Four Seasons, Bora Bora

Bora Bora tops the list for many vacationers and honeymooners seeking an island getaway. It’s turquoise water, over water bungalows, pristine beaches and expansive lagoons are nothing short of paradise. For a detailed review about the island itself make sure to click here.

Four Seasons, Bora Bora
Four Seasons, Bora Bora

While Bora Bora has many wonderful hotels to chose from, there’s none better than the Four Seasons. The resort is located on the right side of the main island and is a short boat ride from the airport. Like most hotels, Four Seasons offers a boat service from and to the airport along with other destinations around the island. However, Four Seasons distinguish themselves from their peers upon arrival both by the luxury of their boat and the quality of their service. Costs will varies based on the destination as well as the degree of privacy (private versus shared).

Rooms:

This dreamy hotel offer the most remarkable rooms, food and service on the island. They offer a variety of rooms depending on your need and preferences. For families with kids or those in need of a larger space, the beach front villas are likely to be the best option. They have their own private pool with ample room to account for larger parties. But make sure to book them quickly because there are only 8 villas available on the property.

Sun bathing on the deck
Sun bathing on the deck

All of the other rooms are over-the-water bungalows with a variety of views. You can either book the mountain-view or beach-view; those closer to the shore or the ocean. The bungalows with the mountain-view have a dramatic backdrop and are often preferred by many guests but it’s not the only factor to consider. For instance, I would recommend a bungalow that faces the west not only for the view but the late afternoon sun explore on your porch #ProTip. Also, if the notion of jumping out into the ocean is exciting to you, you’ll want the Bungalows further away from shore – the rooms closer to the beach are too shallow for jumping / diving activities. It might sound a bit obvious but it’s the sort of detail that you’re not likely to consider until you’re already checked in.

The bungalows consist of a spacious living room with a large adjoining bedroom, which is nicely nestled into the unit to help you get a restful night of sleep. The rooms are equipped with a large bathroom space including a luxurious bathtub with views out to the patio and the ocean.

The outside patio offers beautiful views of paradise with direct access to the waters beneath you. It an excellent place to soak in the sun or to enjoy a delicious brunch, something we’ve availed ourselves of quite frequently.

Standup paddle board on the lagoon
Standup paddle board on the lagoon

Activities:

Four Seasons offers many different activities throughout the property. Some of our favorites were the stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Paddle yourself throughout the property, getting lost within the lagoons or venture off into the ocean to enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the gorgeous resort and the paradise that is Bora Bora (all while burning calories)!

A large area of the resort is dedicated to Volleyball, Badminton and Tennis courts. You get to reserve the court and break a sweat under the sun!

The resort also provides snorkeling gear that can be used in the lagoon or beyond. You’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by schools of fish under the clear waters and perhaps more the further you venture off.

Snorkeling in the lagoon
Snorkeling in the lagoon

Some of the fun but non-complimentary activities are jet-skiing and riding or navigating a catamaran. You can also request use of their canoes, which are typically used for special occasions.

Restaurants and bars:

Food, drinks and service is top-notch across the resort and you will find yourself getting spoiled with the small details the staff add to make your stay is more enjoyable!

  • Tere Nui

This cozy restaurant is only open for breakfast. They offer a wide variety of breads, cheese selections, cold cuts, fresh fruits and kid-friendly snacks. You can also order omelettes and other made-to-order items off their menu, available at each table. If you decide to buy a meal plan, it is honored at the Tere Nui. However, it important to note that pre-purchasing your breakfast might preclude you from enjoying the breakfast canoe, a beautiful and romantic ride around the property with breakfast on your porch.

Arii Moana
Arii Moana
  • Arii Moana:

Open for dinner service only, Arii Moana is a beautiful restaurant with limited seating on the patio. While the decor is beautiful inside, there is nothing better than to enjoy the open air of the patio. The restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy a surf-n-turf meal with a menu that offers plenty of fresh seafood and succulent meats options. You’ll also find an excellent wine list to pair with your meal.

Thai soup, Sunset Restaurant
Thai soup, Sunset Restaurant
  • Fare Hoa Beach Bar and Grill

Offering a casual ambiance right on the beach, Fare Hoa is a great spot if you want to grab food and/or drinks. This restaurant sits right on the sand so it gives you access to lounge chairs on the beach. Depending on the night, they offer music or live bands to listen to some music under the stars.

  • Sunset Restaurant and Bar

Located right next to the lagoon, Sunset Restaurant offers some light snacks or a mix of island and South-East Asian cuisine. Some of favorite options were the Thai curries and salad. Grab a table at Sunset and watch the lagoon change color.

  • Canoe breakfast:

Enjoying your breakfast on the beautiful patio overlooking the crystal water seems like a dream but how about a breakfast delivery in a canoe? We truly enjoyed our meal, the set-up and the lovely people who helped set the table. In the end, they offered to give us a tour around the lagoon which was a lovely treat!

Missing this beautiful island and the wonderful Four Seasons hotel. Can’t wait to be back!

