Westhaven Retreat, New Zealand
In addition to its outstanding location the property’s semi isolation (my guide and I drove several hours from Nelson to reach it) was its greatest asset.
Silverpine, New Zealand
Silverlodge was among my favorite properties on that trip for its splendid location with fantastic lake views, elegant design, tasty and well presented meals and understated hospitality.
Cabot Lodge, New Zealand
Thanks to their authentic hospitality and enthusiasm, and the lodge’s luxury amenities and intimate ambiance it was one of my favorite places on the trip.
Merivale Manor & Apartments, New Zealand
The property was close to the Central Business District and closer still to a variety of Merivale shops and restaurants. It was also conveniently located en route to the airport for my predawn departure.
Aroha New Zealand Tours – Intrepid, South Island, New Zealand
What I liked most about my customized private Intrepid tour was the eye popping beauty we encountered on our drives, luxury oriented yet intimate accommodations and some soft adventure activities, away from the crowds for a minimum planning effort on my part.
Lakestone Lodge, New Zealand
From the lodge living room and dining room common area (and from my room) the views of Lake Pukaki and the mountains were impressive. Aoraki Mount Cook (one of the country’s most iconic mountains) was under cloud cover during my entire stay, making it impossible for me to gaze at the naked peak. Despite that I enjoyed my stay in large part thanks to its picture perfect direct lake and mountain views.
Restaurant Lasserre, Paris, France
Lunch was artfully presented and “modern” in style, eliciting mostly sighs of pleasure and satisfaction. We liked the well prepared dishes, each one cooked in a way that brought out the natural flavors to their best advantage.
Maison Blanche Paris, France
Our meal was worth repeating thanks to warm and attentive service, a pretty setting, including a side view of the Seine River from our table, and not least, a tasty and well served meal. Maison Blanche will be on our neighborhood shortlist for an informal yet upscale ambiance.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Florida
We enjoyed our spring visit to the waterfront John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in part because at times it felt almost like a stroll in the park. We anticipated that the 66 acre estate was too large to explore in a single day so we had narrowed our selection to fit into the morning. Once we were there we liked it so much we spent the day.
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
The biggest surprise was AG, a bar and steakhouse that specialized in fine wines and whiskey, which would not normally be our fare, but thanks to the guidance of those serving us, we thoroughly enjoyed. We would return.
Singita Ebony Lodge
From the chocolate in the mini bar (a rare find on safari) and watercolor kit in the riverside room, to the attentive service and posh accommodations Singita Ebony set a high bar for safari luxury.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa
I would gladly return and recommend it to friends and family who enjoy understated classic safari properties and quality game viewing in an uncrowded setting. The outstanding game viewing, comfortable accommodations, abundant food and friendly service would temp us to return to Lukimbi.
The London Hotel West Hollywood At Beverly Hills
The new management had turned the one-time notorious property into a glamorous Hollywood star. We liked the hotel’s beautiful redesign, our 725 square foot Vista Double Suite, spectacular rooftop views, and outstanding (and safe) location.
Thornybush Game Lodge (2017), South Africa
I liked my 45 square meter well appointed contemporary style room, the wildlife viewing (we saw four of the Big Five), including outstanding lion and elephant sightings, comfort food, and friendly and attentive service. I would return and recommend it to friends.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge (2017), Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
At Earth Lodge time disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving me wanting to linger longer by the main area water feature, in a comfy hanging lawn chair with an expansive view of the bush and any four legged visitors or poolside in my spacious and secluded Amber Presidential Suite. It was with regret that we left after two nights, and we look forward to returning in the future.
Simbambili Game Lodge (2017), Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Given the abundance of food on safari and the restriction on places to walk I appreciated the availability of a fitness room. Simbambili will be on our short list of safari properties in the northern end of the Sabi Sand Reserve thanks to its combination of rewarding game viewing, luxury amenities and facilities.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa
We loved our spacious two-bedroom suite with a private pool within a quiet residential neighborhood boutique hotel with a restaurant, room service, and well equipped fitness center, and will keep the Fairlawns high on our list of favorites in Johannesburg. Overall...
Belgrace Boutique Hotel, South Africa
We liked the property as much for its personal touch and warm service as for its creature comforts and European inspired rooms. We would return and recommend it to friends traveling in that region seeking a romantic or relaxing getaway.
The River Lodge, Thornybush Nature Reserve, South Africa
We especially enjoyed the setting. Whether sitting by our suite pool catching a glimpse of a herd of dainty nyala on the dry riverbed below, gazing across the main lodge pool at the wild greenery beyond or at the starlit sky above there was always something to admire. We appreciated that the staff served most of our meals by the north facing main lodge pool, which offered a favorite water and bush vista.
