A Warm Welcome

Signature cocktails are a bit of a thing these days and so when I visit an amazing hotel, I always ask the bartender for their signature drink.  On my first night in Budapest, I think I experienced my favorite of all time….or at least in the last year I am sure. 

Four Seasons Budapest Martini combines some lovely fruit extracts with vodka and a mulled paprika pepper….spicy, smooth, delicious.  I did manage to finesse the recipe out of the bartender only by promising not to repeat it, so to experience this yum, either dinner at my house or a visit to Budapest are your choices.  Either works for me!   

Le Prieure’

At just the right time of year, the scent of wisteria greets you as you make your way through the garden of Le Prieure’ in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.   While the village of Avignon is fun for a while, staying in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is really the better home base for the region and you just can’t beat Le Prieure’. 

In 1322 Cardinal Arnaud de Via, nephew of Pope Jean XXII,  built himself a palatial residence in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon - right across the river from the Pope's palace in Avignon.  Just before his death, he gave his residence to Chanoine monks to create a priory and it served this purpose until just after the French Revolution.  In 1943, the building was bought and converted into a hotel. 

While the rooms are spacious…the bathrooms are enormous!  Unusually large for Europe.  The rooms are each uniquely decorated by the owner and showcases her unique style and collections.  I had a nice deluxe room with 2 French balconies that opened up on the garden.  This was our first night in France and it was the perfect welcome to Provence…the room, the garden, the sunshine, the wisteria…just could not have asked for a more perfect welcome to the countryside. 

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is just across the Rhone River from Avignon - the epicenter of Provence.  It is a quiet village that is very accessible and a much better choice than Avignon if you are driving yourself….but be sure you have a GPS!  Avignon is super congested and very difficult to manage with a car.

Alexandre, the GM of the hotel, knows everyone in town and has a good relationship with several restaurants.  We walked to a square, had an aperitif then onward to our dinner at le Bistrot du Moulin.  The setting was charming, the food perfect, the service attentive and the dessert….divine!  At the end of our trip as we reflected, I asked Keith what his favorite memory in France was….‘that dessert at le Bistrot du Moulin’.  Of all the things in France, one single dessert stood out.  I guess I need to find the recipe!

Each night with turndown, the hotel puts information on your pillow regarding things you could do the following day including which towns are having their markets.  Market day is a fun way to experience authentic Provence.  We went to Gorde for our first day...wow oh wow.  The drive was short…30 minutes or so…and gorgeous.  Gorde forms the top of a hill and the buildings cascade down the sides creating a breathtaking approach.  I bought olives, sausages, wine, bread and some fruit then we sat on the wall of the city and enjoyed a nice picnic. 

For day 2, a drive to Chatteauneuf de Pape for wine, wine and more wine.  Overwhelming if you don’t have a plan, so it is best to get Alexandre (again) to help you sort out a plan or private vineyard visits.  My favorite part of this day was meeting Christine Esteolle whose father gave her 5 hectares of vineyards to produce her own wine.  She is in her 3^rd year of production and seems to be doing really well.  There are over 300 wines in the area, so again…best to have a plan.

The drive through Provence in Spring....pictured left.

Pont du Gard is another great day trip from Le Prieure’...or an add on to another market day.  http://www.pontdugard.fr/en  Pond du Gard is a World Heritage site and you could spend a whole day or just a few hours exploring the area around the Roman aqueduct.  A private guide of course makes the visit more interesting.  You can also take a picnic, go swimming, hike, etc. 

When staying at Le Prieure’, it is best to allow 3-4 days to take in all that is close.  Longer would be good, but the 3-4 days should do you well. 

VIVID!

What an amazing surprise to arrive in Sydney with a city-wide display of light! 

The administrators of Sydney dreamt up a brilliant way to draw people into the city during its ‘low’ season…winter.  The weather is still perfectly delightful – average in the 70’s – but still they wanted to see what they could do to bring people in.  This intense 2-week festival launched 5 years ago and has grown exponentially each year.   I can’t even imagine what it will be like in years to come. 

This year’s festival is May 24 to June 10 and commences each evening at 6PM concluding at midnight.  People are out, street vendor food, music, INCREDIBLE light shows all over the city…small and large!  I tried to take pictures, but all lights are moving, so it was impossible to truly capture the essence of the art with still photography.  I did take some short videos with my camera (inferior quality at best), but really and truly…you need to go to experience it for yourself!

The video is of the display on the Contemporary Art Museum.

Whitehaven

Last night was a champagne sunset cruise in the Whitsundays…Australia…pretty spectacular!!

This morning was a sunrise seaplane outing to the most beautiful beach in the world - Whitehaven beach.  The Whitsundays is a series of islands in Northern Australia with various resort and yachting options.  I stayed at Qualia and Hayman.  Both fantastic in their own way, but distinctly different. 

