Buddhist Monk – Mandalay
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Category Archives: Destination weddings
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – like coming home
It’s the little things: being welcomed with jasmine bracelets
Orchids all over the room
The elevator attendant that punches your floor without being told.
Being called by name by everyone.
Ice, our maitre’d at breakfast, who always has a plate of mangosteens and fresh sliced mangos at my place.
Eating breakfast on the river- watching the ever vibrant boat traffic.
600 count sheets
Local fruit placed in our room everyday.
The hall butler who runs to unlock our door before I can fumble for my key
The white chocolate elephant with candies and personally signed welcome notes.
The pool beverages constantly being refilled without being asked
Smiles on every employee
The night note on our pillow with an orchid
Bright lights in the bathroom
Unlimited refreshing bath salts
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Pool
Welcome note
One of 8 buffet tables at the Mandarin Oriental breakfast
Singita Sabora Tented Camp- amazing food quality from a tent!
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Recipes from the Road: Malva Pudding- Singita Grumeti Camps
Singita Sasakwa- image courtesy of Singita
Singita Sasakwa- image courtesy of Singita
Recipes from the Road: Singita Grumeti Saskwa
Probably the finest resort in East Africa, Singita Sasakwa is unrivaled in elegance.
Patterned after an English Manor House, Sasakwa sits over the Grumeti Plain offering magnificent views of game below.
Recipes from the Road: picture courtesy of O&O Capetown
ROASTED PEARS WITH ORANGE-DATE PUREE, BRANDY ANGLAISE AND CRISP CINNAMON WAIVERS
9 pears, peeled, cored and quartered
1 cup sugar syrup
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pulp and pod of 1 vanilla bean
6 medjool dates, julienned, plus 3 chopped
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ cup water
Pear-brandy anglaisse
Cook the pears with the sugar syrup, lemon juice and vanilla pulp and pod over medium heat for 10 minutes or until tender.
To prepare the dates: cook the julienned dates in orange juice until just warm. Remove the dates and reserve the juice. Dice 2 tablespoons of the dates for garnish.
To make the date puree, place 3 chopped dates in a blender with the water and the reserved orange juice. Puree for three minutes or until smooth.
Pear-brandy anglaisse
¼ cup sugar
½ cup cream
½ ripe pear, peeled, cored and diced
2 tablespoons brandy
Dissolve the sugar in the cream over medium heat. Add the pear and simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the pear is softened. Puree the mixture and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in the brandy. Re-blend just before serving.
Crisp cinnamon, ginger wafers
1 cup caster sugar
4½ oz golden syrup
1 stick plus 1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
4½ oz plain flour
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper. Combine sugar, golden syrup, butter, orange juice and zest in a sauce pan over low heat until the butter has melted. Stir thoroughly, and then remove from the heat. Sift the flour and spices into a bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in the golden syrup mixture and stir until well combined and smooth. Drop small teaspoons of the batter onto the prepared baking trays, leaving 2 inches between each one to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 minutes, until an even golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
One and Only Capetown- picture courtesy of O&O
Amanzo’e- Picture courtesy of Amanresorts
Amanzo’e – Picture courtesy of Amanresorts
Amanresorts to open another spectacular property this summer!
Amanresorts, the ultra luxurious collection of beyond fabulous hotel resort properties will open another resort this summer- Amanzo’e.
This from Anamresorts:
Comprising a 38-suite resort and an Aman Spa, Amanzoe is Amanresorts’ third Mediterranean retreat – the Greek complement to Montenegro’s Aman Sveti Stefan and Turkey’s Amanruya. Drawing its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and zoe (pronounced zoi), the Greek word for ‘life’, Amanzoe is situated on a hilltop close to the quaint town of Porto Heli on the east coast of the Peloponnese. The resort offers almost 360º panoramic sea views as well as a private Beach Club in a picturesque bay.
If it is anything like the other carefully thought out resorts, it will be a smashing success! Can’t wait to see!
Wellesley Knightsbridge opening in London 2012
I am delighted to hear that Stefano Lodi and his team are opening a fabulous new hotel in London – December 2012.
Located on one of London’s most prestigious addresses in Knightsbridge is the site for a new 36 suite luxury hotel scheduled to open on 1st December 2012, which will parallel the very best of hotels in the world.
