Puerto Vallarta Passion

October 30, 2012 by

I had always heard Puerto Vallarta was very beautiful and romantic, and it’s all true.  When I left for my trip, I had a lot on my mind, but as soon as I arrived at the newly opened Hilton resort, my thoughts began to melt away.  Ideally situated in the hotel zone just minutes from the international airport and the Malecon area, the architecture is gorgeous with a fresh, modern look. Just off the lobby are the restaurants and beautiful beach with incredibly warm water.  For our first night, we had dinner at one of the all-inclusive restaurants, Sea Fire, with a view of a gorgeous sun setting behind the horses on the beach.  The hotel features four ala carte restaurants, one with an international buffet open for all meals, a Mexican, Brazilian, and a French restaurant., and one that features martinis, tapas and a spectacular view of the bay. The gym that I had the best of intentions of using for more than ten minutes has up to date equipment and everything you could need in cardio and weight equipment.  The spa was so peaceful as soon as you stepped inside and their flotarium experience was one of a kind.  You lay in a tub of salt water which is five times heavier than that of the ocean water and you just float for 30 minutes, either with your eyes closed or looking up at what looks like stars in the ceiling.  At first, I didn’t know if I’d be able to do that for 30 minutes but it was amazing how I felt when I got out.  My body and mind really were relaxed.

While in Puerto Vallarta, there is a lot to see and do.  If you’re looking for a true Mexican shopping experience, head down to Malecon area, where you will be bombarded with shop owners trying to sell you anything and everything.  After awhile it can get tiring, but it’s all part of the Mexican shopping experience, as is the necessary bargaining!  One gift item started at $30 and we ended up at $5!  As you walk the path along the water, beautiful statues and artwork offer great photo ops.  There are also unique entertainers along the way working for tips as well as many restaurants.

If you’d like to enjoy more of nature, a visit to the El Salado Mangrove Estuary provides bird watchers a 415 acre protected urban estuary.   You’ll take a boat ride through the lagoon and see various bird species, crabs and maybe a crocodile!  Be sure to pay a visit to the CasaMagna Marriott where they host a turtle release program.   You’ll have the opportunity to learn what they do with the hundreds of turtle eggs and send a baby turtle of your own back into the ocean after it has hatched.

If extreme activity is more your style, Vallarta Adventures is the outfitter to check out!  You can fly down the largest and fastest zipline at nearly 4,000 feet and speeds of 60 mph!  In addition to zipping from tree to tree, you’ll rappel off of elevated treetop platforms, climb a wobbly 50 foot ladder, and swing like Tarzan.  There are also a few scuba dive shops, and Mike’s Fishing, which provides fishing and snorkeling  trips while taking in the beauty of Banderas Bay.  If you’re looking for a fun night out on a boat with a mixture of comedy, dancing and a great martial arts show by the ship’s pirates check out Marigalante’s Pirate Ship Adventure, which includes dinner and the show.  It’s another great way to see the gorgeous sunset.

While we ate most of our meals at the hotel, a really hip restaurant with great food and drinks prepared creatively, is La Leche, where the decor is comprised of white milk cartons and the food is local and delicious.  Another more casual and fun restaurant with good food (we had appetizers here, but they serve a full menu) is El Arrayan.

So even if you just spend a few days in Puerto Vallarta, like I did, you will leave refreshed and relaxed and connected to your significant other. If you travel on your own, it will be the perfect getaway to recharge your batteries.

 

 

Filed Under: Mexico Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Mexico is Magical at Las Mañanitas

October 19, 2012 by

My goal for this website is to seek out the world’s most romantic spots, and Las Mañanitas has got to be one of the most amazing places at which I have stayed.  It is a true gem in a part of Mexico that may not be as well known as some of the other more commercial regions.  Las Mañanitas is located an hour and a half from Mexico City in beautiful Cuernavaca, also known as the city for eternal spring  for it’s magnificent weather perfect for growing and maintaining the beautiful flora all around the region.    If you are looking for a true escape in a charming setting, in which to enjoy a new relationship or maybe celebrate your honeymoon or anniversary, it is hard not to have a peacefully relaxing and romantic time here.  Among its beautifully lush gardens stroll peacocks and flamingos, and parrots say hola from the chair next to you at breakfast.  While there are very nice lavish chain hotels, the charm of this hacienda makes you feel as if you are in your own private oasis.  The rooms are extremely spacious decorated with traditional  Mexican Tallavera tiles, handmade from a special fired-earth process in Puebla, a city close to Cuernavaca, a king sized bed, fireplace, huge bathroom and changing area, and your own large terrace with chairs and a table.  Ours overlooked one of the two large swimming pools, the other located in the spa, which can be yours to use after one of their amazing treatments.

 We devoted one day to just staying at and enjoying the resort, and what a treat it was.  We started off our four hour spa ritual (yes, I said four hours!) with water therapy in which we were guided through private time in the hot sauna followed up by a cold one minute shower, a steam room, a cool jacuzzi and then a warm one.  It was an incredible way to relax the muscles and unwind the mind before the hands on services.  Once in the treatment room, we were told to close our eyes and inhale some relaxing aromas while they wrapped our feet.  Upon lying down on our respective massage tables, our skin was exfoliated with a full body scrub and then we enjoyed a private bubble bath before having our bodies massaged for fifty minutes followed by a fifty minute facial.  I couldn’t think of a more complete spa treatment and I definitely recommend treating yourself and your partner to this incredible journey.  Upon completion of your spa experience, you can relax on the indoor lounge chairs or around the pool to the sound of running water and peacocks strolling around the colorful garden.   It had to have been one of the most romantic experiences I have had the opportunity to enjoy with someone special.

After some time passed, we settled down to dinner in the garden with only the light of a candelabrum.  The menu for all the meals was quite extensive with everything from traditional Mexican dishes to succulent seafood dishes prepared with a Mexican flair.  All the dishes were absolutely amazing with such attention to detail using only the best ingredients.  For dinner, I had salmon and sea bass one night, the traditional Mexican skirt steak, Arrachera, which was so tender, another night, and bone marrow tacos the third night.  The tuna sashimi, ceviche, and salmon carpacchio appetizers were terrific, as were their soups and salads.  I am not usually a big dessert person, but I had to try their sorbets, which were bursting with fresh flavor.  Other nights we shared a heavenly frozen chocolate cake and a hot molten chocolate cake. 