Either resort offers a seaplane excursion to Whitehaven beach – a beach on an island in the Whitsundays that is not inhabited…it is not a national park, but it is protected and owned by the country.  STUNNING!!  You can take breakfast or lunch outings to the beach and stay for as long as you like.  It stretches for 4 miles and so if other people show up, you can still have your privacy.  We went at 8:00 AM because that’s how our schedule roles….fill every moment possible! 

An Intriguing City

Melbourne has taken me a bit by surprise.  Having visited numerous cities around the world, I wasn't expecting much out of this bustling Australia city, but have been quite surprised.  In short (because I am exhausted and have a super early morning tomorrow...) sport, art, shopping, cafes, parks, food and I am sure a host of other things that I didn't have time to experience.  Well worth several days on any Australia itinerary!!

Realizing now that I did not take enough pictures of the public art installations or the amazing architecture, so will do better tomorrow!

New Zealand

It’s on everyone’s list – right?  Well, once you have done it, you will see that it is a destination to visit more than once.  This post is the first in a series on New Zealand where I hope to entice you to move the destination to the top of your list!

The flight from LAX to Auckland is 13 hours.  While that may seem daunting, it is quite easy.  Air New Zealand really really does a fantastic job of making the time fly (no pun intended…)  Gorgeous planes with fantastic service and a plethora of movies to engage (or dull) the mind.  They offer 4 classes of service to suite every level of comfort and budget.

The country itself is beautiful!  A paradise offering a breadth of cultural and natural experiences to engage the mind, body and spirit!  No wonder Peter Jackson uses the country as the stage for his blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy.  While the dramatic beauty is captivating, there are very (VERY) few people and very few mosquitoes!  AND NO snakes!  All good things in my book.

New Zealand offers a broad range of accommodation from some of the top lodges in the world to hostels and backpacker type accommodations.  Obviously am more familiar with the former over the later and will describe some of my favorites in a later post.   

Things to do…..golf, wine, surfing, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, diving, art, history, food, kayaking, whale watching, BUNGY, geo-thermal, heli-anything, hunting….and probably tons more! 

More to come!

 

To Mexico or Not to Mexico.....Part DOS....

As the reports roll in from all the Spring Breakers, I must say that the happiest people are those that went to....drumroll....MEXICO! Over the top, hands down, most awesome, most excited people that I have talked to went to Mexico.

AND, of those....Capella tops the list of awesome resorts. I had people at Capella Pedregal and Capella Ixtapa....

"Thank you for assuring me that this was exactly what I was looking for! Capella was amazing!"

"OMGoodness!! LOVED my stay. THANK YOU. The staff was so wonderful. They all took very good care of me. Just as you'd promised. The week was relaxing and peaceful. The view was gorgeous and oh, how I miss that ocean...Thanks again, Denise. Spot on!!!

Just sayin.....

To Mexico or not to Mexico

That is the question….

So when I get a call for the beach these days it usually goes like this….

‘We want a beautiful beach, great resort, great food BUT NOT MEXICO….’

I know Mexico has is drug cartels and political issues, but honestly the resort areas are amazing! The Riviera Maya has some of the most beautiful beaches, great snorkeling and some off the charts luxury resorts.

Punta Mita is also a beautiful destination and sits on a secure peninsula in a private gated oasis!
The Four Seasons Punta Mita has great villas for families and a plethora of things to do….and the BEST lazy river EVER! A sample itinerary from the Four Seasons:

Upon arrival in the Puerto Vallarta airport, you will be greeted by Four Seasons Staff. Cold towels and refreshments await in an air conditioned Suburban – step in and embark on your journey to paradise. Take in the vista as you drive through the Sierra Madre Mountains, edged by pectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1 – Welcome to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Start your getaway by unwinding and reconnecting.
· Order breakfast from our extensive In-Casita Dining menu, and enjoy the meal on your private terrace.
· Following breakfast, take advantage of the many activities available at the Resort.
· The complimentary Kids For All Seasons programme is a fun way for children to spend their day. The programme offers outdoor and indoor activities.
· Both novices and experts can enjoy a round of golf at either of our two 18-hole ocean-view courses, both designed by Jack Nicklaus.
· The Pacifico course features an optional par 3 hole on a natural island, a challenge to the most avid golfer.
· After a round of golf, attend a yoga class on The Rock, a beautiful cliff that overlooks the ocean.
· In the afternoon, catch up with the rest of the family and unwind while drifting on the Lazy River.

Evening -
· For dinner, enjoy Mexican modern cuisine at Ketsi Restaurant.
· At the end of the day, let our experienced spa staff guide you in your pursuit of complete relaxation. Choose a therapeutic treatment at Apuane Spa, open until 9:00 pm everyday.

