The Newest from our friends at Seabourn- The Encore

The newest ship in Seabourn’s fleet is lovely, slightly larger than others in  her fleet, but kept the intimate feel that the other ships possess. You forget there are 599 others on board. The public areas are beautiful… the food exquisite and the service charming!

This is the ships inaugural season, as she was just built and launched 2016. You can see a lot of thought went into her design. Designer Adam D. Tihany created a modern look, with the use of beautiful mahogany woods, dark blues to mimic the sea, and more curves than strait edges, making this a perfect addition to a fabulous fleet.   There is plenty of room on this ship. Holding 600 guests, she is much larger than the other Seabourn Yachts. This extra space provides an additional deck and plenty of “elbow room”. the Seabourn staff is ready and waiting for you to board and to start pampering you immediately.

The included luxury of Seabourn is a treat. Wonderful wines are served. The Grill by Thomas Keller (Of French Laundry fame) was a dining experience to be treasured. I love the old-school style entrees with a new twist. The service here is fantastic, and the atmosphere feels like a cozy steakhouse. Do not miss the table side prepared Caesar salad- transforming you back to the old steak houses of the 1960’s. The Restaurant, being the main dining room of the ship, will have a couple of Thomas Keller treats on the menu daily along with excellent steak, seafood and pasta choices. Crowned with a beautiful Murano glass chandelier, you can seer why thy chose this to be the main restaurant The Colonnade is a casual lunch and breakfast indoor/ outdoor dining venue, but also transforms into a family style dining experience by night, a clever idea. Depending on the destination you are experiencing will be the cuisine they serve, this is by reservation only and fills up quickly. The patio is a casual dining alfresco by the pool.  Thomas Keller burgers, pizza, shrimp and crab claw cocktail, are a few of the delicacies you will find here. My favorite eatery on board was the Sushi Bar. The wait staff there actually made our cruise. They are extremely fun and welcoming. We were on a 7- night voyage- we had dinner here 3 times.

Our  stateroom was gorgeous. We loved the extra space, walk in closet, the bedding was luxurious, so much so, that you want to linger in the morning. The marble bath was well designed with separate tub and shower, double sink vanity and plenty of storage to stow your essentials. A beautiful balcony with 2 teak chairs to gaze at the amazing sea as you travel through. Midnight stargazing from your private veranda is amazing. Is it so nice to spend alone time with your significant other in such a suite.

Also as an added bonus, if you are not feeling exclusive enough, there is the retreat. A tranquil setting in a flower shaped canopy shielding you from the wind or elements, hot tub in the middle. The Retreat is set up as 15 private cabanas, each with their own flat screen TV, a stocked refrigerator with you choice of beverages. Up to 28 guests can enjoy lounging, enjoy a heathy bite from the spa menu, fresh fruit, premium sun lotions, Evian mist, plush towels and personalized robes and a dedicated Retreat Concierge .

Being my first cruise on Seabourn, I am impressed by the service, the look, feel  and comfort of the ship. And I must say the people on board, staff & guests alike, made our vacation one to remember!

 

The Dylan Amsterdam

 

When you are in A msterdam you must stay at the Dylan. A Small Luxury Hotel in the beautiful neighborhood of the 9 bridges.

Upon entering through a courtyard, you are greeted by the concierge. And directed to the check in desk.  You are greeted so nicely with a welcome drink too!

 

 

As you walk to your suite, the decor is Danish modern, and a warm and cozy feel

to the common areas. This is an old building with modern décor, the elevator will take you from the bar to your floor, there may be a winding hall walk to your room, but worth it as soon as you see it and sigh a relaxing sigh. Your room is out of this world! It has clean lines and a beautiful view of the courtyard. Our room took up the entire front facade of the building. The room was very large and spacious, with soft coloring, a very tranquil feel. Beautiful bathroom, many amenities.

A beautiful champagne breakfast is served daily, with fresh squeezed juices, and a lovely bread board with eggs and pancakes cooked to order.