 

Las Mañanitas is a ten minute walk to the center of Cuernavaca, which is worth a stroll around at night.  You’ll see vendors selling their hats, jewelry, and food stands.  The property is also within an hour of Chisco Tubing, and if you’re looking for a little adventure and activity, you can go biking through the gorgeous scenic mountains, tubing, rafting or camping.  We went mountain biking one day and relaxed at the spa the next, which was a perfect balance. We really could have stayed a week if we had the time.  It was such a wonderfully rejuvenating and romantic experience at Las Mañanitas and Cuernavaca, and the staff made sure we were well taken care of the entire time.  Many locals in Mexico City go to Cuernavaca for the weekends and with properties like the beauty of Las Mañanitas, I can understand why.

Filed Under: Destinations, Mexico, Spas and Wellness Tagged With: ,

Palau: Diving Perfection

September 30, 2012 by

As I tumbled backwards off the dive boat into the crystal turquois and green waters of Palau for the seventh time, the excitement of what I was about to see beneath the ocean filled me with such joy and anticipation.  I have been certified for three years  and the underwater life is different with every location, but in Palau, not only did I have the opportunity to see such huge fish like the napolean wrasse, but I was also amazed that in the same dive, I could watch the fish, sharks and turtles interact in the same space.  Right in front of me swam the sharks, swirling around in my natural underwater aquarium.  I dove with two dive shops while on the island and they both provided memorable experiences. For the first few dives and my night dive,  I dove with Sam’s Tours and immediately upon walking in their dive shop, I felt at home and well taken care of.  Before I had even arrived in Palau, Marc Bauman, the general manager, emailed us to see what we wanted for lunch on our trips and as I walked into the shop, he was right there to help me with the moisture capsules I had bought for my camera.  I had also noticed my dive watch had lost it’s battery life as I was packing it, so while I was out on my dive, he and Mike, the operations manager, sent someone into town to get me a new battery, and in the meantime, lent me one of their dive computers.  The guys who got all my equipment together were extremely organized and thorough and the equipment was all new, as they replace it every year.    This is very important to me because at some dive shops, you feel like you’re just a number and you’re lucky if you get fins that fit right and aren’t from twenty years ago.  The personalized attention can make a big difference.  When three of us decided we wanted to do a night dive, they sent out a boat just for us.  Dexter, who is one of the most experienced dive masters on the island, made us feel very comfortable, as it was one girl’s first night dive.  Not only is Sam’s a spacious dive shop, they also have a bar and restaurant on the grounds, which makes for a fun place to hang out after a day of diving.   In addition to the dive operation currently in place, Sam’s will be launching a liveaboard called the Siren.  I saw the pictures of the boat and it looks amazing…pure luxury and diving for seven days.  They are already booked for the next three years, but they do have some pockets of weeks available.

The other dive operation I spent a couple of days with was Fish ‘n Fins.  While each boat trip had more people on it than the dives with Sam’s, the attention to detail was not sacrificed.  Loreen will most likely be with you on your dive or snorkel trip.   I forgot to mention that while many people flock to Palau for the diving, if you are a significant other or friend who does not dive, the snorkeling is spectacular as well, and many times you can go out on the same boat with your partner and snorkel in the same spot they are diving in.  Loreen is very careful in making sure all equipment is hooked up properly and is great at pointing out various things underwater.   I was most appreciative on the day I forgot my permit for jellyfish lake in my luggage and she asked the driver of the boat to stop by the hotel on the way out so I could run and get it.  Otherwise I would not have been able to snorkel jellyfish lake, and if you are in Palau, this is an absolute must.  If you get there in the morning when the sun is beating down on the water, you will be treated to a magical, almost spiritual experience.   With a gentle touch, you can feel them in the palm of your hand and let them move along your body.  The beautiful jellyfish do not sting and are a breathtaking site.  Another stop on your snorkel/dive tour will most likely include the milky way, where you can collect limestone from the bottom of the water and rub it all over your body, and it’s been said to be great for the skin and take years off of you!  It also makes for a very fun picture!   For lunch, you’ll get to stop at one of the beautiful beaches throughout the rock islands, and relax in a hammock, play in the water, or just find a coconut to enjoy with your meal.  Nothing compares to the gorgeous waters and white sand of Palau for true romance, or just a fun trip with friends.  It’s hard not to fall in love in Palau with such beautiful scenery around you.

There are various options for hotels in Palau depending on your price point.  For a really romantic stay with all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel in paradise, you’ll want to stay at the PPR or the Palau Pacific Resort.  Situated on the ocean, the rooms have terraces where you can sit and take in what has to be one of the most colorful sunsets I’ve ever seen.  The breakfast buffet was the best we had in Palau with a variety of Japanese and American dishes, as well as an egg and ramen soup station.  Indulge in a spa treatment in your own private villa with your significant other or a friend.  They have rooms for couples in which you can get side by side treatments, and share a bath while listening to nature’s sounds right outside.  The fourth wall is open so you can hear the natural sounds of the birds and the ocean.   Since I had experienced the milky way limestone earlier in the week, I decided to get the real milky way treatment, in which they start with a peppermint foot treatment, followed by an aromatic coco vanilla body scrub to soften the skin and prepare it for the detoxifying white body mud.  While you’re wrapped in a cocoon, they will massage your scalp and then finish off the treatment with a fifty minute hot stone massage.   It is impossible not to be totally relaxed after this amazing treatment. 

