Design Inspirations: Tuesday…Singita Game Reserves

For the 2nd Design Inspiration of the week, we are going to the African savannah where my favorite  place in the world, Singita Game Reserves, is located.  The lodges at Singita are rated top in the world on almost every travel list and rightfully so.

I stayed four incredible days in 2002 at the Singita Ebony Lodge (pictured above).  Then, Singita comprised of only two lodges bordering the 33,000-acre Kruger National Park: Ebony and Boulders. The Ebony lodge (more colonial style  to Boulder’s contemporary design)  is a take-your-breath-away kind of place.  Simply, it was (and still is, I hear, from people who have recently been) a perfect 10.  Since then, Singita has expanded to 7  more lodges throughout South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Today, my pictures are of Lebombo and Sweni lodges, also located in Kruger National Park but in a more secluded area renowned for its lion prides.  Both offer open-plan living styles and sheer indulgence. Lebombo, located on a clifftop above the N’wantesi River, offers 15 luxury suites and is designed in a contemporary african-chic style. Sweni, more intimate in size with 6 suites and an avant-garde style, offers floor to ceiling views of the lush surroundings.

Sweni

And now, Lebombo…

(love this chandelier!)

I wish this could somehow translate to a Manhattan pad (probably better in a downtown loft) but the mixture of natural textures and materials seems so perfect. You can always add a drop of fuschia, garnet or blue to brighten it up!

Design Inspirations: Monday…J.K. Place, Capri

With the International Gift Fair in town this week, I have home design on my mind.  So, I thought I would devote this week to places that inspire. You know, places you go to that make you want to to refurnish your home the minute you get back (of course, you may end up with an african safari lodge, moroccan bazaar or new mexican adobe that leaves you scratching your head).  Its all about imagery and few words this week, guys.  Have a hotel that was your nirvana in interior design?…please email me at jackie@inviatotravel.com

With the bone-chilling temperatures outside,  I think there is no better way to start off the week by bringing you to Capri, Italy for my first Design Inspiration: the JK Place in Capri. Designed by the Florentine architect/designer Michele Bonan (who also designed the gorgeous Lungarno suites in Florence, Portrait Suites in Rome, among others), this 22-room hotel is a stunner. Open since 2007, the JK Place is located on the edge of town and the only hotel with direct access to the beach (the Marina Grande). Each room is individually designed and furnished – I love the contemporary yet classic interiors, luxurious fabrics and mix of subtle and vibrant hues throughout the hotel. It’s a breath of fresh air from the heavier, traditional Italian interiors you often see in villas and hotels in Southern Italy.

A private look at the One &Only Cape Town

 

If you have never been to South Africa, or Cape Town in particular, you are truly missing out.  My last and sadly only visit to Cape Town was in 2002 as one leg of a 3-week honeymoon journey.  I had no idea how spectacular this cosmopolitan city would be – the gorgeous beaches, amazing restaurants, Table Mountain,  the surrounding winelands and coast – all left me in awe as I was expecting something, I don’t know, different. I can’t wait to go back, with or without my kids in tow (Note: The winter holidays in the states is a perfect time to travel to South Africa as their seasons are reverse from ours, and at 7.6 rand to the dollar, still a pretty good deal).

Incidentally, Cape Town is one of  THE most happening places to be as the biggest event of the summer, the World Cup (equivalent to the SuperBowl for us Americans but SOOO much bigger. Soccer is, after all, the most popular sport in the world), comes to South Africa for the very first time (Note: beware of traveling here June 11 to July 11 if you are not coming for the games). And to get ready for the influx of tourists, new restaurants and hotels are popping up around the city (such as the One & Only and Taj Hotels) while existing ones, such as the grand dames Cape Grace and Mount Nelson, are redecorating and adding new amenities.

