How about a fun delicious recipe for bacon and potatoes that not only turn heads but it’s easy to make!
Ingredients: ( for 6 roses)
6 small potatoes
6 strips of bacon
Black pepper to taste
Fresh Thyme ( optional)
( You would need one small potato and one strip of a bacon per flower, however, if you want to make bigger flowers, use a larger potato and two strips of bacon overlapping vertically)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Using a mandolin, thinly slice your potatoes and set aside. You can, of course, use a knife but a mandolin is much easier and you’ll get a much more consistent cut. Place one strip of a bacon on a flat surface and line the bacon with the sliced potatoes. Make sure each potato is overlapping.
Starting at one end, gently roll up the bacon and potatoes to form a rose. Place the potato flower in a cup cake mold and repeat the steps for the remainder of the potatoes and bacon strips. Bake for 20 minutes then remove from the oven. Cover the dish with foil and place back into the oven for an additional 30 minutes.
Bacon & Potato roses, sautéed vegetables, Spring Salad
Sprinkle with some fresh thyme and serve it with the egg of your choice. I love to serve it with fresh sautéed vegetables on the side! Enjoy!
Celebrating Independence Day may not be the same for many of us but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be fun and delicious. Thus, I would like to share a few ideas on some festive desserts to prep for the 4th of July!
Assortment of cupcakes ( Blueberries, Cherry, Raspberry, Chocolate Hazelnut, Banana and Pecan)
One of my favorite desserts for warm summer days are Popsicles! I have fond memories of enjoying some freshly frozen delights after a day under the blistering sun. The preparation is simple; take fresh juice or smoothies and freeze them! No need for added sugar, coloring or any other additives!
Fresh fruit popsicles and berries
Now that I’m all grown up, I thought I’d try one of my favorite desserts with an adult twist – wine! And it’s oh so delicious. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind if you’d like to prep your own variation.
Since there is a wide variation of wine characteristics, I’d recommend utilizing a crisp and dry white wine as a base. Wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigios pair wonderfully with berries and other summer fruits. Same with many Rosé and sparkling wines! Further, I’d recommend blending the fruit instead of buying juice so you get the texture and aroma without it being overly sweet. I’d suggest berries like strawberry, raspberry, blueberry or a combination therein or other types of stone fruits like peaches or plums.
Popsicle in Sparkling wine ( Raspberry, Peach and Strawberry )
You can also vary your approach. For instance, you can make the regular fruit popsicle (fruit only) and dip it into a glass of wine or you can actually make Winesicles – a combination of wine and fruit. Here’s an example of a Winesicle:
Strawberry popsicle
Grab your favorite bottle of sparkling wine, white or Rosé. Then for every cup of wine, mix in a cup of fresh juice, add some berries or other stones fruits and then freeze over night!
Cherry and Peach Panna Cotta (front), Raspberry and Strawberry Panna Cotta (back)
Another delightful dessert to make is panna cotta. They are so easy to make and are perfect for the summer. What makes them so great is that they are perfect base to add many different combinations of flavors. Fruit, chocolate or matcha to name a few. Here’s how to make it:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
2 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or one whole vanilla bean
1 cup sour cream
Fresh fruit to garnish (optional)
Chocolate Panna Cotta
Add 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla OR the seeds and the pod of one Vanilla bean in the saucepan. (To use the whole bean, simply halve the Vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape off the seeds using a knife). Bring to simmer over medium- low heat, stirring occasionally. After about 5 minutes and once the mixture is steaming, remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Make sure you don’t boil the cream. (Discard the Vanilla bean pod if you used a whole bean)
Place 1 cup of milk in bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let stand for 5 minutes or until gelatin is softened. Add the gelatin mixture to the hot cream and mix well.
Place the sour cream in a bowl and while whisking constantly, gradually add it to the cream. Once the mixture is smooth, divide it into 6 wine glasses or any dish that you like. Refrigerate around 6 hours or overnight. Top with fresh berries!
Gluten free, dairy free cupcake with cherry
Finally, A simple gluten free, dairy free cupcake doesn’t hurt anyone! speciously when it’s so delicious! While I’m working to create my own recipe, here’s a brand that I trust and use mostly. Follow the instructions on the box, add fresh berries or nuts of your choice into the batter and make different varieties of cakes or cupcakes each time.
Gluten free chocolate cake with Raspberry and cream filling.
For the photo above, I added fresh raspberries and cocoa nibs into the mix. To make the filling, I simply whipped some heavy cream with 1 Tsp of honey along with crushed raspberries. Let me know what are some the combinations you’ve tried?
While my initial intention for the blog was to focus on travel, I decided to introduce a new segment in light of current circumstances.