If you plan on keeping in touch with friends and family via the internet in Palau, you should know that connections can be extremely slow, but at PPR, the internet was quick and complimentary with your room stay.  You could also access it in your room, while many properties just have lobby access.  While the Palau Pacific Resort would be my first choice for a stay in Palau, it is also one of the more pricier resorts, so if you’re looking for something more economical, which may make more sense for you if you are out diving most of the day, other good options include the Landmark Hotel right next door to Fish ‘n Fins and the Palasia Hotel, in the center of Koror.   If you’d like to hear the sounds of nature as you fall asleep, the Rose Garden Resort is a nice option with a good Asian restaurant and bar downstairs.  However, the only way to get to the rooms is by steps, as you enter from outside, so if you need an elevator, this property is not for you.  Each room has a nice terrace with a spectacular view, as you are high up above the ocean and landscape.   Another option for more of a luxury property is the Palau Royal Resort, but you don’t have access to as big of a beach as you would at PPR, as it is roped off for the many boats that pass by.  However, the view from your room is still beautiful and the resort has all the amenities like a gym, spa, shops, computer center, and restaurant.

I have to admit when I realized it was going to take twenty five hours with layovers to get to Palau, I was a little hesitant.  However, I had two friends who had gone and said it was spectacular.  I couldn’t be happier that I didn’t let the flying time stop me.  While it is a lot of flying, if the flights and layovers go smoothly, you’ll be fine.  I slept for part of it, read and watched movies for the other part.  I flew from Newark to San Francisco to Honolulu to Guam to Palau on the way there, but there are more direct flights as well.  On the way back, I flew to Guam, then Tokyo and Tokyo to Newark, which cut the flight time down.  Also, if you go through Honolulu, there are direct flights back to Newark.

The biggest question I got when I told people I was going to Palau was, where is that?  Here is your answer:  it is located in the Western Pacific Ocean near the Philippines and Papau-New Guinea.  They really pride themselves on conservation and that is why when going to Palau, you can experience a diverse array of diving.  At 400 miles of the equator, Palau offers great weather and diving conditions year round.  You can see sharks, manta rays, go cave diving, snorkel and dive the drop offs, coral gardens, and wrecks.   Micronesia is beautiful, and again, while many go to Palau to dive, even if you don’t dive, there will be plenty for you to do in addition to the great snorkeling.   You can kayak through the mangroves, which we did with IMPAC tours, take an ATV through the big island of Babeldaob, with its muddy dirt roads, rivers, ridges and pristine rainforest.  You’ll get to see abandoned old villages and stone pathways.   You can spend a morning playing with the dolphins or taking a jungle river cruise to see the crocodiles and possibly see  a fruit bat hanging from the tree eating a banana.   If you are brave enough, you can sample fruit bat soup.  It is a delicacy in Palau and you can find it at some restaurants.  On our last night there, we had dinner at the National Museum and waiting for us with dinner was a bat sitting in a coconut milk soup.  I will try most anything at least once, and so of course as disgusting as it looked to me with its head still attached, I took a tiny piece of the meat, but I just couldn’t do more, as I was about to get on a long flight and did not want to chance it.  Plus, the potent smell did not help make it any easier to ingest!

My week in Palau was one that provided me with wonderful, unique memories that will last a lifetime.   I am so thankful to Visit Palau for giving me this opportunity and I hope you too will discover the beauty and magic that is Palau for yourself.

 

Filed Under: Destinations, South Pacific, Spas and Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Kyoto and Nara: Not To Be Missed!

August 28, 2012 by

 While Tokyo is an awesome city with so many distinct sections, try to allow yourself to get out of the city and head to places such as Kyoto and Nara.  I am so glad I extended my trip to include these areas which are just 2.5 hours on the bullet train from Tokyo.  If I had  more time, I would have gone to Hiroshima and it’s adjacent island where you can find a shrine in the water, Hakone, known for it’s mineral onsets and beautiful views of Mt. Fuji or to Mt. Fuji if in the months of July and August when people begging climbing.  Make sure you do your research when it comes to train passes and accommodations, because if you know at least four days in advance of heading to Kyoto, you can get discounts online that will cut your train pass by almost one hundred dollars and you’ll find packages that include hotels and tours.  Because i made a last minute decision to stay, I unfortunately had to pay full price for my roundtrip ticket, which was 270 yen (close to $300).  Another thing I wish I knew is that if I had purchased the Japan Railways pass for just 15 dollars more, I could ride anywhere the JR trains go (and that’s pretty much everywhere) for one week.  This would’ve included my trip to Nara, Nagano, and other destinations as well as the Narita Express back to the airport (this will usually cost 3000 yen).  Since I did not take advantage of the Japan Rail Pass, I decided to take the rapid train service to Narita, which took a half an hour longer than the Nartia express but it is the local train and only costs 1280 yen.  You won’t have the option of reserving a seat either.  Other transportation trips to keep in mind is that you can buy what is called a pasmo card and refill it as much as you’d like and when you return it at the end, you get your 500 yen deposit back.  You can also purchase day passes for 710 yen in Tokyo and take unlimited trains and in Kyoto, you can get a day pass for the bus for just 500 yen (individual rides cost 220 yen) and in Tokyo, they calculate your trip amount depending on how far you go.  It can get extremely confusing trying to figure out how much you will need to pay, especially with transfers, so I definitely recommend just getting a pasmo card and refilling it as needed.  You can also elect an option in which you can put in your credit card info and it will automatically refill when needed.

Since my trip to Kyoto was a last minute decision, I needed to find a place to stay quickly.  I got online and started emailing a few places to see who had availability.  The Nishiyama Ryokan got back to me immediately with a great rate for their Traditional Japanese Inn.  I was comforted by the fact that they spoke English and the place looked quite nice on the websiite.  I was looking for a traditional Japanese Inn to experience, which also means you sleep on mattresses (futons) placed on the tatami mats on the floor.  The ryokan also includes a public onsen and an optional traditional breakfast and dinner.   In the mornings, there is always green tea in the lobby and a very friendly woman offering you matcha tea and the option to try making it yourself  as you would in the traditional tea ceremony.  While it is not a standard luxury western property, it feels very homey.  There is free wifi in the lobby with a few laptops for you to use in their dining area if you don’t have your own.  I was going to check out after one night because while I felt safe in the centrally located hotel, my back didn’t like sleeping on the floor.  However, the manager at the front desk informed me that they have rooms with beds in them as well, so I opted to stay and again, while it was not a standard hotel, the room was spacious with two beds and there was an adjacent room with a table and legless chairs for enjoying a meal together.  It was a very comfortable place to stay, so I ended up calling it home for a total of four nights.  While it is situated on a quiet side street, it is very close the main street with all the shops, restaurants and arcades, so you have the best of both worlds.  A you’re walking home, you feel a sense of tranquility as those on their bikes wiz past you.