Canoe ride on the lagoon
Canoe ride on the lagoon

Ayana Resort, Bali

Bali, this magical island, has so many wonderful hotels and resorts to chose from. In fact, it offers so many beautiful options that can be quite overwhelming! One of the best ways to narrow down where to stay is to find out the desirable location you like. Head over to my post about Bali and read about the different towns within the island. Once you have identified the suitable town, you can look for the hotel or resort that best suits your needs.

For us, it was Jimbaran because of its proximity to the airport and Seminyak, where restaurants, bars and clubs are plentiful; but most of all because it houses The Villas at the Ayana. The beautiful resort may very well be the largest on the island as it contains 3 affiliated hotels within the property, The Villas, Ayana and Rimba. You get the picture, right?

View of the lobby at The Villas
View of the lobby at The Villas

The massive property has a total of 19 restaurants and bars, 12 swimming pools and offers every amenity your heart desire to the point that you only need to leave the resort to explore the rich history on the island! We weren’t able to visit all the restaurants and swimming pools during our extended stay.

Private pool, The Villa at Ayana Resort
Private pool, The Villa at Ayana Resort

What is the difference between The Villas vs Ayana or Rimba?

All 3 properties are laid out beautifully and you get to enjoy most of the bars, restaurants and pools within the property. The major difference between The Villas and the other two hotels is the size and the layout of the rooms. The Villas offer their own private bungalow-like units along with butler and driver service. The other two have more a traditional hotel set-up with elevators and adjoining walls for neighboring rooms. This is the main reason for a higher price-tag.

Romantic bath with a beautiful view of our backyard
Romantic bath with a beautiful view of our backyard

While the size of the room or having a butler may not be interesting to you, having transportation in the resort is is a real peak in the large estate. The property is around 90 hectares (223 acres) near cliff-tops; thus, walking around can be exhausting and time-consuming. Also, The Villas will give you access to some of the most popular areas within the resort that do not accept reservations such as the ever popular Rock Bar.

Another feature of The Villas are the private in-unit pools with accompanying huts to get a break from the sun. More on this below. Guests also gain access to exclusive pools with elaborate designs and a quieter environment.

The Villa’s exclusive pool
The Villa’s exclusive pool

Restaurants and bars at Ayana resort:

  • Rock Bar

One of the most sought-after bars in Bali is the Rock Bar. The bar is perched 14 meters above the Indian Ocean over natural rocks, a perfect place to take in the glorious Bali sunset. The DJ booth is set in the middle of the cliff and plays wonderful music throughout the night. Villas guests can access the bar without a wait leveraging the butler service; but be forewarned that guests of the other resorts are likely to encounter lengthy lines during peak hours due to the popularity.

  • Dava Steak Bar and Grill

The dramatic backdrop of the mountains and ocean make for an amazing and romantic dining experience at the Dava. The menu has a focus on steak and seafood, so we ordered the Wagyu, naturally. We accompanied that with truffle potatoes and pork chop and ate to our heart’s content!

Chocolate soufflé, Dava Steak Bar and Grill
Chocolate soufflé, Dava Steak Bar and Grill
  • Unique Rooftop Bar and Restaurant:

This beautiful pool-club by day and vibrant restaurant by night offers delightful Mexican food along with wonderful cocktails. It also has a beautiful view of the sunset with a 25 meter infinity pool and (most importantly?) floaties! Despite measured expectations since we were ordering Mexican cuisine in Indonesia, we were pleasantly surprised by he quality of the food and flavors. The food and experience was so wonderful it may be our most favorite restaurant within the property. (And we are accustomed to great Mexican food since we live in California!)

Kisik Bar and Grill
Kisik Bar and Grill
  • Kisik bar and grill

This lovely restaurant also boast some of the most amazing views of the ocean. Kisik is located on cliffs near the Rock Bar. Thus, it’s another romantic location to take in the wonderful sunset. It is known for its wonderful selection of fresh fish, rock lobster, crab, squid and other local seafood. The fresh seafood will be lined up before your eyes and you’ll get to select and have it cooked your way.

We ordered the rock lobster and crab and never looked back!

  • Padi

Padi happens to be where the breakfast buffet is hosted each morning, which offers separate food stations for Asian, American and European cuisine. However, by night it is an Asian themed restaurant with a chic Balinese setting. It’s a great place for a quick bite (well, quick on resort time) and late night drink to finish off the night!

Floating breakfast, The Villas at Ayana Resort
Floating breakfast, The Villas at Ayana Resort
  • Floating champagne brunch :

How could I visit Bali and not order a floating breakfast? While this is not a “restaurant” per se, it is a food service option in The Villas which is fun and unique! We got to enjoy our brunch by the pool while taking in the view and the sun. If you are staying in The Villas, the floating breakfast will be a luxury you will never forget! Who needs a breakfast by the pool when you can have it in the pool?

Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico

I fancy myself a world traveler as I have visited well over 40 countries; and I have had the fortune of staying at some of the best 5-star resorts in the world. What I can tell you is that Rosewood Mayakoba, without a doubt, is second to none and by far our favorite resort.

 

The resort is designed so beautifully that it’ll leave you speechless. Further, the staff are all about the details, even acknowledging you by name throughout your stay, and they focus on going above and beyond to cater to all your needs. Expect to be treated like royalty at the Rosewood Mayakoba!

Lagoon View, Rosewood Mayakoba
Lagoon View, Rosewood Mayakoba

Rosewood Mayakoba had been on my radar for quite a while as it has been the #1 luxury resort on TripAdvisor for some time. It is also featured by Forbes travel guide, Travel and Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler and many other websites so I couldn’t wait to check it out. I booked Rosewood for a total of 4 nights and to celebrate my husband’s birthday, which was sufficient time to thoroughly enjoy all of its amenities as well as a full day in Tulum, an absolute must-see. Read more about our trip here.

View from our suite
View from our suite

Rosewood is located in a small town called Mayakoba approximately an hour south of Cancun. Mayakoba is a small, gated community of wonderful hotels that include Banyan tree, Fairmont and Andaz along the aforementioned Rosewood. Security will you to check-in each time you enter and exit the area.

All hotels in the community share a beautiful lagoon and you can traverse to the neighboring resorts via small, communal ferry boats. With that said, the Rosewood will give you access to private boats, a clear advantage to the other hotels. You may also book a private dinner on the boats for a day excursion or a sunset cruise, which is exactly what we did for my husband’s birthday.

Deluxe over-water lagoon suite
Deluxe over-water lagoon suite

The rooms:

All rooms are suites and quite spacious with their own pool as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. We stayed at the deluxe over-water lagoon, a perfect suite for honeymooners or all couples for that matter.

Rooms are individual bungalows, which gives you a sense of seclusion, and the overall property is expansive; thus, you’ll want to requests pick-up and drop-off service on their golf carts to help you navigate resort. You may also requests bicycles to gallivant around the property.

Each suite comes with butler service with dedicated staff to address any requests and to make your stay all the more comfortable and relaxing. The butler may be contacted by a provisioned phone or through the Rosewood app. Thus, whether you’re in need of reservations, transportation, help with your suitcase, dry cleaning or even your floatie(!) they’re on your beck-and-call.

Pool view, Rosewood Mayakoba
Pool view, Rosewood Mayakoba

Pool and the beach :

There are 3 outdoor pools available in the resort. The rectangular pool near the lobby is favored by couples, at least by our observation, while families with children gravitated to the main pool by the beach. Either way the quality of service remain the same. Upon arrival, you’ll be immediately provided a bucket of ice with bottled waters, fresh towels and Evian mist sprays to keep you cool and hydrated.

Rosewood has it’s own private beach with immaculate sands and coastline views. The beach area includes many activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and rides on hobie cats. The resort can also arrange sail boats, jet skis among other activities.

View of the lagoon, Rosewood Mayakoba
View of the lagoon, Rosewood Mayakoba

The Restaurants at Rosewood Mayakoba:

  • La Ceiba:

By far our most enjoyable experience was at La Ceiba. This popular restaurant is only available to hotel guests and operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The restaurant offers a set menu for its guests and reservations are an absolute must. The philosophy for the cuisine is all about cooking with an ‘open flame’ in accordance to Mayan traditions. The food, the ingredients are fresh and the flavors are rich. Our favorite dishes included their pork (carnitas) that was cooked under ground over night and their perfectly seasoned and freshly caught lobster. Both were an absolute delight.

The concept for the dining experience is about community. Two large tables are set under a Ceiba tree and the food is served family style to encourage dialog and interactions with your fellow hotel guests. The dining experience is fun and dynamic as your neighbors soon become your friends. Further, a live Yucatecan band which serenades the attendees throughout the night! Once we were done with dinner, we grabbed our drinks and started dancing and celebrated life with our new friends! Oh what a glorious night it was!

Octopus pizza, Puenta Bonita
Octopus pizza, Puenta Bonita
  • Punta Bonita:

Located by the pool, Punta Bonita serves delicious Mexican food and operates most of the day. The restaurant offers light lunches and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating.

  • Casa Del Lago:

A fine dining restaurant featuring Italian food with touches of Mexican flavors and it’s award winning wine list. Casa Del Lago is located right over the main lobby pool with a wonderful view and flavorful food. The daily breakfast also gets served here.

  • Agave Azul Sushi & Tequila Bar:

A fun beautiful restaurant Asian-inspired entrees and also happens to be a top-line tequila bar. Agave Azul hosts weekly tequila tasting and serves fresh local fish and sushi. It’s particularly a great spot for pre-dinner drinks or late night snacks.

Lagoon view
Lagoon view

Activities at Rosewood Mayakoba:

Like so many other five-star hotels and resorts in the world, Rosewood Mayakoba offers free Hobie cat, kayaks and other water activities. But they also offer some of the most unique experiences for couples or small groups. You can book a romantic dinner by the beach or have a beautiful dinner set up on their private boat. If you’d like more adventure you can go horse back riding on the Playa.

