Gypsy Jetsetter

DUBAI & ABU DHABI: Land of camels and Ferraris

gypsyjetsetter — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:35:03 +0000

If you’re looking for the true meaning of opulence, ostentatiousness and just basically anything over the top, you’ll find it in Dubai. The largest mall in the world with over 1,000 stores, Dubai Mall (you might need a few days to get through this one!), and the largest building in the world, Burj Khalifa are both here. The seven star Burj Al-Arab hotel complete with helipad and gold columns in the lobby is also here.Birkin bags and Ferraris abound. This may not be your cup of tea though, and since the glitz isn’t for everyone, here are a few tips for those who are just looking for a memorable few days in the U.A.E.

DINE AT TAGINE, ONE & ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

This is probably the most classy and luxurious hotel in Dubai. Tagine is a charming Moroccan restaurant, tastefully decorated, with good service and delicious food. Drink mint tea and smoke sheesha in the outdoor courtyard and take a romantic walk around the hotel grounds to end your evening.

Photo credit: hotels4u.com

DUNE BASHING

Go for dune bashing with a private driver, which you can organize through your hotel. Watch the sun set in the desert.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

GOLD SOUK

Stop by the gold souk for a slightly more authentic Arabian experience and all the sparkly jewelry you forgot you needed. They have a higher carat gold than in the West and 7 carat diamonds in window displays – in short, something for everyone. Shopping is tax free, so some men even get engagement rings for their girlfriends here.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

STAY: At The Address Dubai Marina

Relax and get some sun at the infinity pool with views over the city.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Have a burger or mango and prawn salad from Shade, the poolside cafe. The staff here is very helpful, particularly David and Tarek from the concierge: they can put together a great last minute program for even the most unorganized travelers. The hotel is located right next to Dubai Marina Mall. This low-key mall has most of the essential shops from Karen Millen to Kurt Geiger and is much less crowded than others. Take a walk on the Marina and smoke another sheesha by the water, while taking in the view.

ABU DHABI – Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This impressive architectural structure is the eighth largest mosque in the world, and holds over 40,000 worshippers. Women can borrow an abaya at the entrance to wear in the mosque.

Photo credit: Anson Carpi

I’d recommend a maximum of four days here, as the conspicuous consumption can get a bit overwhelming otherwise. It’s the perfect destination for a little sun, sand and a taste of the Middle East for the days you are here though. As always, have a great trip!

THE SOUND OF SAN FRANCISCO

gypsyjetsetter — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:34:27 +0000

If you’re looking for a truly unique San Francisco experience, try a few of these options –

FLY LIKE A BIRD

The perfect place to take your first pilot lesson and great motivation to get your pilot’s license, try Diamond Aviation at San Carlos airport. An exhilarating experience for those who don’t get queasy high off the ground in a little Cessna.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

SHOOT FOR SPORT:

If you’re up for trying your first shooting lesson, check out Bulls-Eye gun range. Just be prepared to dive on the floor the first time you hear a shot being fired!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Shiatsu by Yukie:

My friend and I found her on yelp – and the massage really is by Yukie herself.

A lovely lady with very strong hands, she does Shiatsu in her own home. I highly recommend her and must say that this is one of the best massages I’ve had in my life.

On the list of must do’s…

Muir Woods:

Visit this national monument if you’re in the mood for a little nature walk amongst extremely tall redwood trees.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

WANDER:

Through Crissy Fields to get a scenic view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

RED OR WHITE?

Get out of the center of the city for scenic views of the ocean and of the landscape in general.

Visit Napa and Sonoma Valley: Very charming wine country just outside of San Francisco, this is a must see.

Photo credit: winesleuth.wordpress.com

Marin County is a beautiful affluent suburb in the North San Francisco Bay area and pleasant to drive through.

SHOP:

All the essentials from Victoria’s Secret to designer attire are located in and around Union Square. Heels are not recommended for this trek as San Fran is full of hills.

RELAX:

Catch some sun and a bit of R&R at Ocean Beach. Don’t forget to dig your toes in the sand.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

The basics…

EAT:

There are over 4,500 restaurants in this small city.