I also have to point out that in addition to the hundreds of temples and shrines located in Kyoto, as well as the Geisha district of Gion with its restaurants and bars, the people of Kyoto are extremely helpful.  While the hotel is easy to find once you get acquainted with the area, I was lost at first when getting off the bus and one guy heard me asking two women for directions, pulled over on his bike, called the hotel for me and then walked me there.  That same night, I was trying to figure out how to get to Gion and upon asking a guy in the local 7-11, he walked with me 10 blocks and when I said I would take a taxi from there, he pointed for me to get on the back of his bike.  Of course I was a bit nervous, but I did it anyway and he drove me all the way to Gion and then said goodnight!

Kyoto is a fairly easy city to get around, once you have a bus map.  Be sure to check out the gold temple, Kinkakuji, the Arashiyama  district, and a show in Gion.  When people were telling me not rush and try to do in Kyoto in a day, they were absolutely right.  While there are day trips from Tokyo, definitely try and stay a few days.   Also leave yourself a half of a day to take a train to Nara, about 40 minutes from Kyoto.  Here you will see tons of deer just hanging out in the park on the way to seeing the Big Buddha at the Todai-ji temple.   You can buy deer crackers and get some great pictures and video feeding the deer. Watch out because some can be aggressive if they are hungry, but you’ll find others just sitting in front of souvenir stores and ice-cream shops!  Be sure to try the green matcha ice-cream missed with brown rice on the street filled with shops on the way to the park.  You will also be treated to alike of turtles on your way to see the deer.  Nara is a beautiful escape from the busy cities of Tokyo and Kyoto and should definitely be a place to visit while in Kyoto.

Filed Under: Asia, Destinations Tagged With: , , , ,

A Traditional Japanese Wedding in Nagano

August 28, 2012 by

Nagano was the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics and is a wonderful contrast from the bustling city of Tokyo.  I took the JR East train from Tokyo station, which was about a two hour train ride.  I was headed there for a friend’s wedding and the setting of the Zenko-ji temple couldn’t have been a more beautiful place to have this traditional Japanese wedding.   I didn’t know what to expect, as many people had asked  me why I was headed to Nagano, as if to say there is not much to see/do there.  However, the temple was probably the most beautiful I had seen so far, and while there were plenty of tourists, it was not as congested as some of the others.   Nagano is known for their soba noodles, the buckwheat noodle that is part of so many Japanese dishes and get this, they even places that sell soba ice-cream and miso ice-cream!  Of course I had to try both, one right after the other!   (It just happened to be that they were both next to one another heading to the temple!).  While Tokyo can be overwhelming when it comes to figuring out where to stay, Nagano City only has a few hotels within the radius of the train station.

I decided on Hotel Jal City, based on the reviews I had seen online.   It was not a luxury hotel, but a very comfortable and clean one with a terrific traditional breakfast.  Sure, luxury is nice, but it is not always necessary, especially when you are on the go, and don’t have the time to enjoy the amenities.  I have a pretty basic requirement….clean with a bed that won’t ruin my back for the night!   Hotel Jal City was great….very quiet, clean and friendly.  In addition, very reasonably priced.  It is situated in the perfect location, halfway between the train station, which is an easy ten minute walk or quick cab ride, and the Zenko-ji temple with it’s beauty and shopping.     Since arriving six days ago, I have wanted to eat a traditional Japanese breakfast, and everywhere I had read, it said it doesn’t really exist, but here in Nagano City and at the Jal City Hotel, I had my traditional Japanese  breakfast.  It was buffet style, consisting of many little dishes, so there was the opportunity to try everything, like rice topped with curry, tofu, varieties of Japanese pickles and vegetables, local fish, and a variety of western breakfast foods as well.   The view from the 16th floor where we ate was breathtaking with the mountains as the backdrop.  When looking at the room phone, there are buttons to call the front desk and other rooms and also one for massage.  While I did not have a chance to partake, it was nice to know the service was available, especially if you have been on your feet for many days.  There are also several foot and back massage establishments in the area for very reasonable prices.  A friend of mine got a face massage and said it was terrific!

I probably had one of my best dinners in Nagano in a place where we sat on mats and enjoyed fresh soba noodles, delicious sashimi, tempura and a tofu salad.    So if you’re looking for a contrast from the exciting and flashy city of Tokyo, head north to Nagano, the home of the 1998 Olympics, and enjoy some great food, beautiful scenery and a hotel to make your stay most enjoyable.

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Get Married at Hotel Chinzan-so Tokyo!

August 28, 2012 by

 There are an overwhelming number of hotels to choose from when in Tokyo for all price ranges and locations.   If you are looking for a relaxing and tranquil place to call home that is still in Tokyo, but on the outskirts from the busy city, you must pay the Four Seasons in Chinzan-so a visit.  It will soon be renamed Chinzan-so Hoteland when you walk the grounds, you will see why so many brides pick the lush and gorgeous Chinzan-so garden for their big day.  Take a stroll through the 6600 sq. meter garden at night and be treated to a light show of fireflies lighting up the night in the months May and June.   During the day, enjoy the walk up and around the shrine.   The hotel is perfect for a romantic escape or a girlfriend getaway and gives you all the amenities of five star hotel, while also offers guests the opportunity to partake in many of the traditional Japanese traditions, such as the Japanese tea ceremony, and relaxing in an onsen (hot bath).  Before coming to Chinzan-so, I was searching for a place to see a traditional Japanese ceremony, and while I found places that served the tea, I could not find a ceremony, so I was happily surprised when I found out they had it there.