It goes rather undisputed in travel circles that the One & Only Cape Town was one of the hottest hotel openings in 2009 (see my prior post on new hotel openings). The opening last April was hotter than the Oscars red carpet with Mariah Carey, Morgan Freeman, Sharon Stone, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Matt Damon and Nelson Mandela on the celebrity-studded guest list. Branding itself an “urban chic waterfront resort” in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this One & Only property possesses killer views of Table Mountain while resting on its own private island in the middle of the city – you don’t get better than this location, folks! Friends who recently stayed here with their family over the winter holiday called the place “beautiful” with “outstanding service” and a “perfect location/setting” (a little Zagat-flavored review!).

I was fortunate to have a recent interview with the General Manager, Tony Romer-Lee,  who shared with me some secrets and tips about this wonderful hotel…

How many rooms/suites are at the hotel?  How many of them have great views?  131 rooms and suites –

Island Suite

 91 have great views! There are  40 ‘villa’ style accommodations on the island.

 Where have you worked as GM before coming to O&O Cape Town?

 Singita, Cape Grace, and Hunter’s Country House

 What brought you to O&O Cape Town?

 A great opportunity to work with an international brand of very high caliber in the city I love…Cape Town.

 What sets/will set apart O&O from the other hotels (such as Cape Grace and Mount Nelson) in Cape Town?

 The fact that we are an Urban Resort – fantastic facilities such as: 2 World Class restaurant brands, Nobu and Maze by Gordon Ramsay; The KidsOnly Club; Spa on its own Island; 1250 sq.m Penthouse and many more! State of the art facilities, very spacious rooms etc.

 Tell me about some of the unique features of the hotel that guests will appreciate? What will guests rave about to their friends and family upon their return?

 The facilities mentioned above; the highly personalized and friendly service; the natural beauty of Cape Town… and then there is the Bastien Gonzales pedicure – which people fly down from Jo’burg for the night just to get their fix…

 So far, I see only raves from recent guests posting their reviews on TripAdvisor – mostly about the service. What is it about the service of your hotel that guests don’t feel like they aren’t getting from other hotels they have stayed at?

 Here it is both efficient and friendly – South Africans LOVE to welcome people and we provide them with a great platform (through our facilities, training etc.) upon which to deliver.

More and more families (particularly from the U.S.) are traveling to Cape Town – what does O&O offer to children and their parents?

The KidsOnly Club is our secret weapon! The team has a great programme which keeps the kids healthily entertained day in and day out. The balance of educational outings (like to the Cheetah Project at Spier or swimming with the Penguins at Boulders beach) along with some great fun in the club, in the kitchen or at the pool really keeps the kids happy and give parents a real opportunity either to join in or to have a good rest. Within the resort, we have many inter-leading rooms/suites  as well.

What are some of the amazing things your concierge can arrange?

• A romantic picnic on Table Mountain
• A private charter to Robben Island with your own guide
• An exclusive wine tasting at the Ernie Els Estate
• The “baboon matters” walk at Cape Point

 How would you describe the atmosphere of the hotel/what kind of guests do you attract?

The atmosphere is contemporary with a good, lively vibe. It is also relaxed with a very high standard.  We attract a wide mix of guests: from families wanting a quality holiday together to parties of friends discovering the Cape for the first timeto well-seasoned business travelers who want all the facilities in the City Center.

Tell me about the restaurants in the hotel. Do you have a favorite one? A favorite dish?

maze by Gordon Ramsay is relaxed dining, showcasing some Ramsay specials to local produce: it is a combination of grill/tapas/seafood and I find it hard to choose between the Namibian rib eye and the Cape crayfish “café de Paris”!!

Nobu is a wonderful neighbor, offering truly World-class Japanese cuisine with his trademark

Nobu

Peruvian influence. Here, I never miss the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno or the rock shrimp tempura with ponzu and the eggplant nasu miso is a killer!

Isola is our daytime restaurant, serving authentic Italian cuisine along with some poolside favorites, mine being either a fresh caprese salad or our Italian burger – pecorino/salsa de roma…!

What do you suggest as best way for someone to book accommodations at your hotel and receive the best amenities?