Shumbalala Game Lodge, South Africa
The property’s desirable riverside location, handsome and spacious two-bedroom suite with private plunge pool, luxury features and rewarding Big Five game viewing place it on our short list within the Thornybush Nature Reserve.
Camp Jabulani, South Africa
We looked forward to private game drives with Dean Wilkinson, our erudite ranger. His descriptions and explanations deepened our understanding of wildlife at the reserve. We especially liked his emphasis on high quality sightings that took into account animal behavior and environmental conditions, and that he angled the vehicle for optimal viewing and photography.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia
The Jefferson was built by a Richmond importer, Lewis Ginter, who lost his first fortune during the Civil War, after serving as a major in the Confederate Army. He moved to New York, where he became rich again through banking, but lost most of his assets during a recession. At age 50, he returned to Richmond and made more millions in tobacco, sold the company, and entered real estate. He traveled the world and brought back art he planned to place in a new hotel.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, France
Should I find myself in the vicinity of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in the future I hope to return at the first opportunity.
Fontainebleau Castle, France
Our visit provided us a unique view of French history, French art history and architecture. It was especially illuminating in the company of our well informed and enthusiastic English speaking guide as part of a private morning tour and well worth a return visit....
La Demeure du Parc, Fontainebleau, France
We also liked the modern sunlit lobby with a glass roof and equally modern rooms with natural light, artistic touch, amenities, friendly staff and gourmet restaurant. Should we return to the area La Demeure du Parc would be at the top of our list.
Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, Paris, France
The memorable dining room, elegant setting and amenities and attentive and friendly service enhanced our experience. The next time we visit Paris lunch at Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse will be on our wish list.
Parkhotel Adler, Hinterzarten, Germany
I liked our modern and quiet rooms, the hotel’s private park, its luxury amenities, off street parking, and facilities, and would recommend it to friends planning a visit to Hinzerzarten.
Hoffmann Beauté & Physiotherapie
Should I return to the area I would not hesitate to book treatments at the Hoffmann Beauté & Physiotherapie spa again. Overall Impression Details Special Training Common Areas Dining Features Other Review Overall Impression I knew traveling to the Black Forest...
Boutique-Hotel Alemannenhof
We liked our pretty and functional 18 square meter rooms (what they lacked in size they more than made up for in lake views) and common areas, the hotel’s efforts to blend into the lake scenery and reflect the area history, and the restaurant as well as its responsible tourism practices.
Le Domaine d’Ablon
Advance planning was required to enjoy the best the tiny property had to offer. For example, to dine in it was necessary to place our dinner order in the morning. In the same vein, booking an onsite massage and selecting breakfast deli options required a day’s notice. Any inconvenience that might have aroused was easily overcome by the many attractive features of Le Domaine d’Ablon.
Beach House Turks and Caicos
The peaceful pretty beach was my favorite feature at the Beach House. I especially appreciated that there was a designated area on the beach with cushioned comfortable wood lounge chairs and an umbrella for my suite.
Savute Safari Lodge
It was uncomfortably hot with hardly any respite for the entire duration of our stay. Daytime temperatures reached 45 Celsius (113 Fahrenheit). The property relied on daytime generator power as its sole source of energy, and was not equipped for the intense heatwave that blanketed the region.
We might return to Savute Safari Lodge in a cooler shoulder season in search of quality game viewing and fewer crowds.
Xugana Island Lodge
The waterscapes, water settings and sunset views of the Okavango Delta, spacious common area deck with lagoon views, friendly management staff, buffet meals, and birding opportunities made the visit worthwhile. We also appreciated the well appointed (if very hot) luxury tents, curio shop, computer with slow internet connection for guest use, and refreshing outdoor pool. We would return in a cooler season.
Leroo La Tau
Indoors, our rooms, sealed during out absence for game drives, were super heated, making every surface hot to the touch and causing what little ice we had to melt within minutes. Several fellow guests became unwell with heat stroke and dehydration, often failing to recognize the signs until they were forced to stay in from the twice daily safari activities.
We would return in a cooler season.
Chobe Game Lodge
We liked the newly renovated modern rooms, the property’s easy river access and views of the river from its elevated walkway, where welcome bubbly drinks, tea and lunch were sometimes served. The main building had a cozy bar and ample space to spread out as well as an inviting outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room and a spa room with several treatment options.
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Our property trained local guide was particularly adept driving the boat, selecting the stretch of river to visit and approaching the shore to maximum advantage and a minimum of noise to avoid startling the wildlife. We had exceptional bird sightings, including the best and longest viewing opportunities of African fish eagles we have had anywhere.
