by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Cambodia, Simon and Baker Travel Review
After exploring the central area of Siem Reap and enjoying visits to several of the world famous Angkor Temples that draw millions of visitors to Cambodia every year, I was eager to see a little of the country off the beaten path. When I heard that there was a conservation area within easy reach of Siem Reap (90 minutes) I jumped at the opportunity even though it was birding low season. I went on a Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation Bird Reserve and Floating Village Day Trip.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Cambodia, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Before entering Restaurant Le Grand for a midweek dinner we enjoyed amouse bouche and mixed drinks in the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor lounge to the sounds of live piano music. The savory bites and specialty drinks were a preview of the tasty dinner that awaited us in the adjacent dining room.
Le Grand, the fine dining restaurant at the Raffles Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia, offered a selection of a la carte dishes based on ancestral Cambodian recipes from the Royal family as well as classical French selections.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, Thailand
The first time I visited the Luxsa Spa I noticed the staff ladies were barefoot as was common in many places I visited in Thailand so I began removing my shoes at the door. The young lady at reception intercepted me and explained it was not necessary. Soon she was showing me around the spa and inviting me to return for a massage to help me get my visit to Koh Samui to a relaxing start. I followed her advice and with the spa manager’s help planned several treatment sessions over the course of my stay.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Cambodia, Simon and Baker Travel Review
This child friendly and stylish hotel in the heart of the city was built in a contemporary style with Cambodian art and decorative accents throughout. The hotel was conveniently situated on a busy street and within a five-minute walk of the central market.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, Thailand
Named Hansar to emulate the meaning of the word, happiness and joy, in the ancient Sanskrit language this newly opened family friendly beachfront property on Bophut Bay on the northern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand had many pluses. Among them were the 74-room hotel’s beach facing restaurant and upstairs lounge, a spa, an air conditioned fitness center, an attractive saltwater swimming pool and a computer room/library with two computers for guest use.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, Thailand
The dusitD2 was a stunning study in contrasts, a harmonious balance between the latest international standards for a luxury hotel and the timeless grace of Thai hospitality; a beacon of tranquility and contemporary refinement in the heart of bustling downtown Chiang Mai. Located on an unassuming side street in the midst of the city’s vibrant Night Bazaar, the clean white stucco and glass facade barely hinted to the chic urban sanctuary within. But the lobby quickly set the tone. Its serene minimalist expanse of gleaming bleached floors was punctuated with ultra-modern designer furniture and bursts of warm, persimmon-colored accents to achieve an understated yet dramatic effect.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, Thailand
From the outside The Boathouse, named after an old painted fishing boat that stood near its entrance when it was established, looked like any other beachside restaurant. Even the interior of the open air restaurant with beautiful sea views was more informal than I anticipated. When we sat down to eat however the meal was more formal than the beach side setting implied. Each menu was distinctive and both were worthy of the special 45-minute drive each way I had made.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Montreal, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The Atlantide Golf Club, a private and public golf course (private members have priority on the reservations schedule), is located just off the Island of Montreal on the island of Ile Perrot, about 30 minutes from downtown Montreal. Located on the shores of Lake Saint Louis, the setting is bucolic and several holes play near the waterfront. Even on hot summer days a refreshing breeze comes off the water. Two 18 hole golf courses are part of this golf club, the Atlantide Course and the Don Quichotte Course. We have played both courses several times and find each one quite challenging.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, Thailand
An hour long flight from Bangkok delivered me to Phuket where an Andara Resort and Villas representative met me at the airport. After a quick greeting he handed me a scented flower lei, a scented moist towel and a bottle of water and we set out on a short drive to the west side of the island. We arrived directly from the Phuket airport to Villa 9 where Botan, a resort representative, was waiting to coordinate my check-in. She quickly explained the basics of the Villa 9 and the resort property, went over the paperwork, and introduced me to Tan, the housekeeper. As a guest at the family friendly Andara resort, meaning star of Andaman in Thai, I was welcome to use the resort facilities. Due to the inclement weather and thanks to the comfort of my villa I spent most of my time in Villa 9.
