This alternative milk is trés popular as it can be frothed for lattes and cappuccinos and has a similar taste to dairy milk.
Moringa
Normally taken as an energizing morning beverage, moringa, native to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan is entirely edible and full of nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
Probiotics
Shelf-Stable Probiotics Products containing strains of probiotics that are safe to eat when stored at room temperature can now be found in granola, oatmeal, nut butters, soups, and more.
Alternative Fats
MCT oil, coconut butter, and ghee have been used in Southeast Asian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Meatless “Meat” Snacks
Meatless “meat” now available in snacks like pork rinds made from mushrooms and vegan jerky made from soy protein.
Frozen Treats
Supermarkets, shops and festivals are stocking their freezers with exotic frozen treats including: avocado popsicles, Taiwanese snow ice, and ice cream flavored with hummus, artisanal cheese swirls, stretchy, chewy Turkish-style, and Thai-rolled, to mention a few.
The Great Outdoors – we all feel the urge to get out there and breathe the fresh air. Many of us have tried camping at some time or the other. School camps, family trips or backpacking with your crew as young adults. If truth be told, it wasn’t always fun. Having grown accustomed to life’s little luxuries, “anticipointment” quickly sets in when you realize that you’ll be sleeping in a scratchy sleeping bag, and you will need to air-dry your hair after a cold shower in the morning. Not cool!
But the rules have changed … and “Glamping” (a portmanteau of Glamorous and Camping) is now a thing. Exactly how much glamour – and luxury – you can expect when glamping depends on where you go, but at the very least you will sleep in a real bed, have a hot shower or bath, and be able to charge your electronics. Some glamping-providers promise a hotel-like experience with special touches you won’t find even at your favorite 5-star establishment.
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We’ve rounded up our favorite glamping spots for when you really need to escape from the crowds without sacrificing any home comforts.
Dramatic Desert
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There’s something otherworldly about vast expanses of sand and dunes, covered by an immense blue sky. Top Desert, a Moroccan family-owned and operated company, offers a range of private tours which include glamping in the Sahara desert. They operate two Luxury Desert Camps; Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi, both offering comfort levels that will tempt you to stay forever. Relax in your private tent – so well-appointed you may forget that you’re in the middle of nowhere until the enchanting call of Berber music draws you outside under the dark, star-lit sky. Traditional Moroccan lights lead your footsteps down a path of handwoven carpet to the communal dining tent where your feast awaits. Transfers to and from the camps are generally in a 4×4 Toyota Prado, but helicopter and private jet options are available.
African Safari
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Voted ‘Best Tented Camp in the World’, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has its own 7608-acre private conservancy and is just a short drive from the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Rekindle your romance under old-style cream canvas tents with luxurious colonial furnishings while staff discretely take care of all your comfort needs. Africa’s oldest established safari family, the Cottars, offer you everything you would expect in an authentic safari experience. Enjoy a balloon flight over the Masai Mara, guided bush walks and game drives. End your day with sundowners at the pool, followed by a unique safari bath or shower.
Shipwrecked in Style
The Great Barrier Reef should be on your to-do list anyway. Take the next step and get splendidly lost on Wilson Island with its luxurious safari-style tent accommodation. Re-opening in mid-2019 with space for just 18 guests, Wilson Island offers truly exclusive glamping in a real island setting. Your own chef and bartender will keep you fed and watered with extravagant local flavors. Appreciate the sparkle of sand on your painted toenails as you explore the pristine white beach, or grab your snorkel to meet some of the world’s most elusive undersea creatures.
Ocean Blue World takes you #BehindTheScenes at this year’s The Hole Enchilada in beautiful Los Cabos, Mexico. This exciting week of golf consists of two-player teams playing five 9-hole matches against other teams in their flight, played at Club Campestre San Jose Golf Club and Puerto Los Cabos! A week of golf, fiestas and MEMORIES, it’s the golf event not to be missed!
