Chamonix

The ski season is open, the snow is here all perfect. Chamonix has a major face lift. With the ringing out of the old year and in with the new comes an enormous change . Elsewhere shops are empty and closing in Chamonix there is an enormous amount of fantastic new shops and restaurant openings capturing the spirit of the place .
Lets start by mentioning a major restaurant and bar opening with Cap Horn ( related only by the owner being the cousin of the piste restaurant in Courchevel ) . It has a super sushi bar , fab tapas Jazz bar and excellent restaurant : opposite is Munchie also very cool and some of the most interesting food in Chamonix - move over Nobu this is much better

Other major changes are the Boardrider shop , completely in the freeride spirit of Chamonix . People talk about Chamonix in many ways but often mention extreme sports and purity of sport . To be clear its been updated - you can ski wild on skis so fat that they could be two snow boards ( black crow was born here ) but you can shop in Chanel , see the beautiful people 20 years younger than Megeve and beautifully dressed in cutting edge ski wear and now chic evening wear . Watch out Courchevel and St Anton and Verbier- Chamonix is changing the beautiful , the wealthy and those avoiding the change in the swiss franc will all be here this year with shopping , eating and skiing to match every range from world champion skiers , russian oligarchs ; english bankers ( usually French but working in London) to boys and girls in camper vans who just want to ski . An exotic mix - IT WORKS - be there or be square .
Best of the Alps it is!

Favourite adresses in Chamonix:
Restaurants: Munchie, Bistro, La Remise d'Argentière
For lunch on the slope: "eat shit " or go to Courmayeur....best place Maison Vieille.
Woman fashion: Chanel
For mens clothing by on line: Mr Porter
Sport Shop: for training shoes : Ravanel and co
For ski boots and fitting see Jules at Sanglard
For skis and all technical equipment : Snell
For ski google: POC
For sportswear: peak performance
Best bread: Saint Hubert
For traditional Butcher (one of the best in france) : Minié
Hairdresser: Le Salon

Paris

Before the ski season, and when the Christmas decoration are on Paris is a wonderful destination.
After having staying in some of the best boutique hotel in Paris we want back to the real Palace and I have to say it is much much better. The Plaza Athénée is a great place the service is as it would be and even better than expected. The breakfast is delicious. They have a very trendy bar. The location is excellent on Avenue Montaigne, right in the luxury shopping district (Montaigne and close to Saint Honoré) You can walk to  the main Museum (Le Louvre, Musé d'Orsay, Branly, Musée d'Art Moderne, Palais de Tokyo). Ask the Concierge for the entrance ticket it will save you from queuing up.
For a fine dinning Lasserre is a very good choice, very France cuisine and nothing molecular. It is in amazing building with a retractable roof !

Tanzania Dar El Salem & Serengeti

If you fancy a long safari week end in Tanzania I highly recommend Singita Sabora tented Lodge in Grumeti Reserves.

To get there you need to  spend a night In Dar El Salam. The unique choice for the hotel is the Kilimangaro Hyatt. Probably the best hotel in town : good services, fine diner. The guest are very mix , business people, safari tourist, hunters, NOG workers, Chineses, airline crews.... which make it very interesting.

The next day you will have to fly at least to small planes to arrived in Grumeti Reserves. The Sabora Tented camp is a fix camp. We all the luxury you can dream off. Bath, air conditioning, fine cuisine, excellent service, spa. Two games are schedule per day... a great pleasure. For the first time we saw some  tree Lions, very amazing. What it is fantastic in this camp is that you are surrounded by wild life all the time. You see  during the day some zebrs, Buffalo...and you hear them during the night.

You can also have diner in the two other lodge they have in the Reserves.

Venise, Redemption day and Biennale

Venise is one of my favorite place on the planet. This particular moment of the year is magic. We saw the most beautiful and longest (45 mm) firework perform on the Grand Canal. We stay at Cipriani which is the best hotel for the summer as you can profit from the swimming pool. We attend a special diner at the Cip's on the terrace which is the absolute best location to watch the firework.
On sunday, we did an early footing to enjoy Venise without the crowd and use the privilege of crossing the pop up bridge across the islands.
Follow by the Biennale at the Arsenal and Punta del Dogna.
Best summer lunch: Griffit's on the Grand Canal.

Bangkok in Brief

Welcome to Bangkok : The city of culture.

Welcome to the metropolis of Bangkok, one of Asia's most thriving commercial centres. Many first-time visitors to Bangkok have little idea of what they'll actually encounter, Bangkok metropolis, accommodating around 8,000,000 residents, is a sophisticated, fast-growing and occasionally traffic-jammed city.

