View from my terrace. Cap Estel. Eze
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View from my terrace. Cap Estel. Eze
View from Garza Blanca
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On my walk Las Alamandas
Nice place to have margaritas
Plunge pool
Pillows on a bed Las Alamandas
A new property in Puerta Vallarta- Garza Blanca
On our last night in Puerta Vallarta, we stopped over at a marvelous new hotel, Garza Blanca on the coast 30 minutes from the airport. It was a famous old hotel, but it has been completely renovated from the ground up. It has been running now for two years. We were given the 2 bedroom penthouse suite-overlooking the beach , Puerta Vallarta and the pool area. It was delightful. The design is contemporary, clean lines and wonderful warm Mexican colors -divine artwork everywhere. I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
The restaurant, Blanca Blue already in the top five restaurants in PV, served one of the most memorable meals I have had in a very long time. Puerta Vallarta has a famous gourmet international food festival- this is the 17th year, and the hotel has visiting celebrity chef Jonatan Gomez Luna. We had the privilege of dining with the most charming and able GM, Miguel Andres Hernandez and Mary Carmen Lopez, the sales coordinator. We had the tasting menu that evoked images of elBulli from Spain. They were experimenting with molecular tastes that change in your mouth. 15 items from liquid olive, to cotton candy tree( melted foie gras wrapped in cotton candy-my favorite),Mexican corn truffle, etc,etc. Absolutely out of this world!!! The festival is from November 10-20th. Be sure to stop by Blanca Blue restaurant if you happen to be in the Puerta Vallarta area. A taste sensation!
Room inspection Las Alamandas
I found the rooms at Las Alamandas to be bright, spacious, and authentically Mexican. I felt a great sense of place staying there. Renovations had been done recently and everything was light and very colorful. There is a choice of 30 pillows, and the linens were quite fine. Most of the rooms have jacuzzis, some have
private plunge pools. All are either oceanfront or ocean view. All the bathrooms have been recently renovated.
The only drawback is the 2 hour drive fro PV to the property, but the owner is exploring the air shuttle service from PV airport, and the transfer would be 30 minutes.
Bedroom LasAlamandas
One of the rooms
One of the rooms -Las Alamandas
Casa Isabelle-las Alamandas
Hotel Garza Blanca and Restaurant Blanca Blue
View from one of the villas Las Alamandas
Unspoiled luxury Las Alamandas
A little gem near Puerta Vallarta- Las Alamandas
I am completely blown away by a small resort on the west coast of Mexico called Las Alamandas. A Virtuoso property, I had heard the name though the years, but I never seemed to give it a good look. The property was left to Isabelle Goldsmith by her grandfather 20 years ago, and building it into a 5 star property has been her passion. The grounds are impeccable, las Alamandas is a trumpet shaped yellow flower- native to this area. Hundreds of palms line the beach, the sound of the waves is thundering. You are lulled into relaxation without even realizing it! The really great thing about the property is that Isabelle owns all the acreage around it, so it is completely unspoiled. No encroachment as far as the eye can see. Your won private paradise! It has 17 rooms and villas. I am going on an exploration of rooms next.
Entry Las Alamandas
Las Alamandas
Las Alamandas
Las Alamandas a little gem near Puerta Vallarta
Anna Trzebinski is coming to Atlanta!
Please stop by Betty Jo Currie’s home to see all the latest exciting designs from fabulous Kenyan designer, Anna Trzebinski. Wednesday 12-4 and Thursday 10-4. Her husband Lemarti will talk about their Camp, Lemarti’s, Wednesday night. Proceeds go to Tribal projects in Kenya.
A look at an interesting camp in Kenya
Fascinating creations. Please stop by if you are in Atlanta.
Hats off to Bones – Atlanta
After another amazing lunch today and having had my son’s DIVINE Birthday dinner last week, I have to stop and give this restaurant a well deserved mention.
Starting with the unparalleled wine list posted on an iPad-the first in the country to do so- they have dotted their i’s on every level. Steaks are their specialty and their filets melt in your mouth. No better in Atlanta.