The Wellesley, is located at 11 Knightsbridge, managed by City and Country Hotels and is being developed by Rhimesong at a cost of £36 million, the property was formerly commercial offices.
The hotel will take on both a contemporary and classic style with interiors created by award-winning design experts Fox Linton, combining the building’s 1920s art deco history and glamour with stylish contemporary touches. In addition to its 36 suites, the hotel will incorporate a Cigar Lounge and Terrace, The Crystal Bar, The Oval Restaurant, and the Jazz Room.
Can’t wait to see!
Suite rendering of the cool new Hotel Wellesley opening in London Dec 2012
Favorite destinations- Masai Mara Kenya
I am fondly looking forward to my return to SE Asia.
I have started to plan my semiannual return to Bangkok, another visit to magical Myanmar, and site inspections in Krabi and Phuket Thailand. Myanmar is a really hot travel destination and I want to do a run on the fabulous Road to Mandalay- the Orient Express cruise on the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar. I also want to check the iconic Strand Hotel and Governor’s Residence in Yangon. I am so happy to see Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake again. The people of Myanmar are so dear, and so happy to have guests again visiting their country. I am including some pictures from my last visit. Visas are necessary for Myanmar so I have sent off my visa application. One has to apply 3 months out. Weather will be hot and humid- yay!
Welcome To Atlanta’s New International Terminal
I just received this from Delta concerning their exciting new terminal:
On May 16th, the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal will open at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This state-of-the-art, LEED-certified terminal will accommodate more passengers and make international travel a breeze.
Most international flights will arrive at Concourses E or F, although some international flights from “pre-cleared” countries will arrive on Concourses T through D.
If Atlanta is your final destination:
You will proceed through Passport Control and claim your baggage at the new international terminal.
You will no longer need to recheck your baggage upon exiting Customs.
There is a passenger pickup area and ground transportation center at the new international terminal.
From the international terminal, complimentary shuttles are available to both the domestic terminal which includes MARTA, as well as to the rental car center.
Since you are departing Atlanta prior to the new terminal’s opening and returning after its opening, please note the following:
If you parked at the domestic terminal and your flight arrives at the international terminal, you may take the complimentary shuttle bus to the domestic terminal.
If someone is picking you up at the airport, please let him or her know you will arrive at the new international terminal, which is accessible from Interstate 75.
Please visit delta.com for more information about the international terminal.
Harvest time at Vina Vik
We are delighted to find that we have arrived at harvest time!
Harvest depends on the perfect time of grape maturation – four factors influence the harvest timing: tannins, chemical analysis , maturation, and sugar level.
Grapes at Vina VIK are a combination of Carmenere and Cabernet Savignon , Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. The Vina Vik winery aims to be the top wine in Chile – 100 points. They also strive to be the greenest and most organic in Chile. Tonight they begin picking the grapes at 1AM while it is cool.
Vina VIK vineyard is located 2 hours above Santiago. The valley is spectacular- green, green, green- mountains circle all around . Our host is Gonzague de Lambert.
One fact I learned: sulfites are in all wines for a fruit preservative. Vik keeps the sulfiltes very low for a more natural taste. A good harvest depends on weather conditions, light, rain, soil, the subjective decisions made during the growing year and the timing for harvest.
Cristian Vallejo is the winemaker; he along with Gonzague, make an invincible team. The combination of vast winemaking knowledge, dedication to detail for the year in- year out effort and passion for great wine is impressive. I have no doubt Vina Vik Vineyards will have the number one red wine, and it will be very soon
Explora Patagonia
I tried my panorama lense.
Room at Explora Patagonia
Explora Patagonia lobby
Singular Patagonia
Top Hotels in Southern Chile
Singular Puerto Bories Patagonia
We stayed at the brand new Singular property near Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia
It was a sheep processing plant built between 1906 and 1914, and closed during WW11 . It is family owned and operated. The architect kept the factory fittings in the main building and added contemporary rooms onto one wing. 60 rooms and suites are in the hotel. Rooms are large and very spacious in feel. Windows are floor to ceiling Bathrooms are well lit and spacious. The decor follows the industrial chic direction of the factory. Walls are metallic, ceilings were cement color. Predominant colors were earth tones with grey and black. contemporary feel. Uncluttered and pleasant. Meals and We found the restaurant delightful.
