The most expensive cities in the world
Ever raised an eyebrow at the price of a meal on holiday? Spare a thought for those that live there. The Economist Intelligence Unit has published its annual Worldwide Cost of Living survey and it makes for very interesting reading.
The survey was created to help companies calculate cost-of-living for expatriates and business travelers. Comparing the cost of 160 items, including food, drink, transport, utility bills and rent in 133 cities, it tracks whether prices have gone up or down by comparing them with their equivalents in New York, which is used as a benchmark.
The title of the most expensive city is shared by Paris, Hong Kong, and Singapore — the first time in the survey’s 30-year history that three cities share the top spot.
Here are the top ten most expensive cities (well, actually it’s eleven… because the tenth place is tied!), by Nina Hobson:
1. Singapore (Singapore)
The global financial center comes with a tropical climate, a multicultural population, and soaring living costs. The business-friendly island city-state continues to hold its number one spot for the fifth year running.
1. Paris
The epicenter of art, fashion, gastronomy and culture, Paris is a holiday rite of passage. With its chic café culture and designer boutiques, it’s one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. It’s also now the joint most expensive to live in.
1. Hong Kong
With a major port and a skyscraper-clad skyline, the former British colony is a buzzing financial hub. Jumping three places from its 2018 position, the Pearl of the Orient now shares the crown of the most expensive city in the world.
4. Zurich
Set to the backdrop of the snow-capped Alps, and embracing a dazzlingly pristine lake, Zurich is a picture-perfect medieval city. Traditional yet efficient, historic yet modern, it’s a core of finance and banking, and now ranks as the fourth most expensive city.
5. Geneva
The second Swiss city to feature in the top ten, Geneva also enjoys dramatic views of the Alps. Famous for its luxury watches and gourmet chocolate, it’s also a diplomatic hub, with numerous global organizations, charities, and institutions headquartered here.
5. Osaka
With its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and hearty street food, Osaka is a thriving port city. Encircled by a moat and scattered with cherry blossom trees, the fifth most expensive city is a blend of 16th history and sprawling tower blocks.
7. Seoul
Glistening skyscrapers, futuristic shopping malls, and pop culture mingle with Buddhist temples, ancient palaces and crowded street markets in this Asian metropolis. A culture bent on hard work and success makes Seoul a thriving business center and it rates as the seventh most expensive city in the index.
7. Copenhagen
With its cool Scandi vibe, cutting edge minimalist design and innovative cuisine, the Danish capital is a great city to visit and live in. While taxes are high, healthcare and transport are excellent, and locals don’t seem put off by its ranking as the joint seventh most expensive place in the world: Danes are consistently voted the happiest population in the world.
7. New York
Shopping, culture, and commerce – it’s all to be found in the Big Apple. Encompassing the sweeping beaches of Long Island, the towering offices of Manhattan and the bright lights of Broadway, NYC is a 24/7 city loved by many. Moving up six places to seventh in the ranking, life in the Empire State is not cheap, however.
10. Tel Aviv
With its stark 1930s Bauhaus buildings, cultural centers and museums, as well as its balmy Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is a popular destination for ex-pats and travelers alike. The only Middle Eastern city in the top ten, its rise in the cost of living is due to an appreciation in the Shekel, as well as other high costs specific to Tel Aviv, such as buying, insuring and maintaining a car, which “push transport costs 64% above New York prices”.
10. Los Angeles
The US capital of film and television, LA is home to the most famous studios in the world; Paramount Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers are all to be found here. Hip stores, glamourous beaches, and celebrity-packed neighborhoods make the Californian City of Angels an exciting place to live. Its stylish lifestyle, coupled with the rise in the US dollar price, push LA up four places to number ten in the ranking.
The best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean
With data collected over the last five years, leading boat holiday platform Zizoo has released its predicted sailing trends for this year. Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to navigate a more adventurous route, or a complete beginner embracing your sea legs for the first time, here are the top five destinations to consider:
Croatia
With over 1,000 islands all accessible at a very affordable rate, it’s perhaps no surprise that Croatia continues to be a prime sailing destination. Holidaymakers can hop between the walled city of Dubrovnik, historical Split and its other picturesque old towns, soaking up the French Riviera style ambiance as they dine on some of the best food and wine in Europe.
Mykonos
Ancient history, bright azure waters and tiny hidden bays: Mykonos will remain another popular choice this year. With its chic cafes, hip beach bars and fashionista boutiques, there is nowhere quite like this Greek island. Famous for its fabulous nightlife as much as its white washed towns, those exploring by sea have the best of both worlds: enjoying Mykonos’ high-end bars and restaurants by dusk, then escaping the crowds for the privacy and calm of their private yacht.
Ibiza
You’d be wrong to dismiss the famed Balearic island as a mere party destination. Sea voyagers can discover the more tranquil side to the Spanish island ― quiet villages, peaceful beaches and dazzling emerald pine-clad hills. The boho-cool holiday island boasts as much history and heritage as it does sun kissed revellers. Ibiza by boat is glamorous yet serene, and a top sailing trend for this year.
Sardinia
With its balmy Mediterranean climate, pristine turquoise waters and rugged coves, Sardinia is a magnet for celebrities, outdoor adventurers and sailors alike. Hike along its striking limestone cliffs, explore its Bronze age ruins, feast on the freshest fish in the land and then retreat to your boat for a glass of chilled Vermentino… it’s no wonder this Italian island ranks as a top sailing destination for 2019.
Named after French explorer and marine conservationist Jacques Costeau, Zizoo offers over 21,000 boats, from affordable cruisers to the ultimate luxury yachts, spread across 500 destinations worldwide. Run by sailing experts and catering to both to licensed sailors looking to book a boat only, and to those with no sailing experience seeking a captain and crew, Zizoo offers a price-match guarantee on verified and insured boats.
Costeau once said, ‘The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever’. Perhaps he was right. Even with the above paradise islands to mull over, maybe choosing the destination is the hardest part to a sailing holiday?
By Zizoo
Japan’s ANA has been voted the world’s cleanest airline
Japan’s All Nippon Airlines (ANA) has been voted the world’s cleanest airline. The annual airline survey conducted by Skytrax shows how passengers rate airlines’ hygiene levels. As part of the World Airline Awards, it asked its database of 24.45 million customers to rate the standards and quality of cleanliness based on their flying experiences, taking into consideration seat areas, tables, carpets, cabin panels and toilets.
