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Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp is a unique tented camp in one of the most animal rich parks in East Africa. The amazing thing about staying within Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is how surrounded by animals you are. It is so different from staying outside a park in a small village like we'd done the previous few nights. Being in their habitat and territory can be pretty unnerving for us city folk! One of the things we loved about this tented camp was the presence of many fearless Masaai tribespeople who are not intimidated by animals – they've been living near them their whole lives. 'Doctor' is in charge of the camp. He's a very funny guy who had a good-natured way of poking fun of all our fears. When we first arrived and got out of the jeep and walked right past a hyena we were pretty scared (have you…
One block from the main street of Ojai, California someone with a big heart is the innkeeper of a historic home turned into an elegant bed and breakfast. Her name is Kathy Hartley. Her goal is to pamper guests while they're staying in one of seven individually decorated rooms or the 1,000 sq. ft. cottage in the garden backyard. Kathy discovered a forlorn 1874 house in need of a little love called the Moons Rest Inn. The teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing purchased the inn and renovated it to be a comfortable bed and breakfast filled with antiques and local art. Located one street away from the hub of Ojai with it's art galleries, shops, and farm to table restaurants, she changed the name to the Lavender Inn and incorporated a small spa on the property. Throughout the year, couples reserve a room for a peaceful respite…
Monday, 31 October 2016
The Picos de Europa Mountains- Spain’s Best Kept Trekking Secret
Written by Stephanie Cooke
It happened so fast. I was crunching through deep snow, the top few inches of which had turned to slush in a rare morning of sunshine, carefully placing my feet in the footsteps of those who had gone before me, as instructed by our guide, Juan. Chest heaving with the effort of climbing, I planted my right foot firmly into the snow. Suddenly my boot broke through, overbalancing me and sending me sliding down the steep slope to my right. I closed my eyes in preparation for the long fall which must surely come, but instinct took over and I ploughed my arms and legs into the wet snow, icy particles showering me like cold diamonds. I opened my eyes to see a couple of trekking poles thrusting towards me, and, grabbing hold of them, was hauled back onto the path by two strong armed members of our trekking group.…
Charles Darwin described the country Belize in his 1842 book, Coral Reefs of the World, as “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies.” Snorkel and diving enthusiasts appreciate the 1,000 different live species, with 500 types of fish and 100 different varieties of coral. Belize has the South Water Caye Marine Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Stepping into the pleasant 83 degree water, the visibility is at least 100 feet. Belize borders Guatemala, Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This Northern Hemisphere diving area has atolls and hundreds of mangroves and coral sand islands. It’s home to one of the world’s largest populations of threatened West Indian manatees, endangered sharks and marine turtles. When two American divers and nature enthusiasts traveled to Belize in 2000, they fell in love with the beauty of the beach town, Hopkins. They enjoyed meeting the people in this English-speaking nation.…
“Would you like some milk?” “What?” I replied following a pause. After the long, torturous drive from Wanaka to Dunedin, it took a while to process anything. The roads in New Zealand range from curvy to torturous to slightly suicidal, the Kiwi engineers going with the mentality of “over and around” rather than “through.” Sure, sure—over and around is a fine mentality in places like Kansas, where there’s one hill and one medium-sized lake, but with as many mountains as New Zealand’s south island has, you feel like you’re following some two-year-old’s attempt at finding a way through a restaurant menu maze. “Oh like milk from a cow? Naw, I think we’re fine.” “Are you sure?” “Yeah.” She gave me a questioning look. “Well, I guess we’ll take some.” She sure was insistent. After disappearing into her house for a moment, she returned with a bottle. “Straight from the cow,”…