As a birthday surprise for my husband, I opted for the private birthday dinner on the boat. The concierge emailed me two different sets of menus so that we could chose our meals in advance. The meals are prepared from Rosewood’s 3 different restaurants (Agave Azul, Punta Bonita and Casa Del Lago).

On the day of my husband’s birthday, the hotel surprised us with a beautiful bottle of champagne. We popped the bottle on our patio while I was anxiously awaited our boat to arrive. We were greeted by Martin (our Captain) who was so thoughtful and considerate and made our journey even more enjoyable. The boat was decorated with beautiful roses and flower petals all over the boat, which made the setting unforgettable.

Dinner celebration on the boat, Rosewood Mayakoba
Dinner celebration on the boat, Rosewood Mayakoba

Martin started driving the boat to the restaurants and explaining about flora and fauna of the region. At each stop, a staff of the restaurant would come to the boat to transfer our meals and drinks. I still get goose bumps thinking about the whole experience. The word “dreamy” isn’t good enough to capture how we feel about Rosewood. You have to go there and experience it yourself!

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya, with the warmest sun and turquoise water, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Located just about an hour south of Cancun on the east side of Mexico, Riviera Maya is an attractive place for many travelers. Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Akumal are some the famous towns that has different characteristics and charms.

Mayakoba, Mexico
Mayakoba, Mexico

How to get there?

Flying to Cancun (CUN) will be your best option. You can either rent a car, schedule a pick up from your hotel or simply take a taxi to your destination. If you are concerned about your safety in Mexico, utilizing the pick-up service from your hotel is the safest option, especially if you are traveling with children.

What is the best time to visit Riviera Maya?

Mexico is nice and sunny all year around; however the best months to visit are April, May and September when the crowd is smaller and the temperature hovers around 80 degrees. Further, hotel prices aren’t at their peak so it’ll be more affordable to plan your vacation. If you opt for the summer months, however, always be sure to check the weather forecast as hurricane warning occur with more frequency during those months. If you plan to travel in winter, January will be a great month to skip the busy December crowd.

Tulum ruins
Tulum ruins

Popular Riviera Maya’s towns:

  • Playa Del Carmen

Located around 45 minutes south of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen is an ideal place to for those who like to get away from the heavy touristy hotels and vacation spots in Cancun. Playa’s downtown is small and walk-able but offers many bars and great restaurants options. Some of the nicest hotels in Playa Del Carmen are located in Mayakoba and that’s were we decided to stay. To read about our favorite hotel in Mexico, please click here.

  • Tulum

This picturesque town known for it’s 1000 year-old ruins and the Gran Cenote, which is a set of some of the most beautiful underwater caves in the region. Tulum is a perfect one day getaway if you are tired of laying low by the pool or stomping around in one of the nearby towns. It’s a Hippie-chic town with a calming vibe. Perfect for a hot yoga session if you so desire.

Tulum
Tulum
  • Akumal

Located between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Akumal is more of a quiet, low-key destination. Unlike Tulum, Akumal’s hotels offers pools and is also a great spot for snorkeling.

What to pack?

Before you pack your beach attire, make sure to pack a bug spray! If you stay at a nice resort you may be able to request one from your hotel, otherwise you are on your own. (If you are into natural stuff, peppermint oil will be a great item to take with you.)

Second most important item is your sunscreen. It’s hot and sunny so protect your skin. Pack a hat, your sunnies and lots of bright cotton or linen clothes. Happy traveling!

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has become one of the top destination for travelers all over the world. This beautiful island is famous for many different reasons. It’s a fabulous destination for those who love to dive or surf the ocean; it’s a great spot for those embracing nature, meditation or yoga; but most of all, it’s the perfect getaway from the everyday hustle-and-bustle to enjoy some delicious food, mystical temples, and picturesque beaches.

Bali

Best time to travel to Bali:

The weather in Bali is warm all year around but there are two distinct seasons in Bali, wet and dry. The dry season is from May to October. The advantages are obvious as there is less rain, beautiful blue skies and a better conditions for surf or diving. With that said, it will mean that the island will be crowded with many visitors with crowded roads and hotel prices at their peak.

If you still like to take advantage of the dry season, aim to visit Bali around April, May or September; but just like any other country, be sure to check out the holidays calendar for the time of your travel. Indonesians celebrate all Muslim holidays, which can have a huge impact on your transit around the island. Roads can get extremely busy therefore visiting different areas of the island will become very challenging.

Ayana Villas, Bali
Ayana Villas, Bali

How many days is enough to visit Bali

Bali is not as small as you may think. If you really want to explore Bali and not feel rushed you should dedicate at least a week at a minimum. The island is quite large and, depending on what you like to see or the desired activities, there will be a lot of time on the road. The streets are narrow and mostly single-lane so it’s especially challenging during high season where you’re likely to find yourself spending a lot of time sitting in traffic.