This is one of many accolades bestowed on ANA, which has consistently won overall 5-Star ratings. ANA remains the only 5-Star rated airline in Japan, and one of very few such airlines around the world. Asian carriers dominated the cleanliness league table, with Japan’s All Nippon Airlines (ANA) winning top spot, followed by Taiwan’s Eva Air and South Korea’s Asiana Airlines.
The U.S. and U.K. didn’t fare so well, with none of their airlines making the top 30. Domestic flight companies also failed to reach a top ranking.
If you’re looking for a cleaner break this Summer, here are the top ten most hygienic airlines to consider:
1. ANA All Nippon Airways
2. EVA Air
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Japan Airlines
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
7. Qatar Airways
8. Swiss International Air Lines
9. Hainan Airlines
10. Lufthansa
By www.worldairlineawards.com
‘Clear similarities’ between catastrophic Boeing plane crashes
On a day when thousands mourned the 157 victims of last Sunday’s Ethiopian Airlines crash, Transport Minister Dagmawit Moges said “clear similarities’’ were found between that accident and a fatal Lion Air crash Oct. 29, 2018, in Indonesia. Both doomed flights involved the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, putting the onus on the American manufacturer to find the source of the catastrophic failure of its now-grounded plane.
Could new flights make St Helena an unlikely mini-break destination?
Visitors to Cape Town next winter will have more opportunity to tack on a trip to St Helena, one of the most remote islands in the world and site of Napoleon’s imprisonment after the Battle of Waterloo. The Atlantic outcrop and British Overseas Territory will, in December 2019, welcome a second weekly flight from the South African city, raising the prospect of a dual-city break, St Helena’s tourist board says. The new SA Airlink six-hour service will fly there and back on Tuesdays, via Walvis Bay, Namibia, in addition to the existing Saturday flights.
Look inside Damien Hirst’s US$100,000-a-night Empathy, the world’s most expensive hotel suite
The world’s most expensive hotel room doubles as an art gallery. Featuring work by renowned contemporary artist Damien Hirst, the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas can be booked. At US$100,000 per night, the Empathy Suite has eclipsed the Royal Penthouse Suite at the President Wilson Hotel; the Geneva hotel charged US$80,000 per night for its costliest accommodation to top the rankings last year.
These are the 15 hottest destinations billionaires are traveling to in 2019
The ultra-rich are investing more in travel as a way to show off their wealth, and that includes everything from sabbaticals to brief vacations. We teamed up with luxury travel agency Original Travel to find the hottest spots billionaires are heading to this year. A few classics like Great Britain made the list, but many billionaires are seeking adventure, from Rwanda to Bhutan. Investing in travel is becoming an increasingly popular way for the ultra-rich to signify their status – and they’re extending it far beyond the classic idea of a vacation.
Great reasons to visit Colombia now
One of the most surprising things I learned recently is how diverse the landscapes and experiences are in Colombia. You can have urban experiences, spend time with indigenous and Afro-Colombian cultures, see wildlife, enjoy beaches on quiet islands, have river adventures, relax in hot springs, see a volcano, spend time in the mountains, see canyons, have cowboy experiences, enjoy nature reserves, spend time on coffee farms, hang out with musicians, have a rum immersion, marvel at the art, go on a graffiti tour, dine in excellent restaurants, have a wellness retreat, stay in safari-like camp… all in this small country.
Here’s a bit more info on just a few of the top experiences you can have in Colombia.
Bogotá
If you’re into cities, Bogotá’s food, art, and fashion scene will capture you. I LOVED my recent visit to Bogotá! The city has a youthful, hip vibe manifested through its masterful chefs and bartenders (be sure to visit Salvo Patria, Villanos en Bermudas, and Leo Escocina), creative designers, beautiful architecture (even some colonial structures remain), impressive museums (Botero and Gold Museums are a must), and dynamic galleries (Fragmentos tells a fascinating and touching story and there are a few more secret galleries doing amazing work).
For me, the city’s vibe feels like that of an up-and-coming cosmopolitan city … it has just enough grit to make it interesting, yet is sophisticated and advanced in its focus on everything one seeks when visiting a city. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bogotá becomes the New York City of Latin America in the near future. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to visit again in the next few months. Keep an eye on Bogotá and get there soon!
Coffee farms and coffee culture
Hands down one of the best tours I’ve had in my life was the full day we spent on the Café de la Cima organic coffee farm. It is fascinating and wonderful to hear about the history of coffee. (Did you know … for decades the best Colombian coffee could only be found outside of Colombia because the best beans and grounds were exported to countries like the US. Proponents of good coffee are trying to change that now by educating locals on the ideal ways to grow coffee, showing them how to make a delicious cup of coffee, and training palettes to understand how good coffee really tastes.) After hearing the history of coffee, spend the day observing and participating in the coffee development process from seed to tasting… hear about why coffee grows best in the Colombian climate, learn how to determine when beans are ready to be picked, actually get in and pick the beans, see and smell the roasting of the beans, taste the beans themselves, and taste coffee roasted from the beans of various farms (yum).
Key tip: don’t visit just any coffee farm. Do your research in advance and visit a family-owned farm not supported by large corps. This will give you a chance to fully understand the plight of the coffee farmer and the immense amount of work that goes into your coffee. You’ll also get to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked, Colombian lunch prepared with food grown right there on the farm.
Guatapé
This gorgeous area is not very well known to those outside of Colombia but is a hot spot for Colombians wishing to get away and spend some quiet time on the water. While there you can get in some exercise by climbing 700 steps (220m) to the top of Piedra del Peñol, take in the beautiful views of this oh-so-green area from the top, visit the quaint, downtown area (where you can find some great chocolate, leather, and jewelry boutiques), then relax and enjoy cocktails and snacks while sailing around Guatapé. This can be a nice day trip from Medellin or take some extra time and spend a night.
Understanding Narco history
While certainly a dark stain on Colombia’s past, understanding Pablo Escobar’s role in the history of the country is essential to grasping its resurgence as a place to visit and its rise as a thriving part of Latin America over the last 15 years. For those interested, there are tours focusing specifically on this or you may ask your guide to briefly touch on it during tours in Medellín and Guatapé.
