Take one step inside, and you can’t help but stand still, as if stopped by an invisible hand. Picturesque multi-colored houses climbing the hills of centuries-old Porto on the banks of the majestic Douro River have been the main attraction for countless visitors through the ages. But no traveler should … Read more
Let’s talk about Madeira. The wine and the island. This jagged land mass rises from the Atlantic Ocean atop an ancient volcano and offers enough adventure to satiate thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. But if you think this is going to be about trekking through ravines and up mountains, … Read more
Before embarking on a road trip in South Africa, it’s wise to heed a few rules, written and unwritten. As in the UK and their territories, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road so remember to always yield to the right. The speed limit is 120 kilometers … Read more
DAY ONE: EXPLORING JOHANNESBURG Welcome to Soweto Johannesburg, the City of Gold or Egoli, so named by the Zulu nation, conjures up images of mine shafts, mine dumps, gold bars, and gumboot dancing. Affectionately called Jozie or Joburg, it’s the largest city and the business hub of South Africa. It … Read more
Why merely relax when you can transform? The Muluk Spa at Hotel Xcaret Mexico is your gateway to the ancient traditions and healing practices of the Mayan culture. As you enter the spa’s expansive, open-air lobby you immediately connect with the lush topography of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Excavated from a … Read more
Now that the New York-based one (1) Michelin-starred Azabu has opened in the Stanton Hotel on South Beach’s Ocean Drive, the hotel no longer has a typical hotel restaurant. Even 1 Michelin star is a big deal in this tiny beach enclave, so it’s safe to say that it’s Azabu’s … Read more
Moroccan scholar and traveler, Ibn Buttata once said: “Travel leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller.” I have to wonder: did a cruise along the Turkish coastline prompt this quote? It’s a place where sunbeams sparkle on turquoise waters. A place where picturesque islands with rocky outcrops and … Read more
Pristine beaches, charming villages, mouth-watering food, and deep blue Mediterranean waters — the Cote d’Azur is a destination that many dream about visiting. Around five million tourists visit the area every year making it the 2nd most popular destination in France after Paris. If it’s on your bucket list too, … Read more
We travel for many reasons: to see new sites, meet new people and to experience new cultures. One of the best ways to experience a new culture is through the local food and wine. As a person who loves wine, I’m always keen on trying new varietals in my travels. … Read more
Christopher Isherwood famously wrote about the debauchery of early 1930s Weimar Berlin in his book, “The Berlin Stories,” the basis for the movie “Cabaret.” I decided to keep a diary of my recent visit to the hugely popular German city. While my experiences were nowhere near as racy as Isherwood’s, … Read more
Switzerland’s Lake Geneva Region is a perfect puzzle of graceful cities such as Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux, punctuated by dozens of fairytale villages. This Francophone swath is marked on the sophisticated traveler’s map thanks to its stunning Alpine scenery, clear blue waters of Lake Geneva and acres of chocolate so … Read more
Miami is a world-class destination year round but if you’re jetting there any time soon get ready for some heat – hot sunny days, even hotter beaches and long hot party nights. South Beach is still blazing a trail with new bars and lounges opening every day but there’s a … Read more
New York’s Catskill Mountains have always been a destination for breathtaking views, cascading rivers and dramatic fall foliage. In addition to outdoor attractions like skiing and hiking, local distilleries and farm-to-table eateries are opening in record numbers in this newly revitalized area. With the recent addition of Resorts World Catskills, … Read more
The Broadway musical Come From Away, is one of the hottest productions being performed today, not only in New York City but also in London, on tour in theaters across North America and soon in Melbourne, Australia. It’s set in the town of Gander on the Atlantic-facing island of Newfoundland, … Read more
