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
By now we hope we’ve made it obvious that Norway is celebrating Edvard Munch’s 150th anniversary with a major exhibition that opened in Oslo on June 2. I bet you’re thinking … “great, I wish I could be there.” Well you can be, sort of. On June 27, a series … Read more
To help you get buffed, polished and primed for the Hamptons summer season, there’s a hot new salon and spa in East Hampton … Salon Bar. Perched on the second floor in the heart of East Hampton village, Salon Bar is a luxury day spa that offers respite from the … Read more
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a modern metropolis that on the surface really likes to flex its hi-tech muscles. Although the city can seem futuristic to some, it actually boasts a rich history dating back to the turn of the 15th century. If you’re looking to experience an … Read more
It’s safe to say that great cities have great architecture … Sydney’s Opera House, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Spain’s Bilbao Museum. These few brilliant examples have certainly put these cities on the map. But beyond that, great buildings have a personality of their own and don’t just meld into a place … Read more
I’m in Norway, a place that in summer is part of the “land of the midnight sun.” But I’m visiting in the dead of winter, embarking on an 11 day cruise headed toward the Arctic Circle. Is my timing off? Not at all. I’m on a hunt — a hunt … Read more
Norwegian super-artist Edvard Munch will be getting some scream, er, screen time sometime this fall when director Dheeraj Akolkar’s new film titled “Let the Scream Be Heard” makes its premiere. This year, which marks Munch’s 150th anniversary, has Norway abuzz and celebrating with events and exhibits of the famed artist’s … Read more