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Friendship Trading Co., Sheung Wan 

Friendship Trading Co., Sheung Wan 

A Long Layover in Hong Kong

November 19, 2015 by Kristen in Summer Weekend, Spring Weekend, Fall Weekend, Winter Weekend

On a recent vacation to Bali, I incorporated a "long layover" in Hong Kong.  I figure that if I have to stop somewhere, I might as well stay long enough to check it out.  Of course, Hong Kong deserves much more than a weekend.  But if you've only got a weekend, you're in for a treat.  Here's how to layover (yes, it's a verb now) in Hong Kong.

Friday Night

Check in at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental.  Hop on the ferry over to Kowloon for dinner at Hutong, a Northern Chinese restaurant with dim lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor.  If jet lag is keeping you up, get drinks (and more views) at the Peninsula's famous bar, Felix, and then do like the locals and grab a karaoke room at CEO Noway (also on the Kowloon side).  If you're looking for a more low-key night after your trip around the world, there is a Michelin-star French restaurant in your hotel that is delicious and just an elevator-ride away from your bed.  

Saturday

Get an early start by taking the tram up to The Peak, Hong Kong's most iconic view-spot.  Stroll through the paths winding down the mountain from the peak (or take the tram down) and find yourself at the Hong Kong Gardens.  After exploring the gardens, stop into the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and grab tea and a light snack at the Lockcha Tea House.  

Hop into a taxi and head to Sheung Wan, Hong Kong's art district.  You'll find gorgeous ceramics, traditional art and antiques and contemporary galleries.  While you're in the neighborhood, step into the Man Mo Temple before grabbing a well-deserved dim sum lunch at Luk Yu Teahouse.  

After lunch, grab a cab over to Kowloon to check out the Nan Lian Garden and the Chi Lin Nunnery (about a three minute walk from one another).  Head back to the mainland and get a fancy dim sum dinner at Man Wah, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant and arguably Hong Kong's most beautiful dining space.  Grab cocktails after dinner at Lily & Bloom, and head out to the bars of Lan Kwai Fong (known as "LKF") for more revelry.  

Sunday

Get another early start today because you'll be visiting the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha, otherwise known as the Big Buddha, on Lantau Island.  Take the MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then ride the Ngong Ping Cable Car over the hills for about a 25-minute ride, watching closely for an early glimpse of the Buddha.  After making your way through the cartoonish town (think: a Chinese Disneyland), ascend the stairs up to the Buddha.  Note: The Big Buddha is near the airport, so if you're taking off in the afternoon, you should bring your luggage with you in the morning, leave it in a locker in the airport, and then head to the Buddha by taxi.  

I didn't love the food offerings at the Monastery, and would suggest heading back to the mainland for lunch at the local favorite, Butao Ramen, followed by reflexology around the corner at Happy Foot.  Get sunset cocktails at the highest bar in the world, Ozone Bar, and then head to dinner at dinner at Lung King Heen, a three-Michelin-star Cantonese establishment in the Four Seasons Hotel.  If you are heading back to New York in the morning, head to Dusk Till Dawn and get a head start on kicking your jet lag by dancing all night to the live band.     

Victoria Peak ("The Peak")
Victoria Peak ("The Peak")
View from The Peak
View from The Peak
Ferry to Kowloon at night
Ferry to Kowloon at night
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Garden
Hong Kong Garden
Luk Yu Teahouse
Luk Yu Teahouse
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
untitled-31.jpg
Ngong Ping Cable Car
Ngong Ping Cable Car
Ngong Ping Cable Car
Ngong Ping Cable Car
untitled-34.jpg
untitled-36.jpg
Big Buddha
Big Buddha
Big Buddha
Big Buddha
untitled-43.jpg
Dim Sum at Lung King Heen
Dim Sum at Lung King Heen
Lily & Bloom
Lily & Bloom
Pololi
Pololi

This is a delicious sashimi bar where you can get bowls of tuna with rice and other toppings on the go. 