Ocean Blue Productions
From videography, to photography, sophisticated drone techniques and professional-grade interview capabilities, with Ocean Blue World Productions, the options are endless! For event coverage e-mail: socialmedia@localhost.
The scent of incense, spices, flowers, and fresh oranges blend in exotic fusion, moving on the breeze through the narrow alleyways. The towering blue walls appear to be alive, glowing from within with ripples of blue light. This must be what it feels like to walk underwater. A trio of ginger cats gazes languidly at me from a doorway. I wonder if they can show me the way out of this cerulean maze?
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Chefchaouen, nestled against the slopes of the Rif Mountains in Morocco, was founded in 1471 as a fortress city. The city has grown beyond its original stony boundaries, but the Medina – or old town – within the walls of Chaouen is where you will find the Instagram-famous sapphire-hued steps and walkways. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Spanish Mosque – also a great place to watch the sunset – or the rooftop of the shop L’art Maroc. The buildings with their terracotta roofs and blue walls seem to be haphazardly clustered close together, shading the passageways between them.
Located about three hours from Tangier, this is not the most easily accessible place in Morocco. There are buses aplenty and an overnight train, but the most comfortable journey is in a private vehicle, preferably with your personal driver. Once you reach the outer city, there’s still the transit into the Medina to consider, so taking a tour is also a fuss-free option. Morocco’s “Blue Pearl” is at its best during springtime (March to May) and autumn (September to November). No matter when you visit, bear in mind that it can be rather chilly, particularly at night.
Photo Courtesy by traveladdicts.net
Chefchaouen’s touristy parts offer enough activities for a long weekend, but you can cover all the essentials in a day-trip. Overnight in a traditional Moroccan Riad with bed and breakfast to make the most of the city sights. Search “Luxury Riad” on Airbnb or Bookings.com to find the best places. Dar Elrio, Riad Gharnata, or Lina Ryad & Spa are all recommended if you’d like a bit of pampering.
If you’re pressed for time, a meander through the blue streets with your camera in hand is all you need. Look out for ancient intricately carved doorways, and Moroccan tiles. Colorful pots and flowers line many of the narrow alleys. On market days the steps are packed with sellers and their wares: leather goods, wool garments and woven blankets; crafts; woven baskets and jewelry. Chatting with the locals, you will hear Spanish in addition to French and Arabic spoken.
Photo Courtesy by holidayguru.es
For the more energetic, take a hike in the mountains rising above or walk to the small waterfall at the edge of town where residents have traditionally done their laundry.
A good scrubbing at a hammam is always a treat. For an authentic Moroccan experience, there are two hammams in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. The public hammam is open to men and women on different days. Bring a towel, slippers, and soap. For something more luxurious, although without much of the traditional appeal as the public bath, try Art du bien-être, a more fully equipped spa situated behind the Mosque.
Photo Courtesy by linaryad.com
Moroccan food is known for its unique flavours, and dining in Chefchaouen is no different. Highly recommended restaurant Bab Ssour serves traditional Moroccan cuisine created with fresh local ingredients. Café Restaurant Sofia is known for Moroccan specialities such as tajine, harira, kofte, and tagras at reasonable prices. While market traders and shop owners expect you to barter with them when purchasing goods, food in Chaouen is cheap, and you should expect to pay the advertised prices. Finish off your meal with a cup of freshly made mint tea.
Photo Courtesy by theblondeabroad.comPhoto Courtesy by thespruceeats.com
While travelling in Morocco, be sure to respect Islam’s emphasis on modesty. Clothes and accessories should not attract attention or reveal the body unnecessarily. Keep it low-key with your jewellery, handbags, and electronics to blend in and stay safe. For ladies, a loose maxi dress with a light sweater or scarf over the shoulders is ideal for daytime explorations. Men should wear long pants with a collared shirt and closed shoes.
Whichever way you spend your time in Chefchaouen, feeling blue is a good thing – take in the hidden details, search out the historical treasures, and immerse yourself in the culture of this unique Blue City.