We can usually tell whether we will like a hotel by the greeting we receive when we first arrive. If the staff is prepared for us and happy to see us, it usually means they are content, well-trained, and they will take good care of us. The reception we received at Maison 557 in Siem Reap, Cambodia was cordial and welcoming. Jeff, the innkeeper, warmly greeted us when we walked through the hotel’s front gate, and he was there to help with our bags and offer us a welcome drink. He asked about our backgrounds and interests and then escorted us to our room. We felt like we had arrived at a friend’s house. We were in Siem Reap to explore the nearby temples and ruins at the Angkor complex. This former capital city of the Khmer empire is vast – extending over 75 square miles – and to do…
Like a perfect soft-boiled egg---marigold orange--nestled in a hand carved wooden egg cup, Goldegg, the village, is tucked into a crease of the Austrian Alps, just south of Salzburg. You couldn’t dream up a more charming location for a healthful and relaxing vacation. Easy enough to reach by car, my husband and I chose to train it; and as our railcar rattled past brimming sunflower fields and through dark mountain tunnels, escorted on our right by the turquoise Salzach River, we snaked our way to the town of Schwartzach where we disembarked with only a smattering of others, all natives save ourselves. A wink of a taxi ride up the steep slope of a mountain delivered us to the Hotel zur Post where we were to spend the next 5 days. Perched beside a small lake overseen by the local church and castle, Goldegg could be described as a hamlet.…
I was feeling like a Purdue Chicken, trapped in the four walls of my concrete New York apartment, stacked over countless others. Yes, there’s a beautiful vista outside our wall of windows...but I felt contained. Trapped. Sitting at my computer, absorbing who knows what toxic rays, with only an occasional foray into the kitchen for coffee and a snack or a bit of yoga in front of the flat screen oversized TV, I was feeling achy and depressed--too frequently. Not quite as restricted as the chicken, perhaps. And eating a better diet. But not breathing fresh air. And not getting real exercise. The thought of negotiating the elevator and then NYC traffic with my bicycle or pounding the concrete walkways (even if they were in Central Park or along the Hudson) was not appealing enough to get me outside on a clammy autumn day. What to do?! Why not get…
Bamboo Nest is the ultimate rural Thai escape It’s so far off the beaten path, in fact, that the owners, Nok and Noi, had to put in a road beyond an already remote village just so people could gain access.Nok is so sweet - she will come to pick you up anywhere in Chiang Rai and drive you back to her retreat; the airport, the bus station, a guest house, or in our case... a bar. My heart was in my throat on the last part of the journey to her land; the angle is straight up at some points and we were very close to the edge of the cliff at others. I took some relief in the fact that she drives this route twice a day!Once we arrived the relaxation began as there was not much to do besides lay in the hammock on our cottage’s porch and…
While my wife and I were cruising the back roads of a seemingly forgotten area of Veracruz, Mexico to the Eco-resort of Nanciyaga, I marveled at the untouched landscape. Roads, although paved, were filled with blemishes inviting the tires to explode; however, this was an afterthought as many treacherous single lane roads curve around steep drop-offs. We stopped countless times to take in the picturesque views, until finally my camera’s battery ran out of juice. We were in a race against the setting sun, wanting to stop and stare after every few bends in the road, opening itself up to a new view, a new thought, a new adventure. Fruit orchards were massive, placed sporadically in the distance also near enough to reach out from the window to pluck a perfectly grown orange, among other fruits. Sugarcane was being hauled to the nearest city by a fleet of large…
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Kashmir Cottage, contrary to what the name suggests, is located not in Kashmir but at the end of a sleepy road turning left off the main thoroughfare connecting McLeod Ganj, or Molo Ganj as it is known to the local Tibetan population, and the main town of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. The road branching off to the cottage is narrow and winding; with thick vegetation on both sides and nearer to the cottage you are met by signs of ‘Slow Down Children Playing’, ‘Mind the Flowers’ and ‘No Horn’. The relevance of these signs, urging one to be sober in general, becomes apparent when one realizes the claim to fame of the Kashmir Cottage – this used to be the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama’s mother, Dekyi Tsering. Now, it is owned and run as a guest house by the Dalai Lama’s sister-in-law, Rinchen Khando Choegyal and the youngest…