 

 

Referred to today as the City of Angels (Krung Thep in Thai), Bangkok was once called the Vanice of the East because of its many canals. Although many canals have been filled-in, taking away some of the city's old-world charm, it's still one of the most intriguing places worth visiting in Asia. Numerous visitors keep coming back to the city, some for vacations, some for business and some even to settle down here. Without doubt, modern-day Bangkok is a tourist destination of the East offering a greater variety of things to see and do than any other city in Asia.

Established in 1782 as Thailand's capital, the official full name of the city is probably the longest in the world:

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Maha Sathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathatthiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Bangkok (City of Angels) offers an abundance of sites and attractions for tourists and is famous for its Buddhist Temples (Wats) including the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), adjacent to the Grand Palace. This temple and other beautiful examples of carefully-preserved Thai architecture are referred to in more details in the following section. Bangkok, located in the center of the country, is also an excellent stepping-off point for visiting other parts of Thailand. Although the measured pace of old Siam is now a thing of the past, the country's rich cultural and natural heritage still survives.

Accommodation in the city covers a variety of price ranges, but all offer high standard of service presented by friendly staffs. The city probably has the highest concentration of luxurious hotels in the world.

Currently, hotels and shopping venues offer amazing bargains, following the depreciation of the Thai baht currency in 1997. And for those in search of bargains, Bangkok has excellent examples of Thai handicrafts, Thai antiques, paintings, T-shirts in-fashion accessories, high-grade Thai silks and high quality jewellery.

 

The city also boasts a cornucopia of inexpensive restaurants featuring mouth-watering dishes from all regions of Thailand and international cuisine from just almost everywhere in the world. Many gourmets of Thai food, now rated No. 5 in the world's culinary top ten, considering Bangkok to be on a par with Hong Kong for gastronomic experiences.

 

The city offers a broad variety of restaurants, ranging from simple noodle stands to the most elegant dining rooms. Visitors from Europe and North America who consider themselves connoisseurs of Thai food will find Bangkok a gastronomic paradise. Despite the country's economic downturn, Thai people continue to be outwardly friendly, greeting visitors with their usual gracious hospitality and sincere expressions of friendship-traits which have earned Thailand the title of "Land of Smile". 

 

And that is no gimmick as you will discover by the time you have to leave Thailand. When the time comes, we hope you will leave the city of Bangkok feeling a deep warmth for its many charms and find it fascinating enough to enable us to welcome you back again and again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bangkok Geography:
Located in the center of the country, quite close to the Gulf of Thailand, the greater Bangkok Metropolis (including the former capital of Thonburi on the other side of the Chao Phraya River) covers an area of 1600 km2.

The city is situated right in the middle of the rice bowl of Asia, also known as Chao Phraya River Delta.

Bangkok Weather:
If you like the hot weather, Bangkok is the place for you. Average temp. rarely dip below 25 degree Celsius during the city’s 3 seasons. Between Nov. and Feb. the weather is warm and dry with temp. from 19 – 33 degree Celsius.; Mar – May is hot with temp rising to as high as 42 degrees, and from Jun – Oct (rainy season) it is warm and sometimes wet, but never cold. Even the rain is warm.

Cities in Thailand to Savour

The tourist in Thailand can probably trip a carillion of famous Thai cities off their tongues although their claims to fame may well be more notorious than famous and remembered for reasons that may well be better forgotten. Clearly Bangkok, being the capital city, holds its own claim to fame. Chang Mai, being the ancient Siam capital, also holds a claim to fame. Thailand's peninsula offers names to travellers to Thailand that many know by heart, whether they have visited Thailand or not: Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.



Udon Thani, to the north-east of Thailand, amidst the Isaan countryside, is really only a town but it has a couple of claims that ought to bring it to the attention of the traveller to Thailand. Hua Hin, Krabi, Khon Khan and Surat Thani are all cities in Thailand and known to a greater or lesser extent. Other famous cities in Thailand include Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima although these are lesser known to the international world outside of Thailand.

City of Angels and Rose of the North
The city of Bangkok, is the capital city of modern Thailand, colloquially known as the City of Angels. Meanwhile, Ayutthaya and Chang Mai each share historical claims to being capital cities from ancient Siam. Rose of the North is the title given to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. As with any capital city Bangkok reveals a cosmopolitan diversity, five star hotels rubbing shoulders with dilapidated roadside food-stalls.
This diversity is further exhibited in Bangkok's wide range of excellent hotels and restaurants offering a truly international range of cuisine. Shopping offers the tourist a truly absorbing pastime, especially as Bangkok lays claim to some of the biggest shopping malls in Asia. If shopping malls seem rather tame, you can always visit Chatuchak, a particularly large outdoor market held at weekends, or other outdoor markets with similar characteristics.