Upon arrival one is welcomed by name by Marty, Emile and or Dan and seated immediately if at all possible. The feel is warm and clubby, and the waiters are like family. One particular waitstaff member, Johnathon watched over both my son’s proposals to their brides-actually the whole staff seem to be in on it! He stops to see the grandchildren’s pictures every time I have dinner there. One of the secrets to Bones is the length of stay of their waitstaff. They are career not just temporary. They know their clients and that name recognition goes a long way. Bones is firmly but lovingly guided by Susan DeRose and Richard Lewis. They absolutely have that golden touch. They also own Blue Ridge Grill and OK Cafe.
If you want a place to take clients and have them impressed or just want to be fluffed, there is no better spot in Atlanta. Simply the best.
2 September, 2011 01:40
Birthday boy with Kelly Clarkson at Bones
Fabulous new IPad interactive travel app from A&K
I just downloaded a fabulous new travel app from the IPad app store called The World of A&K.
It is free and a fabulous interactive app with sections on exotic travel, extreme travel, family travel, etc. You can really have fun with this one!
Pudong Shanghai
Chinese flag
Sunrise Shanghai
Shopping in Shanghai
For folks that love to shop, Shanghai can be considered by many Nirvana. The Ritz Carlton engaged a company called Shopping Tours Shanghai for a day activity for our group.
Two ladies, Suzy Fewtrell and Claire Theaker-Brown who are residents of Shanghai took us on a day of high powered shopping. They questioned us on what we wanted to see and proceeded to take us to the best dealers, determining the best buys, and in general succeeded in distilling thousands of choices to the very best. They continually go around and seek out dealers in all areas of interest – pearls, jewelry, silk, tailors, jade, handbags, clothing, antiques, shoes – you name it. They determine if it is real,who has the best quality, and what one should pay for it. They can tailor a tour for your desires, or if you prefer, a solo experience is possible. They are also up on all the latest hot, top restaurants, and have a website if you want rheum to personal shop for you. I may be emailing them to pick items I missed!
A great day!
Saying a prayer -Jade Buddha Temple Shanghai
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City view Pudong Shanghai
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Bund View Deluxe room- Ritz Carlton Pudong Shanghai
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View of the Bund and Eastern Shanghai
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Ritz Carlton Pudong
I was perfectly happy with my very comfortable, warm happy family stay at the Portman Ritz Carlton. I could not imagine how anything could be better in Shanghai. Then we moved over to experience the other Ritz Carlton-on Pudong.
I have to say, I am dazzled by the brand new- one year old Ritz Carlton Pudong. It is a completely different hotel style, very sophisticated, slick, and glamorous- heavy Deco influence. The rooms are either River/ Bund view or City view. Not a bad view in the place. Enormous 24 Hour gym, fabulous spa, the Club level is a must book. Contemporary Art is everywhere. It is bright, and most welcoming. The staff is typical Ritz Carlton- state of art drop at your feet, nothing is more important than your every wish, everyone calls you by name -awesome. I had a Bund view room. Floor to ceiling windows bed facing the city, 51st floor amazing view, especially at night. The Bund is a line of historic British buildings built in the early 1800’s that line the river and then eastern Shanghai grows out beyond. All those skyscrapers lit at night- fab.
They hotel has a new very hot and trendy spot on top of the building called Flair. Jaw dropping views of the city from the 54th floor. I am told reserving a table goes for $400- and there is a line to get in!
Club level Ritz Carlton Pudong-Shanghai
View from my bed Ritz Carlton Pudong
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TV Radio tower Shanghai
Apothecary shop Shanghai
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Lotus in Yu Garden Shanghai
Jade temple Shanghai
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Shanghai from my room
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Shanghai
I am visiting Shanghai as a guest of the Ritz Carlton Hotels. I have stayed in other hotels here, but I must say for a big hotel, it feels very intime. A good bit of the comfort comes from the service. Ritz is renowned for it’s personal service, but I think this one is extra special- it may have to do with the Asian sensibility of making a guest feel welcome but they all know our names, they are to fault solicitous of our needs, they are genuinely happy to have us in their country. A liitle retail therapy also helps, I had a suit made immediately for a song. They have a tailor onsite. I am sititng on the club level having a delightful breakfast. There is something about Asia that is very intriguing.
American just opened new Admiral’s club DCA
Bright shiny new!
Dispatches from the Road 