by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Mexico, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Tulum
A secluded barefoot-casual, sun drenched enclave of small cabana hotel s nestled between tropical jungle vegetation and the gentle surf of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was an idyllic “base camp” to explore the nearby archeological and natural wonders of Mexico ’s Yucatan peninsula. When we last visited Tulum, it was a barely visible icon on the map of the Yucatan , indicating the presence of a not yet excavated minor Maya site. Luxuriant tropical vegetation encroached in places upon the narrow, intermittently paved jungle road that took us there. Things have changed a lot in the past thirty years. Today, Tulum is definitely on the map! Easily accessible via a modern highway, as well as a stopping point for cruise ships, it has become one of the most visited Maya sites in the Yucatan . The spot, although small and structurally far less impressive than others nearby such as Chichen Itza , Uxmal and Coba , is spectacularly perched on the edge of a limestone cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean .
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
Turning off the main road onto a non-descript private street that would have made a mountain goat feel at home, we arrived at Villa Bel’Ombre. We were pleasantly surprised to find it was more comfortable and prettier than the photos we had seen online and the postcard view was even more stunning than we could have imagined. The $3 million villa was spacious, open and full of thoughtful features we liked such as a shaded deck area facing the bay, comfortable lounge chairs in the sun and shade, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a partially open kitchen facing the bay, and a Jacuzzi by the master bedroom. Marble landscape skies with a moon, pink and purple sunrises, the sound of birdsong and the surf, the impeccable swimming pool where we could linger while enjoying the view from the infinity edge and a welcome sense of privacy were some of the extras we discovered onsite.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We rushed from a cross country flight that departed before sunrise to arrive in San Francisco, collect our rental car (no small feat at the San Francisco airport) and check-in just before our 12:30 p.m. San Francisco Helicopter Tours van pick up. We were a bit miffed to find all the rushing, concern about find out hotel in time, checking in and missing out on lunch to discover the driver was 20 minutes late. A final pick up in a San Francisco hotel, saw twelve of us headed across the Golden Gate bridge to ritzy Marin County in a nearly full van.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
: We will remember the Omni San Francisco for its many desirable qualities, especially its friendly, proactive, helpful, enthusiastic service oriented staff. Feeling welcome and knowing there is always someone available to answer questions, lend a hand with restaurant recommendations reservations, directions, and all those little things than can make the difference between an ok stay a truly enjoyable one.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We prized Villa Montagna’s expansive views over moon valley, Sonoma, the Bay area and the nearby vineyards. We found it an ideal getaway home, especially during warm weather months, for a family. Though the guest bedrooms were modest in size, the property’s abundant and inviting social space provided plenty of areas for family members and friends to spend time together indoors and outdoors. Our cooking enthusiast appreciated the large open sunlit kitchen with professional Viking and Kitchen Aid appliances.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
This lovely bed & breakfast in a renovated historic home near downtown Napa offered many of the advantages of a B & B home and those of a larger property with luxury amenities. We enjoyed activity filled days, gourmet bites, early morning pampering (massage and in-room breakfast), excellent recommendations and assistance with sightseeing opportunities and fine dining. We were fortunate to find marvelous sunny and cool weather during our spring stay. At that time, the temperature at 1801 was comfortable without air conditioning and required mild heat (we only turned the fire place on briefly) in the evenings.