One goes to Patagonia to hike, kayak, fish, horseback ride, mountain climb, rock climb. I have never in my life seen such glorious scenery.. Two major parks, the Andes mountain chain, lake and glaciers are your focus One plus for Singular is they cover all of the area including Torres del Paine National Park. They also offer speedboating to see the Seranno and Balmaceda Glaciers, Patagonia Fiords and Lago Azul The negative is that it takes 2 hours to drive to the park, so your day starts early. Singular offers three activity levels for guests and about 30 offerings of trekking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and boating, kayaking. All guided by an expert staff. They can be half day or whole day activities. One major note: in the summer one will be contending with gale force winds on you hikes. Be prepared with wind resistant clothing.
Explora Patagonia
It is all about the view at Explora. You are situated right in front of the Devil’s Horns in the
Torres del Paine National Park. Explora is situated in the middle of the park. The view is beyond breathtaking. They also offer three levels of activities and about 35 choices of things to do. So activites can more flexible, which can be very good because the weather is often highly unpredictable .They have a strict 4 night minimum, Singular does not have that restriction. The hotel seems more like a lodge. Rooms are smaller and more simple, as well as small bathrooms. But it is all about the view and convenience of being right in the park. Explora also offers meals, transfers and activities.
At the bottom of the world
Suites with plunge pools. Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat
Pool Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat
Pool Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat
Lobby Grand a hotel du Cap Ferrat
Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat in St Jean Cap Ferrat
Another fabulous hotel I visited was Grand hotel du Cap Ferrat in St Jean Cap Ferrat. Old world service, gorgeous rooms and public areas, a delightful pool at the bottom of the property that can be reached by a finicular. A Terrace restaurant that was so peaceful. Gardens again were beautiful. Their spa was awesome by the way- it leads out into it’s own private garden. They have also done fabulous renovations and I am posting pictures of some of the rooms.
Lobby Hotel du Cap-heaven!
Lunch selection Eden Roc
Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc
I had the distinct privilege of being invited to lunch at Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc during ILTM. They are closed for the season, so I got to see all the new renovations to the rooms. Divine! Hotel du Cap is probably the Grand Dame of the Cote d’Azur. It is legendary for it’s beauty, service food and location. The vistas are grand indeed. Gorgeous old gardens, the hotel is set in 22 acres of pine forest.
The following description is from Wikipedia which says it all:
Built originally as a private mansion Villa Soleil (Villa of the Sun) in 1863, the Hotel du Cap, in Antibes on the French Riviera, first opened its doors to guests in 1870.
Gerald and Sara Murphy, a young American couple who had expatriated to France in the 1920s, once rented the hotel for an entire summer, a unique event for the era as the French Riviera was not a summer destination at the time, but a winter escape for the wealthy. With the Murphys came many legendary writers and artists of the Lost Generation, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.
The hotel was for many years famously known for not accepting any kinds of credit cards. Cash only was accepted though most guests wired money ahead of their stay. In 2006 this policy was finally dropped.
This famous 5 star property is composed of 3 buildings : – The Hotel du Cap. – The Eden-Roc. – Les 2 Fontaines.
Each year, the managing director launches renewations in order to offer the best prestations. In 2011, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has received 3 awards for “the best rooms”, “the best european resorts” and “the most immaculate service”, which are the resultats of years of work for the managing team and also all the staff; all dedicated to the well-being of their guests.
Lots of famous firms and celebrities came and still come to the Hotel in order to organize events or just to enjoy the Riviera’s pleasures. The key-word is discretion, and that’s probably the key reason of the success of this property “one of a kind”.
The location is almost perfect : the Cap d’Antibes is between Nice and Cannes, and there are a lot of splendid spots to discover. Inside and outside the hotel, guests enjoy several activity. For example, inside the Hotel, there are two clay tennis court, a Spa with “La Prairie” treatments, a overflow swimming pool with an astonishing view on the mediterannean sea, fitness, shopping, hair dresser and of course 9 acres of verdure.
Guests can also enjoy the amazing “cabanas” : hidden in the roc in front the sea, the cabanas are a wonderful place to enjoy the sun and the sea.
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Suite Hotel du Cap
View from suite 33. Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc
View from suite 33. Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc
Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc
Carlton hotel Nice – all done up for Christmas!
Cap Estel, Eze France
Lobby of Cap Estel, Eze
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Bar Cap Estel. Not for the faint hearted- gin and tonic was 18Euros.
Dispatches from the Road 