The famous Thai city of Chiang Mai lies along the Ping River. It has long spread its suburbs out from around its original 700 year old limits. Apart from being the old capital city of Thailand, Chiang Mai is particularly noted for its innumerable Buddhist temples, each one surpassing the previous one in exquisite decor. The oldest of Thailand's temples, Wat Chiang Man, is located here. Another 'must-see' for any visitor to Chiang Mai is the lake, Huay Tung Tao, nestling amongst a mountain-bound terrain. There is also a zoo which cares for the welfare of more than 7,000 animals.

Pearl of the Andaman Sea and other Coastal Cities
Phuket has the honour to be known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. Other coastal cities include Hua Hin, Krabi, Pattaya Beach, Patong Beach, Rayong, Chumphon: in fact, with Thailand having 3,219km of coastline there are far more cities than could possibly be included here. Much of Thailand's coastline could be designated as areas of outstanding beauty, especially Hua Hin and Krabi. Many beaches cater for the family; there are some areas where young people party all night and sleep all day, however.

 

Different Cities Reflect Diversity of Provinces
Thailand has many different provinces, each one different from the next. Some of this difference can be due to a range in temperatures, some due to specific handicrafts being traditional to that village or province: there are silk villages where silk material is produced and woven and other villages where this silk is tailored into beautiful garments. The temperature in Chiang Mai is vastly different to the temperatures experienced in the beach resorts to the south of Thailand so naturally this would be reflected in how different the cities in the north are to those in the south.

Nevertheless, regardless where tourists to Thailand go, they cannot fail to be moved by the beauty and history each of Thailand's famous cities evokes. Busy these cities might be, but the evocative aura experienced as travellers visit each city is something that will always remain in their memories: these cities will provide the traveller to Thailand with a lifetime of never-to-be-forgotten reminiscences to savour in the future.

 by Soophott Lert

New Layout, New Destionations and More!

 Summer Vacations 2011 are finally here!

Isn't it a great occasion to introduce a few changes on my blog? As you have probably already noticed, the website has undergone a major redecoration. I hope you will like the new layout as well as new navigation and search options.

Additionally, several new articles appeared in the Asia section, as it is one of the most popular travel destinations. I'm sure you will find something just for you among all the new resources. Don't be surprised if it inspires you to plan new trips!



Remember, any feedback is welcome. If you have any suggestions, do not hesistate to write.

Oh, and one more thing... happy reading!

ZANZIBAR

Voted one of the best and more exotic beach island in the world by Condé Naste.
Located in the Indian Ocean the Zanzibar Archipelago has gorgeous white sand beachs.  Now part of Tanzania it has been before controlled by the Sultanate of Oman and part of the British empire. As a result  there is a strong influence from Arabs, Indians, Africa and British.
Which make it a very special and colorful place.

Highlight: the color of the sand and its special texture. Watching the local fishing poulp at low tide. The beauty of women in there colorful outfit. The market. The wood doors in Stone town. the hotel. The local boats.

Best place to stay: Hotel Baraza. Open recently this five stars hotel really bright luxury to is highest to Zanzibar. The location is outstanding. The hotel is look like an Oman Sultan Palace with a very particular attention to details. It is all very well done. The service is immaculate.
Thing to do: Visit Stone town and the market. Dive. Run on the white beach. Reef walking.
June is a good time to go the raining season is finish, the temperature is very nice and there is not to many tourist.

Top Fascinating Attractions to See on Malaysia Trip

Malaysia is no doubt the most beautiful country in South East Asia. It is one such country where you will find multi cultural attractions, rich heritage attractions, blissful ambiance, warm hospitality and on top pleasant climatic conditions that are worth to visit and explore. Truly speaking you will be spell bound by the enchanting tourism attractions and destinations which are one of its kinds in the whole of Asia. So due to all its multicultural attractions, it is lovingly called "Malaysia it's Truly Asia".



Some of the top attractions to visit on Malaysia Trip are listed below: 

Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most beautiful places of tourist's interest that is visited by thousands and hundreds of tourists from across the world. It is one such place in Malaysia whose unfathomable attraction is going to leave very visitor spell bound. Some of the most entrancing tourism attractions that are worth to visit and see during visit to Kuala Lumpur are Petronas Twin Tower, Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower, China Town, Batu Caves, little India, Thean Hou Temple and Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.


 

Cameroon Highlands
Cameroon Highland is one of the wonder in Malaysia which is visited by swarm of tourists all the year round. This beautiful place in Malaysia is amazingly blessed by the Mother Nature and has appealing attractions that are simply beyond visual delights. Its well organised tea gardens, misty hills dotted with evergreen natural wonderments, cool amiable climatic conditions and the well decorated small house, truly enhance the beauty of Cameroon Highlands. It is the destinations of all season and you truly speaking if you want to experince the bliss of haven in Malaysia, you can surely 
experience it in Cameroon Highlands.