The Japanese restaurant in the hotel is phenomenal. I had both breakfast and lunch there.  For breakfast, one has the option of choosing the Western or Japanese breakfast and a few different options for each.  For lunch, I opted for the sushi which came with a wide selection of various pieces, all fresh and some of the best I had while in Japan.   My friend ordered the bento box, which was three layers of various veggies, meats, and seafood.  In the evening, or anytime  of time of day, if you choose to take a day off from exploring, you can unwind and relax in the spa, including the onsen in both the men’s and women’s sections, as well as a co-ed sauna, steamroll, jacuzzi and swimming pool inside, and an outside jacuzzi.  The fitness center is also spacious and ultra modern, open 24 hours.   Perhaps one of the best parts of they stay was the breathtaking view from my bed.  The room had huge corner windows which allowed  me to see Tokyo lit up in the night, an amazing sight and a perfect way to fall asleep in the ultra comfortable king bed.  Every aspect of the stay made for a very relaxing environment including the L’Occitaine bath products which left me smelling oh so nice!

The concierge at the Four Seasons was extremely helpful, helping me plan my trip to Kyoto.  They provided me with maps, phone numbers for possible hotels, and looked into train schedules for me.  Again, this is not found at every hotel.  Sometimes it can be tough to find staff who speak fluent English and can really help you around.  Practically the entire staff spoke English, which makes planning so much easier.  This was a crucial part of my trip, as the Kyoto part of the trip was a last minute addition, and I couldn’t have done it without their help.

If you are planing a wedding in Japan, you definitely want to consider the beautiful gardens at Chinzan-so.  They have wedding planners on staff to help with your every detail and the setting couldn’t be more beautiful.  It is a true oasis inside the bustling city of Tokyo.  While the property is not right in the center of Tokyo, and one must take around a $15 cab ride from the nearest metro station, it is definitely worth it if you are looking for a high end stay away from all the action, but close enough to do everything you would still do if you were staying within walking distance to the metro.  My only regret is that I had such a packed itinerary that I didn’t have the luxury of staying even longer at the property.  However, it was just enough time to relax in the spa, enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine, stroll the garden, see fireflies and partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.  It was a magnificent addition to my stay in Tokyo.

As I mentioned, this Four Seasons property will soon will under new ownership as the Hotel Chinzan-so, but there is still the Four Seasons hotel in the financial district of Marunouchi, which is the ideal place to stay if you’d like to be close to Tokyo station, the hub for most of the railway lines and buses.   While it retains the Four Seasons name, it is very different than the experience  you’ll have at Chinzan-so.  This Four Seasons is steps away from the Ginza district, known for its high end shopping, and is a boutique hotel featuring just fifty seven guest rooms and suites.  However, just because it is smaller does not mean it compromises the five star amenities in the room and around the hotel.   The breakfast is delicious and again you have the option for a traditional Japanese, Western or English breakfast.  I opted for the traditional and was stuffed by the end!  Don’t let the variety of smaller portions fool you…you will be more than full when you are done with your bento box and side of grilled fish.  On the same floor as the restaurant, you will also find a gym with all the standard card and weight machines as well as a spa with mineral onsen.

Perhaps the greatest and most helpful amenity is their pick up and drop off service from Tokyo station.  Tokyo station is a large hub with many train lines and buses, so it’s easy to get confused, especially if you have just landed and this is your first time in Tokyo.  Just email them from where you are coming and your car number of the train and they will be there to help you navigate your way to the hotel, which is just a few steps from the station, and also help you with your luggage.  This was also a huge help on the way back to the station, as I was headed to the airport and getting to the Narita Express/Rapid service line. It took 20 minutes just to get through the station.  It could have been a painfully long haul with my luggage (yes, it got heavier as the trip progressed!…after all, I had tea, tea cups, sweets, and soba noodles to bring home!)

The staff speaks fluent English and is also very helpful in recommending places to go.  You should know that the hotel is down the road from the restaurant where i had the best sushi my entire trip (I dare say better than the fish market!).  It is called Sushi Midori and there was a line out front (if the locals are lining up, you know it’s good!)  They have a restaurant in Shibuya as well.  Not only was it the freshest, most succulent sushi I had in the two weeks I was here, it was also the most reasonably priced for what you get!  Be sure to try pieces you can’t get at home as well as the heated ones they put a blowtorch to!

For more information on the Hotel Chinzan-so click here: http://www.fourseasons.com/tokyo/  and the Four Seasons Marunochi, please click here: http://www.fourseasons.com/marunouchi/offers/

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Conrad Hilton Tokyo=Luxury and Comfort

August 27, 2012 by

I had never been to Asia, so when a friend told me he was headed to a wedding in Japan and asked if I’d like to go, I was extremely excited to see the city and experience the culture, food, and a Japanese wedding.  I wanted to find hotel properties that exuded elegance with a romantic flair, but was also convenient to all of the popular neighborhoods and things to do see and do.  For the first five days of my stay in Tokyo, I stayed at the Conrad Hilton, Hilton’s luxury brand of properties.  I have stayed with Hilton before at some of their other brand properties, and have never had one bad experience so I was eager to try their more exclusive, high-end brand of hotels which includes the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria.  For the record, the hotel lived up and exceeded my expectations.

Upon arrival, you will be taken up to the lobby on the 28th floor, which displays a breathtaking view of Tokyo Bay and the beautiful Hamari park.  This is also where the swanky bar serves up nightly food and drinks to relaxing piano music.  We stayed on the 34th floor which also had a magnificent view of the city and bay.  The rooms were really spacious, especially for a standard room in Tokyo and the beds were most comfortable.  The bathroom had both a shower and stand alone bathtub and a high end toilet to boot, that was heated and  played relaxing music.   Japan is definitely ahead of the curve when it comes to certain items.  Other features which you would expect from a five star property include automatic curtains and shades that are controlled by a knob next to your bed and the same for the blinds that connects the bathroom to the bedroom.  If you have time for a relaxing soak in the tub, you can stare out at the beautiful view from the bathroom. 