Graffiti in Medellín
You’ll find bits of graffiti art in a few of Colombia’s top cities, but Medellín is really where you’ll feel the heart of the graffiti movement. Take a tour of Comuna 13 (a Medellin neighborhood filled with graffiti art) and listen to the stories of the neighborhood’s past, present, and hope for the future … sometimes told through rap, hip hop, breakdancing, and of course graffiti.
Music and dancing
If you’re into either of these, Colombia is a great place to get inspiration for your own performing arts pursuits OR just feel the rhythm and have a fun time! Colombia is filled with superb tango clubs where you can watch tango performances and salsa clubs where you can dance the night away as we did! If tango and salsa aren’t your things, consider visiting Palenque de San Basilio for a taste of how African cultures have impacted the Colombian music scene.
Beaches, water adventures, and whale watching
No, we’re not talking about Cartagena. One of the things I learned from locals is there is a common misconception amongst outsiders that Cartagena is a beach destination. For pristine sand, clear water, and sunshine, head to the islands just outside of Cartagena; for whale watching, make your way to the Pacific Coast; and for boating/sailing, visit Guatapé.
Cartagena
A city with gorgeous, colonial architecture – creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a destination wedding, honeymoon, or just a romantic, weekend getaway with your partner.
Ancient culture
An ancient culture once inhabited the San Agustin area of Colombia. Little is known about this civilization, but they did leave being hundreds of impressive statues worth seeing.
Retreats
Getaway from the hustle and bustle of the cities and spend time relaxing on a retreat-like property in the mountains, in the rainforest, in the desert, or in any of the other picturesque areas in Colombia. In addition to relaxing, you’ll be able to enjoy horseback riding with cowboys, bird watching, or simply listening to frogs.
I only scratched the surface during my recent visit. Yet I discovered that Colombia is rich with fantastic experiences. I’m already thinking of returning in the next few months, and I hope you too make it to Colombia before it takes off as a major tourism spot!
By Tisha Neufville from neufvilletravel.com
Luxurious hotels on Egypt’s Red Sea riviera
The sun almost always shines on the Somabay peninsula, a welcoming sub-tropical finger bathing in the warmth of the Red Sea. Even in the depths of the cold and dark European winter visitors still pick-up a tan on the shores of the Red Sea. Hurghada’s modern airport quickly sends visitors on their way on a dual carriageway heading south. Often it is a mere 40-minute transfer to the collection of luxurious hotels dotted along the Somabay coastline.
The Cascades Golf Resort, Spa & Thalasso
Surrounded by emerald green fairways and greens this hotel provides impeccable 5* service. The Moorish architecture of ochre walkways, lit by Arabic lamps, is given a colonial twist by wicker furniture on the verandas.
The star attraction is The Cascades Spa & Thalasso, named after the sea god, which offers a range of water-based treatments. An hour long Aquatonic treatment, with a succession of warm water jets – moving up the body from toes to head – plus floating along lazy rivers – is blissfully relaxing. Also, on offer is an astounding range of indulgent pampering massage treatments in the centre’s 65 treatment rooms.
Sipping a cocktail, look out from the Eagles’ Nest bar, over the fairways leading up to the Clubhouse, as the sunsets. The Cascades Championship Golf Course, designed by Gary Player, is a testing 18-hole links course running along the breezy and beautiful Red Sea coastline.
The Academy with three coaching professionals, the 18-hole course and a Par 3 nine-hole course for honing the short game, provides the perfect base for a golfing holiday.
The Kempinski Hotel Somabay
This is a supremely elegant 5* Hotel, a regal paean to the best of Moorish and Spanish architecture. There’s a palatial grandeur to the decor with two-metre high original oil paintings, of traditional Arabic scenes, gracing the ivy draped walls.
Curving tributaries lead off from the main pool allowing guests to swim around the generously proportioned site, sloping down to an idyllic beach.
As well as a restaurant offering a variety of international buffets and a beachside restaurant for lunch, there is also Bamboo Shoots, an oriental restaurant, and Pergola with an Italian menu.
Guests booking a suite enjoy a tranquil Club Lounge which provides extensive buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cocktails are served at sunset.
The Sheraton Somabay Resort
Two Sphinx-like stone statues guard the entrance to the resort, followed by a lengthy guard of honour of yet more lions. Architecture is based on the style of Luxor and the temples discovered in The Valley of the Kings.
Ideal for families, the welcoming hotel features the Somasplash waterpark. The most daring ride is the Wacky Boomerang for brave adrenaline junkies whilst there is a gentler trip on offer through the Rain Fortress.
Somabay hotels’ dine-around concept, backed by a network of shuttle buses, allows guests to pick and choose from the five hotels’ restaurants. Fans of Egyptian cuisine will be able to find several Egyptian nights, often with music and belly-dancing, to keep them entertained.
The Breakers Surfing and Diving Resort
With a laid-back surfer culture, the 4* hotel under the genial leadership of charismatic Stefan Reichl provides a unique definition of luxury: freedom for guests to do what they want when they want.
Featuring the Orca Dive Centre, many of the guests head out along the jetty to either dive or snorkel over the coral reef. Boats depart regularly for prime diving and snorkeling sites whilst guests can also try their hand at Deep Sea fishing.
A regular shuttle bus serves the Kite House. Most days, at 4 pm, visitors to Somabay can enjoy a free Kite Surfing lesson to see if this is their sport. Though they are unlikely to break Somabay’s speed record of 64 kmph.
Robinson Club Somabay
This hotel with children’s pool, full-board options, and inter-connecting rooms is a popular family choice, particularly with German tourists seeking winter sun. For most guests, the beach is the focal point with the beach bar at the hub of the action. An esoteric collection of bean bags, hammocks and beach furniture invites guests to kick-back as the DJ plays a chilled set. Borrow backgammon set from the bar to keep the brain ticking over.
There’s an Ibiza-like club vibe around and an aroma of coconut sun-oil drifting on the warm Red Sea breeze. As the blood orange sun drops down behind the jagged peaks of the Red Sea Mountains, over the DJ’s left shoulder, there is a golden Instagram opportunity.