Much like you might have read on other blogs, I would recommend you divide your trip by staying in a couple of different locations. It is the best way to explore different areas without wasting time commuting from one place to the other. As an example, if you want to stay in Seminyak or the southern part of Bali, it will take you around an hour to get to Ubud. Now, if you intend to visit the temples as well as the rice fields in and around Ubud, you will not have much time to make it to the beautiful Ulun Danu near the northern part of the island! Ulun Danu temple (pictured below) is one of Bali’s iconic temples as it resides by the Danau Beratan lake surrounded by neighboring mountains. Make sure to get there early in the morning as the crowds will pour in with their tour buses in tow.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Where to stay in Bali?

I’ve highlighted some of the most popular places in Bali so you can decide which places you like the most.

Ubud:

Known for it’s cultural heart, rice fields, beautiful temples, waterfalls and local markets, Ubud is where to fall in love (over and over again) . This traditional town is far from the beach and night life, which makes it more quiet and zen. If this is your first time in Bali, make sure to stay in this magical town and get lost in the lush of green rice fields and palm treas.

What’s to do in Ubud?

This probably needs a whole page to itself but I’m going to talk about some of the highlights here:

  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the landmarks of Bali and a must visit. It’s a beautiful place to walk around and take photos but know that it can be very hot and humid. Get some coconuts to stay hydrated and enjoy the amazing view of the fields.
  • Monkey forest is also located in Ubud. It’s a beautiful sanctuary where the monkeys roam free; but be careful not to carry any food or precious items with you. They may take it away from you!
  • Tegenungan and Tibumana waterfalls are some of the best waterfalls in Bali. If you are planning to visit Tegenungan you have to make sure to get there early before the crowd gets there or it will be extremely busy with travelers. Tegenungan is around 45 minutes away from Ubud and Tibumana is around 20 minutes.
  • If you like to do Yoga in Ubud, make sure to visit Yoga Barn. They offer so many different yoga and meditation classes with reasonable prices.

Seminyak:

Many of Bali’s luxury resorts, upscale shops and finer restaurants are located in Seminyak. The nightlife is much livelier than other towns in Bali and the beaches are more vibrant and active. Ku De Ta and Potato Head Beach Club are amongst the most fun places to be at after the sun goes down.

Jimbaran:

Another town also known for upscale resorts and amazing food is Jimbaran. It is home to many seafood restaurants in Bali with unforgettable views. Some of the nicest bars including Rock Bar is located in Jimbaran.

Ayana Villas, Jimbaran
Ayana Villas, Jimbaran

Kuta:

This once being a fishing village is now home to Bali’s most famous beach. Surf by day and then immerse yourself in the nightlife as it one of the major hubs for partying on the island. Kuta, just like Legian, has a lot of budget accommodation available which makes it a popular place to stay. The largest water park in all Southeast Asia is located in Kuta.

Legian:

Located between Seminyak and Kuta, this town is also known for nightlife. There are lots of bars and clubs to chose from with a good mix of attractions. There’s also a wide range of accommodations available which makes it a better place for budget traveler.

Nusa Dua:

Far away from the crowds in Nusa Dua you can find many luxury resorts and upscale shopping. Bali’s national golf club is also located in this area. Surfing and diving are some of the popular activities here and it’s one of the best places for honeymooners and jet setters.

Have fun planning and please leave a comment if you have any questions 🙂

Hong Kong

“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.”
― Nury Vittachi

Hong Kong, had been on our list for a while and we finally got to spend some quality time there. There are two parts to Hong Kong, the north part of the Victorian harbor which is known as the Kowloon side and the south part, more known as Hong Kong island. We stayed in both sides and preferred the Hong Kong island better. If you have time make sure to visit both sides. It’s only a short ferry ride.

Ozone Bar, Ritz Carlton
Ozone Bar, Ritz Carlton

Kowloon or Hong Kong?

It all comes to your personal preference but it’s very easy to visit both during your time there. If you have 5 days or more, you can divide your stay and give yourself ample time to explore both parts. But if your stay is short, Hong Kong island is a better choice. You can easily explore the island by foot while being in Kowloon you are required to transit via public transportation or taxi. It’ll be particularly challenging at nights and you’ll be forced to rely on taxis, whom have a reputation for being dishonest.

Accommodations in Kowloon may be more favorable to your pocket but don’t expect a huge difference especially if you are looking into luxury 5 star hotels. If you are into shopping, Kowloon outshines it’s neighboring island. However, The Landmark Mall on Hong Kong Island is probably one of the most luxurious in the area and shouldn’t be missed. Also keep in mind that Kowloon is more touristy and more crowded than Hong Kong island.

Four Seasons, Hong Kong
Four Seasons, Hong Kong

Where to stay?

The iconic Peninsula Hotel, Ritz Carlton and Langham are all on the Kowloon side. While Peninsula is known for its high tea, Ritz is known for the most amazing views of Hong Kong Island.

