Our tour to view progress in transforming former Hamilton Hall into the magnificent Hamilton Grand was scheduled for the afternoon. In preparation, with my fix of morning coffee satisfied, I joined June Riches and a small band of explorers on Links Crescent in St. Andrews, Scotland. Riches leads medieval walking excursions around the historic town. “We’ll walk through about 12 centuries in an hour,” was her promise. I needed to gain a sense of time, place, and perspective before learning about Hamilton Grand, located at golf’s cradle and crown.... Read More
Bhutan, the Kingdom of the Dragon, has been on my visit list for years. Travelers call it one of the last "Shangri la" destinations left on the planet. Its government refuses to measure Gross Domestic Product but instead implemented Gross Domestic Happiness decades ago. Now having been, I can attest that Bhutan is one of our planet's rare countries still suspended in untouched tranquility and traditions. Venture to Bhutan and surround yourself in its heritage by the resort group known to keep it: Aman Resorts.... Read More
While many travelers visit New Zealand for the breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-pumping adventure sports, this idyllic island nation also has a dynamic and delicious food scene that’s taken farm-to-table cuisine to the next level. Visitors will find fabulous foodie scenes not only in the cosmopolitan restaurants of cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, but also in small, out-of-the-way places where the food on the plate was grown on the land just out back behind the kitchen door.... Read More
Drive only an hour from Geneva Airport, to Dents du midi in the Swiss Alps and you will find an interesting place called The Whitepod Resort. There are 15 igloo-like domes each equipped with its own freestanding wood burner, king-sized beds dressed in organic bedding, and full service bathrooms. The side of each pod that is facing down the mountain is made of translucent material, making the view of the sunrise incredible. At this glamping resort, the pods' placement is focused on making guests feel like they are out in nature even as they lay cozy in bed.... Read More
New luxury resorts have been popping up all over Maldives, perhaps due to its exotic ambiance, sought after seclusion, and tropical views that appear to be in shot in technicolor. One&Only’s Reethi Rah is one such resort offering 130 private villas nestled in the lush foliage on the shoreline or practically floating above the turquoise blue water at the end of isolated walkways (children under 12 aren’t allowed to stay in the water villas, but given its extremely romantic setting, they’re probably not invited anyway). Guests are welcome to experience dishes made from the Chef’s Garden of fresh, locally grown ingredients in a magical atmosphere. Lay back on an Arabian carpet, sink your feet into the sand and sip on some chilled bubbly under the stars. Also on property is an ESPA Spa featur... Read More