The restaurants, which include Gordon Ramsy’s Cerise,, which serves up French cuisine and their Chinese and Japanese options display gorgeous decor and also serve up meals that are second to none.  We dined at the traditional Japanese restaurant, which served a selection of eight courses, all light and full of flavor.  If you choose this option, you will be treated to a wide array of flavors that incorporate both fresh fish and meat.  Their breakfast was a spectacular buffet which included traditional American fare such as eggs, lox, fresh and dried fruit,  and dishes such as soba noodles, and a hot rice cereal to which you can add a mixture of Japanese toppings,

The hotel also features a modern fitness center with a jacuzzi and saunas in the locker rooms, and an olympic sized swimming pool (for an additional charge).  If you feel like unwinding with a spa treatment, the spa is the perfect oasis for a variety of treatments.

Booking a hotel from home before you have arrived in your destination can be challenging when trying to figure out the best location for everything you’d like to do.  There were so many options for hotels in Tokyo that it was tough deciphering the neighborhoods.  However, the Conrad was in a perfect spot, close to two major subway lines.  If you are traveling for business, it is very close to some big cooperations, but also steps away from a bustling nightlife of restaurants and bars.  If you are there for pleasure, you will find getting around the city very easy on the JR subway line, which leaves from the Shimbashi station, which is a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel.

 When traveling to Europe, while the languages are different, many people speak English.  However, I was worried about communicating with the locals here in Japan, as some speak a little English, but many don’t.  I therefore relied heavily on the concierge at the hotel.  I don’t think I’ve used their services as much as I did on this trip, and they were extremely helpful and informative in helping me plan my itinerary.  Not only were they armed with information on each location, they also made phone calls for me which made it that much easier to set things up.  In a country where you are not familiar with the things to see and do, and communicating may be a challenge, a good concierge is worth their weight in gold.

While in Tokyo, there is so much to explore with many neighborhoods of different character, including the business districts of Shimbashi and Shiodome, the nightlife district of Roppongi, the nerdy electronic district, Akihabara, the famous bustling intersection of Shibuya with its many restaurants and shops, and Shinjuku, with its shops, department stores, and various restaurants.  If you are an adventurous eater, you can try one of many restaurants that will serve such items as heart, gizzard, horse, cartilage etc.  I am usually a very adventurous eater, but even for me, my stomach did not take to this variety!   Harajuku is a great spot for young shoppers with the latest in cool hip styles and accessories.   Head to Ueno for a daily market, as well as a feel for “Old Japan.”  A must do for your trip to Tokyo is a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market.  Definitely try to wake up early one morning for the auction.  The auction starts around 5am, but you must get there around 4am for a place in line, as they only accept the first 120 people and then divide into two groups.   After the auction, head to one of the many sushi restaurants within the market for the freshest sushi in Tokyo.  One place that came highly recommended and lived up to the expectation was Sushi Dai.  I waited 2.5 hours, lining up at 6am, but I was definitely good and hungry when it was my turn.  They take about fifteen people in at a time and you sit at the sushi bar, as they prepare around 12 pieces for you to try.  It is a very efficient meal, as you won’t be in there for more than thirty minutes, and you’ll pay 3900 yen, which comes out to around 45 dollars, but if you are going to Tokyo, you should try some amazingly fresh sushi.   Tokyo definitely has a lot of character with terrific food, very respectful people, and plenty to do, but if you are guy, beware of possible nightlife scams that target foreigners.  If you meet a girl and she asks you to go to another bar and then to another with her, make sure to never give your credit card and watch your drinks.

So if you are traveling to Tokyo for business or pleasure, do yourself a favor and stay at the Conrad Hilton.  It exceeded my expectations in comfort, food, location and customer service. It’s easy to see why they have received numerous awards from prestigious groups and publications over the years.

Filed Under: Asia, Destinations Tagged With: , ,
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Breaking Down Berlin

April 3, 2012 by

My last stop of my three week trip was Berlin, Germany.  As a child, having been raised Jewish, I had always heard people say, why would you want to go to Germany? But as I got older, I became friends with a Jewish guy from Berlin, had another friend whose sister moved there, and just kept hearing incredible things about the city.   I ended up spending two and a half days there and it was far from enough time.  There was lots of shopping that could have been done, but I found myself much more interested in the history, including the Hitler regime and World War II as well the cold war and the building and knocking down of the Berlin wall. 

On the first day, I took the City Tour hop on hop off bus to get an introduction to the fascinating buildings and sites.  I chose to stop at the KaDeWe, probably one of the largest department stores I’ve ever seen, but I knew there was not enough time for shopping so I made a beeline for the sixth floor which is home to a ton of gourmet foods, snacks, and drinks.  You definitely want to have lunch there one day.  They had so many different types of food and if you’re looking for local dishes, you can find it there.

I decided that while there was so much to see in Berlin, I wanted to take one day and head to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.  One can go on their own, but I think in order to get the true history behind it all, you should take a tour.  I chose the group, Original Berlin Walks.  Our guide was extremely well versed on the history of the camp.   Seeing the actual camp grounds and hearing about everything that went on  made for a heavy on the heart kind of day, but I am so glad I went and learned all about it, as it is a very significant part of our history that affected so many families.

In Berlin, there is so much to see, but you’ll want to hit the main attractions like Brandenburg Gate, The Charlottenburg Palace, The Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie and the museum that talks all about the Berlin Wall and how many people tried to leave the east side.  There are also many different neighborhoods with completely different vibes, so try and check out a few.  I really enjoyed Kreuzberg with its large Turkish population.   The Turkish food in Berlin is delicious and I highly recommend having some when you’ve had enough currywurst!

When in Berlin, a centrally located and very nice hotel to stay in is the Maritim proArte Hotel It is very close to the metro stop Friedrichstrasse, which is a central hub for many of the train lines. It is also very close to many of the attractions and shopping districts, including the huge Nivea House store.  The transit system takes a little getting used to, but is pretty basic.  There is the U-Bahn, the underground trains and S-Bahn, the ones that run above ground.  There are also trams and buses, so getting around the city is never a problem.