By Michael Edwards
Great cookery schools to discover around the world
‘There is no sincerer love than the love of food’… George Bernard Shaw
Food is humanity’s greatest connection with each other. One of travel’s enticing rewards is the discovery of new cuisine and exploring the soul of a place through its dishes. We have handpicked 10 of our favorite culinary experiences to delve into; food can be a destination in itself not just an afterthought. From fishing for wild salmon on the Isle of Skye to mud-roasting chickens in the temple towns of Laos and foraging for plums in the Western Cape, we have curated some life-enhancing discoveries to book now:
1. Babylonstoren, Western Cape, South Africa
A 300-year old farm at the foot of South Africa’s Simonsberg Mountains and a star wine destination, Babylonstoren is the love child of visionary tycoon couple Koos Bekker and Karen Roos. Rustic luxury at its most seductive, the boutique hotel supplies much of its farm to table restaurant Babel’s seasonal menu through an eight-acre walled garden and houses its spa (and hammam) in a bamboo pavilion. Join in with the harvest, a joyful bounty of fruits and vegetables, including long-forgotten varieties, with pruning, picking, and foraging aplenty under the panoramic Cape skies before exploring local vineyards.
2. Tsukiji Cookery School, Tokyo, Japan
Featured in Vogue magazine, Tsukiji is Tokyo’s foodie school for those in the know. The courses delving into the art of Washoku (Japanese cuisine, listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) are greatly enhanced by forays to the world-famous Tsukiji market where everything from seafood, Wagyu beef, and sake is available. Journey into the seasonal calendar and the shun (or peak season) of delicacies, eagerly awaited all year. Advanced courses are led by Michelin-starred chef Suzuki-San who is known for making sushi in the Amazon. Stay at the historic Chinzanso Hotel overlooking the Kanda River.
3. The Oriental Cookery School, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s iconic Mandarin Oriental has style in spades. From the white wicker Writer’s Bar, once the haunt of Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham, to the pagoda-roofed boat ferrying guests across the river to the teakwood spa pavilion, this is a place to do the city in cosseting luxury. Finish a day’s exploring with an Iced Seafood Tower at famed Lord Jim’s restaurant. The Oriental Cookery School is another feather in the MO’s cap. Join in classes all year round to learn the arts of Thai dishes including Moo Satay and Gaeng Kio Waan Gai, as well as fabulous crab cakes. The local market trip with lunch at Sala Rim Naam is a noisy, highly scented and totally transporting.
4. Alila Fort Bishangarh, Rajasthan, India
This recent opening just an hour’s drive from the Pink City of Jaipur, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a triumphantly restored fantasy of turrets and terraces with a rich history and a fresh, contemporary interior. Head chef Ranveer Brar (read our interview with him here) is excited about introducing the earthy wonders of Rajput hunter cuisine to new audiences. Learn how to cook rabbit and other game in a sandpit overlooking the Aravali Hills, the oldest in the world as well as to-die-for smoky Black Dal and other local delicacies laced with ingredients from the thriving organic gardens. An authentic experience not to be missed.
5. The Four Seasons Hangzhou, China
While you may not have heard of Zhejiang cuisine, it is one of the eight great food traditions of China with a history stretching back into the mists of time. Visit the western city of Hangzhou, staying at The Four Seasons with its view of alluring West Lake, infinity pool, famed Jin Sha restaurant, and a spa we love. Private classes can be arranged to create delectable dishes such as the famous and mouth-wateringly-tender Dongpo Pork, Shrimps with Longjing Tea, and Beggar’s chicken, involving a whole spiced chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and mud – a city specialty.
6. Tamarind, Luang Prabang, Laos
The mystical land of Laos is perhaps the friendliest in Southeast Asia. The name means ‘Land of Sticky Rice’ so where better place to come and experience the joys of Indochine cuisine? Set in the UNESCO World Heritage temple city of Luang Prabang, Tamarind Laos is a cookery school that we love for its warm-hearted and authentic approach to food. Set in picturesque lakeside pavilions, the school is a relaxed and fun way to learn about Lao dishes with regular sojourns to the food markets. From Mok Pa, a popular dish of herbed fish steamed in banana leaves, to Sticky Purple Rice Dessert, we love it all. Base yourself at Belmond La Residence Phou Vao with its sublime swimming pool and restaurant, Phou Savanh’, which harmoniously melds together Southeast Asian flavors with French influences.
7. Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Still, the best place in Scotland to learn how to make Lobster Mousse (caught that morning), Kinloch Lodge is a picture-perfect former hunting lodge on the wild Isle of Skye. Spend days with legendary chef Marcello Tully learning about seafood and game butchery while staying in the fire-lit brass-bed comfort of Loch view suites. Those of an outdoor inclination will love the forest foraging with a ghillie, fly-fishing, and stalking on offer at Loch Na Dal and surrounding Cuillin Mountains. Narnia of the North – this is an island to escape to for the ultimate Scottish adventure.
8. Daylesford, Gloucestershire, UK
Daylesford has established itself as a vibrant and ever-growing champion for farm to table organic British cuisine. Its 2,350-acre working farm in the Cotswolds also sports The Cookery School, a glorious chance to learn enticing courses such as Artisan Bread Making, Nose to Tail Butchery or Ferments to Eat and Drink. The market garden has over 300 types of fruit and vegetables that are used in the experiences, harvested by you wherever possible. The school also hosts private days for a perfect group outing and the charming estate cottages are available to stay in – the Best of British.
9. Ballymaloe, West Cork, Ireland
The most famous family in Irish food, the Allens welcome guests to their Georgian farm in scenic West Cork for a culinary experience like no other. Darina Allen is passionate about her 40-hectare organic farm (including an acre of glasshouses) infused with a sustainable paddock-to-plate philosophy. Staying here is an adventure into the world of soil, foraging and baking from dawn onwards – utterly immersive and, it has been said, utterly life-changing. From churning butter and cheese making from the Jersey cows to sowing seeds and candlelit dinners in the dining room – this is a place that brings guests into the very rhythm of mother nature and her goodness.
