hippos in the river and there were viewing platforms in various spots overlooking where they congregated. They were very loud, especially around 4 am when they were getting back in the water after a long night of foraging. There were a number of crocodiles in the river too and they would sun themselves on the…
I recently flew Emirates Airline from Chicago to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The first leg of the trip was about 13 hours, from Chicago to Dubai. Although I was in coach, the Emirates flight attendants were very attentive. Plus, the seats were comfortable and each seat had its own TV with more than 100 channels and movies. The food was amazing, not just for airline food; and, there was free wine. The flight attendants came around a few times in between meals with snacks, including chocolate bars and apples. In the back of the plane, there were different drinks poured, which you could help yourself to. The airport in Dubai was very large, yet very clean. It was about a 15-minute walk from our gate to the customs desk. Since I hold a U.S. passport, I could have gone through the express customs lane. However, I wanted the passport stamp,…
Mesmerizing, intoxicating, breathtaking. These are just some of the words describing Italy’s Amalfi Coast. But, when we visited for the first time, we were more than awed, we were speechless. We lived in Italy for three years; in Naples, actually. But, the Amalfi Coast was always one of our favorite places to visit. It bewitched us with its medieval crusader watchtowers, sheer, craggy coastline, mysterious grottos and mountains plunging into the sea. Its stunning, majestic beauty showcasing pastel-hued villages terraced into its steep hillsides and expansive vistas over turquoise waters allured us. Luxuriant gardens exploding in rich colors of red and coral drew us into its spell. It was amore-love at first site! The magnificent Costiera Amalfitana as the Italians call it is widely considered Italy's most scenic stretch of coastline. Its legendary beauty has inspired artists, writers and musicians for centuries. This is the mythical home of the sirens…
I've been to London 6 times. Four were as a single woman, when I’d planned every detail out to the nth degree. I had set times for getting up, going to bed and in between, 2 major and 2 minor sites to visit per day. I wore myself out, but did get to see all the important tourist sites in Greater London….from The Tower to the Silver Vaults to Buckingham Palace to Hyde Park to Westminster Abbey – where I had to restrain myself from impulsively and inexplicably flinging my body over Mary Queen of Scots’ tomb. I ventured as far out as Windsor, Eton, Bath and Hampton Court which were all well worth the short train rides. I’d always stayed in Knightsbridge, despite the higher prices, because…well, isn’t that where one should stay? And frankly, twice my company paid the boutique hotel price as I was there for 3…
Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt an immediate change in your emotional and spiritual aura? Where you felt happier, more alive and more yourself than you’ve ever felt before? There’s something special about that place but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is, and you think, “there’s something I like about you.” I have, but it hurts my heart to say a place I love is a place that others refuse to visit. It is a place defined by its dark past, not given a chance to prove its development and incredible beauty. Don’t we all deserve a second chance? Bogotá prides itself as the largest city in Colombia and one of the largest in Latin America. At 8,660 feet above sea level, I stand amongst the clouds both literally and figuratively. On a brisk and misty day, I gaze over the entire city from my…
Fine art photographer and author Barry Epstein reveals some exciting things to do in Singapore that may persuade you visit. It seemed that my Singaporean wife and I were walking for miles in one of the many shopping malls in Singapore that clearly defined a new level of upscale. We were in the exotic Marina Bay Sands complex with its shopping, casino, convention center, science museum and more that has reshaped Singapore’s skyline since it opened in 2010. We had just come down from the 56th floor viewing platform that overlooks the central business district and the harbor. But you don’t need to spend the S$25 for the Sky Park viewing platform as you can see across to the beautiful Singapore business skyline from the ground floor in the shopping mall. You can walk through Louis Vutton store to get the best view and its free (although you will be…
Wild parties by the sea, jazzed up bars and fancy restaurants with a little bit of Eastern exoticism seem to define Bali these days. With a reputation that now seems more seedy than serene; this once tropical oasis appears to be losing its hold as one of the most coveted beach locales in the world. As a child, I had visited Bali and had fallen in love with its warm hospitality, wide expanses of tranquil paddy fields, glorious local cuisine, stretches of fine sandy beaches and mystical Hinduism. It was a land filled with endless wonder and I simply refused to give up on it. When my in-laws, aunts and uncles decided to visit Asia for the very first time, I was determined to find and show them the Bali I remembered. So, began a journey of nostalgia in a land still filled with marvel. The key to unlocking the…
Thursday, 28 February 2013
From Jasper's Icefields to Maligne Lake: A Panorama of Majestic Colors
Written by Habeeb Salloum