 

The staff was warm, not stuffy but genuine. I felt it was a fabulous oasis during my stay in Amsterdam- my new favorite city!

 

No 11 Cadogan Gardens Home Away From Home

No. 11 Cadogan Gardens is your home away from home. We stayed there in August 2016 and were completely delighted by the staff, the decor, the service and the feel of the hotel. This Small Luxury Hotel boasts beautiful antique art, a fabulous lounge, an incredible hidden garden and a true sense of place!

Checking into this beautiful property, you feel like you stepped back in time. Although it has modern amenities, it holds the charm of old London. You walk into your room, and there you find yourself in your very own apartment in London. The staff was amazing, hotel is cozy & yummy, breakfast divine. The rooms are modern in technology, but classic in decor. The bathrooms were incredible, with a rain shower and a lovely deep soaking tub. Marble everywhere!!! There are 56 rooms here and each has it’s own personality, and all very British.

Originally it was built by Lord Chelsea in the 19th century as 4 separate town houses. You can tell as you wander around the hotel, you can take a wrong turn and unearth a new room or conservatory etc… After that the hotel was a private club, it still feels very private and exclusive from those glory days.

This hotel is in between Chelsea and Knightsbridge an absolutely beautiful area of London, it is a residential neighborhood, it feels so nice to walk back to the brownstone front and head inside to the bar which is cheeky enough on it’s own. A dark color palette of charcoal and gold, the bar feels like it is holding many secrets of it’s patrons over the years, but it can keep a good secret and is as interesting as it’s past guests!

You are walking distance to Sloan Street where you can visit some of the top designer shops, excellent restaurants, amazing cars like Lamborghini’s and Tesla’s with special custom paint jobs, AKA the Sloane Rangers!

Since London calls me back regularly, the next time London calls I am answering and staying at No.11 Cadogan Gardens!

The Athenaeum

What a beautiful hotel! I stayed there in September and it was just perfect! They have a new look and it is gorgeous!
We were greeted by the distinguished door man who has been with the property for many years!
I was upgraded to the Mayfair Suite, and it was fabulous! It had all of the amenities we expected, plus some we didn’t even know we needed!! Great view of Mayfair, large suite with a large sitting area, desk and electronic everything! The room was over the top beautiful, the bath was my favorite with a perfect water pressure!
The new look is contemporary with touches of classic London infused right in! You feel the energy of the area right away it is in a great location on Piccadilly just near Green Park.
We were only there for a short 13 hours due to an airline schedule change that took 5 hours off my stay. Room service was on time and delicious, as we rushed sadly to depart for our flight.
Departing London is difficult, I always need to see more. So I will just have to “get back to where I once belonged”, again and again!

Dancing with the Czars

While on my Regent Seven Seas Baltic Cruise this past August, my husband and I chose a very special shore excursion in St Petersburg. I enjoyed it so much I have to tell everyone all about it!

An Imperial evening of the Czars was an amazing evening. One I will always hold close to my heart. We were taken from the ship in St. Petersburg out to Pushkin to Catherine’s Palace (AKA the Summer Palace). We arrived in style, everyone was dressed to the hilt, long gowns, tuxedos and even a kilt!

We were shown the Carriages & Sleds from days gone by, they really do look like they are strait out of a Cinderella scene! I have noticed by now, there is nothing richer than Russian Royalty!

After viewing these fabulous carriages and sleds, we walked up to the Palace where we were met by a military band in full regalia, playing beautifully some American classics along with Laura’s Theme (from Dr. Zhivago). We entered the palace, the red carpet and the Royal Guards were right there as if we were visiting royalty.

The palace was empty from the day’s tourists, and we had it all to ourselves! We were guided through the Royal Guards into the beautiful enchanted place. Of course no visit to Catherine’s Palace is complete without the Amber Room which was stolen by the Nazi’s in WWII and never found. It has been reconstructed since and is so elaborate you just sigh! The Amber Room with its history may be one of the most spectacular rooms you will ever see, I took this panorama of it! Normally pictures are not allowed inside the palace!