Day 2 – Discover the activities Punta Mita has to offer
Day
· For breakfast, visit Tail of the Whale and try the Huevos Rancheros, one of our specialties.
· After your meal, take the whole family horseback riding – a magical way to explore the beaches and trails of Punta Mita.
· Embark on an exciting adventure aboard the luxurious Four Seasons Yacht and visit the Marietas Islands, an ecological sanctuary that several endangered bird species call home.

Evening
· Dine right on the beach at Bahia restaurant, and try the delicious grilled specialties by Richard Sandoval.
· Make a selection from our DVD library and enjoy a movie in your room with the family.

Day 3 - Getting familiar with the property
Day
· Enjoy breakfast al fresco by the pool at Ketsi Restaurant with the whole family.
· After breakfast, visit our Las Cuevas beach and compete in a family kayak race.
· Catch of the day makes for a special lunch – meet our local fisherman on the beach with the fresh catch and allow the Executive Chef to make preparation suggestions.
· Relax by the infinity-edged Nuna pool. Pool attendants cater to your needs with towels, cooling facials sprays and hourly amenities.
· Children will love the snow cones!

Evening
· Have In-Casita Dining set up a romantic dinner for two on The Rock, and enjoy your meal while taking in endless views of the horizon.
· While you're dinning, the kids can visit Nunutzi, our game room, where they have access to PlayStation, an air hockey table, dancing machines and more.

Day 4 - Enjoying it at its most
Day
· Enjoy breakfast al fresco by the pool at Ketsi Restaurant with the whole family.
· Take a nature walk together and learn more from our local flora and fauna, while enjoying this morning activity.
· Paint ceramic figures for the kids while the parents enjoy Las Cuevas beach one of the relaxing day beds overlooking the Pacific.
· Enjoy lunch at Las Cuevas through in-room dining.
· Build castles on the beach
· Participate in a shell treasure hunt by Manzanillas beach.

Evening
· Enjoy contemporary Asian food at Aramara restaurant.
· Enjoy the cuban live music at Aramara's Bar while discovering one of our infusion signature cocktails.

Day 5 - A final wind-down day
Spend your last day relaxing with the family before heading back to reality.
Day
· Enjoy an à la carte breakfast with the whole family at Ketsi thatched roof palapa restaurant.
· After breakfast, enjoy a tennis clinic for parents and kids.
· While the kids discover the playground at the Kids for All Seasons programme, parents can relax in one of the ten cabanas at the Tamai adult pool complete.
· For lunch, enjoy a sushi and tapas menu at Tamai restaurant, while kids can order through in-room dining.

Evening
· Let the fun continue by watching a movie at the Kids for All Seasons programme.
· Complete your day enjoying the sunset while having a memorable family dinner at Bahia by Richard Sandoval.

I say ABSOLUTELY to Mexico every time! It is beautiful, fun and safe for the whole family!

Lions & Tigers & Bears

OH MY!

That certainly makes for a great list to check off doesn’t it?! Each majestic and beautiful and fierce, these creatures fill our hearts with intrigue and mystery.

The lions of Africa are just beautiful! Lions have been celebrated throughout history for their courage and strength. They once roamed most of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe. Today they are found only in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, except for one very small population of Asian lions that survives in India's Gir Forest. Eastern Africa (Kenya & Tanzania) or Southern Africa all offer wonderful lodges from which to explore and find a pride to watch.

Nestled in the natural beauty of the wilds of India, The Oberoi Vanyavilas is the country’s leading luxury jungle resort on the edge of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The perfect base from which to explore the territory of the majestic tiger. Tiger sightings are most frequent during the months of May and June. While it is warm during the day, mornings and evenings are pleasant. The resort setting is picture-perfect with a dramatic watercourse and sun-kissed private decks. The luxury tents with finely embroidered canopies, luxurious bathrooms and private walled gardens are in perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle.

A high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, massive sheets of ice, and magnificent polar bears. Travel under the midnight sun aboard the National Geographic Explorer and experience nature in its purest form. This is a wonderful article in National Geographic about the polar bear:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/07/polar-bears/mcgrath-text Honestly, my life list didn't have the polar bear on it, but after reading the National Geography article....it now is! They lead an amazing trip with National Geography photographers and naturalists...the only way to go!

Summer Ceviche

On a recent trip to Cabo, I made it my mission to find the BEST ceviche. I first tried this awesome fresh fish deliciousness when we went to Costa Rica in 2002 and it has been a favorite ever since.

So after searching high and low, my favorite was at The Sea Grill at Las Ventanas. I ordered a sample of all of their ceviches (5 varieties) and they were all standouts really. BUT, my favorite was their Coconut Sea Bass Ceviche – supper refreshing! And as usual, I asked for the recipe and so….here you go!