After a five hour van ride with a driver that only spoke Spanish, driving down into the dirt roads to the little town of Nosara was a relief. We pulled up to the Gilded Iguana with daylight to spare and brought our bags through their yard and into the open café and bar area, which also serves as the check-in desk. I had researched the area intensely before deciding on the Gilded Iguana for our “surf” portion of our Costa Rican adventure. It was located so close to the beach, the walk was easy – which was essential to our ‘no rental car’ trip. For those who are looking for a ritzy ‘high end’ escape, look elsewhere. If you want a truly Costa Rican “Pura Vida” (pure life) no-strings-attached, relaxing, ‘make yourself at home’ place to stay, you’ve found it at the Iguana. The Iguana is located down the dirt…
Hanoi, Vietnam is a city that has no equal. Not because it’s superlatively lavish. Nor is it due to any specific tourist attraction – as Hanoi is best as a base to see things an hour or two from the city. Hanoi just happens to be one of the most unique cities in all of Southeast Asia.The streets of Hanoi are so crowded with motorbikes it makes Bangkok feel like a calm day in Central Park. Crossing even the smallest street is an exercise in faith in your fellow humans that your camp counselors could never have prepared you for no matter how many trust falls you’ve done. But amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, a certain calm permeates the people. Unlike most Asian countries, no one is really thrilled to see white people. You regain a certain sense of anonymity in the city, as well as most…
Traveling through Southeast Asia, you will be hard pressed not to stumble upon some of the most relaxing guesthouses the world over. Set on rivers, on oceans, or even in the middle of nowhere, there is a certain calm about the land that seeps deep into your veins, soothing every last ion your body has to offer.No establishment is more guilty of exuding this Zen-like aura than Bodhi Villa in Kampot, Cambodia. The guesthouse is infamous for ensnaring travelers in its web, curtailing their journeys and rendering them utterly defenseless against a complete lack of desire to move on. The most drastic case was a visitor who planned a week’s stay, and was still there not days, not weeks, but 11 months later.Set on the bank of the humble Kampong Bei River, Bodhi Villa’s open layout has the feel of a large tree house. A small, square dock rests in…
Our trip to Morocco would not have been complete without a few days in Fes, but I have to admit that we weren’t fully prepared for the hectic pace of life in the Medina (old walled area) of this ancient city. Thankfully, we stayed at Riad Laaroussa! Fes is one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world, and life in its Medina has changed little over the centuries. Today, the 9,000 narrow winding streets are filled with bazaars, craft workshops, tanneries, fruit and spice stalls, and throngs of people, mopeds, and donkeys. Our days in Fes were hot, exciting, and hectic; as there is a lot to do in Fes and the surrounding area. At the end of each day we craved a calm, safe haven. Our haven turned out to be Riad Laaroussa. Once inside we could relax, sip mint tea, and reminisce about the day’s…
Situated in the middle of the world’s largest salt flats lies one of this planet’s most unique, if not resourceful hotels. Bolivia’s “Hotel de Sal” sits alone atop a vast plain of milk colored and perfectly level salt at 3600 meters above sea level in Southern Bolivia. It is more reminiscent of an oversized skating rink than a piece of land. While nearing the Salt Hotel the sun reflects powerfully into the eyes of trespassers, seemingly providing a deterrent and begging people to turn back from its desolate and isolated environment. Its blinding locale seems to be one of the worst suited to a hotel, yet each year thousands of people flock to this obscure hideaway for a chance to stay in a hotel made entirely of salt.
Glenburn Tea Estate is one of the most special and unique places in India. The former quarters of a British tea estate owner has been meticulously restored in grand style and its lounges, verandahs, gardens and rooms are the perfect place to relax after traveling around India. At Glenburn, the hospitality is genuine and your every need is taken care of.
Tuesday, 01 September 2009
Sunrise Beach Resort: An Urban Oasis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Written by Bryan Bourgault
The ticket agent couldn’t help but revel in my misfortune. “The train has left,” he announced, motioning out to the lonely track and beyond to the sprawling, oily expanse of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. “And tomorrow?” I squeaked, unable to conceal my distaste for the city. “Next train,” he said, his cruel smile widening, “three days.” Reluctantly, I bought a new ticket.