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Night views
Night views
Victoria Peak ("The Peak") View from The Peak Ferry to Kowloon at night Hong Kong Hong Kong Garden Luk Yu Teahouse Chi Lin Nunnery Chi Lin Nunnery Chi Lin Nunnery Chi Lin Nunnery Chi Lin Nunnery Chi Lin Nunnery Chi Lin Nunnery untitled-31.jpg Ngong Ping Cable Car Ngong Ping Cable Car untitled-34.jpg untitled-36.jpg Big Buddha Big Buddha untitled-43.jpg Dim Sum at Lung King Heen Lily & Bloom Pololi Hong Kong Night views

Stay: Peninsula; Landmark Mandarin Oriental; Mandarin Oriental; Four Seasons; Ritz Carlton. 

Eat: Butao Ramen; Hutong; Lung King Heen; Man Wah; Luk Yu Teahouse; Lockcha Tea House; Amber.

Do: Chi Lin Nunnery; Nan Lian Garden; Big Buddha; Reflexology (everywhere). 

Nightlife: CEO Noway; Dusk Till Dawn; Felix; Ozone Bar; Lily & Bloom; LKF district. 

More Asian Adventures...
Marina Bay Sands
Nov 23, 2015
Singapore: Where the Past and Future Collide
Nov 23, 2015
Nov 23, 2015
Seminyak
Nov 20, 2015
Hit the Scene in Seminyak
Nov 20, 2015
Nov 20, 2015
Hong Kong
Nov 19, 2015
A Long Layover in Hong Kong
Nov 19, 2015
Nov 19, 2015
ubud
Nov 12, 2015
Ubud: Land of the Gods (and art, yoga, and massages)
Nov 12, 2015
Nov 12, 2015
ubud
Jun 29, 2015
An Insider's Guide to Bali
Jun 29, 2015
Jun 29, 2015
November 19, 2015 /Kristen
Hong Kong, China, Chi Lin Nunnery, Ozone, Felix, Peninsula, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Hong Kong Gardens, Man Mo Temple, Luk Yu Teahouse, Victoria Peak, Hutong, Amber, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Lockcha, Lily & Bloom, Man Wah, Po Lin Monastery, Tian Tan Buddha, Butao Ramen, Happy Foot, Lung King Heen, Dusk Till Dawn, Four Seasons Hong Kong, Asia, reflexology
Summer Weekend, Spring Weekend, Fall Weekend, Winter Weekend
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Anguilla

Amanda's Anguilla: Insider Tips for an Iconic Island Weekend

July 10, 2015 by Amanda in Fall Weekend, Spring Weekend, Winter Weekend

Fifty-one years ago, my family made the West Indies their home. My grandparents moved there from New York for an entrepreneurial life in the Caribbean and never looked back. Le sigh.

The West Indies have always been where I feel the most at home - the sun shines brightly, the salty wind licks against your skin, and the fruit is tangy and sweet.

When my husband and I began the terrifying journey to decide where to get married, Anguilla was our obvious choice. The food is exceptional, with plenty of island access to European wines and cheeses, the weather is gorgeous for most of the year with very little rainfall, and most importantly, getting to Anguilla is convenient and cost-effective to travel to, considering how remote it feels.