Continuing on through this palace we ended up in the fabulous ballroom, which was quite exquisite. Gold everywhere, this palace was designed after Peter the Great saw Versailles and had to have it for himself.  We were greeted with a glass of Champagne, and a string quartet playing, as we assembled into the seats awaiting for us. After a few minutes listening to the lovely music, there was an introduction to the Queen. (Of course staged) But the reception was such fun to watch. Then entered 2 dancers in full costume, who whirled and twirled to our delight. After, we were lead outside to the front of the palace, where the military band was playing for us. We all stopped to listen, and out of nowhere, clip clop clip clop! Here come the dancers in one of the antique carriages pulled by 2 horses!  As they danced 1 more time for us and bid us a good evening.

From the Palace we went to a Russian Restaurant where we were served traditional Russian Cuisine, complete with wine and vodka on ice on each table. We made new friends we had a few drinks we ate delicious food. And a band came and played guitar, balalaika (a traditional Russian instrument – similar to a mandolin), a singer and percussion. They were so much fun. I also jumped up and played percussion with them. What an evening!

We returned to the ship after this romantic evening, more in love with each other and with our Russian hosts. I will return again to Russia, as each time I do, I find more and more things to love about this interesting, historical and beautiful country.

 

 

Cheers! Rocky Mountaineers!

What a great getaway! I just returned from a fabulous trip through the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer! I know that the railroad is in my soul, as both my great grandfathers worked on the original American Railroad, which is probably why I love riding the rails so much!

We started our voyage in Calgary Alberta, home of the Calgary Stampede! We were there one week ahead of the herd, and the city was already getting ready; you could see the trademark hay bales all over. The Delta Bow was our hotel and had the appropriate décor to welcome the Stampeeders!

After a wonderful welcome dinner with our Rocky Mountaineer host, Richard Bravo, we headed back to the hotel for our “White Hat” Ceremony. I had no idea what this was either, so no worries! Here’s the deal…the White Hat ceremony is a long standing tradition in Calgary, a symbol of western hospitality and good cheer. The white Smithbuilt hat had been bestowed on numerous celebrities and visiting dignitaries on their visits since the 1950’s, when the then mayor, Don MacKay, started the tradition.

The next morning we headed to Banff, a town that I have always loved. Banff is a cute town that has the most beautiful backdrop with the mountains and the national park and, of course, the stories! Banff proper has a lot of shops and restaurants with that Canadian charm.

We adventured up the Banff Gondola, an eight-minute ride which, drops you off at a lovely boardwalk where you keep trudging up to the top, where the air is very thin, but the most beautiful surroundings make it worth it! After such a glorious climb, we headed to The Rimrock Resort!
I have stayed there before and love this hotel! The beautiful outdoors almost come inside with you as the hotel’s views are stunning! The fine dining restaurant, Eden, is one of only six Five Diamond restaurants in Canada! A must taste experience!

On our way to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most beautiful drives, we stopped for a visit at Lake Louise! Again stunning scenery! The Fairmont is located perfectly in front of the lake so diners and guests can just sit indoors and view the beauty all around them! Many waterfalls and we even caught a bear (with our cameras of course)! We visited the Colombia Icefields glacier, where we rode on a specially equipped “Ice Explorer”vehicle  up to the glacier and walked around.  I brought a water bottle and filled it with the water from the glacier, and drank it! They told me I would be 10 years younger in the morning… ok that didn’t happen.

After such a beautiful day we arrived in Jasper. It’s almost like a small cowboy type town where in the center of town a giant totem pole from the First Nation greets you. A friendly strip of restaurants, shops & bars are very welcoming.  A very pleasant walk. And you are right across from the train station!

We joined the Rocky Mountaineer train in Jasper. The red carpet had been rolled out and we were on our way! We were in Gold Leaf Service and it truly was golden! Onboard, the dining car is on the lower level and seating is upstairs via a small spiral staircase that was easy to maneuver. (If you are needing assistance they also have a small elevator operated by the crew). There is an extra-large viewing vestibule on the back of the car, great for picture taking!