Greg Norman, one of the world’s most successful athletes and entrepreneurs, had been waiting for this moment for 30 years.
Visiting Cabo San Lucas in March for the official launch of Norman Estates, an exclusive real estate enclave at Rancho San Lucas, the 834-acre beachfront community on the Pacific Ocean, Greg and his wife Kirsten waxed enthusiastic about the project to a small gathering of international media, brokers and prospective buyers.
“When we were first asked to build a golf course here, I drove over the top of the hill and saw all the arroyos and dunes set back from the sea, and I said ‘Wow, this is the most spectacular piece of property I have seen in a long, long time.” The contours and topography, he said, are ideal for the routing of a great course. He also felt instinctively that this was the perfect place to build a branded real estate product, his first in Mexico.
Enter Francisco “Paco” Bulnes, the owner and C.E.O. of Solmar Group. A long-time fishing pal of Norman’s, Bulnes gave the globe-trotting Aussie carte blanche to develop a branded real estate product as well as a world-class golf course at Rancho San Lucas.
Norman Estates features 32 single-level estate homes and 36 luxury condominiums, all with ocean panoramas and views of a ‘least-disturbance’ golf course that weaves through a thick cactus forest and huge windswept dunes. Seven holes sit directly on the beach, a rarity in modern design. “We have three different eco-systems, which is very exciting,” Norman enthused. The 7,260-yard layout is slated to open this fall.
The new community’s coastal hacienda-style homes reflect a rustic “Baja Chic” design aesthetic, with expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces. “I like to kick off my shoes and relax when I walk into a beachfront home,” Norman stated.
The interior design of the homes was entrusted to Kirsten Norman, who earned her stripes in the hospitality industry. Masculine and elegant touches ensure that every detail is a natural extension of Greg’s distinctive lifestyle. The luxury homes are priced from $3.5 to $7 million USD. Owners will have access to an exclusive, members-only private beach club.
“This has been a passion project for myself and my husband since day one, with the goal of designing a space that we would ultimately live in,” said Kirsten. “Rancho San Lucas was the perfect canvas for me and inspired the seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces and Baja-chic interiors and will certainly raise the benchmark for beachfront living in Los Cabos.”
Norman, the serial entrepreneur who leads more than a dozen companies that bear his name and as well as his iconic shark logo, gets the last word.
“I personally look forward to spending time with my own family and creating memories in this special place,” he said with a beaming smile.
Traditionally a Hindu Religious Festival, Holi has become popular among non-Hindus as a celebration of joy, prosperity, happiness, and peace. Although followers observe Holi in various countries around the world, it all began in India, and this is where you will enjoy the best and most immersive Holi celebrations.
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Holi is predominantly a North Indian festival. In the south, it is more subdued and centred around the religious rituals. In the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra) Holi festivities are more bright and euphoric than other regions. Mathura and Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, are well known for Holi celebrations.
For single travellers and women, in particular, it is not advisable to venture into the party-filled streets alone. For your safety, join a professional tour company such as Agra Beat for a guided Holi experience.
For a regal encounter to remember forever, join in the celebration of Udaipur’s Mewar Royal Family. Bedecked horses and a royal band lead a magnificent palace procession from the royal residence to Manek Chowk at the City Palace. Afterwards, devotees burn an effigy of Holika on the traditional sacred fire.
Photo Courtesy by minartravels.net
Many hotels organise Holi parties for guests to enjoy the celebrations in a safe environment. If you’re planning to participate, prepare your skin and hair by applying coconut oil before going out to help prevent colour stains.