by Editor | Jul 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
We know that summer has arrived when, in the Old Port, the brilliant yellow and blue tents of the Cirque du Soleil are raised and the bright flags flutter in the wind. On average, every two years Cirque presents a new show to the public. Montreal, Canada is the circus capital of the world. The city promotes circus schools and training centers for children and adults from all over. And so it is with great anticipation that we wait for each new creation by the Cirque du Soleil.
by Editor | May 1, 2010 | Europe, Italy, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Tuscany
We arrived at the Relais Santa Croce from the Florence train station in the pouring rain. As soon as the taxi stopped at the hotel entrance, a helpful doorman took charge of our luggage and directed us up one flight of wide stairs (there was also an elevator) to reception. Once we dispensed with the check-in formalities someone showed us around the family friendly hotel and escorted us to our Junior Suite where we quickly shed our rain gear. Although we did not see much of the sun during our three night stay in the Renaissance city we enjoyed our visit, in great part, thanks to the quiet and comfort of our accommodations.
by Editor | May 1, 2010 | Europe, Italy, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Venice
On a recent visit to Venice we stayed at a venerable grandfather of a hotel described in promotional materials as the oldest hotel in town. In 1118, it provided shelter to the Knights Templar and by 1574 it was known as Locanda della Luna.This family friendly hotel, one of 10 in the highest category of luxury in the famed city, was half a block from the Grand Canal and a minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square, an excellent location convenient to many of the major sightseeing points of interest. We especially liked the location because it rained intermittently during most our stay in the city. Being so close to the famed square made it easy to get there and to the nearby attractions even in the rain. An added advantage was that the hotel had a private landing next to the entrance that allowed gondola and water taxi pick up and drop-off. The landing was particularly convenient when we took a water taxi to the airport at 5 in the morning the day of our departure.
by Editor | May 1, 2010 | Europe, Italy, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Venice
The family owned restaurant was hidden away on a Venetian street off the beaten track. At first we thought Fiore (Italian for flower) was the family name. It turned out to be the name selected by the previous owner when he opened the old osteria and called it da Fiore. If it hadn’t been because we received very specific directions and did a test run a day in advance of our reservations we may have been late arriving. As it was we were the first guests to arrive.
by Editor | May 1, 2010 | Florida, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
Our visit to The Spa at The Breakers during a recent stay at the well known resort was a pleasure. Just before the middle of the day on a Tuesday we set out from our rooms in the main building of the hotel, reaching the spa courtyard in minutes. After showing our electronic room keys to the security personnel in the area just before the spa entrance we were allowed through. Double glass doors led to the spa reception where we saw several busy looking young ladies standing. After greeting us and finding our names in their schedule book one of them requested I follow her. She accompanied me to the ladies’ locker room located to the left of the reception. Another staff person accompanied my travel partner to the men’s lockers to the right of the reception.
by Editor | May 1, 2010 | Florida, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
L’Escalier, the flagship restaurant of the Breakers Palm Beach resort, offered a well prepared, well served, molecular gastronomy meal in an elegant, intimate and contemporary setting. Our midweek end of season visit was rewarding. We especially enjoyed the luxury of dining in a quiet dining room with attentive and guest centered service. Dinner at L’Escalier was the culinary highlight of our three night stay at the Palm Beach resort.
