The Matachica Resort in Belize is a luxe resort that’s calm, vibrant and unpretentious. There are plenty of places to lounge, indoors and outside, including under an umbrella along the pier.
Showing posts with label accommodations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accommodations. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Unique and Evocative Accommodations in Wales
Wales is blessed with so many natural and cultural treasures. And one way to get acquainted with what this country has to offer is by booking a stay at one of several unique accommodations that vary from the serene to the quirky. You can read about six of these in my latest article for ForbesLife.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Travels in Wales - Part 7
Portmeirion Village (the quirky village in Wales where The Prisoner was shot) is captivating even in inclement weather.
Though I didn’t visit the 180-foot-long Laburnum Arch at the height of the season (late May-earlyJune), it’s still lovely to behold. This is one of the most visited venues at the expansive Bodnant Gardens in Wales.
Monday, September 25, 2023
Travels In Wales - Part 3
In Wales, the town of Cardigan is a wonderful mix of old and contemporary, including a window-walled coffee shop in the 12th century castle, a former riverfront warehouse turned into the atmospheric Albion Hotel, and a wood-fired pizza restaurant along the River Teifi.
The riverfront Albion Hotel has a delightful melding of the contemporary and the old, whether in the decor of the guest rooms, the bar, restaurant or other public spaces.
Friday, September 22, 2023
Travels in Wales - Part 1
Visiting or staying at Portmeirion Village on the coast of Wales is a not-to-miss experience. Sure, it’s where the cult classic, The Prisoner, was shot. But this quirky village is so much more: trails thread through woodlands, waterfront vistas are abundant, as are the diverse works of art on display.
No matter where you gaze, including through your windows, brings into view something fantastical.
Monday, May 22, 2023
An Art-Focused Luxe Hotel in Lisbon
Whether you’re an art lover, a gourmand, or someone who wants to connect with nature in a placid environment, a stay at the luxe Valverde Hotel won’t disappoint. Despite being located in the ever-buzzing Avenida da Liberdade, this hotel is a true sanctuary that appears relatively unremarkable from the outside, yet the interior feels like a cross between a private club and an art gallery, along with a courtyard resembling a botanical garden. This is my latest article for ForbesLife on the Valverde Hotel.
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Harbour Village Beach Club on Bonaire
On Bonaire, the Harbour Village Beach Club is just a five-minute drive from the buzzing capital city of Kralendijk, yet the vibe couldn’t be more bucolic. With a private sandy beach and colorfully landscaped gardens, it’s easy to relax and connect with nature. In addition, you won’t tire of the stellar sunsets, whether from the beach or the al fresco restaurant, La Balandra.
Friday, October 28, 2022
A Scenic, Low-Key Hotel in St. Croix
As you know, I have a fondness for under-the-radar locales. And though St. Croix is hardly undiscovered, the eastern end of the island has a more remote vibe that I found quite attractive. Unlike the rest of the island that has lush foliage, the east side is quite arid. But the vistas are expansive and the vibe is low-key. And that’s why I chose the Grapetree Bay Hotel and Villas that’s located on the island’s eastern end as my favorite accommodation. I recently wrote about this hotel for Forbes Life.
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Biking In Denmark - Part 4
At the Thorseng Nature Resort on Tasinge Island in Denmark, I arrived weary and departed refreshed, thanks to a comfy and spacious glamping tent, organic wines, creative vegetarian fare and, most importantly, a warm and welcoming vibe. I never tired of watching sunsets like this one from the beach that’s a short walk through a wildflower laden meadow.
On Langeland Island, this was one of several pieces of contemporary art I discovered at Hotel Rudkobing Skudeneshavn. It’s conveniently located near the ferries that course to the lovely islands of Aero and Stryno.
Sunday, October 16, 2022
Biking in Denmark - Part 3
On Aero Island in Denmark, these charming cottages, including one with a thatch roof, line a stretch of sand in Marstal at Erik Hale Beach.
One thing that made my travels on Aero Island especially lovely was staying at the Aero Guesthouse and Cafe where breakfast is a warm, welcoming and sunny affair. This is one of the two rooms — along with the plant-filled outdoor terrace — with contemporary art where you can enjoy a wonderful cappuccino or a filling and tasty vegetarian breakfast.
Monday, July 25, 2022
Portugal’s Alentejo Region - Part 5
For an oenophile like me, being able to sample wines produced in clay vessels called amphora was a delight for my palate. In Portugal’s Alentejo region, this method of wine production is thousands of years old, thanks to the Romans and maybe even the Phoenicians before that.