10. Mahe, Cornwall, UK
The Cornish foodie paradise of Padstow is set to host an exciting new destination in intimate cookery school and chef’s table Mahé this coming May. Launched by restauranters Paul and Emma Ainsworth and adjoining their renowned restaurant No.6, classes at Mahé will showcase the best produce Cornwall has to offer, led by Michelin Star chef John Walton. Named after the Seychelles island where Paul Ainsworth’s parents met, the opening is sure to be one of the gastronomic highlights of this coastal idyll.
The world’s most spectacular gold landmarks
Visit some of the world’s most impressive gold-themed attractions, from temples and museums that preside over the skylines of iconic cities to a lavish hotel made of gold which takes luxury to whole new heights, and a famous stretch of golden coastline which is a magnet for the A-list. After you’ve had your gold fix, there’s plenty more to do and see on a luxury holiday with a difference.
The Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma (Myanmar)
The Shwedagon Pagoda, also aptly known as the Golden Pagoda, is a magnificent gilded stupa in Yangon: standing over 320 feet tall, it dominates the skyline. Centuries-old, it is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world and has great spiritual significance. It is decorated with up to 60 tons of gold, as well as thousands of diamonds and rubies.
Over the years, monarchs and people from all over Burma have donated gold to the pagoda, a tradition started in the 15th century when a queen donated her weight in gold, enabling it to maintain its wow-factor appearance over hundreds of years. After seeing this and many other religious monuments, for a different perspective of Burma take a leisurely river cruise, gliding past riverbanks with temples and pagodas peeking through the trees.
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok offers up a wealth of majestic gold structures, such as the temple of Wat Arun, which stands proudly by the Chao Phraya River – but the Grand Palace is arguably the most beautiful of them all and the city’s most famous landmark. It has been the official royal residence for centuries and sits in the heart of Bangkok.
This complex of buildings includes the famous Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. It’s worth spending some time at the palace to discover its intricate gold detail, inside and out, such as the impressive guardsmen protecting it. After your visit, step back into the 21st century and head to a rooftop bar for cocktails accompanied by panoramic sunset views over the city.
The Gold Museum, Bogotá, Colombia
The dazzling Gold Museum, or Museo del Oro, is one of Bogotá’s – and Colombia’s – top attractions, and for good reason. It houses a fascinating collection of more than 55,000 gold objects from pre-Hispanic Colombia – the largest collection of gold in the world. The displays feature animals, female fertility figures and gold offerings used in ceremonies and rituals, providing a unique insight into these rich cultures.
While you’re in Bogotá, you should also visit the colorful flower and fruit markets and try some of their unusual exotic fruits before taking the cable car to the top of Monserrate for sweeping views over the sprawling city and the mountains beyond. Further afield, sample some of the best coffee in the world and relax in a hammock on the veranda of one of the haciendas tucked away in tranquil spots in the Zona Cafetera (and the views over the plantation-studded green hills aren’t bad either).
The Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
Is this the most luxurious hotel in the world? The iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which stands by a private stretch of beach in Dubai, has a helipad on its roof (of course) and is taking hotel standards to a whole new level.
It has no less than nine restaurants and bars – including one where you enter through a golden arch to dine by a giant blue aquarium of exotic fish – as well as five pools, 24-hour butlers and opulent suites with 24-carat gold leaf TV screens, and guests are given a custom-made gold iPad. There’s even a gold bar – head to Gold On 27 on the 27th floor, a glittering nightspot bedecked in gold leaf, and look out over the Arabian Gulf while enjoying bespoke cocktails and the smooth sounds of the resident DJ. If you can drag yourself away, experience the giant wonderland that is Dubai, from water parks to dune bashing in the desert.
The Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia
The Hermitage is one of the most iconic and famous museums in the world, and amongst its many vast rooms (around 400 of them) is the Gold Room, which is opulent even by Russia’s standards, with gilded pillars, walls, and soaring arched ceilings. It showcases Oriental jewelry, ceremonial weapons from the East and works by ancient Greek masters, as well as pieces of Scythian gold.
You could spend days or even weeks wandering these rooms as they reveal treasure after treasure, but take a couple of hours to see the museum’s highlights and experience its sheer grandeur before a stroll around one of St Petersburg’s landscaped gardens and a warming glass of vodka or kvass, which is made from fermented black or rye bread, herbs, and spring water.
The Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
We know it’s not actually gold, and is merely gold by name, not by nature – but its name represents everything that gold signifies – the ultimate in luxury and opulence. Australia’s Gold Coast, a favorite of the A-list and aspiring A-list, epitomizes quintessential Australia: postcard-perfect golden sands as far as the eye can see, looking out over an ocean dotted with surfers on the waves, and endless sunshine.
It’s home to a vibrant TV and film industry as well as a number of super-luxurious hotels, such as the lavish Palazzo Versace, with its bespoke golden touches such as gold-colored headboards and armchairs with gold-fringed cushions, and meals served on gold-bordered plates, which symbolizes the shameless glitz and glamour of both the Versace brand and this exclusive stretch of sun-kissed coastline. Whether you want to relax on the beach, learn how to surf with the local pros or shop in the designer boutiques like the stars, you’ll find it all here.
By Thomas Ryves from www.exsus.com
The best Latin American hotels for luxury spa retreats
Blessed with an abundance of luxury hotels in regions of astounding natural beauty, Latin America offers much for the discerning traveler seeking to switch off from the pressures of quotidian life. With wellness escapes and innovative spa treatments becoming an increasingly valuable element of a luxury travel experience, the natural bounty of Latin America’s unique ingredients and spectacular scenery means that luxury properties in this region excel in offering the ultimate spa escape.
Here are five of our favorite places to relax and unwind:
Nayara Springs, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The stylish Nayara Resort at Arenal is one of our favorite properties in Costa Rica. Romantic, well-appointed rooms with luxury amenities, a wide range of gourmet restaurants and excellent service are some of many reasons this stunning hotel is so popular. The hotel also offers a comprehensive spa & wellness experience for those looking to de-stress. Along with a well-equipped fitness center with sweeping views of the tropical vegetation below and a glorious yoga pavilion where guests can enjoy private customized classes; the hotel spa is a sanctuary of serenity drawing inspiration from the natural harmony of the rainforest.