by Editor | May 1, 2010 | Florida, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
In the early part of the last century the Palm Beach Inn, a winter resort for America’s elite originally built by oil magnate Henry Morrison Flagler in 1896, was destroyed by fire, twice. Eventually it was renamed and rebuilt a third time. The Breakers, as it is known today, opened its doors December 29, 1926 and remains to this day one of the best known resort properties in the Sunshine State.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Campania, Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Although we were only scheduled to remain on the island of Ischia, known for its beautiful vistas as well as its thermal waters and spa offerings, for three nights we had set aside some time for treatments. The spa was conveniently located between our building and reception at our hotel. Just after breakfast we met with Constanza Popolano, Msc., the very busy spa manager, and Paolo Magrassi, M.D., the spa’s United States trained medical director. A man of subtle charm and a passion for travel to exotic locales he made time to tell us about the spa’s thermal waters and mud and the menu options available to visitors. Although the spa was undergoing renovations while we were there, we were fortunate to find treatment time available.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Lucia
Saint Lucia, a mango shaped former British island on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, conjures mixed impressions in my mind. The island itself is lush (although it was rather dry the last time I was there because of a severe months long drought which affected somewhat the quality of our stay. The swimming pool and Jacuzzi at our villa were only partially filled) with an inner core of hills, mountains, and waterfalls and an outer ring of bays and beach coves. The western side where a mild surf washes gently over resort beaches was peppered with quaint fishing villages and a string of hotels of different sizes offering varying degrees of luxury. The eastern side, constantly brushed by harsh Atlantic winds, was simpler than the opposite coast and more rugged.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Campania, Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Our first impression of the Romeo Hotel was in an unexpected venue. As we exited our high speed train from Rome we met Antonio Deperte, the newly appointed general manager of the hotel who had volunteered to pick us up at the train and personally introduce us to the much maligned Italian city. His warm greeting, in American English, and the short drive from the station to the hotel in a vintage Jaguar together set the tone for our lovely two-night stay at the art filled property.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Named in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy and part of the Baglioni chain in Italy, the Regina Hotel Baglioni was our home for four nights during a recent visit to the Eternal City. The hotel was one of the Baglioni City Hotels located near the city center of Italian cities that tout their elegance and “luxury with an Italian touch.”
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Campania, Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The departure point to Ischia was so close to our Naples hotel that we walked there with our luggage. We arrived on the northwestern corner of the island of Ischia on a cool and sunny spring day following an hour long ride in an air conditioned and comfortable hydrofoil boat that departed from the port in Naples. As soon as we descended from the boat in Ischia we saw a representative from our hotel holding a sign with our names. With his help we wheeled our luggage to his air conditioned van for the five-minute drive to our home of the next three nights, L’Albergo della Regina Isabella.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Montreal, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Montreal is the second largest city in Canada (after Toronto) and the largest city in the Province of Quebec. Located on the Island of Montreal, the city center revolves around the three peaks of Mount Royal, a 200 hectare park that was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (also known for designing Central Park in New York). The city is easy to get around, be it on foot, by car or by bus, as the mountain acts as a compass. I am north, south, east or west of Mount Royal! Old Montreal, the historic part of the city, is located on the south end of the city near the Port of Montreal. Founded in 1642 by trench settlers, the narrow winding streets are frequently used for Old Europe in many Hollywood film productions. Visiting this part of town takes me a full day.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Montreal, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Founded in 1860 as the Art Association of Montreal, the main building opened in 1912 and was designed by architects Edward and William S. Maxwell in the Beaux Arts style. Among the oldest art institutions in Canada, the museum is composed of three pavilions, with a fourth pavilion under construction. The original building is known as the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion. Annexed to the back of this building is the Liliane and David M. Stewart Pavillion and across the street is the Jean-Noël Desmarais Pavilion designed by Moshe Safdie and built in 1991. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are located in all three pavilions.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Lucia
We arrived at The Jalousie Plantation, a four star family friendly property nestled amid 100 acres of pristine rainforest in the valley between Saint Lucia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed twin volcanic peaks commonly known as the Pitons, after driving from the northern tip of the island in search of the hotel’s gourmet fare, in the afternoon. After parking our rental car near reception, we boarded one of the property’s shuttle vans which dropped us off at the round point of our cluster of eight villas. From there we walked a short distance slightly down hill to suite 503.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Il Comandante (The Commander) was named in honor of Achille Lauro, a Neapolitan shipowner and past mayor of Naples who was a previous owner of the building where the hotel restaurant is housed. Dinner at Il Comandante was a delightful surprise. The staff were polite and thoughtful and the service was punctilious.