So if you haven’t been to Berlin yet, now is the time to go!  There are direct flights from Newark to Berlin, making it very easy to get there, and if you’d like to make a stop in Brussels along the way, there are flights that enable you to do that too! Plus, if you’re heading there in the summertime, there are going to be daily flights  from JFK to Berlin and Dusseldorf.  Airberlin will also introduce new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Berlin making it the first airline to service this route.  The new nonstop service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in addition to the existing seasonal service from Los Angeles to Dusseldorf which operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  Tickets can be booked on the Internet at airberlin.com, in the service center (Tel.: 866-266-5588) or through travel agents. Plus, visit http://www.visitberlin.de/en for upcoming events and things to do in Berlin!

Filed Under: Destinations, Europe Tagged With: , , ,

Prague: Historical Beauty

March 15, 2012 by

Ever since a friend of mine went to live in Prague for a few years, I was intrigued to see the country in the Czech Republic that so many people speak about with admiration.   I arrived in Prague by way of Easy Jet, which can be an economical way to get around Europe, but if you tend to travel with a lot of baggage, the price can add up, as they have a strict one carry-on bag policy and up to 20 kilos per bag, and you must pay for each bag you check.  I would recommend paying online if you know how much you’d like to check, as it’s cheaper than paying at the airport.  I hopped on the airport express bus to my hotel and for about $3.50, it took me to the train station stop about five minutes from Hotel Jalta, the place I’d call home for the next four nights.    This hotel is in a great location, especially if you are going to connect to another country via train.  It is also in the middle of Wenceslas Square, also called the main square, filled with shops, casinos, restaurants, and theaters.  The Black Light Theater shows are very popular in Prague, and you should try and catch one while you are there.  I went to see WOW’s version, which was fun, but I had gone straight from a phenomenal dinner and wine pairing at La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise, so watching the performers lit up in some parts of their bodies but wearing black clothing on others, as to appear invisible, was pretty interesting to watch, and especially while one is a  little tipsy.

La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise is quite the culinary experience.  When in Prague, you must try the local food, which can include some very heavy foods.  However, the chefs at this fine international restaurant will give you a taste of many kinds of local food while keeping the portions small, but bursting with flavor.  They offer a choice of either an international or local menu, and of course I went with the local one.  You should really allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy this restaurant leisurely, as it is an experience, and you can have wine paired with each course.  I’d say you should allow about 2.5 hours.  However, I had tickets to the black light theater show, and only had about 1.5 hours, so I told them this at the beginning, and amazingly they still had all 7 courses completed in that time.  The waitstaff is extremely attentive and waits by the open kitchen for the next course so they can bring it directly to you as soon as it is prepared.  Each day, they prepare a new menu with the fresh ingredients available.  As I mentioned, each dish was prepared meticulously and the flavors were incredible.  Tomas Brosche is the general manager, and makes you feel very welcome.  I was thrilled when he told me they had just opened a restaurant in New York, called Hospoda at 321 East 73rd Street.  I’ll definitely be going to check that out!

If you’d like to balance out your fine dining with some casual places, Kolkovna is a great spot for some goulash soup served with a pretzel, and definitely give the fried cheese and Bavarian sausages you can get at any stand on the street a try.

Hotel Jalta is the perfect place to stay while In Prague.  Centrally located, you can walk to Old and New Town, and over the Charles Bridge to the castle from there.  Every person who works there was so helpful when it came to giving directions, advice on restaurants and what to do.  Their restaurant Como serves up a great breakfast and spectacular dinners with fun entertainment.  It is a hotspot for both locals and tourists.  I had the lamb dish my last night for dinner, and the meat just fell off the bone…so yummy!  However, I think the best part of that restaurant is its general manager, Adriano Figura. Originally from Sicily, he makes it his duty to make sure every single person is having a great time.  I was by myself at the bar just enjoying the live music, when he approached me and insisted on getting me a drink and invited me over to sit with him and his friends.  The next night was the same.  He definitely uses his Sicilian charm to make everyone feel at home.  The rooms on each floor are spaced far apart from one another, so I never heard anything except for what was going on outside.   And you have to love a hotel that always has apples out on each floor and in the lobby!  Did I tell you they also greet you with a glass of champagne upon arrival?

With so much history and architectural styles in Prague, you’ll definitely want to hire a guide to take you around, not just to point out all of the sites, but to really explain the history and meaning behind everything.  The first day I arrived, I took a free tour which many cities offer throughout Europe.  These guides work solely for tips.  It was a great tour and the guide was very lively, but it didn’t even come close to the tour I was given with my private guide Milos Curik the next day.   Milos has lived his entire life in Prague and has seen it in its Communist days and of course since the Velvet Revolution in 1989.  He has been through a lot and also has some very interesting friends.  He is very well traveled and extremely intelligent.  The five hours I spent with him went by fast, as he always kept the tour intriguing and personable.  I learned a lot from him and he took me to some of the off the beaten path places that you wouldn’t know to go to on your own.  If you are visiting Prague, you must have Milos as your guide.  His email is arts.music@volny.cz.  He specializes in art and music history, for which Prague is quite known.  

There is a lot of Jewish history in Prague as well.  Not always the good kind, but there is a lot to learn and you must visit the Jewish Quarter.  You can buy one pass that will gain you entrance to the synagogues and cemetery.  A very touching synagogue is the Pinkas synagogue, where every Bohemian and Moravian Jew murdered by the Natzis has their name, personal data, and the names of the communities to which they belonged written on the wall.  There is also a collection of over 4,000 drawings done by the children in the concentration camps before they met their evil fate. Among the Terezin prisoners, there were over 10,000 children under the age of 15, and of the 8,000 that were deported to the East, only 242 survived.

The Old Jewish Cemetery was established in the first half of the 15th century and is one of the most important surviving monuments in Prague’s Jewish Town.  The cemetery contains almost 12,000 tombstones, although there are many more people buried there, including some very famous writers and rabbis from Prague’s history.  It is said that bodies were buried in layers on top of one another, as there was not enough room to accommodate everyone.   If you’re in the market for some Judaica, you can also find it in some of the shops in the Jewish Quarter.