Ingredients:

600 g Sea bass Fish Fillet

1 pz Carrot

1/2 pz Cucumber

1/4 pz Red Onion

6 oz Lime Juice

1 pz Jalapeño Chili Pepper

1 Bunch Cilantro

4 oz Natural Coconut Milk

Salt to taste

Procedure:

• Cut in small cubes and Marinate the Sea bass in lime juice for half an hour to one Hour


• Chop all vegetables into small cubes and marinate in lime juice


• Take off the Sea bass from lime juice


• Mix with chop vegetables, Jalapeño chile and Cilantro


• Add the Coconut Milk


• Season to taste

So in all honesty, I am not sure what ‘pz’ is an abbreviation for. I made the recipe and substituted tilapia for the sea bass and just did ‘some’ carrots, cucumbers & onions. It turned out wonderful. The sea bass of course would have been better – with its delicate buttery flavor – but at $30 / pound, I decided to experiment with tilapia. It worked out great.

A Sincere Sense of Place

The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara has been the weekend get-away choice for Hollywood celebs for decades. As I sat in the lobby lounge, sipping my champagne, I watched couples dance and laugh and unwind. It was really a beautiful picture of guests enjoying the lounge of a hotel as if it were their own home, not just using the hotel as a place to put their bags and sleep while they did other things. It is a destination in itself.

So many times I hear people say of Four Seasons that they don’t really have a true sense of place. I absolutely disagree across the board, but especially with The Biltmore. The old Spanish colonial style is uniquely Southern California late 19^th century and every corner of the estate evokes warmth that could not be found elsewhere. While there is Spanish architecture elsewhere, there is only one Biltmore. Ty Warner owns the resort and is passionately committed to its history and preservation. One of the significant points to the resort is The Coral Casino. Ty Warner also owns this ultra exclusive and iconic private club and it is available to guests of the hotel to use. The swimming pool is 60' wide and 167' long. It was said to be California's largest outdoor pool and was originally built with a 30' high dive. The size of the pool is just 1 foot longer than a standard olympic sized pool so that there would never be the possibility of hosting any sporting events at the club. The club has private cabanas and the Four Seasons has 2 designated for the exclusive use of hotel guests. There is also a fantastic restaurant and a fitness club.
The Biltmore could be a great choice for a couples weekend away or for a full week family holiday. It is funny, sometimes you just really feel an emotional attachment to a hotel. OK, maybe that is just me, but I do! I love this place!

When a Hotel REALLY Wows You

Being in the luxury travel industry, it is actually rare that a hotel just really WOWs me. Don’t get me wrong, there are some very very WOW hotels in this world. I am not talking about the appointments, or the amenities or the restaurants. I am talking about a level of service that goes beyond knowing my name.

The Hotel Arts in Barcelona currently holds my ‘Most WOW Moment’ award. The hotel’s restaurant Arola is a beautiful sea of white with the only color being gorgeous purple orchids…everywhere. I asked the manager if she knew what the variety name was for that particular orchid – which she did not. By the time the evening was over, the manager brought me a picture of the orchid with the variety name. WOW. I was so thankful and impressed. See, I just got my first orchid, it hasn’t died yet, so I would love to see about getting this beautiful Purple Vanda orchid.

That is not all….the following day, after a long day of sightseeing, I was in my room getting ready for dinner when my doorbell rang. When I opened the door, standing there with THE most gorgeous bouquet of purple orchids was my maid. She had noticed the picture on my desk, mentioned it to the head of housekeeping and they felt like I should have a bouquet to enjoy in my room. WOW!! When has housekeeping ever noticed something and taken action to wow you? I was staying on the club level (once you have stayed on club, no other level will do!) They say that they want club level to be more personal, and they mean it!

That is not all….I went to the concierge to ask how I should get to Mercat de la Boqueria. ON the map, he showed me the route. IT wasn’t far, but not really walkable. He suggested the bus as you can pick it up just outside the hotel and it stops right at the market for 1 EUR. The concierge is on the 30^th floor or something like that….he walked me to the elevator, got on, walked out of the hotel with me, down the street to the bus, helped me onto the bus, then (in Spanish of course) he told the bus driver where I needed to get off. WOW!!!

Seriously! I have never had such distinct service experiences at a hotel. And of course beautiful flowers will make any girl go WOW.

Cruces de España

In looking through the pictures from my recent trip to Spain, I noticed an inordinate amount of crosses. Of course there are churches everywhere - as in any European country. I visited Madrid, Toledo, Acala de Henares, Barcelona & Tarragona. The following is a sampleing from these beautiful cities and villages.