Treatments reflecting Costa Rica’s striking diversity make use of organic local produce such as premium coffee beans and luxurious dark chocolate, as well as nutrient-rich volcanic soils used for a variety of skin purification therapies. Widely renowned as one of the country’s most romantic hotels, Nayara’s spa offers indulgent couples’ packages for honeymooners or couples simply looking to reconnect in this laid-back tropical paradise.
Tierra Atacama, the Atacama Desert, Chile
Part of an extremely well-regarded group of hotels, the isolated Tierra Atacama is situated in the otherworldly Atacama Desert in northern Chile, boasting spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness and the majestic Licancabur Volcano. Many of the treatments available at the hotel’s fabulous spa are inspired by the raw energies of the geo-thermally active environment and the mineral-rich earth in this breathtakingly beautiful region. Uma Spa, meaning ‘water’ in the indigenous Aymara language, brings the outdoors in with floor-to-ceiling-windows allowing peaceful contemplation of the landscape during treatment.
A highly recommended treatment would be the spa circuit: hopping between the steam room, outdoor pool and relaxing al-fresco hot tub – maintained at different temperatures – for an energizing treat for the body and soul. Other options include a full range of wraps, facials, and massages incorporating local ingredients such as honey, sheep’s milk, red clay, volcanic mud and the lithium-rich salts of the nearby salt lakes. For the active traveler, Uma Spa offers a menu of therapies tailored specifically to compliment the program of desert activities available at Tierra. After a long day exploring the desert on horseback, enjoy a relaxing evening of tailored lower-body massages and a restful soak in the hot tub to renew your aching muscles.
Casa San Agustín, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Without doubt our favorite hotel in the sultry Cartagena de Indias on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, this exquisite boutique offers a private beach on the nearby Isla Barú as well as a fabulous spa inspired by Colombia’s dual Hispanic & indigenous heritage. Aurum Spa, named for the Latin word for ‘gold’, celebrates Cartagena’s mixed roots and uses organic local ingredients for its treatments. The indigenous people of Colombia revered gold as a symbol of the sun and its energizing powers – a belief system that has inspired Aurum’s innovative use of these natural ingredients to relax and reinvigorate.
At Casa San Agustín, a dizzying range of therapies are available: from a simple, yet brilliantly done, Moroccan hammam, to a luxurious gold-infused body wrap. The hotel also offers carefully crafted packages for couples seeking a chance to connect in blissful isolation, and specialist treatment packages focused on fresh ingredients from the bountiful Caribbean Sea.
Uxua Casa, Trancoso, Brazil
One of Brazil’s most effortlessly chic beach hotels in the trendy Bahian town of Trancoso, Uxua Casa is the pinnacle of laidback, barefoot luxury paired with an exquisite bohemian design. Drawing on the colorful heritage of its surroundings; first the home of the Pataxó tribe, then the center of Afro-Brazilian culture and finally a hippy commune in the 1970s, Uxua Casa’s gorgeous Almescar Spa pays homage to local knowledge passed down from generation to generation of the town’s inhabitants.
Named for a tree native only to southern Bahia and the Amazon, the Almescar Spa uses the plant’s highly bioactive resin as its signature ingredient in a range of restorative therapies that celebrate the healing properties of ingredients sourced from the stunning Bahian coastline. A few standout treatments include the extra virgin coconut oil after-sun skin repair, a Bahian cacao facial and the Almescar oil hot stone massage, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed for another day in paradise.
Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
This uber-chic luxury boutique hotel is situated in the midst of a 55-acre vineyard in the Argentine wine-producing region of Mendoza. Framed immaculately by the snow-capped Andes mountains in the distance, this charming Relais & Chateaux retreat in the temperate foothills of the cordillera offers a blissful getaway from the city life. The hotel’s spa is built in a Moorish-Roman architectural style, drawing on decadent exotic and classical influences that contribute to its timeless elegance.
Offering a comprehensive menu of facials, massages and specialist treatments focused around wine-themed ingredients, guests of Cavas Wine Lodge are able to enjoy a variety of indulgent experiences. Favorites include the crushed Malbec scrub, where a freshly prepared to scrub made of crushed organic grape seeds and essential oils from local crops is used to reinvigorate and renew the skin; aromatic herbal baths of lavender oil, mallow, lemon, and rosemary to refresh the circulatory system; and the Bonarda red-wine bath, where a prolonged soak in an antique bathtub enriched with red vine extract and essential oils provides a luxurious relaxation moment.
By Simon Williams from humboldttravel.co.uk
Paris residents plea for influencers to leave Instagram’s most famous street alone
Nothing garners more Instagram likes than a row of candy-hued houses, with influencers travelling from far and wide to capture the perfect shot of Paris’ Rue Crémieux. But with relentless hoards of millennials now posing on the cobbled street every day, residents are staging a protest. Unsurprisingly, residents are growing tired of having their home used as an Instagram backdrop, and are demanding that Paris closes the street to visitors on evenings, weekends and during ‘magic hour’ (the time just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light appears more golden) – peak time for influencers.
Cuba taps into high-end luxury tourist market
In Havana, there’s a shop selling a camera for more than $25,000 — roughly 850 times the average monthly wage in Cuba. The eye-popping sum earned predictable scorn on social media, but it begins to make sense when seen through the lens of the island’s fledgling bid to tap into the luxury tourism market. The exclusive camera store and other boutiques featuring A-list brands like Versace and Armani are located in a shopping gallery on the ground floor of the swanky Gran Hotel Manzana.
Luxury cruise market capacity set to double
The luxury cruise market is set to more than its capacity between 2019 and 2027, with a fleet of more than 40 new ships set to join it in the next decade, according to the 2019 Luxury Market Report by Cruise Industry News. Existing players, new market entrants, ship stretches and big cruise operators getting in on the luxury market, all point to a strong demand environment. Since February 2018 the luxury market has seen the ordering of 18 new vessels for introduction through 2027, and major moves by MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises to enter the space.
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to open a luxury Marrakesh hotel in 2020
The Pestana CR7 hotel will be launched by the sports star in partnership with the Portuguese Pestana Group, and it will be built in the luxurious M Avenue development in the centre of the Moroccan city. This new development aims to revitalise Marrakesh with new hotels, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, offices, art galleries and exhibition locations.