Living in San Francisco under quarantine has been certainly challenging for us. We miss our regular hangouts with friends, casual morning walks or dinners out during the weekends. But as human beings, we learn to adapt, to accept the challenges and prepare for what lies ahead.
While the first few weeks of sheltering-in-place was strange and uncomfortable, the following weeks introduced a whole new perspective on life and lifestyle. For me, I tried to focus more on my day-to-day activities; whether it be calling an old friend, exercising at home or spending more time in the kitchen. Sure enough, one thing that has kept me occupied the most has been cooking. I’ve appreciated trying new or creating my own recipes and sharing them with friends. It has been one delicious way to manage the time since travels have been put on hold indefinitely, at least for us.
Here, I will write about my lifestyle and the things that will hopefully get you inspired!
Considered by many to be the best hotel along the Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse is perched along the cliffs of Positano, offering a breath-taking view of the hilly town as well as the beautiful coast. This luxury hotel was once the summer home of an affluent family that was converted to an amazing property rich in culture and elegance. The property overlooks the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the ocean beyond it; and the beauty of the view is perfectly complemented by the classic Italian designs and rich colors of the luxurious resort.
View from the Champagne Bar and Grill
The beauty notwithstanding, what truly sets the hotel apart from its peers is its impeccable service. Whether providing ice cream bars to sun-bathing patrons or offering complimentary activities (more on this later) to maximize the day, Le Sirenuse has all the details covered. They’ll even refer to you by name, making you feel right at home. Get ready to be pampered and treated like royalty!
View from the pool
The rooms:
Le Sirenuse has a total of 59 rooms and suites; thus, the rooms gets booked very quickly. Be sure to check the hotel’s calendar and book your experience early. Almost all rooms have a sea view with a private patio or a balcony that overlooks the amazing coastline. The rooms are spacious and dripping of elegance. Breakfast buffet and resort activities are included in the cost of the room. This will be a fabulous way to take advantage of all the wonderful things Le Sirenuse and Positano has to offer!
Champagne, Lemoncelo and fresh fruit, courtesy of Le Sirenuse hotel
The restaurant and bars:
La Sponda Restaurant and Bar:
This chic one Michelin-starred restaurant is a must visit! With it’s gorgeous view from the coast and delicious food, La Sponda is a perfect place for a unique dinner experience. Their Mariachi-style band, who have been playing together for over 20 years, brings a special element to the evening. Feel free to request your favorite song so you can sing along and all while enjoying vino and freshly made pasta! All enough to fall in love a thousands times over again!
View from Champagne bar and Grill
Champagne bar and grill:
Located next to La Sponda, Champagne Bar and Grill is an out-door bar with a fun vibe, delicious food and a stunning view of Positano. It’s the perfect place to take in the sunset with a cocktail in hand; but keep in mind that it gets very busy around this time, naturally, so book your tables early and arrive early for the best seats. Nothing quite like peering out to the Amalfi hills and the coast while the sun sets over the waters; an essential shot for your Instagram collection!
Breakfast buffet
Pool Bar and Restaurant
Another tranquil spot surrounded by lush lemon trees overlooking the sea and next to the pool where you can relax, eat quality food enjoy the most unforgettable view. It is also where breakfast is served.
View of the Amalfi hills from the pool
Activities:
Le Sirenuse offers a variety of daily activities that will fill up your itinerary, whether it be morning pilates, a visit of the limonchello factory or even luxurious boat trip along the coast. Make sure to look over the list of activities on their website and contact the hotel’s concierge to book them in advance.
Boat tour to Nerano Bay
During our stay, we were able to take multiple boat trips, once to Nerano bay to get lunch and the enjoy the town and another for a beautiful sunset cruise. You board an exclusive hotel boat along with fellow guests and cruise along the coast to neighboring towns only accessible by the sea. The wonderful staff provides fresh fruit and refreshments while you get to enjoy this dreamy view and chatting with your new friends. One can even jump into the warm Mediterranean Sea! Truly an immaculate experience that was out of this world and will forever be engraved in my memory.
Complimentary fruits and champagne on the boat
If you book the lunch boat tour, you’ll need to pick a restaurant in Nerano Bay. The concierge can give you some wonderful recommendations. We opted for Ristorante Le Sirene and I can’t recommend it enough. Le Sirene is located within a small “run-down” hotel and it is well known for it’s homemade pasta and seafood. The view from the restaurant was also spectacular and you can find yourself gazing through it’s windows for hours!
Fresh homemade spagetti with clams, Ristorante Le Sirene
Just like the lunch boat tour, the sunset cruise is another fabulous way to spend some quality time on the sea. Get ready for a beautiful experience on the boat with a nice spread of charcuterie, nuts and dried fruits. The lovely staff will pour champagne as you take in the romantic sunset in the ocean.
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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?
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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 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.
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
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
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
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 🙂
“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
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
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
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
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
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!