The only thing better than a Caribbean horseback ride on the beach is one in the water.
The only thing better than a Caribbean horseback ride on the beach is one in the water.
The view from Cap Juluca's oceanfront rooms.
The view from Cap Juluca's oceanfront rooms.
Grab a lunch laden with fresh catch on Sandy Island - a small strip of sand in the middle of the ocean with an incredible BBQ shack, tunes and fine wines.
Grab a lunch laden with fresh catch on Sandy Island - a small strip of sand in the middle of the ocean with an incredible BBQ shack, tunes and fine wines.
The view from the tip of Sandy Island.
The view from the tip of Sandy Island.
The full spread for lunch at Sandy Island - don't forget to order the sticky ribs with your Crustaceans!
The full spread for lunch at Sandy Island - don't forget to order the sticky ribs with your Crustaceans!
Our wedding dinner on the beach by Cap Juluca on a full moon. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.
Our wedding dinner on the beach by Cap Juluca on a full moon. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.
Walking with your toes in the sand at Cap Juluca Resort's Maundays Bay is a must for all visitors to Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.
Walking with your toes in the sand at Cap Juluca Resort's Maundays Bay is a must for all visitors to Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.
The pool at the Viceroy Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.
The pool at the Viceroy Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.
A rainbow with St. Martin in the distance taken at the Villas at CuisinArt with the men returning from an afternoon swim.
A rainbow with St. Martin in the distance taken at the Villas at CuisinArt with the men returning from an afternoon swim.
Namesake flowers in bloom at the Frangipani Hotel.
Namesake flowers in bloom at the Frangipani Hotel.
Every room at Cap Juluca is oceanfront with the waves lulling you to sleep at night and welcoming you to a new beach day in the morning.
Every room at Cap Juluca is oceanfront with the waves lulling you to sleep at night and welcoming you to a new beach day in the morning.
The tanning accommodations at Cap Juluca with full butler service and exceptional piña coladas will make you want to stay well past sunset.
The tanning accommodations at Cap Juluca with full butler service and exceptional piña coladas will make you want to stay well past sunset.
The only thing better than a Caribbean horseback ride on the beach is one in the water. The view from Cap Juluca's oceanfront rooms. Grab a lunch laden with fresh catch on Sandy Island - a small strip of sand in the middle of the ocean with an incredible BBQ shack, tunes and fine wines. The view from the tip of Sandy Island. The full spread for lunch at Sandy Island - don't forget to order the sticky ribs with your Crustaceans! Our wedding dinner on the beach by Cap Juluca on a full moon. Photo by Jen Huang Photography. Walking with your toes in the sand at Cap Juluca Resort's Maundays Bay is a must for all visitors to Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography. The pool at the Viceroy Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography. A rainbow with St. Martin in the distance taken at the Villas at CuisinArt with the men returning from an afternoon swim. Namesake flowers in bloom at the Frangipani Hotel. Every room at Cap Juluca is oceanfront with the waves lulling you to sleep at night and welcoming you to a new beach day in the morning. The tanning accommodations at Cap Juluca with full butler service and exceptional piña coladas will make you want to stay well past sunset.

DAYTIME

1. The Beach at Cap Juluca Hotel in Maundays Bay

2.  A Boat Charter to Sandy Island for Lunch and Rosé (or Rum Punch)

3. A Catamaran Sail to Prickly Pear Island with Bluebeard Charters

4. Jumping off the rocks at Little Bay (short travel by boat)

5. Golfing at CuisinArt

NIGHTTIME

Sunset at the Viceroy Hotel’s aptly named Sunset Lounge

Live Music at Bankie Banx Dune Preserve  (Bankie Banx is the “Caribbean Bob Dylan”)

For more of a local night spot, try The Pump House or Elvis Beach Bar in Sandy Ground

Drinks at Spice Bar overlooking the beach at Cap Juluca

WHERE TO STAY

Cap Juluca – the best beach, white glove butler service, exceptional food and new renovations. A romantic and family friendly location

Viceroy Anguilla – the best place to watch the sun set, perfect for the traveler who likes the modern Euro party vibe. Best for a new romance getaway or fun friends trip.

Malliouhana – Newly re-opened, this was once the top destination for celebrities visiting Anguilla. Great food from a Michelin-star chef, Elle Décor-style furnishings and the best pool on the island.

Anacaona Boutique Hotel – the best deal ($170/night April to mid-December) in the heart of West End’s fantastic restaurants and swanky hotels. 

RESTAURANTS

1. Veya (Sandy Ground - Island Fusion - Fine Dining, Dinner): Known by many as the "Treehouse" restaurant for it's set up, this is everyone's island favorite - which is saying a lot, considering the cuisine available. Try the Morrocan-Spiced Shrimp "Cigars" or consider the tasting menu!

2. Picante (West End Village - Caribbean Taqueria – Casual, Dinner ): Fantastic Mexican with a Caribbean twist aka fresh seafare! The vibe of this place is wonderful and the food matches, making it one of the top go-tos for any hungry bellies.

3. Jacala (Meads Bay - French Caribbean – Fine Dining, Lunch, Dinner): A delicious French restaurant right on the water with a gorgeous beach and your not-so-typical large lounge bean bag to soak in the sun after enjoying your rosé. Great for lunch!