You can’t beat the infinity pool where a table and chairs are set in the shallow end at the Montimerso Skyscape Country House. Whether sitting in one of the poolside lounge chairs or the handful of ultra comfy daybeds nearby, I soaked up the stellar views of the Alqueva, Europe’s largest man-made lake.
While roaming all around the Alentejo, I found the old, gnarled olive trees captivating. Each had a distinctive, stunning personality.
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Visiting the Alentejo Region of Portugal - Part 4
At Quinta do Quetzal in Portugal’s Alentejo region, vineyards climb the slopes where a cluster of pines crowns the summit. What I most love about this estate is that it combines so many of my interests. Here you’ll find fine wines, a creative restaurant (with this view), and a contemporary gallery featuring work by Portuguese artists.
At Herdade do Sobroso, a family-owned property, guests head for the hills of this expansive property, and enjoy a sumptuous picnic spread under the shade of oak trees.
A stay at the Montimerso Skyscape Country House is a joy to behold. I found myself especially infatuated with its ultra minimalist aesthetic, vast landscape threaded with walking trails, locally-sourced menu items, and its eco sensibility, including protecting the night sky from light pollution.
Thursday, June 30, 2022
St. Martin - A Pair of Atmospheric Accommodations
When I travel, I prefer hotels and resorts that have a chill vibe — as opposed to being a scene — and that are nature-infused. On the Caribbean island of St. Martin, I spent almost a week staying at two different accommodations that I fell in love with because of their vibrancy. Find out the details of these two hotels in my latest article for ForbesLife.
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Staying in Portugal’s Alentejo Region - Part 3
In Portugal’s Alentejo region, a stay at the treasured boutique property, Herdade da Matinha, brings lessons in a love of nature, life, family and the vibrancy that unites it all. Behind the surfboard is one of the myriad vivid paintings of the man at the helm: Alfredo Moreira da Silva.
At this accommodation, there’s a pervasive sense of joy — of life, art, creativity and nature.
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Staying in Portugal’s Scenic, Sustainable Alentejo Region - Part 1
The luxe, sustainable Herdade da Malhadinha Nova property in Portugal’s Alentejo region is stellar for oh, so many reasons. And that includes their varied experiences and activities available to guests. I took a painting class with Suzana Henriqueta, a delightful and versatile artist who radiates creativity. She couldn’t have been more flexible, fun and encouraging. Here you see my acrylic reflecting the peaceful landscape on this expansive estate that’s blanketed with vineyards, holm (acorn) oaks and olive trees.
A lone lemon tree stands sentinel in the courtyard of the Casa do Ancoradouro (Home of Terracotta), one of several luxe accommodations at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. The terracotta colors carry through to the casa’s design palette, and the ubiquitous terracotta tiles were locally made.
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Two Recommended Accommodations on St. Martin’s French Side
On the French side of St. Martin, the Karibuni Boutique Hotel with its half dozen stylish rooms offers this to-die-for view of Cul-de-Sac Bay.
Also on St. Martin’s French side, the Palm Court Residence in Orient Bay is a colorful, boutique property with lush gardens and numerous stylish objects from Morocco.
Friday, April 29, 2022
A Resort In The Caribbean Thats Bursting With Botanicals and Romance
On the wee island of Nevis in the Caribbean, that’s just a short water taxi away from buzzing St. Kitts, you’ll find a resort that’s blanketed with blossoms as well as historical reminders of its past, including a 300-year-old, conical sugar mill that’s been transformed into a romantic upscale restaurant. Find out more of what’s the Montpelier Plantation and Beach a perfect spot not just for couples but also singles who want a serene getaway in my latest for ForbesLife.
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Spectacular Landscapes in Nevis
At the Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis, history seamlessly melds with nature in a landscape that resembles a botanical garden. Here, an old sugar boiling copper was repurposed as a planter for umbrella palms.
I could certainly get used to this spectacular sunset view from the Great Room. This is also the view that diners have from the terrace of Restaurant 750 that’s part of the main house where the Great Room is located.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Scenic Delights at the Montpelier Plantation and Beach
While eating a picnic lunch in a gazebo set on the private scenic beach of Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis, I was wrapped in a sense of peace and solitude.
A stay at this property is like being in a botanical garden. My views were filled with tropical plants no matter where I gazed. This is the poolside Indigo restaurant and bar from the back end.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
A Winter Visit to Spring Lake
Even in the winter, Spring Lake couldn’t be more scenic in the early morning. Mallard ducks and the occasional heron huddle near the shore.
One of two historic footbridges that cross over scenic Spring Lake - now partially frozen - in the same named charming town in New Jersey.
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