The seating was somewhat like a business class air seats and being on a cruise, with 1^st and 2^ndseating for meals! The crew kept us entertained with great stories and their excellent service! We rode the rails to Kamloops, stayed at the Double Tree, and enjoyed a nice city walking tour along with a lovely dinner.

Next day we were bound for Vancouver on the train. We were able to view Silver Leaf service as some private parlor cars that are available for groups. If budget is of concern, the Silver Leaf is beautiful, the exact same food is served to you, but your seat is coach class and you do not have a dining room for meals.

In Vancouver we stayed at the Sheraton Wall Center. After dinner we strolled down to Canada Place where my new friend Angela and I tried out “Flying over Canada,”  a 4D experience (similar to Soaring over California at California Adventure). It was as if you were on a small plane flying over all of the beauty of Canada (we even saw our train!). And it ended with the Northern Lights! Wow!

We departed early to make the train for our final rail journey to Seattle. It is not as long a ride as it was to Kamloops or Vancouver but it had its own charm. Upon entering the USA, the crew paraded a US flag through the train while we all stood with our hands over our hearts and sang The Star Spangled Banner. I had picked up a special cocktail mixer in Vancouver and asked the crew to make us each my signature drink onboard. They obliged and we toasted “Cheers Mountaineers!” Upon arrival in Seattle US Customs and Border Patrol were waiting, and we went through Customs quickly.

Our Seattle
hotel was the Fairmont Olympic, one of my favorites. The rooms, of course, were lovely and the bathroom was exquisite!  Located right in the middle of the city and walking distance to Pikes Place Market, Pioneer Square and many other happening places to see while there!

If you have ever wanted to do a luxury rail vacation through one of the most scenic areas of this world – please DO IT!

Pam Jacobs

Hastings House Country House Hotel/ Salt Spring Island

I was a very lucky girl this past year. I was invited to go to Canada twice! I have already gone on and on how gorgeous Alberta is, now let’s look at Vancouver Island!
We arrived in Vancouver on my last birthday, I got over to the “Flying Beaver” near Vancouver airport for a quick breakfast and to pick up our seaplane for a 25 minute flight to Ganges Harbor on Salt Spring Island.
Upon arrival (and on that flight) you will see the beautiful Canadian sea scape and the small towns that line the water. Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands, just off the south east coast of Vancouver Island. Arrive by seaplane, private boat or ferry.

Salt Spring Island is a very special place, I was impressed by the sustainability immediately. This is a place like no other, everything I mean EVERYTHING is made locally. We visited the cheese farm and tasted some of the most delicious cheese ever, the winery only employs local teens on break so they have a leg up into making a living, local bakeries, toys, artisan teas, shoes, clothes, wool- lots of sheep, fabrics, furniture, lavender is a local favorite, & beer- yep brewskis too!
The artists who live locally all have open doors to their studios for all who want to see, so, we took an art Studio tour! There are over 30 working studios on the island, a very close knit community.

I stayed at the lovely Hastings House country House, a Relais and Chateau property, we were met by Adrienne Parks (managing director, whose family owns the property- after being loyal guests for years). A very special 4 star property, all 18 of the accommodations are either cottages, manor house, or a refurbished barn overlooking the rolling meadows (complete with sheep and gardens full of colorful flowers), you can see the barn (My room) behind this shot of Adrienne and myself. Each accommodation is different all lovely and one is not better than another one so all were happy and content. Your room has your name on the door on arrival and in the morning you are met with warm muffins and the morning paper.
Hastings House has an amazing cuisine, Chef Marcel Kauer visited us while we were enjoying our coffee after dinner, what a great chef! He only uses local fresh herbs, produce and meats from the local farmers, the menu changes often depending on what is in season, and your taste buds will be dancing for weeks after dining here!