4. Blanchards (Meads Bay – Fusion – Fine Dining, Dinner, Casual, Lunch): We haven't met a person who went to Anguilla and didn't love Blanchards Beach Shack! It has a wild hodgepodge of casual cuisine, from Greek to Mexican to Hot Dogs to straight American BBQ. All very delicious and with prices like, "$8.91," you will be chuckling to yourself while digging your toes into the sand.  The restaurant, which is separate, has a deliciously fresh menu for a more romantic evening.

5. Mangos (West End Village – Seafood – Fine Dining, Dinner): A stunning beachside restaurant with candlelight and fine dining linens. Expect to watch the sunset from Adirondack chairs on the beach and taking your time to delight in your meal!

6. Dolce Vita (Sandy Ground - Italian, Fine Dining, Dinner): It's safe to say this is the best view of the yachts that come to moor off Anguilla's coast. The setting and clientele for such a sight is a perfect match, in a Caribbean way. For phenomenal saucier work, spiny lobster, and an airy gnocchi to pair with your Nero D'Avola, this is your Friday night.

7. Sun Shine Shack (Rendezvous Bay, - BBQ - Casual, Authentic, Lunch): If you are looking for some authentic, Caribbean-style grilling, get thee to the Shack! It's a brightly painted wooden hut on the beach, where all of your hunger will be satiated with a plate of chicken with rice & beans or a sunny cocktail, whichever your preference. All served up with big Anguillan smiles.

8. B & D BBQ (Long Bay Village – BBQ – Authentic, Casual, Lunch, Dinner): A true local experience where you eat on plastic tables under a makeshift tent. Do yourself a favor and grab some johnny cakes, the ribs, and a Carib beer or Ting soda. If you don’t mind bones, treat yourself to the whole fish feast and don’t forget the rice and beans!

9. Falcon Nest (Island Harbour – Caribbean – Authentic, Casual, Lunch, Dinner): All I can say is wow. The rice and peas, the potfish straight from the wharf, the french fries. This place is a local favorite and it’s easy to see why once your plate arrives.

10. Trattoria Tramonto (West End Village – Italian – Casual, Lunch, Dinner): Italian food with a surprisingly authentic gravy (red sauce) and a wide range of comfort food such as calamari.  Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view of the sunset with a great glass of wine.

WHEN TO GO

Anguilla is a Fall, Winter or Spring destination, but an insider tip is that in mid-April to late May, the weather is still gorgeous, but considered, "Off Season," so large discounts apply to most accommodations. It also never hurts to sunbathe without many passersby and walk directly to your table at the best restaurants!

MAP OF SOME HIGHLIGHTS

More island escapes...
Anguilla
Jul 10, 2015
Amanda's Anguilla: Insider Tips for an Iconic Island Weekend
Jul 10, 2015
Jul 10, 2015
Casa Kimball
Apr 6, 2015
Casa Kimball: Oceanfront Seclusion in the Dominican Republic
Apr 6, 2015
Apr 6, 2015
Mar 24, 2015
Beautiful St. Barts
Mar 24, 2015
Mar 24, 2015
Aruba
Mar 20, 2015
Aruba, On A Day's Notice
Mar 20, 2015
Mar 20, 2015
Viceroy Hotel - Anguilla
Mar 19, 2015
Viceroy Hotel: Caribbean Cool in Anguilla
Mar 19, 2015
Mar 19, 2015
Turks and Caicos
Mar 17, 2015
Paradise Found in Turks & Caicos
Mar 17, 2015
Mar 17, 2015
Round Hill Jamaica
Feb 7, 2015
The Iconic Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Jamaica
Feb 7, 2015
Feb 7, 2015
July 10, 2015 /Amanda
Anguilla, Caribbean, West Indies, Wedding, Beach, Cap Juluca, Sandy Island, Prickly Pear Island, Little Bay, Golf
Fall Weekend, Spring Weekend, Winter Weekend
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Viceroy, Ubud, Bali

Viceroy, Ubud, Bali

An Insider's Guide to Bali

June 29, 2015 by Kristen in Summer Weekend, Interviews, Fall Weekend, Spring Weekend, Winter Weekend

After booking a much-anticipated vacation to Bali for this August, my first call was to my college friend Sahiba.  Aside from being generally awesome and the sweetest person ever, Sahiba just so happens to own and manage an award-winning hotel in Ubud, Bali..all from the comfort of her home in LA.  We spoke about how she came to own a hotel in Bali, what it's like running a hotel from across the world, and her tips for a fabulous vacation in Bali.  