You may be picked up by motor boat from the capital of Gambia, Banjul, if the owner of Madiyana Safari Lodge happens to be in town. Though chances are you’ll have to find your way to this remote island by ferry, bush taxi, a pinasse boat, or perhaps … a donkey cart. Don’t let this discourage you; it will only add to your Robinson Crusoe experience!
The Médoc region of Bordeaux produces some of the best known and most expensive wines in the world, and the hotel choices in the area seem priced to match. Unless you’re a professional in the wine industry, or on a luxury tour of the area with a first-class tour operator, it’s hard to get into the wineries and to find decent lodging options in the area without having to return to the city of Bordeaux each day. Or there is the option of paying an arm and a leg to stay in one of the shabbily maintained hotels in a riverside town along the Médoc wine route: the D2. If you are willing to venture a little farther afield (and into the wilds of the Médoc’s interior), you will find the delightful V en Vertheuil Inn, with just three large, modern, well-appointed rooms, and a price tag that comes in…
When you enter Architects Inn (also known as George Chaplin Mason House) in Newport, RI and glance around at the highback chairs, settee, and sherry set out after dinner, you may, for a moment think you’ve stepped into another era. That is until your casual, young, relaxed host appears to greet you. Nick is very engaging and shared his opinions of where to go and what to do in town and made us feel at home. He gave us a brief tour of the lovely downstairs – the dining room, parlor, and living room before helping us upstairs with our luggage.
Alaska is known for a variety of attractions that lure in tourists year after year. Highlighted among those are the ever-popular Mt. McKinley, Denali National Park, an array of wildlife, fresh salmon, breathtaking sights and simple serenity. Each of these appeals is at your fingertips when you stay at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.
We were weeks into our cross-country road trip when we arrived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, home of the Blues. It was there that Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in return for his musical abilities. My boyfriend, an avid Blues fan, had read about The Shack Up Inn on the internet, and, on a whim, we decided to stay a night. What makes this place special is that for a reasonable price, you can stay in an authentic share-cropper’s shack that had been converted to accommodate travelers and Blues fans alike.
Saturday, 05 July 2008
Costa Rica's La Botella De Leche Hostel: The Budget Traveler's Dream
Written by Chad Jarrah
When visiting Costa Rica, there are numerous activities that the traveler may have on his or her checklist of things to do. Maybe embark on a safari in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tour guides can point out all the animal and plant life of this beautiful rainforest, or offer a bird’s eye view of the forest with a canopy tour complete with a recreational zip line for the adventurous soul. A possible trip to the Poas Volcano National Park is always a great reason for travel.
This little Scottish island can quickly steal your heart away, and for many it has. Nestled on the west coast of Scotland, between the islands of Islay and Jura and the mainland of the Kintyre peninsula, Gigha (pronounced with a hard ‘g’ - Gee-ah), has an extensive history contained with its six mile long and one and a half mile wide stretch of land.
Tuesday, 04 March 2008
Sleeping in a Volcano: Chile's Magic Mountain Lodge
Written by Dale Fehringer
Deep within Chile’s beautiful Lake District lies a small lodge shaped like a volcano, and furnished like a tree house, complete with every modern comfort. It’s called the Magic Mountain Lodge (La Montaña Magica), and it was our pleasure to stay there last November.
It was a wet November afternoon in Arenal, Costa Rica, and we were driving from the lush, dense jungle of the Northern Lowlands to our next stop: Villas Kalimba in Playa Samara, a beach town on the northwest coast of the Pacific.
Whether you come to Buenos Aires for the history, shopping, food, nightlife, or because you have an abiding fascination with Evita, the Art Hotel in the bustling Barrio Norte neighborhood is a great place to call home during your stay.Part of a family of inns and boutique hotels called “Rusticae,” Art Hotel is a little gem
Located in the heart of the bohemian paradise of Bellavista, Hotel Del Patio is a hip, ten-room boutique alternative to Santiago’s larger hotel chains. Though surrounded by the breathtaking Andes with their vertiginous snowy peaks and ambling along the trickle of water known as the Mapocho River, Santiago does not have the charms or character of other South American cities. It is not as messy or chaotic or friendly as Buenos Aires or Cusco.
