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Ah, Hawaii. Even the word conjures images of magnificent beaches ringed by azure water on one side and verdant cliffs on the other, with the native Polynesian culture and traditions that lend an exotic flavor not to be found anywhere else in the U.S. Of the eight major Hawaiian islands Oahu and Maui are the most popular, making it easy to overlook the largest island that is home to an… Read More
One of the top attractions of the Hawaiian Islands is the spectacular natural setting: breathtaking coasts and cliffs, awe-inspiring waterfalls and active volcanoes, and one of the most unique eco-systems in the world. The Pacific ocean waters surrounding the chain of islands formed millions of years ago by erupting volcanoes – that are still adding land today on the Big Island – are filled with diverse life including green sea… Read More
The TMSK Restaurant & Bar in Shanghai is short for Tou Ming Si Kao, which means “transparent thinking.” From your first step into this exquisite place, it’s easy to see the transparency of the atmosphere the owners are trying to create. The bar is a gorgeous length of amazing art glass, lit from within. In fact, the entire place is softly lit and decorated with art glass, giving it a… Read More
Shanghai, China’s largest city, is an exciting metropolitan city with an intriguing cultural diversity in architecture, history, food and people. With its large influx of Europeans who made their home here in the early part of the 20th century, Shanghai became known by the 1930s as one of the most exciting, sophisticated cities in the world. Today, some parts of Shanghai (such as Old Town) are distinctly Chinese, while other… Read More
11th Century Bagan, land of a thousand ancient temples, lies northwest of capital city Yangon along the banks of the Irrawaddy River. The town is divided into three sections: Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyaung U. The bulk of the temples and archaeological zone is situated in Old Bagan, as is the quiet, secluded Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort. The resort is indeed a sanctuary, its riverside location and landscaped gardens a… Read More
It’s often been said that nothing worthwhile is easy. This is a perfect way to describe Glenburn Tea Estate, which cannot in any terms be depicted as easy to get to. You have to want to go to Glenburn; you have to be dedicated, really. Starting from Kolkata or Delhi you fly into Bagdogra Airport or take the train to New Jalpaiguri station; from there it is either a 5-hour… Read More
On my fifth visit to India, I finally made it to Darjeeling – a place I had wanted to go since my first trip five years ago. It takes dedication to get to the town in the Himalayan foothills, developed as a summer hill station during the British Raj and famous for its deliciously floral tea. After flying into Bagdogra, or taking a train to New Jalpaiguri station, you must… Read More
The essence of Darjeeling, developed as a summer hill station during the British Raj and famous for its deliciously floral tea, is exemplified in the Mayfair Hotel. Once the summer home of the Maharaja of Nazargunj, the Mayfair is today a luxury resort perched high atop a hill overlooking the town – and overlooked, in turn, by the awe-inspiring Himalaya Mountains. The Mayfair has all of the luxury and service… Read More
The northern part of the Darjeeling District of India, tucked away between Nepal and Bhutan in the Himalayan foothills, feels completely different from the rest of India – culturally, ethnically, and geographically. It takes dedication to get here; after flying into Bagdodgra airport or taking a train to New Jalpaiguri station, it is a five hour auto ride ride along steep, winding, bumpy mountain roads to the Bijanbari area where… Read More
I should clarify: live like a rock star who wants privacy and seclusion, along with opulence and unfailing service. The rock star who wants to get away from it all in a place surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty and where he can be left to his own devices; if everyone knows your name and face here, it’s simply because they do with all of the guests who are treated like… Read More