The essence of Holi is to commemorate the victory of good over evil. The demoness Holika was destroyed through the assistance and intervention of Lord Vishnu – Hindu god of preservation, who then transformed himself into Narasimha – half human and half lion – to kill Holika’s brother the demon king Hiranyakashyap. The bonfire lighting on the eve of Holi is called Holika Dahan and pays tribute to this event. The exuberant street party and colour throwing festivities became known as the “festival of colours” because of the young Lord Krishna’s habit of teasing the village girls with water and colours. In some regions, Holi honours the divine love of Radha for Krishna. Unlike most other festivals, the colour festival has no required religious rituals and is all about letting go of one’s restraints and just having fun, making Holi a popular celebration amongst visitors from around the world.
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Holi activities begin on the evening of the full moon, with purification rituals and bonfires. The following morning, India comes alive as everyone makes their way into the streets to play Holi, with a riot of colour filling the air. The excitement is tangible as children and adults, locals and foreigners, join in the colourful party. Modern metallics and bright hues, vibrantly coloured water balloons, and coloured water now supplement the traditional natural colour powders used for centuries. Amid the joyous celebration, everyone unites in a rainbow-hued cloud, smearing coloured powders on each other’s faces and drenching the crowds with sprays of coloured water.
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The dates for Holi vary from year to year. In most of India, Holi occurs at the end of winter, on the day after the full moon in March. This year, Holika Dahan (prayers and bonfires) are on the 20th March, with the colour festival on the 21st.
Ask me about my favorite wine, and I’ll say “the kind that comes in a bottle … with a cork!”. Pressed to be more specific, I’ll confess a secret adoration for anything sweet. Imagine my delight at the discovery of ice wine – eiswein in Europe, or icewine as trademarked in Canada.
The origins of this heavenly-sweet wine are up for debate. Sometime between 1794 and 1830 in Germany, some grapes were frozen on the vine, hurriedly harvested and then crushed while still frozen. The process has been finessed since then, and ice wine is now produced in a deliberate but risky decision to leave the grapes unharvested long after they are ready. Hungry wildlife and falling fruit take their toll on the harvest volume. And then there’s the timing: temperatures need to be cold enough (around -7º C) to ensure a good freeze, but not so severe that the little frozen orbs are unpressable.
Since a large portion of the water content in the grapes remains frozen, and only the sugary syrup is forcibly extracted – breaking a few wine presses in the process – vintners have just a modest amount of liquid left to ferment. The high sugar content results in a long, slow fermentation process of several months, followed by a languid repose in the barrels.
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The outcome of all this reduction is that ice wine is seldom sold in measures exceeding 375ml. And with a price tag to match. Those elegantly narrow bottles hold the promise of a dessert wine so outrageously sweet (anywhere from 32–46 Brix), you have to pair it with something mild, a good chunk or artisan cheese, or nothing at all. Ice wine packs intense flavor into each silky sip. Depending on where its produced and the cultivars used, expect a range of berry and stone fruit notes, but ice wine can be unexpectedly acidic. Be sure to leave your glass in the fridge while you wait for the wine to chill.
Ice wine production has grown steadily, with several wineries artificially forcing the process by freezing the grapes after picking. This reduces the risk of missing the “cold, though not too cold” weather window, but wine made this way can’t legally be called icewine. You’ll know it as iced wine or icebox wine and is marginally easier to find at your local merchant. While you’ll enjoy satisfying examples of ice wine from Germany, Austria and the US, Canada has undoubtedly won at this game. As an extraordinary indulgence to end off your next dinner party, look out for Inniskillin Gold Oak Aged Vidal Icewine, Dr Loosen Riesling Eiswein, Magnotta Vidal Ice Wine, Weingut Markus Huber Berg Riesling Eiswein or Peller Estates Signature Series. Totally worth the spend!
As they say in New Orleans “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
Several cities around the world host fabulously colorful Mardi Gras parades; parties, food, dancing and general raucousness appear to be the order of the day for millions of revelers. Not everyone celebrates for the same reason, or even in the same way, but traditionally Fat Tuesday is the last opportunity to indulge in rich, fatty foods before Ash Wednesday – the start of the Lent fasting period leading up to Easter.