Galapagos: a once-in-a-lifetime luxury journey to experience rare and unique wildlife
It is easy to imagine why the Galapagos Islands are one of the top places to visit of many experienced travelers. Online, you can see many articles, reviews and photos of this exotic paradise, but the truth is, that none of them will really do justice to what you see in reality.
When researching online, you will find that some travelers decide to visit the Galapagos with a land-based itinerary and stay at hotels; whilst others make the correct choice and they decide to explore these lovely islands on board of a luxury cruise, yacht or catamaran.
However, it is clear that nobody goes to the Galapagos only to sunbathe on the boat deck and dive all day long… travelers to Galapagos want to explore, and the best way to do this is on board of a cruise, taking you to all the possible sites and with an experienced guide that will take you to some of the most stunning places on planet Earth.
The programs usually include hiking through ancient lava trails, where you will find prehistoric reptiles such as giant Galapagos tortoises, exotic birds such as the blue-footed booby, Galapagos penguins, endemic marine and terrestrial iguanas, cormorants and albatrosses… just to mention a few.
While marveling at the diversity of the marine and terrestrial life of these paradise islands, you will be able to enjoy maximum comfort, style, service, and safety, onboard a luxury boat or cruise. I have personally selected the best five “floating luxury hotels” which will make your Galapagos adventure an out of the ordinary experience.
La Pinta
The most emblematic luxury cruise would be La Pinta, the result of five decades of experience in the Galapagos Islands, the experience will be oriented to your needs and based on suggestions made by captains, expedition leaders, leaders of large hotels and guests over the years.
It is one of the most modern yachts and has capacity for 48 people, large social areas, covered with gazebo, windows in the cabins, jacuzzi, gym, kayaks, glass floor in certain areas, solarium, chairs for sunbathing. Ideal for travelers looking for a sophisticated experience around the Islands.
Silver Galapagos
I would say, the best Galapagos experience, for those who have the time and the money is Silver Galapagos, it is Silver’s smallest boat and it combines incomparable shore excursions, high-level talks and multiple Zodiac landings with accommodation in luxurious suites, some of them with balconies and of course, high-end wine and food during the entire the cruise experience.
Integrity
Integrity is a 141-foot luxury yacht customized to carry 16 adventurers in comfort, safety, and style. Integrity has been cruising the waters of Galapagos since April 2005. Built-in the US, conforming to the rigorous standards of cruises in the Galapagos. All systems, including motors, transmissions, electronics, stabilizers, water filtration, and sterilization are new, as is interior decoration and furniture.
Petrel Cruise
The Petrel Cruise is a luxury catamaran that started operating in September 2015. It is designed as a catamaran to provide great stability and style.
Fast, elegant and silent, this motor catamaran takes its name from the beautiful Galápagos bird. It has spacious cabins with a private balcony and a spacious lounge and relaxation areas. The huge terrace has a jacuzzi, the ideal place for watching whales and dolphins, sunrise, sunset, and unequal landscapes.
What I like the most besides having a private balcony? The crew aboard the Petrel has been carefully trained to guarantee the best onboard experience. A knowledgeable bilingual naturalist guide will accompany you during all land excursions.
Stella Maris
Stella Maris is the “only luxury boat based in the Galapagos Islands”. It has all the necessary facilities to serve the most diverse and demanding customers. With capacity for 14 guests and a modern and elegant style, the Stella Maris offers an itinerary of 8 days / 7 nights in the Galapagos Islands, taking you to impressive islands of volcanic environments, as I mentioned before, which exhibit impressive landscapes, as well as one of the largest and most diverse samples of wildlife on Earth.
This cruise through the central and eastern islands of the archipelago will allow you to know the most memorable sites, both in the water and on land. And, of course, as in all the cruises, an expert naturalist certified by the National Park will accompany you on land excursions to explore the islands.
In conclusion, Galapagos Islands are a top destination to include in any luxury globetrotters bucket list, if not included yet, due to its singularity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world; unique wildlife and flora, unforgettable beaches and sunsets, the feeling of being in another world with “strange creatures”, and the luxurious experience on board of a yacht or luxury cruise make Galapagos Islands a trendy destination for luxury adventurers.
Tip: for any of the yachts you choose or experience you choose, make sure that you get the most out of it with a good travel consultant to help you plan and experience the real Galapagos Islands; we suggest to reserve six or nine months in advance, especially for holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year.
By Carmen Caballero from exotiktraveler.com
Spring in Barcelona and eat like a Catalan
Springtime is one of the best times to visit Barcelona. The weather is getting warmer but it’s still at a comfortable heat, and there are typically fewer people in the city as the tourist buzz hasn’t quite hit yet and many locals leave Barcelona for the Easter break. Better still; springtime is also a great period of culinary excellence, the season boasting not just great food but unique gastronomic experiences.
Calçotada
One of the most renowned traditions of Catalonia is the Calçotada, most easily compared to a huge neighborhood BBQ. It is during a Calçotada where calçots– similar to spring onions, leeks, or scallions- are eaten, along with a salvitxada or romesco sauce.
Los calçots grow from January to March and were first discovered near Tarragona, a small city roughly an hour south of Barcelona. The traditional way of cooking this delicious delicacy is by char-grilling them over an open fire until the outside is blackened and the inside is soft. The black exterior is then peeled off, revealing the tasty vegetable underneath.
As well as a traditional way of cooking los calçots, there is also a typical way of eating them. They must be swallowed almost whole, the diner leaning their head back to drop the calçot in.
But a Calçotada is much more than just a BBQ, it is a local feast; these culinary delights are usually served with meats, bread, and other vegetables, and of course lots of wine!
To fully make the most of the Calçotada experience, we recommend heading to the countryside as in Catalonia, calçots grow in the forests and national parks. Why not set up your own Calçotada at Torrent de Can Collserola in the Collserola Natural Park, just a 30-minute drive from Barcelona? Or if you’re not sure where to begin, why not try Cal Ganxo, a restaurant in Masmolets which offers an authentic Calçotada inspired by the original recipe from Grandma Cisqueta de Cal Ganxo. Want to stay in Barcelona? We recommend Restaurant Balmes/Rosselló located in the city’s Eixample district which offers a Calçotada set menu for just €27.