A favourite is Pacific Catch – a simple place with fusion cuisine – go for the Hawaiian Poke Japanese Wasabi rice bowl – so fresh and so healthy!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

This city thrives on healthy, natural food, products, and lifestyle (exemplified below):

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Share a pizza and dip into a salad at A16, delicate Italian food that hits the spot at the perfect date locale.

Photo credit: restaurantdiningcritiques.com

For dessert, sample some mouth-watering Smitten ice cream – created instantly with liquid nitrogen and made of all natural ingredients. Food snobs around the world will be blown away.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Stay:

Bask in luxury at the Fairmont – a centrally located, beautiful hotel oozing with charm. Construction on this Nob Hill hotel first began in 1902 and it remains an icon to this day.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

As always, have a great trip!

Ultimate Styling in Paris

gypsyjetsetter — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:09:42 +0000

On your next trip to Paris, booking an appointment with journeemode.com for an exclusive tour of the city’s iconic fashion hotspots is an absolute must. After a careful analysis of your needs and desires, a tailored shopping itinerary will be created for you in which you will be assisted by your personal stylist for the day. Your Paris-based, bilingual stylist will expertly guide you through the labyrinth of boutiques in the city of light and coordinate with salespeople so that you can relax and enjoy being looked after and know with confidence that you’re being treated to only the very best. Founder Cléa Christen and associate Jessica Benayoun will ensure a bespoke experience that you’ll never forget.

www.journeemode.com - site opening January 2012

24 hours in Stockholm

gypsyjetsetter — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:14:57 +0000

This city oozes with Scandinavian charm – from the old European architecture to good-looking Swedes in their style icon-esque attire.

Have lunch at Wedholms Fisk, considered to be a top restaurant in this city. Perfect for a business lunch and sampling typical Nordic food such as smoked salmon and herring.
Strandbryggan Sea Club is a scenic see-and-be-seen place to have a glass of wine or two with friends on the water. Don’t forget your designer shades!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner spot, check out Prinsen – they have hands-down the best Swedish meatballs I’ve ever had. And you can’t come to Sweden without trying the meatballs.

Photo credit: tripadvisor.co.uk

Stay at Diplomat Hotel, one of the best hotels in Stockholm (and over 100 years old!), which is in the center of everything.

Photo credit: laterooms.com

If you’re jet-setting to another Scandinavian city or back to London, try SAS or Norwegian Air.

As always, have a great trip!

Ibiza & Formentera

gypsyjetsetter — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 16:59:10 +0000

While people often think of Ibiza as a place to go totally wild, you can make of Ibiza what you want to make of it – just like everything else in life, really. A little sea, sun and sand can go a long way in boosting your happiness, and you can actually come away from the island totally refreshed.

See and be seen at Blue Marlin:

This trendy beach club has it all, food, drink, beautiful people, great music and a breath-taking view.

Spend all day lounging on the white beds under your umbrella or just come for a drink.

Make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!

Photo credit: bluemarlinibiza.com

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Places to go:

Cala Comte beach on the West side of Ibiza. The water is a beautiful crystal clear aqua color and the views are incredible.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Formentera:

This island to the south of Ibiza is smaller but arguably more beautiful and charming. Get here by boat.

Ibiza is the place to go for a party and and Formentera is the perfect place to go relax and unwind.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Eat at Juan y Andrea – a quaint little outdoor restaurant on the beach. The paella here (and seafood in general) is delicious!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Photo credit: Shortlistid.net

Stay at:

Pacha hotel. This hotel is conveniently located close to the airport and the port to get to Formentera. It is also right across the street from the well-known Pacha club.

Photo credit: epoquehotels.com

Go out:

While there are several clubs in Ibiza, Pacha is one of the best known and there are different acts every night – including David Guetta and other celebrity DJ’s.

Photo credit: ibizaeformentera.com

Escape…to Provence

gypsyjetsetter — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 06:49:28 +0000

Fly into Marseilles if you’re coming from London or further abroad. The drive from the airport to the Luberon area of Provence is under two hours, depending on where exactly you’re looking to go. The TGV from Paris to Avignon can also get you here.

