by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
After four weeks of game viewing in Southern Africa , we still found De Wildt amazing. Seeing cheetahs, king cheetahs, wild dogs, Egyptian vultures or honey badgers in the wild is rare. During our safari trip we were very fortunate to see cheetahs two or three times. We treasured each brief viewing. Visiting De Wildt was like going through a working laboratory, where the staff were the animal caretakers looking after these precious creatures from birth until their reintroduction into the wild or delivery to a zoo. At De Wildt we had a chance to see the wild dogs interacting in a pack, eating and playing; we saw cheetahs and king cheetahs up close next to their fence; we also went inside the caged area where they ran loose, fed and prepared to mate.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Eighteen museums, 100 important art galleries, the German Opera House and a reputation as a center for German high fashion place this city of just over half a million inhabitants on plenty of travelers’ lists. We liked the genteel and efficient attitude, elegant and cosmopolitan feel, historic old town, and blending of classic and modern architecture of this daughter of the Rhine River.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Simon and Baker Travel Review
On the heels of a long transatlantic flight, lunch at Menuett Restaurant was a welcome pleasure. Located in the lobby of the historic and attractive Steigenberger Park Hotel, Menuett’s classic décor was inviting. We, like almost everyone else that afternoon, chose to enjoy lunch outdoors on the terrace, which faced the Steigenberger Park Hotel entrance and a nearby park. To match the prominent setting and delicious meal, the service could have been more attentive and customer oriented. Overall, our spring meal was refined and satisfying.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Florida, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We found Rosemary Beach, established as a planned community in 1995, to be an ideal vacation village for beach lovers from the South. Situated on a striking white sand beach in the Northern Gulf, Rosemary Beach consisted of a town hall, post office, restaurant, spa, fitness center, tennis courts, five swimming pools, a handful of retail businesses and about 350 homes. Architecturally distinctive, it featured a blend of elements from various areas of Florida and the South. Named after a local shrub, this pedestrian friendly exclusive vacation neighborhood seemed well suited for families
by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Florida, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
Rydquist Cottage was much more than a cottage. It was a three story four-bedroom bright and spacious multi-million dollar house. Just two blocks from the Florida Panhandle’s white sand beach, it looked new and spotless. Decorated in a homey style with comfort in mind, it was conveniently situated within a few minutes walk of the Rosemary Beach town hall and retail shops. It offered excellent partial views of the beach and gulf waters from several areas. Our favorite view was from the second floor porch.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We found the Steigenberger, a historic and elegant hotel dating back to the early 1900’s, a welcome respite. In the heart of Düsseldorf and across the street from the Opera, the Hotel was ideally situated for a visit to the central part of town. Owned by the Steigenberger chain, it offered a combination of charm, experienced and efficient staff, and a great location.