We were treated to a VIP spa session, the spa reassembled in the meeting room (available for private parties & special events) for us and we all enjoyed different treatments! I chose the anti-aging facial as I has aged a year upon arrival! I felt 10 years younger!

The perfect escape for a weekend getaway, anniversary celebration or honeymoon!
I will return to Salt Spring Island again and again, it is a place that will lighten your heart and will remain a wonderful place in your soul.

The Wickie Ninnie What?????? The Wickaninnish Inn! Of Course!

Wow what a beautiful place! I traveled to this wonderful Relais and Chateau resort in October, and wow what a great place! We arrived by way of Orca Air to the Tofino airport, 45 minute flight (a VERY small airport where Bob behind the counter may even get you a soda from the machine). We passed Ms. Kate Blanchet upon our arrival in the airport, we were coming, and she was going.

With a lot of films being shot in Vancouver, Tofino is just the perfect place for a celebrity (or anyone who wants to get away) to spend a few days off a film shoot, so while there keep your eyes open!

When we arrived at “The Wick” and the entire staff was waiting for us lined up to escort each of us to our fabulous rooms! The hotel has 2 buildings both amazing, the Pointe and the Beach. The first building The Pointe, has the Pointe Restaurant and bar, where the view is spectacular, and the Ancient Cedars Spa is really cool! The Beach building has a lovely Look out Library where the senior management will invite return guests for a very nice cocktail hour.  I would describe the hotel as rustic luxury.

The hotel is built on the beach and is family owned and operated.  They had a resident wood carver who did all of the beautiful woodwork in the hotel, the late Henry Nolla, they have a gallery in his name and kept the carving shed active (Just a quick walk down the beach)  Henry’s apprentice still carves there, he is referred to as Feather George. George carves these beautiful feathers from wood with abalone inserts, just beautiful. The Pointe restaurant has a cocktail named the Feather George…..strong and yummy!

As I walked into my room it was as if the ocean was waiting to spray a beautiful wave against the rocks outside my room! The view is from any vantage point in the room (I really didn’t want to leave), with a nice deep soaking tub, extremely comfortable bedding and the softest sheets you can imagine! The decor matches the area perfectly. They use local lumber (remember Henry?) and stone for the design and you can tell the amount of love and care went into building this wonderful place.

Tofino is one of the best surfing destinations, people come for miles around to surf this beach!  In October there were about 50 surfers out in the surf and it was so nice just walking down the beach and watching all of it.

The little town if Tofino is cute, quaint, and colorful! Small shops, great restaurants & friendly locals. A perfect getaway!

I can’t wait to return to Tofino!!!

South Africa PART 2 the Bush

South Africa Part 2 Game Reserve
Now on to the game reserve! This was my very first game drive we saw all 5 of the Big 5 Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino.
We stayed at & Beyond’s Kirkman’s Camp. This re invented hunting lodge has been updated to be a fabulous Safari Lodge, it is all inclusive and all amazing! So fun after a night’s game drive you go back to the main house for cocktails and there is a blackboard so the different groups compete on who saw the most.
The accommodations are located in several smaller buildings which resemble ranch hand quarters. The rooms are large with good size baths and a patio or balcony for viewing wildlife. The game drives were twice daily very early and just before sundown. While in the bush a lovely breakfast or cocktails in the evening otherwise known as sun-downers are arranged by your guide and we stop and enjoy the beauty.
Upon arrival, greeting us were not only the staff, but also the warthogs on the front lawn! Once we checked into our bungalow out the back was a herd of Elephants, we were really in the jungle!
We were very lucky (well luckier than a Giraffe, who was killed by 3 Lions) to be able to view the lions so very closely, 3 days in a row. Of course the first image of this was a bit yucky, but as you are there, you realize it is the way of life in the bush. The poor Giraffe was devoured, the lions were getting fatter each day and lazier as well. One night the hyenas stole a leg! They were waiting for them to get full and the vultures were circling. We knew right where to go to view these amazing cats! An interesting note, the day after that giraffe was killed, 5 other Giraffe came in the morning and just stood there looking at their unfortunate friend, for over an hour, it was a Giraffe funeral!
We also were privy to watching a leopard defending his kill to 4 hyenas, the hyena’s actually chased him up a tree! This leopard may be one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen. He was perfect! I may have taken over 100 pictures of just him. Just so incredibly regal and graceful, and what a looker!
Back at the camp, there was a monkey that stole someone’s lunch and ran up on the roof with it. So funny!
I personally think we saved the best for last, I will go anytime on a Safari in South Africa!