Sahiba, at the Viceroy, Ubud

Sahiba, at the Viceroy, Ubud

How did you come to run a hotel in Bali?  My father was born in Indonesia, and my grandfather in the 1950's was the first exporter of Indonesian handicrafts. They eventually moved to the United States many years later, and in early 2008, my father decided to purchase a vacation home in his old home of Bali. After leaving the investment banking world in September 2008, I convinced my father to convert the vacation home into a 7-villa hotel.  After a series of renovations, Villa Sarna was officially in business by mid-1009. The property is set about 15 minutes from the center of Ubud, among lush greenery and rice paddies. It is truly one of the most peaceful places in the world. 

 What was it like getting the hotel started?  Getting the hotel off the ground took a lot of patience and virtual meetings and contracts with the online booking agents such as Expedia, Orbitz, Agoda, and Wotif.  In the beginning, I would have to work at all hours of the night to ensure there would be no over-bookings, but a few years later, I was able to automate the system across all outlets using a channel manager.  In 2011 and 2013, Expedia honored  Villa Sarna with the Insiders' Select Award, which means their users considered us one of the top 650 hotels in the world.

Is it difficult to run a hotel in Bali from LA?  The internet makes handling the customer service, accounting, and marketing very seamless from Los Angeles (or anywhere), although I do wish I could make it to Bali more often.

What do you do when not running a hotel on the other side of the world?  The hotel's existence inspired my family to start an eco-friendly candle company called Volcanica Candles in Ubud in 2010, specializing in unique hand-crafted candles.  We now employ over 200 Balinese craftspeople - many of whom have family members who are employed at the hotel as well. The people of Bali are among the warmest in the world, and I'm lucky to be immersed in such a wonderful culture.

Sahiba's Recommendations

Ubud

About:  Ubud is the cultural hub of Bali.   I would plan to stay 2-3 days here.

What to do:  I recommend hiking Mt. Batur Volcano at sunrise, cycling along the rice paddies, white water rafting, and taking a yoga class at Yoga Barn.  There are really nice temples here and the biggest attraction is the Monkey Forest in the center of Ubud (just beware of feisty monkeys).  Another popular attraction is the cultural Bali Kecak Fire Dance.  You can ride an elephant in Ubud at the Elephant Safari Park.  My favorite thing to do would be to take a cooking class.  They take you on a tour of the local market before teaching you how to prepare a full Indonesian meal.  After the class, you enjoy lunch or dinner with other vacationers from all over the world. I took a class at Casa Luna, but Paon Bali also has great reviews.

Hotels: Viceroy Bali, Four Seasons at Sayan, and Ubud Hanging Gardens.  Ubud Hanging Gardens has one of the most stunning pools in the world.  You are taken through the hotel in a cable car.  

Restaurants:   Bridges (request to sit near the waterfall for dinner); Melting Wok (very casual, great food for lunch); Ibu Rai (also casual); Kafe (for lunch, juices); Pica South American Kitchen (for dinner - amazing food);  Locavore (for dinner.. make sure you book well in advance.. a fancier meal - rated #1 on TripAdvisor); Dirty Duck Cafe (you sit among the rice paddies (known for their crispy duck); Ibu Oka was made famous by Anthony Bourdain for its roasted pig;  Cascades at the Viceroy (or you can just go for a drink before sunset at the bar...stunning rice paddies).  You will read about Mozaic, but it is absurdly expensive/not worth it. 

Nusa Dua

This separated beach area of Bali is very quiet.  The hotel resorts are very large and lavish.  It is a bit quiet for my taste, but people like it.  I've stayed at the Ayodya, but you really can't go wrong with any of the big hotels.  I only ate at the hotel...things are very far apart. 