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge
Situated within the Sabi Sand Reserve, one of South Africa’s premier game viewing reserves, the 300 hectare Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge offered an excellent combination of dam front setting, service, intimate ambiance, original art, quiet rooms, luxury accommodations and features, gourmet orientation, and good game viewing with a strong emphasis on the Big Five.
Rattray’s on MalaMala
Once again the property delivered an outstanding luxury safari experience with optimum game viewing opportunities aboard an uncrowded vehicle, while at the same time providing accommodations, service and amenities designed to enhance our well being in the bush.
Federal Airlines, Johannesburg, South Africa
The flight service was well organized, mostly punctual, and overall a great deal more convenient and significantly more pleasant than the alternatives of driving from Johannesburg or flying to an airport near the reserve and driving or being transferred from there to the properties.
The Munro Boutique Hotel
Our stay at The Munro, a five room boutique property in Johannesburg, South Africa, was memorable as much for its luxury features and amenities and stunning city views as for the superlative and warm service we received.
Ten Bompas Hotel
A different designer was tasked with the decor of each of the 10 suites. Our suites had sleeping and living areas separated by a wall, a half bath near the entrance, a stocked minibar, air conditioning and a private balcony. The bathrooms had separate bathtubs and steam showers, amenities often only available in large properties and chain hotels.
One&Only Spa Cape Town
I chose the One&Only Spa because I had a positive experience there on a previous trip, it was near my hotel, and there was availability on my weekday choice of date. I was pleased with the results.
Babel
Babel, a farm to table restaurant within a working farm in the Wineland region of South Africa, was an unexpected surprise. I went there following the recommendation of the property manager at La Cle des Montagnes, where I was staying in nearby Franschhoek. The experience was as the promotional materials promised, fresh, local, and “an adventure and a rediscovery of the honest essence of things.”
The Last Word Long Beach
The boutique property’s beachfront location combined with the staff’s friendly and helpful attitude, and my comfortable room with an outstanding beach view and private terrace would draw me back easily. It was a favorite property on that voyage. I would seriously consider a return visit and dedicated trip to Long Beach for a stay at The Last Word.
The Last Word Constantia
Located within a gated one acre property in Constantia, an upscale leafy suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, The Last Word Constantia, a nine room boutique bed and breakfast, offered an intimate ambiance, service oriented staff, a well appointed room with a view, and a pretty pool and garden setting. It was elegant and understated at the same time.
Bosman’s Restaurant
While I was a guest at the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl, South Africa I had an opportunity to dine at Bosman’s, the hotel restaurant, named after Hermanus Bosman. In 1717, at the age of 24 he traveled to the Cape on behalf of the Dutch East India Company. While there he became the first owner of the farm where the restaurant is now located. It was an unexpected pleasure.
Queen Victoria Hotel
Tucked behind Dock Road, the main street next to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s most popular attraction-cum-mall, the Queen Victoria was in a coveted location. Although it was across the street from the city’s best known upscale shopping center, the hotel itself never felt crowded. The well maintained boutique hotel with a gourmet restaurant was stylishly decorated and spotless. The staff were friendly and service oriented.
La Cle des Montagnes
During a recent visit to Franschhoek, South Africa’s most refined food and wine village, I stayed at the beautiful La Galerie, a 183 square meter artsy and elegantly appointed two bedroom house with a private garden and pool and memorable mountain views. La Galerie was one of only three houses within the La Cle de Montagnes estate, a gated plum and vineyard property a few blocks from the village main street.
The Blue Train Pretoria to Cape Town, South Africa
As I arrived at the 420 square meter welcome lounge for The Blue Train at the Pretoria, South Africa train station, steps away from the entrance to the popular mass transit Gautrain railway, I saw a sea of expectant and excited faces and heard a variety of English accents. Among my fellow passengers I met South Africans, expat residents of South Africa, and American, Australians and New Zealand tourists. Despite the early hour, 7:15 a.m., we were enthusiastic about riding the train together. More than a mode of transport from the Gauteng Province south to Cape Town The Blue Train was a medium for many of us to meet and share quality time in a private luxury vessel while enjoying Five Star service and amenities.
Glen Avon Lodge
What I liked most about Glen Avon Lodge, a small historic property (the internal structure and many original features of the main building dated back to 1785 and remained unchanged) in Constantia, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, was the owners’ welcoming demeanor. From the moment we met I felt a simpatico connection with Annette Stringer. Later, I had a chance to meet her husband and Wendy Drummond, her daughter and property co-owner. I appreciated their hard working ethic, straightforward communication preference, employee training and empowerment practices, and efforts to give back to their community.