We loved our visit in Hong Kong so much that we decided to extend our stay. Hong Kong island has so many fabulous hotels which makes it difficult to choose. Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons are among the best and while Mandarin Oriental’s location is generally better, we chose Four Seasons because its beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the harbor (Album cover)

Four Seasons is conveniently connected to the IFC mall and is a 15-minute walk to Lan Kwai Fong and Soho. Lan Kwai Fong is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Hong Kong, where you’ll find countless bars and restaurants to eat and drink late into the night.

Amber, Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Amber, Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Where to eat?

There are so many wonderful restaurants in Hong Kong from street food to fine dining. We had most of the brunches by the pool in our hotel but some of our favorite meals were in Hong Kong island.

For an authentic Chinese food with amazing ambience, make sure to check out Mott 32. The restaurant is named after the New York City Chinatown street and is located at the basement of an old bank. They have many options for guests with food allergies including Gluten. But the locals’ favorite is char siu (barbecued pork) and Sichuan‐style peanut, chile and pork stir‐fry.

Caprice, Four Seasons
Caprice, Four Seasons

Amber restaurant with two Michelin stars was also another wonderful place for dinner. The restaurant is located inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel and was rated in the world’s 50 best in 2017.

Caprice is located inside the Four Seasons and holds 2 Michelin stars. The restaurant has a great view of the harbor and serves amazing french food. It’s a wonderful place for lunch or dinner.

Outside of Hong Kong island and across the harbor, Ozone bar located inside of Ritz Carlton has wonderful food and a view that leaves you speechless. Make sure to be there before the sunset, grab seats and enjoy your evening. If you decide to stay after 9:00 p.m, please make sure that you have no shorts on beach attire as that will not be allowed inside of the bar.

Ce La Vie
Ce La Vie

The night life hot spot in Hong Kong island is Lan Kwai Fong. One of our favorite spots was Ce La Vie, which offers fantastic music, great drinks and wonderful energy.

Also, grab a drink at Ciao Chow then head over to Fovea club. Enjoy the music and dance the night away!

Napa, CA

Napa is known for its wonderful wine and for good reason; it boasts some of the best vino in the world and is a major destination for wine lovers.

Of the many towns we’ve visited throughout Napa and Sonoma Counties there’s always been a special place in our hearts for Yountville. You’ll find lovely shops, desert stands and tasting rooms (it’s Napa after all) peppered throughout the perfectly-manicured, little town but it’s the luxurious hotels and exquisite cuisine that draws us back each time.

Yountville is considered a culinary heart of Napa. Chef Thomas Keller has his foot print all over this town.

Napa, CA
Napa, CA

Best restaurants in Napa Valley :

Head over to Bouchon Bistro for lunch and enjoy your meal on their lovely patio. This french restaurant offers sea food options such as oysters, mussels , caviar and the seafood tower. They also offer chicken, lamb and steak along with other specials daily. The side bread is freshly made at Bouchon Bakery right next door which is another wonderful place to go if you want to grab a small sandwich and a coffee. Don’t be intimidated by their long line running out the door; it moves quickly and it’s worth the wait with fresh pastries and bread that are divine.

French onion soup , Bouchon, Napa Valley
French onion soup , Bouchon, Napa Valley

Ad Hoc is another staple in this beautiful town. It serves pre-fixed comfort food at $55 per person. The menu changes daily and you can check it out on their website. We have been going to Ad Hoc for several years and have not had the same exact meal twice! The ingredients are chosen based on the season and the preparation is always unique. Keep in mind that even though they have a set menu, they offer other options for allergies or for those who don’t eat a certain type of meat.

La Calenda, the newest addition to Thomas Keller restaurants recently opened a few doors away from Bouchon. This restaurant has a casual ambiance, kid friendly and serves authentic Mexican cuisine from Oxaca.

Poulet Rôti (Chicken), Bouchon Bistro
Poulet Rôti (Chicken), Bouchon Bistro

If you like to splurge, a must try restaurant in Napa is The French Laundry. This wonderful Michelin 3 restaurant is known to so many foodies as one of the best in the country and it’s visited by many from all over the world. The reservation is available via Tock.

Restoration Hardware has opened a new restaurant and a tasting room in Yountville . It’s one of the most beautiful tasting rooms in Napa and is attracting lots of visitors.

Restoration Hardware tasting room, Yountville
Restoration Hardware tasting room, Yountville

Morimoto and Kenzo are two of are other favorite places for dinner and are located in downtown Napa. They are both fantastic spots for sushi lovers.

Wine tasting spots in Napa:

We have a few usual wineries that we go to and make sure to take our friends there as well. For wonderful wine and elaborate scenery head over to Darioush. You can snack on some toasted pistachios while enjoying their delicious wine. Take pictures from the beautiful Persian columns and water fountain outside. If you see the torch in full flame, you should know that Darioush himself is present at the winery.