Seminyak

This is the hip area of Bali in the south.  I would spend about 3-4 days in Seminyak.  It is beachfront and only about 20 minutes from the airport, which makes it the most popular area in Bali to stay in.  The stores, restaurants, night life, and spas are all excellent.  Up-and-coming Indonesian and Australian designers have their boutiques here.   The best place to see the sunset is at Ku De Ta.  Potato Head has a very relaxed atmosphere as well.   Both Ku De Ta and Potato Head are essentially outdoor lounges. 

Hotels: The W Seminyak, The Legian, or the Oberoi. 

Restaurants: Mamasan, Chandi, Sarong, Sisterfields (for a healthy lunch), Naughty Nuri's (for ribs). 

Jimbaran Bay

About:  This is a very nice area of Bali, near Seminyak and Nusa Dua.  One of the coolest parts is that you can pick out your seafood from stands lined up on the beach.  They will cook it for you and you dine just steps from the ocean.

Hotels:  The Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort is stunning. You take an elevator down the cliff and the bar is at the edge of the cliff looking into the ocean.  Fun fact: Julia Roberts stayed at the Four Seasons Jimbaran while filming Eat Pray Love...you can't go wrong with either hotel.  If you really want to splurge, the Bvlgari in Uluwatu is incredible.  The rooms are individual villas and you are shuttled around the resort by a private golf cart.  Monkeys camp out on your terrace.  Even if you don't stay there, I would go there for a drink. Uluwatu is a place known for big wave surfing and beautiful cliff views.  

Gili Islands

A lot of travelers have recently been going to the Gili Islands as well for snorkeling and diving.  It is about a 2-hour ferry ride from Bali.  I've heard it's really peaceful (no cars), but it is a bit of a trek. 

Notes 

Hiring a private driver is essential to truly explore Bali.  All of the hotels arrange them and most are about $50-$100 per day.  As of early June, Americans are no longer required to purchase a Visa on Arrival. The maximum length of time you can stay in Indonesia is 30 days.  

June 29, 2015 /Kristen
Bali, Ubud, Seminyak, Potato Head, Villa Sarna, Volcanica, Yoga Barn, Monkey Forrest, Viceroy Bali, Four Seasons Sayan, Ubud Hanging Gardens, Kafe, Locavore, Ibu Oka, Mozaic, Pica South American Kitchen, Bridges, Cascades, Ayodya, Ku De Ta, W Seminyak, Legian, Oberoi, Mamasan, Chandi, Sarong, Sisterfields, Rock Bar, Bvlgari, Four Seasons Jimbaran, Gili Islands, Asia, Indones, jungle
Summer Weekend, Interviews, Fall Weekend, Spring Weekend, Winter Weekend
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tulum

Tulum: Trendy But I'm Okay With That

May 13, 2015 by Kristen in Spring Weekend, Winter Weekend

Recently mocked in NY Mag for being the "Williamsburg of Mexico," there's no denying that Tulum feels a bit more Montauk than Mexico.  Shortly after arriving, we met a group of aggressively on-trend women in jumpsuits and gladiator sandals (subsequently referred to as the "WeHo girls") who were desperate to know what was "going on" that night.  Obviously, Hartwood was going on for dinner, and we ran into them later as we were leaving the restaurant.  At Hartwood, we learned from our modelesque Spanish waiter (spending the summer in Tulum before moving to London to study) that "everyone" would be at a full moon party later that night at Papaya Playa Project.  He heard there was a pre-party at Pablo Escobar's house too, but that the people renting the house this week were a bit douchy.  A few hours later, we paid $25 cover to get into the full moon party, where we ran into the waiter from Hartwood along with a bunch of people our age from LA and New York.

Sceney-ness aside, it's clear why Tulum has become a favorite destination of so many cosmopolitan travelers.   Along with sunny skies and gorgeous beaches, Tulum boasts mouthwatering food, trendy hotels and bars, and enough yoga studios and spas to keep the juice cleansers satisfied.  What's more, there are a ton of fascinating cultural and adventure activities to try (think: Mayan ruins and underground caves and pools).  Perhaps at the expense of "authenticity," Tulum truly has it all.  