I was tired of the stampede of tour buses throughout Italy this summer, so I began looking for a place to try to experience Italy without a bunch of other tourists and bad souvenir shops. I had an extra week of time to spend in Italy and I wanted to find something different. I was done with shopping and seeing ruins, so I set out to find a place to enjoy the beautiful blue seas that Italy had to offer – I wanted to sail! I searched all over for a nice, quiet location with sailing instruction; and with a mid-range budget I never really thought I would find a place that would fit all of these things. However, Google pulled up Le Zagare in Ischia, my paradise in the tourist filled country of Italy!
If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to stay in Paris with charming character and a great location, you needn’t look any further: the Hôtel de Nesle (pronounced “nell”) is your place. An acquaintance introduced me to this gem two years ago, and it has since become my regular landing spot whenever I’m in Paris.
Before I set foot inside a ryokan, the Japanese version of a country inn, I pictured what we have here in New England: Rustic, low-key, old-fashioned, creaking floorboards, pleasant and garrulous hosts, simple fare of roasted, overcooked meats, and incredibly stodgy, faux upscale service. I should have known better.
Villa Saada is a restful refuge on Morocco’s Atlantic coastline, close to Essaouira. When you’re ready for some peace after the hustle (& hustlers) of Marrakech – this is the place to escape to. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by the friendly smiles of all who work there, as everyone comes out to greet the guests, a very welcoming touch. As you enter the first courtyard you’ll notice the lovely décor inside these cool walls, and the quiet, as you are about 15 km from Essaouira and down a long driveway. We were offered tea upon arrival and took it in the nice salon in front of the fireplace. Even though it was not cold outside, Momo, the excellent waiter/driver/cook started a nice fire in minutes.
Want to feel further from everything in your busy life? The Tuckamore Lodge in northwestern Newfoundland is a perfect escape. It is surrounded by wilderness and is incredibly quiet, despite the roar of crickets singing. The warmth of Barb Genge, the owner, is infectious and I felt happier as soon as I arrived and was welcomed by her. The lodge sits next to a large lake which reflected the trees like glass.
The Inn at Walnut Bottom in Cumberland, Maryland is a delicious place to stop if you are traveling through this area. The house is a well-maintained older Victorian and the rooms are large and nicely furnished with antiques, but the best thing about it is the breakfasts.
A friend of mine is looking through my pile of pictures from Isla Mujeres, Mexico and asks me why I have postcards in the stash? I laugh hardily and answer, “Those are not postcards. They are pictures from our hotel room.” All I recall of Hotel Secreto are postcard moments, from the view of the inviting pool to the outdoor bar where the moonlight is as perfect as the tropical weather.
Vila Franca is a small, affordable guest house in downtown Santiago that exudes comfort and style. After greeting us, its friendly owners immediately made us feel at home in their cushy living room and relaxing courtyard. The rooms, uncluttered and spotless, had comfortable beds, fine linens, and nice furniture. They weren't big, but what they lacked in size, they made up for in design. Large, shuttered windows looking over a pleasant street made the experience complete.
Rajasthan is a mesh of overlapping threats. The scorching heat which from the sands of the Thar Desert and the threat of aggressive cheap jacks around every bend both smack of Dante's Inferno. The food is usually more chili powder than sustenance and the combination of these things is enough to check most travelers before they even put their shoes on. Typical vacationers have little interest in places where their intestines periodically feel as though they've been sucked into a Dirt Devil.
We were on our way out of Aukstaitija National Park on the Eastern border of Lithuania near Russia, a beautiful, peaceful park filled with lakes and trails. We were winding down a little road thorough a tiny village (rapidly escaping the place we’d stayed the night before that I refused to stay in again) when we saw the sign for Hotel Labanoras.
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