Darioush winery, Napa
Darioush winery, Napa

Joseph Phelps is another wonderful winery that gets booked pretty quickly especially during the weekends. Opus One, Chimney Rock and Silver Oak are also very high on our list. If you love great wine but would also like to have some beautiful photos for your instagram make sure to check out Alpha Omega, Artesa, Castello Di Amorosa or Domaine Carneros. The view from these wineries is exceptional.

If you are in the mood for bubbles pay a visit to Domaine Chandon. You can get a bottle of Rétoile Rosé and then lay on the grass while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It’s a fabulous place for the groups as well.

Kenzo Estate offers food and wine pairing. They pair their fantastic wine with food from Bouchon. The scenery is breath taking and the service is outstanding.

Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon

Where to stay ?

We have a few favorite hotels in Napa that we keep going back to. Our all time favorite hotel is Bardessono, a five-star luxury resort with the friendliest staff. The hospitality of the hotel along with their farm-to-table restaurant, Lucy, is truly spectacular.

Hotel Yountville is another excellent hotel. You can spend hours sitting by their beautiful fireplace, sipping on wine paired with charcuterie and fine cheeses.

Hotel Yountville, Napa
Hotel Yountville, Napa

If you’d like to stay closer to downtown Napa, Carneros resort is wonderful place to be. This beautiful hotel is only 5 miles away from downtown Napa. Their hilltop pool along with the bocce ball court sets them apart from other hotels in the area. The hotel’s restaurant, Farm, is a wonderful place both for lunch and dinner.

Another favorite hotel of ours is Calistoga Ranch, located in upper Napa in a 157 acres of lush oak canyon. The resort offers so many activities to chose from such as outdoor yoga, a beautiful heated outdoor pool, hiking trail and a bocce court.

Calistoga Ranch, Napa
Calistoga Ranch, Napa

Get to Napa, grab a few glasses of wine, some amazing food and celebrate life! Cheers!

Bora Bora

Bora Bora, this dreamy island famous for it’s over the water bungalows, is nothing short of paradise. It’s a luxury honeymoon destination for a very good reason. This island is easily accessible by plane or boat from it’s nearest islands. The major international airport is located in Tahiti which is a 50 min plane ride to Bora Bora.

Four Seasons resort
Four Seasons resort

Bora Bora is comprised of a set of smaller islands called Motu. Each hotel is built on their own Motu. Thus, getting to your hotel from the airport or transferring between properties will require travel by boat. This may sound complicated but each hotel has their own taxi boat and they offer pick-up and drop-off service to the airport or other hotels. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that there is a cost to these boat transfers and it varies per hotel. If you are looking to move around a lot, you’ll want to take the cost into consideration and plan for activities inside your hotel or near by

Where to stay?

Four Seasons, St. Regis and Intercontinental are the best hotels to stay on the islands while Le Meridien and Conrad are also popular amongst vacationers. The over-water bungalows often come with glass floors, which reveal the lagoon life underneath your feet. If this feature is very important to you, please note that Le Meridien has the largest glass floor compare to St. Regis and Four Seasons.

We stayed in the over the water bungalows at the Four Seasons. To read more about this amazing resort be sure to click here.

The resort is kid-friendly and if you are traveling with a large contingent your best option is to get a villa. The villas have three bedrooms and they have a private swimming pool making it a better choice for larger size families. Only 8 Villas are available on the resort so make sure to book it before it’s gone!

Four seasons
Four seasons

When to travel?

May to October is the dry season and the best season to hit the beaches. Temperature is around 83 degrees (28°C). The wet season (November to April) brings heavy downpours and humidity but has less tourists, which makes the accommodation more affordable. If you want to avoid the crowd but still visit Bora Bora in the dry season, May and September would probably be the best months to travel. We spend 4 days on the island and we felt that it was a perfect amount.

What’s to do?

  • Kayaks and paddle boards:

Kayaks and paddle boards are among some of the most relaxing yet fun activities under the sun. While most hotels have them available for their guests, you can rent yours from various shops around the island. If you have never used paddle boards before, a calm lagoon is the best way to learn it.

  • Jet-ski:

If you like more adventurous water sports, jet skis are available for rent at most hotels and beaches. It will be a great way to explore the lagoon and the surroundings.

  • Snorkeling and Diving:

Bora Bora’s lagoon has beautiful corals, fish and sharks. Many hotels have their own private lagoons and provide snorkeling gear as a part of the resort experience. The underwater life is truly spectacular and will leave you speechless.

  • Sailing and private sunset cruises

Grab your swimsuits and enjoy a half day/full day on a hobie cat or a racing catamaran. You can discover Bora Bora in a calm relaxing way while sipping on champgane and enjoying the sunset.

  • Vavau Safari

If you are tired of water activities, you can plan for a Vavau Safari. You get to explore the island’s World War II sites, learn about the ancient temples and discover the history of fauna and flora of Bora Bora.

What to pack?