South Africa Part 1

I finally went to South Africa, I was not sure what all the fuss was about, and I am now enlightened! My friend who is an African specialist invited me on this trip, and what an excellent way to spend 2 weeks!
First stop after a long flight to Johannesburg is a car delivering us to the Saxon Hotel! The property is stunning. The hotel is located in a residential neighborhood and once you are there, you are home. This hotel is quite special, when Oprah goes she stays there (In the Mandela suite), the only time she is not able to have the suite is when Nelson Mandela himself was in it, he used this hotel once he was freed and the Soweto home (he only stayed there for 11 days after his release from Robbin Island) needing much tighter security, this hotel is not only a fantastic property, it is now historic. The all-suite accommodations have huge bathrooms with his and hers vanities and closets. The gardens surrounding the hotel are delightful and you have no idea that the center of Johannesburg and is just a short drive away.
Site seeing in Johannesburg, was great! Our first full day in the city we had a Johannesburg city tour and stopped in Soweto and visited Nelson Mandela’s original house, on Vilakazi Street (just down the street from Desmond Tutu, 2 Nobel Peace Prize Winners within 2 blocks of each other, imagine!) and the Apartheid Museum, all I can say is you must see this! We also went to the current Mandela House (he has since passed) It is well worth the time to learn about the history of the city and the country of South Africa. At day’s end, I felt as if I had my own personal Nelson Mandela day!
All Aboard! Now over to Pretoria for a 3 day 2 night train trip across the entire country! I’ve always been a big train buff, inherited from my Dad and both Great Grandfathers, who were engineers during the time when the railroads were being built. We traveled on Rovos Rail, and what an amazing trip! The train stepped back in time to the early 20th century and is completely redone to its original splendor. Even the engine is so clean it shines! The voyage went diagonally across South Africa from Pretoria to Cape Town. Arriving in Cape Town in style.
The staff, service, cuisine and attention to detail are 5-star, and it makes for a wonderful way to relax and see the countryside of South Africa. The train is all-inclusive of tours, accommodations and unlimited beverages. During lunch and dinner South African wine is paired with each course. What a great way to sample the local produce!
Our first stop was Kimberly, where we toured the museum and saw the “Big Hole” at the Kimberly Diamond Mine. I was hoping for some free samples……The following day we stopped in the high desert in a town named Matjiesfontein. This small town was built around a hotel that used to be a popular stopover point for people traveling by car from the Cape Town area to points north. It is from a time gone by, it also feels slightly or really haunted. A charming and interesting place, absolutely frozen in time.

We arrived in Cape Town the following evening!

The following morning we scheduled a city tour of Cape Town and took the tram up to Table Mountain What a beautiful view from the top– absolutely breathtaking. You can see Robbin Island.
After our morning tour we checked into the fabulous One & Only Cape Town. Located in the Alfred & Victoria waterfront area, what a great area! Not only was our suite incredible, we had a fabulous view of Table Mountain! I can’t say enough wonderful things about the accommodations, the food and the staff at the One & Only.
The following morning we made our way to the wine lands of South Africa, an hour’s drive from Cape Town. We were invited to tour the fabulous La Residence, a luxury hotel. Up in the wine lands it is one of the nicest places I have been.  The design is by the owner herself and she has immaculate taste. This is a great place for a family reunion, or a very special anniversary, and yes, yes, yes, honeymoons too!