Botifarra
Another typical Catalan cuisine is Botifarra, a type of sausage and one of the most important dishes of Catalonia. Botifarra sausage is based on ancient recipes and can take many forms. It is often served alone, or as a side dish along with other typical regional foods.
One way to serve Botifarra, for example, is grilled with white beans, but also combined with rice dishes or cooked with an egg mixture.
Chocolate
It wouldn’t be spring without Easter! And apart from some of Spain’s best Semana Santaparades, Barcelona is also home to the sweetest Easter treat chocolate. Indeed one of the most renowned chocolate museums in the whole of Europe is situated in the Catalan capital: El Museu de la Xocolata.
At the museum, chocoholics have the chance to see how chocolate is made, where it originated from, and of course, try their fair share of it!
After hearing the story of the cocoa plant, head to Cacao Sampaka to try some of our favorite chocolate treats: los bombones. With over 70 different flavors of chocolate, we guarantee that you’ll be picking up some (or lots) of these mouth-watering masterpieces for the plane journey home…
By Sandra Roig from www.apartmentbarcelona.com
Japan’s distinct regional food specialties
Simple. Tidy. Fresh. These are the three adjectives we would use to describe Japanese cuisine. While many countries in Asia use a plethora of spices in their food, the Japanese prefer less complicated flavors, allowing the main ingredients and a few seasonings (commonly soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger) to speak for themselves. Even in a relatively small country, Japan has distinct regional specialties, but no matter where you go, the food presentation is part of the experience. Side dishes are served in separate little bowls, and entrees and soups look as if they have been arranged by a designer or artist.
Some of the typical dishes you may already know from their adoption in Western restaurants: tempura, sushi, soba (buckwheat) and udon noodles, and miso soup. But there is much more to taste (and look at), and it varies by season. In spring, you’ll often see bamboo shoots used quite frequently. Chestnuts are harvested in the fall, so they are a popular ingredient in that season. Being a nation of almost 7,000 islands, it’s no surprise that seafood is a staple year round, no matter where you are in the country.
Japan’s emphasis and access to seafood ensures it is some of the freshest you’ll ever eat. I highly recommend trying unagi, which is river eel grilled over charcoal and smothered in barbecue sauce. It’s delicious and harks back to old Japan. You’ll also likely see ramen on many menus, but don’t be fooled, this is not your college-microwave ramen. Although imported from China, Japan has made it all their own: noodles in a salty broth are mixed with a variety of ingredients such as thinly-sliced pork, onion, seaweed, hard-boiled egg, and more.
Tea is essential to the Japanese culture. Not only does the country produce high-quality green tea, which is well-known for its many health benefits, but the traditional tea ceremony is a beautiful ritual to witness. It takes years to master, so be sure to find an opportunity to learn about and watch this sacred cultural experience. And don’t forget to savor the fresh brews that await you at hotels and cafes. Even in remote areas, such as along the Nakasendo Trail hiking route, tea houses invite visitors to relax and refuel in a peaceful atmosphere before continuing on their journey.
Then there’s sake, Japan’s national beverage. While often called rice wine, sake is actually brewed more like beer. There are two types of sake: ordinary sake (most of the sake produced) or special-designation sake (the premium version). Premium sake is designated by the rice polishing ratio and the addition or absence of added alcohol. Some sake varieties include unpasteurized, undiluted, unfiltered, cloudy, clean, aged, and sweet. Just like tea, sake has it’s very own ceremony and accoutrements. Similar to beer and wine, sake has many different flavor notes, including fruits, floral, herbs, and spices.
Now that your mouth is watering, your thoughts may be turning to sweet things. Japan makes some of the most colorful and artful sweets in the world. Wagashi are usually enjoyed with tea and are typically made from bean paste or matcha (green tea powder). Anmitsu is a traditional dessert with jelly cubes, fresh fruit, red bean paste, and a dark sugar syrup. Taiyaki are bean paste-filled cakes shaped like red snapper fish, which are considered to be good luck. There are also plenty of Western-style desserts, too, from ice cream to sponge cake. Your sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied!
We believe that experiencing local gastronomy is essential to discovering any culture, and we love sharing traditional foods and regional specialties with our guests. Douzo meshiagare! (Enjoy your meal!)
By Matt Holmes from www.boundlessjourneys.com
Marriott to add more than 30 luxury hotels internationally in 2019
Marriott International has announced that it is projecting to open more than 30 luxury properties in 2019, furthering the company’s global perspective on luxury travel with its ensemble of eight distinct luxury brands. Through the world-renowned hospitality hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bulgari, Marriott International continues to push boundaries, creating new guest experiences which meet the needs of the evolving luxury traveller.
Yurts, domes and luxury tents — next level glamping is here
“Roughing it” isn’t something that has ever appealed to Dorian Santos. She has always preferred the creature comforts of a high-end hotel — that is, until she woke up in a luxurious tented cocoon perched high above Big Sur last fall. “Camping is very uncomfortable,” said Santos, a 29-year-old travel consultant who lives in Miami. “But this was more than glamping or putting a bed in a tent.”
The best retreats for barefoot luxury travel
Luxury is a subjective notion – for some, it’s as simple as a hot bath; for others, it might be somewhat more lavish, involving lashings of vintage champagne (or perhaps a combination of the two). But when it comes to hotel design, the term can ring alarm bells – all too often ‘luxury’ is a byword for diamanté-encrusted bling and dark-polished surfaces, a concept that can leave us cold.
Trump stays in luxury hotel for Vietnam summit, avoids ‘Hanoi Hilton’
During his summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, President Trump is staying a few miles from the notorious Vietnam War prison known as the “Hanoi Hilton” — in significantly plusher digs. Trump and his White House entourage are quartered at the five-star J.W. Marriott Hanoi, which bills itself as “a world unto itself,” featuring seven on-site restaurants, a jazz club, a spa, and an indoor pool.
Inside Kim’s $275-a-night luxury hotel room in Hanoi
A luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Hanoi is where DPRK top leader Kim Jong-un will stay during his round of talks with US President Donald Trump. Kim arrived in Vietnam Tuesday morning by train for his first official visit to the country and the second summit with his American counterpart. The talks between the two leaders are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The executive suite that Kim is staying in at the Melia Hotel Hanoi, is $275 per night.