Although we dined in a temporary venue (the restaurant’s space was being renovated) the dinner service was fine including lovely plates, silverware, glassware and perfectly ironed linen napkins.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Lucia
We arrived in Saint Lucia in the early afternoon excited to be back in the Caribbean and looking forward to a week of rest and relaxation under the tropical sun. As we exited immigration and customs at the airport a young Saint Lucian stood inconspicuously with our names on a sign. Following cursory introductions he led us across the small parking lot to his vehicle. Ninety minutes of cautious driving in his air conditioned minivan, organized by the hotel at our request, found us at Cotton Bay Village, a family friendly secluded and gated 9.6 acre property on the northern end of the island. The beachfront resort, named for the cotton plants that grow within, was built around a mangrove forest.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2010 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Luggage
A funny think happened as I began packing my new Briggs and Riley 20-inch Carry-on Expandable Wide-body Upright for a recent multi-week, winter into spring trip to Europe: I became convinced that its designer had been reading my mind. I had long harbored the fantasy of one versatile suitcase that would be the only piece of luggage I would need; a suitcase that would, as circumstances required, instantly morph from carry-on to checked baggage and vice-versa. Now, there it was, sized to meet most major airlines current carry-on requirements for domestic as well as international travel. Yet it was wide enough to accommodate side-by-side two neat stacks of sweaters, shirts and other travel necessities, plus a mesh and nylon side pocket to keep small items within easy sight.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2010 | Belgium, Bruges, Europe, Simon and Baker Travel Review
I arrived in Bruges on a day when a furious late-winter storm was making headline news across Western Europe. The one-minute walk from the train station to the cabstand was sufficient to seal the fate of my umbrella. A short ride later I was delivered damp and chilled at the Romantik Pand Hotel. My spirits soared as I stepped into the foyer. The gracious home-like atmosphere and welcome had the warmth of a summer’s afternoon.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2010 | Belgium, Bruges, Europe, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Bruges is a city where Europe’s medieval past lives on. Suspended in time centuries ago, its historic center is a mosaic of willow-shaded canals lazily wending their way around ancient homes and public buildings. Humpbacked stone bridges lead to narrow cobbled backstreets that open onto picturesque squares and rows of whitewashed almshouses. Roofscapes of high-stepped gables bristle with towers and steeples. With most of its medieval architecture intact, the 430 hectare (1.6 square mile) center of Bruges was designated a United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 2000.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2009 | Africa, Botswana, Okavango Delta, Simon and Baker Travel Review
My visit to Xaranna began with a quintessential Delta experience, an exhilarating boat ride through a watery labyrinth of papyrus-bordered channels and floating islands of water lily pads. Secluded in the pristine wilderness of a 62,000 acre (25,000 hectare) wildlife concession in the southern Okavango, Xaranna can only be reached by boat most of the year. Birds soared as we went by and tiny painted frogs clung to their reeds; bulbous eyes emerged at water level, attached to a large bull hippo unflinchingly claiming right of way. We detoured. Across the lagoon, pale pavilions materialized among the trees. We landed to the warmest of welcomes from the management and staff.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2009 | Africa, Kwazulu Natal, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
We arrived at Fordoun, named after a loch in Scotland and built on an old dairy, on a Sunday after two weeks of activity filled days, ready for a little down time. It was overcast and rainy with few outdoor activity temptations. At the same time, the small hotel and spa property was quiet following a big event weekend; just what we needed. In light of the weather and quiet ambiance the spa was the perfect indulgence during our overnight stay.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2009 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
In spite of mixed feelings related to crime, Cape Town is still one of our favorite cities in Africa. The landscapes are striking and varied; the people are sophisticated and friendly at the same time; and the city is modern yet still small enough to explore easily. Wedged between the ocean and mountains, it has a distinctive skyline of natural beauty.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2009 | Africa, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa, Waterberg
We arrived at Botsebotse in the Zebula Game and Country Reserve following several weeks of travel to relax a bit and decompress. We were delighted to discover the property was for adults only (except when a single family booked exclusively). On our first morning there, eager to stretch our legs a bit after days of bush drives we set off on a stroll before breakfast that turned out to be quite a treat. Although our entire stay at the property was a pleasure that early morning walk is what I remember most fondly from our two-night visit.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Botswana, Okavango Delta, Simon and Baker Travel Review
When traveling to remote locations it is a rare experience for me to reach a place where everything is unerringly right. Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge was such a place. Built deep within a 62,000 acre (25,000 hectare) wildlife concession, Xudum appeared like a remote Eden when I first approached it from the water. The peaks of its impeccably thatched roofs peered among the treetops of a lush riverine forest at the edge of a lagoon carpeted with water lilies in full bloom. The tri-leveled main lodge was designed to showcase the endless vistas of reed and papyrus beds of the southern Delta, made all the more striking by the witty blend of sophisticated luxury and whimsy of the stylish contemporary décor. Sectional sofas mingled with local craft and, introducing the property’s recycling theme, tire swings and sculptural end tables that turned out to be made of soda cans. I immediately coveted the Xudum kitchen with its battery of professional cooktops and ovens, its tall wine refrigerator and the latest in kitchen appliances. It even had a gleaming Italian espresso machine and a long granite serving bar with a sweeping view of the Delta!