"You want to see the jewels of Jasper National Park! I suggest you take two tours: one to the Columbia Icefields and the other to Maligne Lake. They are two gems set in one of the most beautiful spots on earth," a resident of the town of Jasper advised when I asked him what were the most important sites to see during our four day stay in one of Canada's most charming parks. I thought of these renowned attractions as we settled down in our luxury abode, the Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge. I was thrilled with its picturesque panoramic setting. It was conducive to dreaming of traveling to the Columbia Icefields with their glaciers virtually as old as time itself and Maligne Lake, the charming jewel of Jasper National Park. We began our vacation by exploring the mountain resort town of Jasper nestled in the bosom of the Rockies. It…
Mount Kinabalu, at 13,455 feet above sea level, is the world's twentieth highest mountain. Its peak often pokes its head above the clouds whilst its lower parts are shrouded with mist from the surrounding rain forest, which, in turn, rise and mingle into spectacular cloud formations. Sited in Sabah, Borneo, it draws both novice and experienced rock climbers from many countries, challenging them to tackle its formidable faces and traverses. This author was much too old to join those eager to try, those folk who awoke at three a.m., donned their gear and in the tropical temperature, began their quest to reach the summit (where numbing cold awaits) and return to base before what was left of the day's light turned itself off. My tour of Sabah was to be much less strenuous. I wanted to witness and savor some of the other tourist attractions that the country could offer, just…
The Viceroy in Ubud, Bali was one of the highlights of our lengthy trip throughout Southeast Asia and Indonesia. With its gracious staff, newly built bungalows, and magical location – it definitely scores a 10. Upon arrival we were greeted with cool towels and welcome drinks by the friendly bell hops and explained the lay of the land by the helpful front desk staff. We were then taken down to our villa in a golf cart and shown around. We had a Deluxe Terrace Villa and it was beautiful. Our own plunge pool awaited us complete with a balé (lovely little open-air pavilion) perched above it. The room itself had a sitting area, king size bed loaded with pillows, walk in closet, huge marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and soaking tub built for two. The design was a mix of Balinese and European and we had a thick thatched…
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Saturday, 24 December 2011
Where Romance and Childhood Dreams Come Alive: Winter in Venice, Las Vegas
Written by Lesley Carter
The Venetian and The Palazzo, the world’s largest Five Diamond resorts, magically transformed into the most majestic winter surroundings Las Vegas has ever seen, creating Winter in Venice. An outdoor wonderland complete with a skating rink, charming string lights, brilliantly lit trees, holiday music, holiday treats, and displays set the scene. We were greeted by colorful characters wandering the property, spreading good cheer; we were dazzled by a spectacular light show performance; we were blessed with Santa's presence during the Santa Story Readings; we indulged in chocolate chips cookies and milk; we relaxed at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub; and we gazed into our future together while being serenaded by a gondolier. Winter in Venice made romance and our wildest imagination collide during our four night stay at the Palazzo in Las Vegas, Nevada.Located in the front of the resort, Doge's Palace offered plenty to see and experience. Surrounded by 30 larger-than-life snowflakes, ranging from 48 to 72 inches in diameter, more than 2,000…
I sat… wide-eyed, mouth dropped, as I watched them gracefully do the impossible, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. They glided through the air with an elegance and movement that I’d never experienced before. The Aerial Straps Duo opened Cirque du Soleil’s IRIS at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California with an atmosphere of light and shade as they soared, suspended from a single or double strap. They took off high above the stage and landed with grace and fluidity, delivering the performance of a lifetime. The show could have ended then and there and I would have felt that the tickets were well worth their price, but three more acts took my breath away, brought tears of enjoyment to my eyes, and made IRIS the most amazing production I’ve ever witnessed.Through visual language, acrobatics, and choreography, all interwoven with the narrative of the show, IRIS brought the splendor and sense of…
Having one of the world's biggest backyards means that nature and Canada go hand in hand. Every season in this massive country trumpets a new outdoor adventure, due to the ever changing climates in various regions. The glorious days of summer are no different as many Canadians (and thousands of travelers) take advantage of the hot weather by entering the wilderness and enjoying rugged or upscale styles of getting back to the simple things.In Ontario, there are a variety of small lakes where picturesque cottages, hotels, children’s camps and the great outdoors live together. We stayed at the first ever J.W. Marriott Resort in Canada, located on Lake Rosseau in the Muskoka region about 2.5 hours outside of the city of Toronto. The resort balances the wild outdoors and amazing comforts. Each day a complete schedule of activities is available; many of these are complimentary. Between the power walks in the…