Malacca
Malacca is an interesting place in Malaysia that is marvelously influenced by the Chinese, British, Dutch and Portuguese culture and traditions. It is one such place where you will find abundant of historical attractions that depicts the rich culture and tradition of Malacca and at the same time Malaysia. The most interesting place to visit on visit to Malacca are massive Pink Town Hall, Ethnographic Museum, St Paul's Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, antique shops, Chinese Street and many other interesting attractions. Melacca tourism attractions are sure to leave everyone spell bound and offer wonderful experience of Malaysia visit. 


Apart from these there are many other tourism attraction in Malaysia that include the Penang Island, Sarawak, Sabah, Tioman Island, Taman Negara National Park, Langkawi, Sandakan and many others. So book one exciting Malaysia package tours from the travel and tour management companies and enjoy vacation in this beautiful country of South East Asia, Malaysia in a delightful and memorable way. 

Malaysia trip is also made more delightful by the blissful ambiance, warm hospitality, well organised tourism attractions, friendly environment, world class accommodation facilities and the irresistible Delicacies that every tourism destination of Malaysia offer. So come to this beautiful country of Malaysia also tagged as Truly Asia and enjoy remarkable moments to relish in the memories forever. 

About Author / Additional Info:
Stive writes about various beautiful tours and travel destinations of the world. He is providing valuable information on Malaysia Tour and Kuala lumpur Genting Tours, etc. For more information visit http://www.malaysiatourpackages.org
 
Article Source: http://www.saching.com/ 


To visit the Tourism Malaysia Official Website, go to: www.tourism.gov.my

Up date on José Ignacio

We have been enchanted by the charm of this little village , last year  So we decided to go back , to escape for a few days from the cold european winter season.
 We tried a new place in town: "Playa Vik" which has been reviewed in all the luxury travel magazine , coming out as a must go destination. Unfortunately, the place absolutely did not meet our expectations.     First of all, it is not finished and as a result , the guests had to suffer a lot of inconvenience. Secondly, it is more a villa rental than its seven star hotel billing(without any kitchen facilities though)                     The design is also very disappointing. The main building , which they call "the Sculpture " looks more like an Airport Terminal and looks very strange among , the village houses in JI that are a beautiful blend of edgy design and local architecture   . The way the villas themselves are poorly situated and do not really take advantage of the amazing ocean front view , in fact they ignore it. They also dont appreciate that having internal facing glass walls , leaves either no privacy or the need to have the blinds permanently closed

However, the location is excellent, right in the village, on the beach. They have a very nice outside fire place , where you can enjoy the sunset. To conclude, I will not recommend this place. Casa Suaya is probably the best choice.

Lunch: the best place to go is La Huella, great service, good food, excellent ambiance.
We also recommend, if you want to escape a few hours from the beach, to drive to the small village of Garzon an enjoy a fine lunch at El Garzon. The chef and owner Mallmann is one of the best chef in South America.

Diner:
Los Negos: the pop up restaurant of Malmann set in the unfinished Setai hotel. The design is very edgy,  a mix of rough concrete and lemons suspended with signature lighthouses everywhere in designer style....a must see.


Butia: restaurant of Casa Suaya. The chef Clo Dimet is a disciple of Francis Malmann. Her cuisine is more authentic. We really enjoyed it and Adolfo the owner understands the social graces of guests unlike his Playa Vik neighbours.

Estancia  Vik : for a Parillada barbecue( you need to book). The Parillada room has been painted by an edgy street artist and it is stunning. 


La Huella... of course

What to do: visit Estancia Vik during a polo match. Shopping at la Barra and Bikini (Converse shop, Osklen, Nike) . Drive to the laguna. Visit Pablo Atchugarry Foundation. Horse back ridding. Bike riding. Running on the beach. Watch the horses and cows! Birding. Drink Caipirinha at la Huella. Enjoy life....

LOng week end in South Africa

We started this long week end with a stop in Johannesburg.
Best place to stay: is in the modern and super chic Melrose Arch , which is located in a very nice and safe district, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Best place for dinner:  The Butcher Shop in Nelson Mandela Square.
What to do : hire a car with chauffeur and have a complete tour of the town including Soweto.

ThEn we took a small plane to head to my favorite destination Kruger park. This time we stayed at Singita Ebony Lodge. You will never be disappointed by any of the Singita Games lodges. The service is immaculate, the game safaris are amazing and the cuisine and wine are the finest.
We were there in July , so Winter  , for this part of the world.                              Ebony is a great choice for this time of year , as is it much more cosy than Boulder. Absolutely love the place.