Places to stay:

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, stay at Domaine Laurentine, a 7 bedroom villa which was originally a farmhouse. A separate guesthouse, terraces, a heated outdoor pool and beautiful views across lavender fields all add to the charm of this place.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

If you’re looking for a more rustic French feel, stay at the equally as charming Hameau de Cournille, an 18^th century hamlet restored in 2007. Pools, tennis courts, and terraces abound here as well. The three houses on this 20 acre estate can accommodate up to 12 people each.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Notable villages to visit in the Luberon area of Provence:

Bonnieux

This was a fortified village dating from 972AD, and built on a hill. The winding streets and provencale architecture add to its charm. Make sure you get a taste of the homemade ice cream at Le Tinel.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Roussillon

Most noted for its reddish-orange ochre, this land is made of is a natural pigment that was used in paints.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

This village contains one of the largest springs in the world, with 52,000 gallons (200m3) of water gushing out every second, which forms the Sorgue river. It is known for its aquaduct. Restaurants and souvenir shops line the streets.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Lourmarin

Nobel prize-winning author Albert Camus once lived here. The village bustles on market days but it is actually much more appealing and authentic on days when there is no market. Little boutiques and cafes line the streets with traditional Provencale items from lavender to linens. For lunch, stop in Cafe de L’Ormeau.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

As always, have a great trip!

Hong Kong & Shenzhen, China: How to Experience the Far East

gypsyjetsetter — Sun, 08 May 2011 11:03:19 +0000

Experience the Far East as a native would in Hong Kong, an almost perfect synergy of East and West, and in Shenzhen, where the ‘Made in China’ commercial culture comes to life.

HONG KONG

Sevva (Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong)

There are amazing views of Hong Kong from this trendy and chic rooftop restaurant and bar.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Shore Restaurant & Bar, Hong Kong (139 Queen’s road, Central, Hong Kong)

Great bar on Queen’s road, another rooftop (there seem to be a lot of those in Hong Kong!) Trendy but warm ambiance with rotunda-like bench seating complete with cozy pillows and ambiance lighting. A popping after-work venue but open till late – it also has a restaurant.

Isola Bar & Grill (IFC Mall, Hong Kong)

This restaurant boasts great views on the harbor from the outdoor terrasse – just make sure you don’t get rained on! The antipasti is highly recommended – they have a great selection, and it’s absolutely delicious. If you have room you can go back for seconds. The décor is tasteful as well.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

208 Duecento Otto

A nice place to check out if you’re in the mood for Italian. The lobby bar is very open air, the décor is tasteful and trendy like everything else in HK. The food is quite good as well. I’d recommend the rocket and parmesan salad, the lamb for a main course, and the semifreddo for dessert. Mmmh.

Drop club, Hong Kong

Small but trendy venue with great atmosphere and music with beats you feel in your bones. This is the place to dance.

The Peak, Hong Kong

The peak itself is breathtaking, with amazing views over Hong Kong, although you have to saunter through the maze of souvenir shops and eateries to get there. I’m not saying I wasn’t tempted by all the little kitschy trinkets for sale. A great way to take in all the sites and get your bearings is to take the tour bus (Big Bus Tour Company is very efficient and you can hop on and off at the various locations).

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Note: As Hong Kong is considered to be more of a modern city, there are not really many historical sites to see. That does not mean that there isn’t a lot to see regardless!

Hair Corner Limited (9^th fl., World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Rd.)

Asians know how to pamper. In this tastefully decorated, trendy salon, a haircut entails a shampoo not from a chair but from a bed – such a small touch yet such an ingenious idea, creating the perfect relaxed environment for even the most stressed out working woman.

As an added bonus, if you want your hair and nails done at the same time to get out of the salon faster, they can do that for you as well.

Pure (32 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong)

Pure rivals Equinox as a top luxury gym. Each cardio machine has a DVD player and a library of DVDs that you can choose from, in addition to a television screen. There is a Muay Thai boxing area on top of the traditional weight machines and TRX equipment, and classes. The locker rooms have amenities, a sauna and steam room and a removable shower head. They have several locations in Hong Kong.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG

Shopping in Causeway Bay (Island Beverly)

A great mall to get lost in on one (or two) occasions. This is not a typical American style mall but does offer a variety of shops by up and coming designers from China, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. While a lot of the items are tailored to Asian taste there are quite a few tempting products for the Western eye – you just need to do a bit of digging.