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As often happens when a Christian celebration is attached to a traditional Pagan festival, Mardi Gras is known for strange costumes, food and alcohol in vast amounts, and indulgent behavior of every imaginable kind. Nevermind, though – there’s 40 days of fasting and abstinence coming up, more than enough time to think and repent!
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While this is indeed how the world thinks of Carnival time, the organizers of Mardi Gras New Orleans have a slightly different vision; a family-oriented celebration involving an extravagance of music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement, with an emphasis on generosity, creativity and culture.
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Mobile, Alabama – the original home of Mardi Gras in the United States, Mobile first celebrated Fat Tuesday in 1703. After a 150-year gap, Mardi Gras returned to Mobile, and it’s now the second largest Fat Tuesday carnival in the country.
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Venice, Italy – Mardi Gras marks the culmination of the two-week long Venice Carnival. Venice is alive with activities, but the highlight of the festival is the Maschera Piu Bella contest in Saint Mark’s Square. A panel of judges announces the winner on Fat Tuesday.
Nice, France – Nice Carnival is the leading event on the French Riviera’s winter calendar. Traditional flower parades and petal-covered floats transform the city into a floral fantasy. Carnival lasts for fifteen days leading up to Fat Tuesday and features a variety of floats, musicians and dancers from around the world.
Binche, Belgium – The carnival officially starts on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday and concludes on Mardi Gras when masked men known as Gilles come bounding through the streets with brooms, throwing oranges into the crowds.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – probably the largest and most famous carnival in the world, Rio’s week-long street party is an explosion of sounds, colours, food and samba. Fueled by Brazil’s steamy climate, the carnival is a riot of mythical characters and bright colours as top samba schools compete for the championship title each year.
Photo Courtesy by travelguia.net
Sydney, Australia – Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, an annual LGBT pride parade draws crowds from around the world for a rainbowed Mardi Gras that spans three weekends and features drag shows, comedy, dance, live music, markets and food.
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All dressed up and nowhere to go? Invite your friends or even the whole street of neighbours for an at-home Mardi Gras. Dress up in costumes or outfits in the traditional colours – green (symbolising faith), gold (power) and purple (justice). Add a little pizzazz with an ornately decorated mask. Bake a King Cake for your guests. Don’t forget to hide a tiny plastic baby inside – the person who finds it gets to bake the King Cake next year. And of course – throw those strings of purple green and gold beads … It is Mardi Gras, after all!
Wine lovers rejoice! If you needed another reason to enjoy a fine glass of red or white, here’s to raising a toast in honor of National Drink Wine Day. Cheers!
Château d’Yquem – Sauternes 1976
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One of Château d’Yquem’s twin titans of 1975 and 1976, by all accounts the Sauternes ’76 is a flawless treasure, and well worth the effort to get your hands on a bottle. One look at the dark golden liquid lets you know its going to be angelically sweet. Gifted by the noble rot Botrytis, with an intense floral nose and notes of apricot and honey, Crème brûlée and brown sugar, and a surprisingly long finish. Sauternes is produced in southern Bordeaux, taking its name from the village of Sauternes. Made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, it is among the most famous of the world’s favorite dessert wines. Traditionally paired with fruity desserts, Foie gras or a rich Roquefort, Sauternes also play well with an exotic main course, or just to keep you company with a good book and candlelight.
Viña Cobos – Cobos Volturno 2010
“A very sexy wine” – several reviewers had the same thing to say about this Argentine beauty, a complex Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon blend produced in Perdriel just south of Mendoza. An adrenaline-pumping mouthful of chocolate and coffee; well-balanced, extremely smooth with dark ripe fruit (cherry, blackberry, plum, raspberry), tobacco, liquorice, cassis vanilla, and old leather. Every sip reveals a new blend of flavours that stay with you for a leisurely finish. Cobos Volturno is a beautifully rich and elegant wine: very port-like with its high alcohol content, it pairs well with venison, a good cut of beef, slow-cooked lamb or even poultry. A great conversation starter, make sure you have more than one bottle available because everyone will want a top up!
