I had the privilege of visiting the recently opened hotel, Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Built as a Residence in 1842 for one of Bridgehampton’s prominent citizens, Topping Rose House has emerged from restoration as a delightful travel alternative in the Hamptons. Contemporary design by French designer Champalimaud, Topping Rose combines old house elements with new contemporary event spaces and cottages. Event space capacity is around 200 people. The 22 rooms and cottages are cleanly designed, relaxing, bright and cheerful. Service is spot on, with a young enthusiastic staff, ready to please.
The highlight to me is the Tom Colicchio restaurant. Mr. Colicchio’s philosophy of seasonal farm to table offerings are always an amazing experience. The goat cheese ravioli appetizer and spiced lobster entree were our favorites. Exceptional wine list and seasonal vegetables from a plethora of local sources make this a must return spot!
Backyard View
Pan Fried Kabeljou
Thriled to be there!
Stunning venue!
I was just so pleased to finally see the spectacular Orient Express Hotel Monasterio. I had heard so much about it, and my clients all raved about the wonderful service.I know now why the service is so incredible: the GM Gustavo de Leon. He is everywhere and adores his job! I have never seen such happy employees and that comes from the top.
We had the privilege of experiencing an Opera Dinner at Monasterio the first night after a cocktail party in the gorgeous Chapel at Monasterio( the chapel in no longer consecrated). What an incredible setting! I have never seen anything quite as glamorous. All that gold!
We were entertained by the number one Soprano in Peru, and her husband. The duets were unforgettable. What an amazing memory. Monasterio offers that dinner each Friday night. I recommend it to anyone. I will be sure to put it into every itinerary I plan for Cusco. Rooms are bright and comfortable- decorated with serious paintings and antiques. Not monastic in anyway. Such a thrill to be there.
Fresh squeezed orange juice, coca tea, selection of local fruits and cheeses- wow!
We had the pleasure of experiencing Palacio Nazarenas during our stay in Cusco and it was unforgettable.
Beautifully and lovingly managed by Floris Boyen. I have not experienced that caliber of attention to detail and service in a long time. Each member of the staff was warm welcoming, and full of smiles. I felt the warmth from the heart, it was not from instruction or training- although terrific training was evident. Floris’s passion for making us feel comfortable was palpable. The staff was happy and it showed.
The hotel’s historic decoration was impeccable. Every corner was filled with history. The rooms were large and light. The bathrooms were huge and BRIGHT! Happy colors of flowers everywhere. Palacio Nazarenas is the only hotel in Cusco that boasts a swimming pool- heated no less.
Emerging from 7 years of loving restoration, Orient Express has again brought to life another historic 300 year old palace/ convent. I think it is what Orient Express does best. They bring out the most important reflection of culture in beautiful structures around the world and turn them into fabulous settings for guests to enjoy in delightful luxury. Hotels such as Palacio Nazarenas’ sister Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, Peru.
Hotel Caruso, Vila San Michele, Hotel Splendido and Splendido Mare , and Hotel Cipriani in Italy. Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa San Andrea in Sicily, La Residencia in Spain to name a few. Their attention is just as focused on their iconic trains: the Royal Scotsman in Scotland, the Venice- Simplon Orient Express in Eastern Europe, the Eastern & Orient Express in Singapore, and the Hiram Bingham in Peru. And then there are their cruise ships: starting with Road to Mandalay- I could go on and on.
With our Butler, Barnaby and the darling Ximena behind the desk.
Orient- Express Regional Director of Sales, Asia Pacific
Our resident photographer
Notice the steepness of the terraces at MP
I slipped off to shoot some pics from the top. Huffing and puffing!!
We arrived at Machu Picchu at 1230P and for the next 4 and 1/2 hours, explored the ruins. What a photo op!
After our divine day at the site we visited Orient Express’s Sanctuary Lodge- located at the entrance of MP. When the crowds are gone you have the site to yourself.
We were treated to High Tea at Sanctuary Lodge -yum- before our amazing return trip back to Cusco on the Hiram Bingham. Met with trays of pink champagne, we thought the lunch trip was fun until we had the unforgettable experience of more singing, dancing dinner and drinks on our return. A very happy tired group tucked into bed that night at the gorgeous Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco- brand new sister hotel to the iconic Monasterio Hotel.
More about the hotels next!!
Astounding vistas
Fabulous, glamorous Molori in Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Image courtesy of Molori
Stunning Lodge!!
Seen in an arrangement at Molori, Madikwe South Africa
Yes the clay is really that color!
Image courtesy of Gavin Ford
Singita Ebony is done in a more traditional style, warm colors and lots of English Safari antiques and decorative accessories. Singita Boulders is more contemporary, walls are stacked boulders, and the color palate is soothing blues, taupes and greens. Both have an appeal and the staff in each is above par.
Next stops were the fabulous Singita Sabi Sands : Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders.
Singita Resorts and Lodges are always at the top of any Safari Lodge rating. They are in a class by themselves. The best rooms, staff, decoration, and amazing attention to detail. Like Royal Malewane, Singita employs impeccable staff and educates them well. They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, passionate, and extremely welcoming. No request is too difficult; one feels like you are in a private home. Care of their guests is extremely well thought out, down to a warm bubble bath waiting for you after an afternoon game drive- with a bucket of chilled champagne sitting on the tub!! Food selection is top notch – innovative, gourmet standard and the wine cellars are eminently well filled with thousands of bottles from all over the world to choose from. All part of their incredible service.
How were they able to keep the bubbles and the water hot????
Incredibly soothing.
One of the most beautiful and interesting Lodges we stayed in was Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.
It is home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite. The lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. Each of the suites features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic. Other facilities include an outdoor boma which walls are sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, an indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and unending bushveld, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden, Amani spa and an underground wine cellar with a collection of over 6000 bottles of rare wines.
Dispatches from the Road 