Sa Sa Cosmetic Company Ltd. (10 & 14 Kai Chiu Road, Causeway Bay)

For travel size and fun little cosmetics and beauty products, this is the place to go. They even sell travel size products from Estee Lauder, Biotherm, Lancome, and Shiseido – something I’ve never seen anywhere else! There are several Sa Sa locations throughout Hong Kong.

Ootoya Japanese restaurant & Kaya Korean restaurant (8 Russell St., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong)

If you’re all shopped out and still in Causeway Bay, head to Kaya Korean restaurant or Ootoya Japanese restaurant.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Order the galbi barbecue at Kaya and the tempura-like chicken at Ootoya.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

If your eyes happen to be bigger than your stomach you can bring the rest home.

REPULSE BAY

Repulse Bay Beach

A great city sand beach that’s still easily accessible by taxi (taxis are relatively inexpensive in HK). While it can get quite busy on weekends, it’s also a fun atmosphere – with a café if you fancy a burger with fries or refreshments. You can swim in the water as well (shark nets are installed to protect you). While it is not a place to come if you’re looking to book a beach holiday, it suits perfectly if you just want a dose of sun, sand and sea. Tip: Don’t swim outside of the shark nets.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

KOWLOON

Ladies market

Take the star ferry or the MTR (metro to Mong Kok station) to the ladies market in Kowloon. If you plan on using the MTR a lot, I’d advise getting the Octopus card (like the Oyster in London or the metrocard in NYC). You can even use this card to pay for items in Seven-Eleven. Upon leaving Hong Kong you can get a refund on the remaining balance on your card.

The ladies market is filled with fakes, souvenirs, and little trinkets. To be clear, men are welcome too. Depending on what you’re looking for, you’re sure to come away with a few items. They sell jade jewelery, Buddha paintings, Hong Kong tee-shirts, bags and more bags, shoes (even fake designer shoes), and tons of electronic gear for your iphone, ipad, etc. You could literally buy a different phone cover for every day of the year if you wanted to.

Spring Deer Restaurant, (42 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui) Kowloon – Beijing style

Delicious Peking duck. I went from detesting the taste of duck to loving it. Make a reservation for a table and for a duck (no joke!) Ideally go with someone who speaks Cantonese, as I’m a bit skeptical as to how much English they speak.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Ozone bar, Ritz Carlton, Kowloon

Gorgeous hotel, amazing views from the sky to Hong Kong below. If the Chocolate bar / resto doesn’t tempt you, go to Ozone bar to sip cocktails rooftop under the stars. This is not a place to go if you’re afraid of heights, as floor to ceiling windows abound.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

SHENZHEN, CHINA

Shopping in Shenzhen (Luohu Commercial)

This mall is a place to get lost in. Clothing, shoes, bags, accessories and tea that you never realized you needed are all in here. You somehow always manage to come away with more than you had bargained for. Stop in the ‘The Whole World Tea Chuang’ for a true Chinese tea experience. It’s hard to say no to teas that have been used since ancient times for good health. Each tea seemingly is good for a certain part of your body, mind and spirit. Also, don’t forget to bring your favorite suit or dress to bring to the tailors here. They can make excellent copies for you at a great price.

Queen spa (Golden Metropolis Building, Chunfeng Road, Luohu, Shenzhen, China)

This is a spa like you’ve never seen one before. A shuttle bus picks you up from the train station upon arrival in Shenzen and brings you to an overnight spa in which you can get treatments till the early hours of the morning, this is a place to be endlessly pampered. Head, foot, shoulder massages, mani-pedis, body scrubs, waxing, facials, you name it. Did I mention you can watch movies from your lazy-boy chair while you ring a bell for the waiter to come and bring you food and drink? It’s recommended that you go with someone who speaks Mandarin or Cantonese (they tend to speak both in this area), however they usually have some English speaking staff on hand. This is heaven on steroids.

Bienvenido a Miami

gypsyjetsetter — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 08:20:22 +0000

Sun, beach, palm trees, parties. A place to see and be seen. That’s what generally comes to mind when you think of Miami.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Hotel Delano is a Miami favorite. It’s impressive lobby evokes stylish trendiness and the outdoor pool area definitely has a wow-factor and is a great place for a drink in the evening. Owned by Morgans Hotel Group, one can see the similar charm the Delano has to the Mondrian Hotels, the Hudson in New York and Sanderson in London – also in the Group.