Château Rayas – Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réservé 2005
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Rated among top 1% of all the world’s wines, the Château Rayas Réservé 2005 is a well-loved vintage and winner of Vivino’s 2018 Wine Style Awards in the Southern Rhône Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red category. Ready now to enjoy over a long, slow evening as the flavours evolve after decanting, but it could do with a few more years in the cellar, if you have the patience. The Réservé has a surprisingly light ruby colour considering the bouquet it presents – from soft dark fruit to candy, chocolate, spices and old leather! If you enjoy Grenache, you will fall deeply in love. Smooth, elegant and yet powerful on the palate it feels more like a Burgundy than a wine of the Southern Rhône.
Feeling a bit jaded about Valentine’s Day? This year, switch the usual chocolates and roses for something a little more interesting – whisk your special someone away for an experience to remember.
A romantic dinner is still a winner. You’re going for great food, of course, but attention to detail and delightful atmosphere are important too.
Photo Courtesy by www.jamesmartinchef.co.uk
Celebrity chef James Martin’s stunning restaurant, conveniently located at the Manchester235 Casino, has a superb five course Valentine’s Dinner planned, with a complimentary glass of Prosecco, entertainment, and (well, why not?) a box of chocolates. The restaurant was named in the Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants in Britain for 2015-16. Ladies, try to keep your attention on your date, rather than trying to catch a glimpse of James himself! After dinner, enjoy a few games at the casino and a drink at one of the all-night bars. Manchester235 is set in the historic Great Northern Warehouse on Watson Street, Manchester.
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Winner of the “Best Romantic Restaurant of LA”, The Little Door is a hidden paradise. A favourite hangout of celebs such as Laurence Fishburne and Jim Carrey, The Little Door’s rustic Mediterranean cuisine served in a romantic courtyard draws a discerning crowd. Join them on the 14th to celebrate love with three delectable courses and charming live music. Keep smiling, you may even feature in the background of a famous selfie!
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No one celebrates romance quite like The Oyster Box in Umhlanga, South Africa. With a full February calendar including a Valentine’s Dinner Dance, wine tasting and couple’s massage, this is a great opportunity to book a room and enjoy a week or more in the East Coast sunshine. On the 14th, enjoy a delicious six-course plated dinner and dancing in the Grill Room. The Rosés and Reds Wine Tasting evening on the 15th promises a fun-filled late Valentine’s four-course meal paired with a selection of Reds and Rosés. The Dinner and Movie combo is great for “unvalentine” date nights; or nourish body, heart and soul with a couple’s Celebrate Togetherness spa package daily until the 28th.
Photo Courtesy by instants-tours.com
A Private Champagne Tour is another certain way to impress your date. Start your day on the scenic Route du Champagne, meandering among vineyards and charmingly picturesque villages. Visiting the famous house of Veuve Clicquot for a bubble-filled tasting experience, followed by lunch and more bubbles at a private Family Champagne estate. Wind down the day with a little French romance at five-star Relais & Château Les Crayères in Rheims. Sweet dreams!
Photo Courtesy by legardenhotel.com
If all that is not enough you could sweep your lover off their feet in a more literal sense with a hot air balloon ride. Most balloon operators around the world offer flights at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast. Staying in France, the Loire Valley landscapes are among the most breath-taking – follow the sunrise over vineyards, meandering rivers, and ancient stone villages interspersed with over 800 manors and castles.
For the opportunity to see wildlife such as polar bears, caribou, arctic foxes and even whales, take a flight over the starkly beautiful polar landscapes of Arctic Canada.
Photo Courtesy by www.aopa.org
If white is not your colour, the famous red rocks of Sedona, Arizona may offer a more Valentine-themed experience. There may be mule deer, mountain lions and coyotes on the ground, but don’t be surprised if a falcon joins your love celebration in the early morning sky.