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Botswana, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Tuli Block
We reached the Tuli Safari Lodge Reserve, missing the border closing at Pont Drift by a hair (our transfer service was two hours late picking us up), after a five hour drive from Johannesburg, South Africa. A representative of the lodge (later we discovered he was to be our constant companion and fearless guide for the next five nights) met us at the border and escorted us through. Within minutes we were seated in an open Land Rover crossing the dry river bed of the Limpopo River, one of the most important rivers in Southern Africa, beginning our five night Tuli Adventure Trail. During our stay we spent time at Nokalodi Tented Camp, Tuli Safari Hide and Tuli Safari Lodge all of which were property of the Tuli Safari Lodge.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
This small lodge, well situated within walking distance of Rosebank Mall in an upscale residential area of Johannesburg, stood out for its spacious and well appointed suites and offered many advantages for the independent traveler. In spite of being in a very big city inside the adult oriented lodge (guests with children 12 and older were welcome) there were few noises beyond the usual staff cleaning and other daytime sounds of a small guest house.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
What I remember best about The Marine is the afternoon time I enjoyed sipping wine in my water facing suite while watching southern right wales swim by; as well as the hour I spent early the next morning sitting on my travel partner’s terrace watching playful mating whales. Since the whales were swimming close to shore I was able to get a good view of their fins with my binoculars. Although the view of the bay and the whales from the town’s nearby waterside nature trail was outstanding the view from the height of my first floor suite with an extra large window was even better.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Botswana, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Stretched along a verdant bank of the Thamalakane River on the outskirts of Maun, the gateway city to the Okavango Delta, Thamalakane River Lodge was quite literally a breath of fresh air after my extended stay in the parched wilderness of the Kalahari. Built in a grove of tall riverine trees filled with abundant bird life, the lodge was resolutely turned toward the river. All guest chalets and common areas had terraces that took full advantage of the cooling breezes and serene 180 degree view of the riverbanks lined with fluttering reeds visited by an ever changing array of water fowl and birds. Dusk was spectacular, with the sun setting the river ablaze as it slowly dipped behind trees.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Botswana, Okavango Delta, Simon and Baker Travel Review
This was my first experience in the Okavango Delta. I couldn’t have wished for a better introduction to this unique landscape of papyrus-lined channels and water lily-filled lagoons weaving through shady glades and rich savannah grasslands than Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp. Set under a lush canopy of massive ebony trees in a remote 19,800 acre (8,000 hectare) concession, Nxabega (“place of the giraffe” in Basarwa, the language of the river bushmen) was an oasis of elegance and comfort in the heart of the Delta. From the instant the Cessna touched down, it was obvious that a fascinating adventure had begun. Exceptional rains had recently flooded the camp’s own airstrip; we had landed on a nearby, higher ground landing strip, my guide informed me in the course of his warm welcome. We would now drive a few miles to Nxabega; and by the way, a leopard guarding his freshly killed impala had been sighted earlier this morning near our route; would I care to make a short detour to look for it?