I recently had the delight of a once-in-a-lifetime wine-tasting tour of Tuscany and Umbria.I arrived in Rome two days before the tour and stayed at a wonderful little Palazzo near the Vatican, Cardinal Cesi. This is a wonderful location within walking distance of so many of Rome’s attractions. The beatification for Pope John Paul 23rd was scheduled for Sunday, so it was very busy to say the least. Our bus picked us up in Rome and we started off for Montefalco, a delightful village in Umbria with a medieval feeling in its small streets and narrow alleys. It is a very religious community that has produced a total of eight saints. We stayed at the Villa Pambuffetti, a family owned and run hotel. The warm and intimate feeling made me believe we were visiting in someone’s home. The villa has an authentic Italian restaurant which uses local ingredients and serves…
What to do in the city of love and lights with only three days and three nights? With such an incredible array of options—where does one begin? Luckily, this was my fourth time to Paris, so I’ve been able to visit many different neighborhoods and attractions, but for my new husband it was his first trip, so I wanted him to get a good feel for it in our short time and gear it towards what he likes best – primarily art, history, and food. Though it was tough to choose, this was our lineup for a fabulous stopover on our honeymoon.What to do:Walk the lovely streets until you get tired, and then find a sidewalk café with a view of a small square and people-watch. This is the quintessential Parisian experience and what I would choose to do above everything else if I only had one day. Two self-guided…
Friday, 31 December 2010
Charlevoix, Quebec: From Music and Bootleggers to Scenic Landscapes and Charming Towns
Written by Habeeb Salloum
For three days we had gloried in Quebec City’s SAQ New France Festival - for 13 years, an annual extravaganza. A celebration of the first Europeans to arrive in North America, it is an exciting event with its musicians, street entertainment and fine French-Canadian food all engulfed in an aura of exhilaration and joy. On the last evening of our stay we capped our visit by attending ‘Les Chemins Invisibles,’ created by the famous Cirque du Soleil exclusively for Quebec City’s New France Festival. It was an evening of enthusiasm and ecstasy – what the Quebecois call ‘joie de vie’ (joy of life). As I stood among thousands of people listening to the clapping hands, my mind was some distance away, deep in thought, contemplating Charlevoix. Designated as a world biosphere by UNESCO in 1989, the region offers a breathtaking landscape that we planned to briefly explore. I had traveled…
I had to get away, clear my head. The year had more than its fair share of stresses, and I was readily distracted to the point where reading, writing and thinking were more difficult than ever before. My concentration had been diminished. It was early May. I had arranged a house trade in the Dorsoduro section of Venice for a couple of weeks, followed by time in Switzerland: Five days in a remote farmhouse in canton Uri and then a week in Vals, in canton Graubünden. I had been to all these locales and properties before – the summer prior and the one before that, too – and wanted, I thought, to repeat the experiences. As the summer approached, I realized that neither Venice nor Switzerland would address my need for clarity. So I sent an email to my friend Anita Gurnani, who runs Format Travel, based in New Delhi.…
John M. Edwards grabs his “beach-combers card” and celebrates Diwali (Festival of Lights) on the Indian Ocean Isle of Mauritius--once only the roost of dodos, now the boast of beach bums who before they discovered it couldn’t place this paradise on a map!
Friday, 22 January 2010
Phantom Forest Eco Reserve: Where Luxury Meets Ecology
Written by Dale Fehringer
Nestled in the hills above Knysna (pronounced “nighs-na”), in the middle of South Africa’s Garden Route, is a lodge that blends luxurious accommodation with environmental responsibility. It’s called the Phantom Forest, and it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever stayed.
From my hotel balcony in Pienza, I glimpse the tangle of the "strade bianche" – white roads radiating on the green backdrop of the Val D'Orcia. I've guided walking tours in the Tuscan countryside for years and never get tired of rediscovering a place that, in 2009, UNESCO declared a world heritage site. Long renowned for conical hills and towering cypress trees is a landscape that stands as testimony to the Renaissance architects that shaped it. Named for the white sand that covers them, these road networks provide miles of walkable trails for trendy tourists seeking healthy, green travel.
Until the early 1950’s, the remote valleys, alps, and mountain villages of Switzerland were cut off from the rest of the country. An influx of unprecedented post-war capital, fed by frightened investors who had witnessed the destruction of neighboring economies, created a huge federal surplus. Rather than sit on the money, invest it abroad, or initiate private-public entrepreneurial projects, the Swiss federal government, in cooperation with cantons (states) and smaller communities, decided to create a transportation infrastructure which today is a global model of efficiency and environmental good sense.
Thursday, 06 November 2008
Northern Holland's Unique Harborside Accommodations
Written by Lies Ouwerkerk
During a recent trip through the northern part of her native Holland, Lies Ouwerkerk discovered some interesting lodgings in unexpected places.
Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-ee-ka) is situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, with the rocky Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calming Caribbean on the other. A former colony of the United Kingdom, Dominica is now an independent country, having gained its independence from Britain in 1978. However, the Queen’s picture is still on the Eastern Caribbean (EC) money, because printing and circulating new money would be too costly for the island.