We are members of Leading Hotels of the World, Virtuoso and the Signature Network, all of which have benefits and amenities. Otherwise, give me a call!!!

Which do you consider to be the best rooms in the house? Not just the suites, but also any particular standard rooms that have great views or unusual advantages?

Rooms 215 / 320 & 420, all our entry level Marina Rooms (63 square meters) are positioned on the corner of the

Marina Suite

building so have a view both of Table Mountain and the Waterfront. Also room 119 has a great terrace, which is bigger than the room itself! On the Island, we have the one-bedroom suite #711 which is right at the end of the island, very private and luxurious for that getaway from everything. Then there is the 1250 sq.m Penthouse, where you can see the whole of Table Mountain, the new stadium and Robben Island all from the heated swimming pool!

 Are there any special offers coming up that you can tell us about? Are you booked for the World Cup?

We are very busy for the World Cup period with 8 games in Cape Town and us being in walking distance from the amazing new Cape Town stadium. We are currently revamping our value-add specials, which we will release soon (check the website!)

What is the best thing about the hotel’s location? What is your favorite thing to do in the surrounding area?

We are situated in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is without doubt the best base in Cape Town – late night shopping, great restaurants and lots of activities for families all amongst a fully working harbor. My favorite thing to do is to run out on the breakwater (not in bad weather!) and enjoy the views back on to Cape Town.

Other than your own, can you share your choices of two or three of what you consider to be the greatest hotels in the world? And why you think they are special?

I love The Berkeley in London with their spacious rooms (a rarity!), their Blue bar and being just out of the noise but right close to Hyde Park. The Beverly Hills Hotel is to me a true example of how to

Blue Bar at The Berkeley, London

maintain a classic in today’s world of new hotels opening all the time – timeless, immaculate and full of character. Lastly is my former home in the bushveld, Singita Sabi Sand – there is just no better complete experience, with the very best safari, food, wine, suites in the most beautiful environment.

Just Back From….Kauai and Maui

Pool at the Four Seasons Maui

Thank you to Romi and Jeff Howard for sharing  feedback of  their recent trip to the newly opened St. Regis Princeville in Kauai and Four Seasons Resort in Maui below: 

“For our 10 year anniversary we decided to go to Hawaii thinking it will be the only time we will ever get there as it is an 11-hour flight and we have so many other places in the world we want to travel. Our intention was to stay in Hawaii for 10 days. We booked most of our trip through American Express Platinum Card Travel with the exception of Four Seasons  in Maui.  We were pleasantly surprised how efficient and effective Amex turned out to be - using our Membership Reward points, we were able to book Business/First Class seats on Continental Airlines and upgrade to a beautiful Junior Suite in Kauai. 

We chose Kaui and Maui as the islands to  explore. Maui is a nice island but hardly breathtaking or necessary to visit on its own (especially flying 11 hours and then an inter-island plane to get there!). 

Aerial view of Four Seasons Maui

You can find a Maui-type experience in general and a Four Seasons experience in particular much closer to home. The Wailea area is pretty but I felt a little like I was in South Florida right down to the Starbucks and Costco you pass as you drive from the airport to the hotel. 

Kaui was breathtaking and well worth the grueling plane ride – we have every intention of going back. The north shore of the Island is absolutely magnificent! It reminded us a lot of the South Island of New Zealand. The drive leading up to the Princeville St. Regis is a must do even as its own entity…You pass where they filmed Jurassic Park and cannot believe that scenery like this exists.  

The St. Regis hotel itself was very aesthetically pleasing – a multi-million dollar renovation with a huge 5-star spa. Balinese wood accentuates much of the hotel. The staff was extremely friendly, helpful and courteous. In particular, one of the managing valets, Duane, was amazing. The concierge staff was also extremely helpful when we were stuck at the hotel for an extra night due to weather. They helped coordinate all our travel arrangements and extended our room for another night for $150.00. It did seem at times, however, to be slightly understaffed due to it still being somewhat of a soft opening.”

