Hailed as a tourists’ mecca and damned for those killer hills, San Francisco’s reputation definitively precedes it. Famed for its glory days as a beat generation outpost then later the epicenter of flower power and acid rock, today the glorious city by the bay has lost none of its “alternative” … Read more
In Grand Cayman you can snorkel with stingrays; Costa Maya, in Mexico, attracts thousands of cruise passengers for kayaking and windsurfing; and in Barcelona, wine tasting and Basilica tours take center stage. These are just the tip of the iceberg (glaciers, fjords and rainforests, too) as far as the assortment … Read more
The island of St. Barthelemy has always had a strong fashion connection. And well it should, after all it’s part of France. But there’s something fashionable happening right now that’s more than runway chic. The low-key luxury property, Hotel LeVillage, a family owned cluster of 20 cottages and 3 villas … Read more
My first trip to the Caribbean was memorable for many reasons, not the least of which was the hotel. It was in Ocho Rios, Jamaica’s tourist and cruise ship hub, a little over an hour’s drive from Montego Bay yet a world away. The property was enveloped in a jungle-like … Read more
A truly unique and exotic transport back in time awaits at Tribeca’s secret underground escape, Aire Ancient Baths. This debut outpost of Groupe Aire from Spain is a bi-level, 16,000 square foot thermal baths located in Manhattan’s hip Tribeca. The 1883 building exudes an ancient ambience with brick walls, Greek-style … Read more
On a recent balmy night just before sunset, we set sail on Classic Harbor Line’s “Around Manhattan Architecture Tour.” Hosted by the American Association of Architects/New York chapter (AIANY), the cruise highlights the city’s iconic buildings, bridges and landmarks and helps place Manhattan in an architectural perspective but with a … Read more
I’d been to Barbados before, and counted it as one of my favorite Caribbean islands. Now having recently been there again, I have to say that it’s not just one of my favorites; it’s my absolute favorite. Credit of course has to go to the island itself—its warmth, its beauty, … Read more
Marseille? Who would want to visit this city? Crime, drugs, violence, the Mafia – the city’s reputation has been shrouded by for years. The 1970’s movie, The French Connection, focusing on the city’s thriving drug trade, didn’t help. But, much of the drug trade has moved on to Eastern Europe. … Read more
It’s true that when the weather’s steamy, many celebrities choose to retreat to the private pools of their multi-million dollar estates. Others, however, seek fun in the sun on the sandy shore of a picture-perfect beach. Some, like Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, build sand castles with their kids. Athletic … Read more
Think Norwegians are reserved? Just head for one of the country’s summer festivals and you’ll change your mind. When the weather turns warm and the sun beats down on those clear blue fjords, the beat goes on and on. From the capital of Oslo to the Arctic Circle, and clear … Read more
With the 4th of July behind us and summer in full swing, it’s time to get cooking on rounding up the kids and having some fun together. If, like us, you’ve been carefully studying options since spring and have organized that once in a lifetime trip to Rome, good for … Read more
Like much of South Beach, The Winter Haven Hotel is a hot party scene with an exclusive lobby bar serving elegant cocktails to its guests and their friends, some in risqué beach attire. But it’s not flashy, however, like its trendsetting neighbors and possesses a sort of understated elegance that … Read more
The small island of Taketomi, with only 323 inhabitants, is known for having the most well-preserved culture of ancient Okinawa. People here live their lives based on traditions from the past. Knowing this, you may be surprised to hear that it’s home to a contemporary luxury resort, HOSHINOYA Okinawa, where … Read more
Most of us know little about the prohibition era except that it took place in the twenties, bootleggers made gin in bathtubs and people went to a speakeasy to drink and party. Now that that’s all very far behind us, why the fascination with it? Well, for one thing, 2013 … Read more