Saturday, 05 July 2008
Some Like It Hot: Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort
Written by Jonathan Hiltz
The Arenal volcano is one of the most active in the world and located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, only a two and a half hour drive from San Jose. It usually has minor eruptions every five to ten minutes and has been doing so since an incredibly large one on July 29th 1968.
The snow-capped Alps provided a striking background to the little town of Interlaken, allowing photographer Kelly Saunders to capture a glimpse into Swiss culture and culinary delights.
This luxurious hotel is a welcome respite in Aguas Calientes, Peru: “The Gateway to Machu Picchu.” Located just outside of the center and next to the Urumbamba River, the roaring sound of the current will lull you to sleep.
Arriving in Panama City airport at 10 p.m. December 22nd, we encountered immigration lines backed up to the foot of the down escalator, nearly causing a Three Stooges-style domino toppling effect as more and more people descended. Almost two hours later we were barreling along crowded roads in the van sent to pick us up, the driver explaining the stores were open 24-hours now and the traffic was the last mad-rush of holiday shoppers.
Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club is set in an old estate upon 380 acres of rolling grounds in Lenox, MA. It is one of the Historic Hotels of America and its centerpiece is a large mansion on top of a hill. The mansion houses Cranwell’s top rooms that are decorated with antiques instead of the modern décor of its other properties. It also has the Wyndhurst and Music Room Restaurants which serve breakfast and dinner. Even if you don’t go to eat, you should take a look around the mansion
Often called the “Las Vegas of the Middle East,” Dubai is a place where I’d heard it was possible to spend a lot of time and money indulging every worldly desire; including shopping, dining, sightseeing, pampering, even indoor skiing. All of which sounds exciting, but I was only planning a quick, shoestring trip to a few places around the world. My only indulgences would be to do an occasional load of laundry and maybe buy some chic French cigarettes. So when my travel agent suggested stopping over in Dubai for a couple of days
For those who are tired of vacationing in the same old typical hotel rooms and crave more adventurous accommodations, there are plenty of alternative options all over the world. Many travelers spend more time on their itineraries than they do on finding a place to stay. What some may not consider is that their choice in accommodations can make an ordinary vacation into a dream getaway.
For the first three days of our safari tour, she has eluded us. Our host, Corbis, offers a simple explanation: as one of Africa's stealthiest animals, the leopard can choose whether she'll be seen. He cautions us not to get discouraged, insisting she's always around you, sitting in the tall grass along the road, or high in a tree, lazing on a branch. He urges us to keep looking, saying that at any moment, without warning, you could find yourself facing her.
I must confess that I subscribe to some of those thick and glossy travel magazines. However, I don’t know why, because I’m never going to stay in any of the hotels they tout. Too expensive. And truth be told, I’d rather not stay in a hotel at all. Let me explain:
Sunday, 25 February 2007
Following in the Footsteps of James Herriot's Yorkshire Dales
Written by Beatrice Bolton
As one of the millions of people who have loved all of the books and television serials of James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful and All Things Wise and Wonderful, I have been entranced by the Yorkshire Dales. After recently visiting London, my husband and I took the M1 north to see for myself the place that I had been so inexorably drawn to.
‘The Castle’ in southern central Vermont is a little dip into old-fashioned luxury. It is a beautifully appointed restoration with an oval mahogany breakfast room and a library with supple leather couches, a big fireplace, and a grand piano. Its rooms are large and many feature claw foot tubs, writing desks, and fireplaces lit with candles as well as king-sized beds. This was the former home of Vermont governor Alan M. Fletcher and was the first home to be fully wired for electricity and to have an elevator. It was an elegantly completed English Coltswood mansion.
If you like wine, you must go to Mendoza, Argentina; Finca Adalgisa in particular. It is the smallest winery in Mendoza and the people are gracious, the place is lovely, and the wines are fantastic. A guide will bring you on a tour through the vineyard, estate, winery, and then lead you to the tasting area. My main experience with wine tasting had been in California and other places in the US, where you spend about 15 minutes standing at a bar waiting for the bartender to return so you can get another thimble-sized taste of wine.
The Plantation Inn on Maui is a tranquil oasis two blocks from the ocean in the center of Lahaina – a historic whaling town, and the original capital of Hawaii. Opened in 1973, the inn is now owned by Sir Run Run Shaw, a 100-year-old Hong Kong movie mogul and philanthropist.
Excepting childhood, I could lose a couple of digits and still count on one hand the weeks in my life I’ve spent barefoot. Xpu-Ha (ish poo HA) beach on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera was one of those weeks.
Ahh, the pleasures of staying in an old mansion in Buenos Aires. Every detail is accounted for here at a price you could never find in the US. When we arrived, we ended up walking right past it. Fortunately, the doorman came out after us and when we stopped to check the address, there he was, gathering up our bags and waving us back. The hot buzz of Buenos Aires faded
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