What We Loved 

Maui:  

• Overall service and amenities at the Four Seasons. Service was constant yet completely unobtrusive.
• Skewered pineapples, rice krispie treats, freezies in five different flavors, chilled towels and cucumbers all made poolside that much better.
• The addition of the serenity pool, where nobody under 21 years old is allowed, is fantastic.
  

  View from our balcony at the Four Seasons

• The town of Paia, a 25 minute drive from the hotel – very boho/hippie chic with cute shops and cafés. They have the only Letarte freestanding bathing suit store in the world!
• Mama’s Fish House – very kitschy and touristy but one of the best meals I’ve had on any island.  
• Capiche, an Italian style restaurant (a 5 minute shuttle from the hotel which will drop you off and pick you up).
• Big Beach – a beautiful beach five minutes from the hotel in Makena. Not to be missed. Take a towel and some snacks from the hotel and relax there for an hour or two.
• Helicopter tour – a great way to condense all the major sights without all the driving and time delay. The Four Seasons will arrange it all through their concierge service for you.
• The bath products in the bathrooms…all l’ occitaine

 

Kauai 

• The town of Hanalei is right out of a postcard- a strip of shops and restaurants with mixture of hippies, surfers, and guests of the Princeville resort - and the quintessential hangout. Postcards and Baracuda (a cool tapas bar) - two fantastic restaurants. Kauai Grill, the new Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, was also delicious.
• The Hike along the Napali trail is crazy difficult but breathtaking cliffs, views, mountains and waterfalls propels you to go the distance.
• Our hotel room was fantastic – beautifully appointed and nicer then the Four Seasons. It was exceptionally spacious with 2 huge flat screens (one that “pops” up in front of our bed, the other  in ” our living room area” replete with all wired and digital gadgets at your disposal… ). We had one of the most breathtaking views of any hotel I’ve stayed at anywhere from an expansive porch.  I cannot stress the importance of needing an ” ocean view”.  You really should not settle for less.

The St. Regis lobby

What We Didnt Love 

Maui 

• The rates and descriptions of hotel rooms at the Four Seasons are deceptive. When we arrived at the hotel at 11 pm to check in (after a long flight) to our “ocean view” room, we were provided with a dingy room over the parking lot with a tiny sliver view of ocean miles away. We had to rectify this with the manager the next day – altogether an unpleasant experience.

Kauai 

• It’s a far walk from the hotel rooms to the pool…While you can stay in rooms right by the pool, to stay on the cliff on which the hotel is perched is really worth the extra walk in my opinion. If you are travelling with small children, then I would then suggest staying by the pool.
• The bath products in the bathrooms were sub-par.

What To Skip 

Maui – Wailea, shops…better at home. The restaurants in the Four Seasons hotel, especially DUO (sub-standard fare) 

Kauai - Dolphin Restaurant in Hanalei, which came highly recommended, was very disappointing. The food at the pool bar at the St. Regis is over-priced and just ok.  

 

Just Back From…St. Barths

In this frigid weather, its nice to daydream about lounging on a beach, drinking a Pina Colada somewhere in the Caribbean islands. Everyone I meet who has been to St. Barths comes back raving about the perfect combination of gorgeous beaches, excellent restaurants and fantastic shopping (but alas not the high prices).  Once regarded primarily as a “couples” or “singles” destination, St. Barths is increasingly attracting families who are seeking to enjoy the many benefits of a villa vacation. And St. Barths seems to have plenty of villas (though the good ones sell out quickly). Friends with a 7-year old daughter from NYC rented a villa in St. Barths for the Thanksgiving holiday and share their experience below:

“It was the first time we left New York City for Thanksgiving but we wanted a change and St. Barths is always our family’s first choice for a vacation!  A benefit of a November trip in St. Barths is still offering discounted summer rates and we were ready to escape our busy Autumn in New York.