Our itinerary was as follows: 

Thursday : We checked into Maya Tulum and walked five minutes down the street to grab fish tacos at Mateo's.  The rumors are true: these are the best fish tacos you will ever eat.  We spent the afternoon shopping on the main street before dinner at Casa Jaguar.  Around 11pm, the lights go down, the music goes up, the rich smell of incense surrounds you, and the dance party begins.  

Friday: We woke up to the sound of the waves and took a 9am yoga class at Maya Tulum.  After breakfast at Maya Tulum, we spent the afternoon riding bikes up the main street of Tulum to the Biosphere and then to the beach at El Zebra.  With comfy beach beds, killer empanadas and plenty of Mezcal, this is the perfect place to spend an afternoon at the beach.  Dinner that night was at the jungle-sexy bar/restaurant Gitano, which was named one of the top bars to see before you die.  

Saturday:  We spent the morning exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba on bike.  At the top of the main ruin, we took exhaustive photographs of ourselves in various poses against the jungle backdrop before heading to cool off at the nearby underground freshwater pools (known as cenotes).   Afterwards, we hit the beach at Ziggy's beach club for cocktails, guac, and a swim.  That night was the aforementioned dinner at Hartwood and dance party at Papaya Playa Project.  

Sunday:  We woke up to the sound of the waves again, but this time it was bittersweet, because we knew it was the final day of our trip.  I had a massage at 9am, which was much needed after all of the previous day's activities.  After a final breakfast together, we headed off in a private shuttle to the airport, stopping on the way to purchase one last fruit smoothie for the road. 

Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club

We came here in the afternoon for lunch and cocktails on the beach. 

Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club
Ziggy's Beach Club
Renting a bike is a must!
Renting a bike is a must!
Town of Tulum
Town of Tulum
Mateo's, where I had the best fish taco of my life
Mateo's, where I had the best fish taco of my life
Mateo's
Mateo's
Epic fish tacos at Mateo's
Epic fish tacos at Mateo's
Street art
Street art
untitled-11.jpg
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum

Mosquito netting keeps out the bugs and lets you fall asleep to the sound of the waves

Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum

Reserve a beach front cabana, and you'll be steps away from the beach

Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Coba: Mayan Ruins
Coba: Mayan Ruins

At first I was terrified, but looking back, I'm glad I climbed to the top.  

Bikes for rent at Coba
Bikes for rent at Coba
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum
Maya Tulum

View from the restaurant

Biking through Tulum
Biking through Tulum
Ziggy's Beach Club Ziggy's Beach Club Ziggy's Beach Club Ziggy's Beach Club Ziggy's Beach Club Renting a bike is a must! Town of Tulum Mateo's, where I had the best fish taco of my life Mateo's Epic fish tacos at Mateo's Street art untitled-11.jpg Maya Tulum Maya Tulum Maya Tulum Maya Tulum Maya Tulum Coba: Mayan Ruins Bikes for rent at Coba Maya Tulum Maya Tulum Maya Tulum Biking through Tulum

Stay: Ahau Tulum; Coqui Coqui; Maya Tulum; Papaya Playa Project; Ana y Jose

Eat: Hartwood; Gitano; Casa Jaguar; Mateos; Casa Banana; El Tabano; El Camello

Do: Bike along the main strip of Tulum, stopping in shops along the way; explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba by bicycle; swim in the cenotes; chill on the beach at El Zebra or Ziggy's Beach Club.  

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Cuba

Classic Cars and Cigars: A Weekend in Cuba

April 29, 2015 by Kristen in Spring Weekend, Winter Weekend, Interviews

New Jersey native Clayton Orrigo has made a name for himself as one of New York City's most formidable forces in luxury residential real estate.  We couldn't help but notice his gorgeous Instagram photos from a recent weekend in Cuba, and were lucky enough to catch up with him about his enviable trip to one of our Top 5 Emerging Hot Spots for Spring, 2015.   

What inspired the trip to Cuba?

It was my close friend's 30th birthday and he planned the trip for a group of eight of us.  We all wanted to check out Cuba before everything starts changing given the upcoming political changes with the U.S.

How did you get there?

Legally.  That’s the first thing to note!  We used a tour group to set it up and then we flew to Miami, spent a night at Soho Beach House, and flew to Cuba the next day. 

How did you get your visa?