Be sure to walk over the Charles Bridge to the castle one time at night, as Prague is beautiful all lit up.  As I was crossing the bridge, I was thinking to myself how romantic and beautiful it all was and then there was a guy down on his knee proposing!  Smart man!  There is also plenty of nightlife, depending on what you’re looking for.  Beer is cheaper than bottled water in some places, and there are plenty of bars where you can take advantage of this and try some beers you wouldn’t find at home.  They also have a big clubbing and jazz scene and being that it is such a strong cultural city, there are plenty of performances to choose from, ranging from the State Opera and Philharmonic to the Black Light Theater Shows,  the Magic Lantern, a popular show in Prague and the National Marionette Theater where you can see the opera Don Giovanni performed by the famous marionette puppets.

So grab a hot chocolate, hot spiced pear juice or grog and walk the cobblestone streets of Prague and enjoy the beauty around you.

Filed Under: Destinations, Europe Tagged With: , , , , ,

Amsterdam: So Much More Than You Think

February 18, 2012 by

For years, I have heard so much about Amsterdam, but mostly just about the red  light district and the fact that you can smoke pot legally, with coffee houses offering up a menu of more than just coffee.  However, no one ever talked about the outright beauty of the city with its gorgeous canals filled with swans or the incredible architecture and array of museums.  Amsterdam really does have it all.

I got there on a Saturday night, so of course my first stop had to be the Red Light District, as I had heard so much about it.  It’s an area of a few blocks off of the China town and gay section of the city and gets its name in part because the girls are standing in doorways or windows that are lit up in red neon.  They are dressed in lingerie or in a themed outfit, like the typical schoolgirl.  I was walking around on my own, when a very funny guy from Ireland stopped me and asked if he could take my picture, as I was just taking scenery shots.  After that, we pretended to be husband and wife and do some window shopping.  Here’s a tip: comparison shop if you are interested, as not all women are willing to do the same things and the prices will vary!  Of course I had to do some research, but the research stopped there!  Aside from the window shopping you can do, there are some great bars and coffee houses and it’s just a fun area in which to go out and meet people.  Ladies, maybe you’re thinking, what is there for you there?  The answer: lots of men!

You should look into a city pass when you get off the train in central station.  The tourism and information office is right across the street and this should be your first stop.  They will answer all of your questions and sell you tickets to various tours or as I mentioned the city pass.  They sell 24, 48 and 72 hour passes and it includes entrance to many museums for free, discounts at various attractions and restaurants and even free gifts from some shops.   Plus, it comes with a transport card which entitles you to free tram service for that time period.  There are many tram lines throughout the city and they run quite often, so while it is a walking city, after a long day, you may just choose to hop on the tram to give your feet a rest.

The next day I took a canal cruise, which is a good way to see a lot of the city from the water.  Another option is a free tour that is offered twice daily at 11am and 1pm and you can meet them at either Central Station or in Dam Square.   The three hour walking tour will give you a good sense of the city.   After the canal cruise, I decided to explore on my own, and I walked through the shopping area near Dam Square and visited the Anne Frank House, which should be on the top of your list of things to see.  This museum is not included in the city pass, but the 9 Euro admission is well worth it.   You will actually walk through the house where Anne, her family, and family friends hid during the war and learn all about the family’s life and what they and other Jews went through under German control.   The museum features videos, personal commentaries from people who knew them well, entries from her diary and an easy to follow explanation of everything that happened.  Be prepared to be moved by this experience.

I spent my third day visiting some of Amsterdam’s well known markets in Albert Cuyp and Waterlooplein, what used to be the Jewish area and still houses the Jewish Museum and Portuguese Synagogue, which were also neat to see.  Be prepared to do a lot of walking, but do not fear, there are a ton of things to eat everywhere you go, from Turkish, Indonesian, and Argentinian to stands with waffles piled high with fruit and chocolate, French fries and lots of pastries.   As I said, there are a lot of museums, the most popular being the Van Gogh Museum, and museums teaching you about diamonds and genevere  If I had more time I would have visited the Heineken Experience.

When choosing a hotel, you can pretty much stay anywhere, as it is easy to get around.  However, if you plan on going out late at night, the trams do stop running shortly after midnight, so you’ll want to choose a hotel close to where you’d like to go out.  I recommend staying in either the Central Station area or Dam Square.  I stayed at the NH Hotel Museum Quarter, which was close to Leidesplein, also a popular place to go out, and home to the Holland Casino.  However,  I was pretty far from the Red Light District, and after a long night, I didn’t want to walk thirty minutes to get back.  Of course, cabs are always an option as well, but hotels are so reasonably priced, that I would just stay in a central area.  That being said, the NH Museum Quarter was a comfortable hotel and very reasonably priced.  They offer free wi-fi, but only in the lobby, which is a little bit of a drag, but for a fee, you can get it in the room as well.  They will give you a 30 minute code to use and you can get as many as you need, and being that there are so many NH hotels throughout the city, you can always pop into any one of them and hop online.  Having popped into a few of the others, the lobby and reception area looked really nice and you probably couldn’t go wrong choosing any one of them for your stay.

The city central of Amsterdam surely has enough to do to keep you busy for a few days, but I think you should also allow yourself some extra time to visit Zaanse Schans.  While it caters to tourists, it is still a fun experience to see functioning windmills, some that have been around for many years.  I went inside one that chopped wood, all powered by the wind.  Truly amazing.  There is also a clog making demonstration and a cheese demonstration with samples and the opportunity to take home some great local Holland cheese.  There are also two museums, one that shows you how the famous biscuits and chocolate are made and just the smell you inhale  walking through there is enough to make you want to have one of their chocolate bars for breakfast, as I did.

Many go to Amsterdam for a long weekend or in conjunction with a trip to other countries.   While the reputation that carries the country is mostly tied to the red light district and legalized marijuana, I can’t stress enough how beautiful and romantic the city is.  When the weather is nice, be sure to rent a bike as well and drive around the city and countryside, but make sure you know the rules because those cyclists mean business!

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