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa, Waterberg
One of of the features we liked the most about Marataba, meaning place near the mountains in Tsonga, was the splendid view of the Waterberg Mountains. We enjoyed this view from the comfort of our tented room, the common areas and the game drives. Located in a private concession within the Marakele National Park, Marataba was a luxury and gourmet oriented game viewing property managed jointly by South African Parks and Hunter Hotels.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Port-Elizabeth, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
The drive to Kichaka (Swahili for bush) of several hours from Plettenberg Bay, at the end of our Garden Route trip, was mostly easy highway driving and we were greeted warmly on arrival. Several staff members (Keith, the property manager, Charnel, our host that evening, and Francois, our field ranger and the head ranger at Kichaka) welcomed us as soon as we parked the car within the reserve just a few hundred meters from the N2 Highway.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa, Waterberg
A short drive from Johannesburg led us to shady parking in front of Jembisa Lodge where Ané Van Schalkwyk and Steven and Jane Leonard, the executive staff of the property, greeted us warmly late one afternoon. From the parking area we crossed a courtyard to reach the entrance to the north facing house. After a day in the city and a flat tire on the way we were eager to get back to the bush. While Ané showed us around the house and gardens, we discussed our activities preferences with Steven, our guide; then they left to prepare for our evening outing and we sat down to a well anticipated late lunch.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Botswana, Makgadikgadi, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The single propeller plane had been droning for almost one hour over some of the flattest, emptiest land I had ever seen. Swirls of gleaming salt pans and dusty sand banks stretched to infinity, baked by a merciless sun. The pilot nodded to the right. “Jack’s Camp,” he informed me, dipping the wing to give me a better look. Beneath me a palm and acacia-studded oasis was emerging from the stark Kalahari wilderness. Large green safari tents were scattered among high savannah grass, hinting of creature comforts. Could this be a mirage?
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Kwazulu Natal, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
We arrived at Isandlwana, named for nearby Mount Isandlwana, after a morning drive through the green and rocky hills of KwaZulu Natal, an area of South Africa known for its natural beauty and battle scars. The first thing that struck me on arrival at the lodge was the discreet way it was constructed on the side of a hill. Not surprisingly one of our favorite features at this small lodge was the view of the neighboring Zulu village and surrounding countryside from the common areas and our rooms.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
A cluster of immaculate South African stone and thatch rondavels nestled in lush indigenous gardens, Idwala Guest House was an enclave of bucolic luxury in the middle of Johannesburg. Located on a quiet residential street of the elegant suburb of Darrenwood, an easy 30-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Idwala (Zulu for rock) was an ideal retreat for a day of relaxation after my nightlong flight from Europe and before continuing on my journey further into Southern Africa.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Botswana, Kalahari, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Haina Kalahari Lodge gave me an immediate sense of home, a delightful but puzzling first impression from a place tucked in a remote conservancy at the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (a 20,386 square mile, 52,800 square kilometer, semi-arid immensity roughly the size of Switzerland; and the second largest game reserve in the world after Tanzania’s Selous). The reason became obvious once I found out that this oasis of laid-back luxury in the heart of some of the harshest wilderness in Southern Africa was originally intended, and functioned for a decade, as a private multi-family holiday retreat before it began to welcome guests in 2007.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Kwazulu Natal, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Our stay at the mysteriously named Ghost Mountain Inn was sorrowfully affected by the weather. It rained more or less constantly during our entire two-night stay. That didn’t seem to dampen the staff’s spirits much. Thanks to their cheerful and can-do attitude we went forward with sightseeing plans and had a pleasant stay.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2009 | Africa, Kwazulu Natal, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
While we were at Amakhosi it rained every day, on every drive. One day we returned so soaked, in spite of the rain ponchos and blankets provided in the safari vehicle, my boots took three days to dry out. And, yet the game viewing rewards were such that all the guests, children included, went out drive after drive in the cold and rain.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2009 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
This small family friendly hotel within a quiet residential Stellenbosch neighborhood had much to offer. In the early morning we heard the sounds of birds, making us feel briefly as if we were waking up at home. As the day progressed we heard suburban sounds and neighborhood dogs barking. It was quiet otherwise.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2009 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Madiba Villa, a two-bedroom Cape style rental villa within a 53-room historic boutique hotel property, is tucked away discretely in the back of a nine-hectare garden filled wine estate in Constantia, a leafy suburb of Cape Town. It was a delightful place to spend time during a recent visit to the area. The drive from Cape Town to Constantia is mostly easy and we are always surprised at the contrast between the city’s urban setting and the suburban wine region’s placid green scenery. For those times when we have no need to stay in the city proper suburban areas like Constantia have a definite appeal.