The Cuba Exchange Program from Cuba Educational Travel. 

What's the best thing you packed?

Cash, because credit cards don’t work there. 

What were the best tips you got before you left?

To be prepared for the hot weather and to make sure your hotel has internet, since only a few do.  We stayed at Hotel Sevilla, which had wifi. 

What was the best meal you had there?

On our last night, we went to Dona Eutimia, which made Newsweek Magazine’s top 100 restaurants in the world in 2012.  They are known for their "ropa vieja," an amazing pork dish.  There is very little red meat in Cuba because it’s too expensive to get.  Even chicken needs to be imported from Canada.  So pork is their primary meat source.  Since almost everything is run by the government, you're best off making reservations at private restaurants which are effectively in people’s homes, usually offering a more upscale dining experience.

Favorite thing you did:

I visited a gallery of Hector Frank, a famous Cuban artist.  The gallery is in his private home, and we had a chance to meet his entire family as well as purchase a number of his pieces from his most recent collection.  He’s an up-and-coming artist starting to pick up a lot of steam in the U.S.   

Tell me about your best day there.

 One day we met a group of Croatians and got a chance to spend time with them as they were also exploring Old Havana.  We walked around and ate in bars where Hemingway used to hang out, which is big deal there (he is a huge figure in their culture and his books are being sold everywhere on the streets) and then we all went out partying that evening.  We bounced around to a couple fun clubs, including the "Art Factory" which is essentially a gigantic warehouse that is part club / part gallery.  We all ended up back at our hotel swimming under the stars until 6am.

What's one place you didn't get to visit but wanted to? 

Varadero Beach.  We ended changing a lot on our itinerary to focus on less "touristy" pursuits and more a natural exploration of the city. We wanted to find the Nolita of Cuba, not Broadway and it's tourist traps. We had our guide point us in the right direction and we roamed around for hours stopping in random bars, and street markets.

What was the most interesting thing you learned?

Brain surgeons make $30 per month. The healthcare system and the educational system is actually quite strong, but as the government pays for everything, wages are extremely low. The government provides food and shelter subsidies in addition, but some of the smartest people in the country make a fraction of our minimum wage employees in the U.S.

What did you bring back?

Everyone wanted rum and cigars and we were able to bring a limited amount back of each.  I also brought back a humidor.

What’s the #1 tip you'd give a friend who wanted to go?  

Get a tour guide and a car.  We had a driver the whole time and that was instrumental to us getting around.  Since there's no internet or Googlemaps, it's very challenging to get around.  Also, ditch the aforementioned Sprinter van for some amazing classic car taxis. We occasionally had our driver follow us as we drove around in classic American 1958 convertibles in all sorts of Crayola colors.  

Would you go back?

Yes.  What is so interesting about Cuba is that it’s only 90 miles off of Miami, but has a very Parisian, European feel to it.  The city is architecturally stunning, so for those based in Florida, they can have a completely new experience only 30 minutes away. 

Sunset at Hotel Sevilla
Sunset at Hotel Sevilla
Taxi stand
Taxi stand
Renting a classic car is a must!
Renting a classic car is a must!
View of Havana
View of Havana
cuba8.jpg
Rolling Cuban cigars
Rolling Cuban cigars
cuba4.jpg
Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver

"Her husband renovates classic cars.  Cuba is known for its classic cars, but renovating them is difficult because Cuba does not have access to many of necessary parts.  Renovators often have to make the parts by scratch, so in many ways, these people are artists." - Clayton   

Sunset over Havana
Sunset over Havana
Sunset at Hotel Sevilla Taxi stand Renting a classic car is a must! View of Havana cuba8.jpg Rolling Cuban cigars cuba4.jpg Taxi Driver Sunset over Havana

Stay: Hotel Sevilla;  Hotel Nacional.

Do: Stroll through the Old City, visiting Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza de la Catedral, and Plaza de Armas; visit the Rum Museum; take a day trip to Vinales Valley; hike the tobacco fields; visit the arts and crafts market in Old Havana; take a group picture at La Plaza de Revolucion.

Eat: Hotel Nacional; Dona Eutimia; El Cocinero. 

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April 29, 2015 /Kristen
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