Photo credit: blogratestogo.com

Ocean Drive is extremely touristy but there are great views from the outdoor cafes and restaurants onto the beach. The food is generally not gourmet cuisine but it is a fun people-watching spot.

Photo credit: timesawastingx.blogspot.com

For daytime scene-y venues, try Nikki Beach. The global phenomenon is also located in Saint-Tropez, Saint Barths, Marbella, Cabo San Lucas, Marrakech, Koh Samui, Cabarete, Dominican Republic and Las Vegas.

Photo credit: Nathalie De Clercq

After all the flashiness of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a welcome respite. Depending on your preference, this is where you can really feel like you’re on vacation. Fort Lauderdale has beautiful beaches to just bask in the sun on, and that quaint village-esque vibe that makes you feel like you’re far away from wherever you’re supposed to be.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

A great place to go in Fort Lauderdale is the Sawgrass Mills outlet in Sunrise, a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. With tons of brands and the weak dollar, this is a European tourists dream!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Eat Shop Milan

gypsyjetsetter — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 11:59:48 +0000

The first time I visited this city, I wasn’t very impressed. This time, however, things were different. I went to visit a very close friend of mine who lives in Milan and was lucky enough to visit the city insider-style. Milan in itself is not beautiful but there are some things worth seeing, and tasting. Especially tasting.

***

The one historical site that is a must-see is the Duomo, an impressive cathedral constructed in 1386, and also the center of Milan. Aside from the cables and renovation, it is quite a beautiful piece of architecture.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

After your small dose of cultural heritage, have lunch at Maio at La Rinascente – the rooftop restaurant of the department store which overlooks the piazza del Duomo. The glass roof makes for a warm and sunny ambiance even while you dine indoors. The risotto here is highly recommended and like nothing I’ve ever tasted before.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

The rooftop itself looks very chic, with large umbrellas and cream-colored sofas to lounge upon while picking on fresh Italian cuisine in designer sunglasses – a mandatory part of the Milan-esque uniform.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

The indulgent foodie weekend continued with Joe Cipolla Steakhouse on Via Vigevano, in the Naviglio Grande / Porta Genova area. DELICIOUS steak and more reasonable than New York steakhouse prices. They served us a platter of parmesan slices, with Italian olive oil and fresh bread to start, a unique touch that we thoroughly enjoyed. The ambiance was very cozy and warm and well, perfect. The decoration was rustic and charming too.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

If you’re looking for a little Asian fusion, try La Perla d’Oro, also on Via Vigevano. The seaweed salad is delicious, and you can’t go wrong with the fried banana and ice cream dessert. A modern and trendy ambiance tops it off.

Photo credit: milanodebere.it

One of my favorites in Milan is a brunch cafe called That’s Bakery, again on Via Vigevano. The ‘fried chicken’ dish is amazing, and definitely nothing like the fried chicken you are thinking of. Rather, it’s a tempura chicken, with tempura zucchini and roasted potato wedges. They also had mouth-watering cupcakes which we were too full to taste! That’ll be for next time.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

It’s hard to resist all these wonderful restaurants after being accustomed to the mediocre food quality of London (generally speaking).

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Another Milan-essential activity is shopping. There are some windows with great visual merchandising:

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

You can start off with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, opened in 1867 for shoppers, and still a major shopping galleria today, which both Louis Vuitton and Prada (located in the galleria) can attest to.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is a highly recommended area to start splurging. A wonderful brand I am now a fan of that I’ve seen for the first time in Milan is Liu Jo – classy, simple, stylish and sophisticated. And your purchase comes in a reusable seemingly water-resistant bag. It’s that little extra touch that makes all the difference.

Photo credit: lu-yi.blogspot.com

As always, have a great trip! xx

The Five Top Places to Be This Winter – Luxury Hotspots

gypsyjetsetter — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:42:11 +0000

Trying to figure out the perfect destination to go to this winter? Check out my guest blog post on Natalie Minh Lifestyle Magazine, “The Five Top Places to Be This Winter – Luxury Hotspots.” Can you guess where this is before reading the article?

Photo credit: cntraveller.com