Obviously lots and lots of swim-wears, hats and sunglasses. But most importantly pack your sunscreen. The sun is harsh and it’ll burn you within the first hour. Since you’re likely to be participating in a lot of water activities you will need a lot of sun protection. Be prepared to apply liberally and frequently. A bug spray isn’t necessary but it’s also valuable, especially during the wet season. To avoid that, make sure to close all of your windows before you head out to dinner!

Flowy cotton clothes or breathable fabrics should be something to consider . Pack comfortable sandals, beach gear, your go-pro and you are ready to go! Happy traveling!

Amalfi Coast

There’s no better place to vacation than along the Amalfi Coast. I always knew that I wanted to go to this magical town, Positano, and travel further along the coast of Amalfi. Amalfi coast is easily accessible via Naples. You can access the coast via bus, taxi or car which takes you about two hours. If you have time you can easily spend a few days in Sorrento which is half way between Naples and Amalfi coast.

While in Sorrento, we went to the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria bar called La Pergola bar à champagne. While they give you one free taste of the champagne, they also offer complimentary tapas (Cheese, Grapes and sushi tower) along with the drinks. The location is perfect as you get to enjoy the view of Piazza Tasso.

Piazza Tasso, Sorrento
Piazza Tasso, Sorrento

Sorrento is a larger city comparing to the other towns along the coast and so there’s more to do and see. It has a beautiful square with so many hotels, shops, restaurants and bars near by. We decided to spend four days in Sorrento before heading to the Amalfi Coast. This made most sense since traveling to Capri and the caves (blue and green grotto) are easier from this port. We dedicated one day to Capri and another day to travel throughout the coast.

D’anton, Sorrento
D’anton, Sorrento

When in Sorrento, we went to the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria bar called La Pergola bar à champagne. While they give you one free taste of the champagne, they also offer free tapas (Cheese, Grapes and sushi tower) along with the drinks. The location is perfect as you get to enjoy the view of Piazza Tasso.Another lovely bar we find ourselves every night at is called D’anton. The decor, drinks, service and ambience was so wonderful we kept going back!

Various fruit stands along the coast
Various fruit stands along the coast

On the third day of our stay in Sorrento, we took a rental car and traveled from Sorrento all the way to Ravello and stopped in most towns. Roads are narrow but easy to navigate. One of the advantages of renting a car is that you get to stop wherever you want to take a picture or get some fresh fruit from the vendors along the road.

Furoro, Amalfi Coast
Furoro, Amalfi Coast

We spent two days in the beautiful Positano. While there are so many amazing hotels in this town, we chose Le Sirenuse. (read my full review on the hotel here). It is one of the most talked about hotels and is known by celebrities and locals. Le Sirenuse gets visited by many tourists every day. The reason? It’s hospitality and the view! (The album cover was taken from the balcony of the hotel)

The hotel has complimentary activities and excursions everyday for it’s guests from Pilates and Megafromer workout to Sunset cruise or a visit of a Limoncello factory that make the trip worth the visit. Make sure to check the available upon booking.

Boat Tour Courtesy of Le Sirenuse
Boat Tour Courtesy of Le Sirenuse

The staff at Le Sirenuse go above and beyond to make sure you have a memorable stay. If you decide to have a particular spot reserved by the pool, they make sure to reserve those seats for you. You can expect complimentary ice cream or cold face towels delivered to you while you are enjoying the pool. We also received a generous welcome gift from the hotel in our room. There was a bottle of champagne, a bottle of their Limoncello and fresh fruit.

Courtesy of Le Sirenuse
Courtesy of Le Sirenuse

The hotel has a beautiful Champagne bar with the most amazing view of Positano. La Sponda, Once Micheline restaurant, is also located here. Their live band has been playing there for around 20 years! Feel free to request your favorite song while enjoying some of the most amazing risottos. Cheers!

 

Bologna, Italy

We decided to stay in Bologna since our flight from Italy was out of this city. Although one day was enough to see many parts of this beautiful city, we wished we had more time there.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Majestic which is rights in the heart of Bologna. It’s located in the center of the town where most attractions, restaurants and bars are a few steps away from you. If you are into shopping, you can find majority of the shops right next to the hotel.

Bologna -Galvani
Bologna -Galvani

Bologna has so much charm that makes you gasp after a few minutes into the town. Unlike other Italian cities, it’s not as touristy which made it more appealing to us. You can walk with the locals, shop at their local flee market, walk over to the Medieval Center and head towards Via Pescherie, Vechchie 3 for some Cheese and Salami. Where we went? Salumeria Simoni.

Right in that alley way you can find so many other bars, Cheese and wine shops with outside seating. I could see going back there if we had more time in Bologna.

Freshly made Tortellini at Centro Storico
Freshly made Tortellini at Centro Storico

If you are craving some Bolognese, you are in the right city! The best we found was Bottega Portici. You can pick and chose the pasta you like along with the sauce you want! Pasta is made fresh daily and actually right in front of your own eyes!

This city is definitely our favorite and we can’t wait to go back! Are you planning to visit Florence? Make sure you visit Bologna as well.