Cappadocia (Turkey) is one of the world’s most iconic ballooning destinations. The amazing rock formations, caves and “fairy chimneys” are a truly magical sight in the soft glow of sunrise. You won’t be alone, though – the morning skies in this popular region are filled with hot-air balloons almost every day.
Photo Courtesy by www.agoranews.it
If you’ve left it too late: plan now for next year! Turtle Island, Fiji, is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Accommodating only 14 couples at a time, this exclusive private island has everything you will need for a once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape. Dine on true local cuisine – everything is caught or grown on the island. The scent of tropical flowers is carried on the gentle breeze all through the resort. Relax totally undisturbed on your private beach. You know how quickly time flies, so start planning now.
Bangkok has no shortage of rooftop bars, and that’s not surprising. Great weather and an intricate skyline provide magnificent views – especially after dark when the city shimmers with light. The setting sun turns the Chao Phrya River into a golden streamer snaking seductively across the landscape. On a clear, sparkling night the most breath-taking playground for dinner and drinks is the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar, anchored ship-like 61 floors above the busy heart of the city. This romantic and sensual venue – crown of the renowned Banyan Tree hotel – is the only completely open-air rooftop dining experience in Bangkok. There is absolutely nothing above you but sky, stars – and if you’re lucky – the moon.
Vertigo’s menu is a creatively composed international feast with something for everyone. Imported Wagyu, Kobe and Angus Beef; succulent lamb; and superb seafood integrate well with pleasing vegetarian options and a compact selection of classic desserts. Wander across the central deck towards Moon Bar for after-dinner drinks. The signature Vertigo Sunset is a jubilant explosion of fresh pineapple, cranberry, and lime juice finished with a generous splash of Malibu Rum.
Getting there: The Banyan Tree Hotel on South Sathon Road is less than an hour from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. From the lobby take the express elevator to the 60th floor where a flight of stairs will lead you to the top-most level. Vertigo Grill is open from six to 11pm and Moon Bar from 5pm till after midnight daily. Arrive early to secure a good spot with unobstructed 360-degree views. The low, framed-glass railings all around offer a safe but unobtrusive background for your Instagram selfies.
Vertigo’s upmarket ambience requires smart-casual attire. If it’s raining, you will have to settle for the slightly less impressive Vertigo Too on the 60th floor. Same menu, but less sky.
When to visit: Bangkok’s weather is defined by the tropical monsoon climate. It’s sizzling hot from March to June, mostly wet from July to October and then cools down to more comfortable levels from November to February. Your best chance for a night beneath the stars is in late November and early December before the holiday crowds arrive. Diarise 12 November if you want to catch the full moon.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee began as an online series on Crackle and is now streamed on Netflix, where its tenth season recently aired. Seinfeld’s roving talk show combines coffee, laughs and vintage cars into quirky, caffeine-fueled adventures with the sharpest minds in comedy. The success of the show is partly due to its simple format: two comics in a car conversing over coffee.
Seinfeld has taken Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Judd Apatow, Larry David, Tina Fey and Ellen DeGeneres, among others, on coffee dates in classic cars. He even drove Barack Obama around the White House.
Each classic car, like each conversation, is matched to the guest. The blue ’76 Lamborghini Countach for Jim Carey, the Mercedes 280 SL for Alec Baldwin. With Stephen Colbert he riffs about masculinity and with Ali Wentworth he banters on about the art of winning a fight. The shows are filmed at pre-selected restaurants.
Seinfeld ran for 15 years, starting in 1989. The Emmy-nominated Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee premiered in 2012 and is still going strong. The series, despite its seeming irreverence, portrays the comedic maestro’s talent as he shares the mobile stage with his humorist peers, in a feel-good, witty second act.
“Nobody enjoys the ‘little show about nothing’ humor more than me, but that is never the way I look at it.” – Jerry Seinfeld
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