We rented a 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath villa with a pool through WIMCO, SIB CEC, also know as “Case and

Our villa

Cuisine”, located in Marigot.  The villa met all of our expectations, and the owners who reside on the island really had thought of every amenity; the kitchen was very well designed for cooking, the house was very clean, and possessed a modern bathroom, A/C, TV/DVD (with direct TV), computer with internet access and a printer. Best of all, it is among the best-priced villas on the island and the perfect size for a family of three.

We stayed for six nights, which gave us plenty of time to both visit with friends, make it to all of the beaches, snorkel and of course, relax.  Our trips to St. Barths are active vacations. While there is time for reading and naps, there is so much more to do than to just roll out of bed into a lounge chair.  We seem to always be exploring the island in our jeep, stopping for a fresh baguette or ice cream, snorkeling a new beach, or heading to a new restaurant.

 The only thing I sometimes miss in St. Barths is my workout, but this trip I tried a new exercise studio with yoga and pilates classes in Gustavia called Atmosphere (Rue Jeanne d’Arc Gustavia).  There are some excellent teachers (you can get by taking a class in French).”

What we loved:  We love the food in St. Barths and there are so many restaurants to choose from.  Our favorite food is well prepared, but casual food or what people generally think of as lunch places.  Kiki-é Mo in St. Jean specializes in prepared Italian food, delicious paninis, salads and espressos!  La Rotisserie (next to Andy’s Hideaway in St. Jean) is also a favorite and, though it has changed management, the quality seems to be as good as ever.  In Gustavia, we love both La Creperie for salads and ice cream filled crepes and the local ice cream shop.  Maya’s to go is great to pick up prepared gourmet food

What we didn’t love:  After the rainy season, there are often mosquitos on St. Barths.  We found that applying cream rather than spray was more effective, and our daughter was less likely to breathe in the fumes, or get it in her eyes.

Booking through WIMCO.  The US-based booking agents were totally non-responsive and unhelpful. The representatives on the island were nice though. Next time, I would book directly with the owner.

Don’t miss: The beaches!   This is why we go to St. Barths.  Many beaches are spectacular and the best ones are not developed.  So, when we hear people say they visit St. Barths but didn’t leave their

which way to go?

hotel, we feel they missed the whole point of the trip! 

We especially love Columbier, though it requires a 20-minute hike or a boat to get there.  The snorkeling is fun for the family as the water is clear, calm and filled with life.  Other favorites are Saline and Gouvenour.  L’Orient beach, home to some sea turtles, is also fun to visit.

While we didn’t shop much this vacation, I do love the swedish design shop in St. Jean, Sabina Zest, for gorgeous handcrafted and hand-dyed  clothing. 

Skip It:  As a family we ate a few upscale dinners but with the poor exchange rates, dinner can get expensive quickly (a smoothie for our daughter at Hotel Isle de France was about $17).  We found it was fun to eat lunch out and maybe have drinks at sunset, then head home for dinner.  Our daughter was so exhausted from swimming all day she was often in bed at 7 pm anyway! And, we loved not having to wear anything fancier than a swimsuit for most of the trip.

Paris officially on Sale!

It is only fitting to start off my first post in the New Year to talk about shopping and Paris – twoof my favorite things!

The tourist crowds are gone and yes, the weather is cold (but not as bad as New York!) but deals are to be had.  Winter sales started this past Wednesday in the city of lights (a bit earlier this January than past years) and will last for five weeks so if you are looking for an excuse to fly across the Atlantic, this is it! If you need a further incentive, just look at the low airfares and steep hotel discounts on Orbitz (or a chance to check out the new wing and rooms at the Bristol!).

According to Bonjour Paris, a terrific up-to-date online resource devoted to everything that is Paris (including indispensible shopping tips), dates of sales in Paris and across France are now to be standardized so no more guessing games.  Winter sales will begin on the second Wednesday of January unless it falls after the 12th and will continue for five weeks rather than six.

If you need a bit of hand holding or are overwhelmed about where to start, look no further than PrivateChicShopping (part of French Links, which I wrote about last month in my culinary blog, which also does incredible chocolate tours) for private shopping  guides and tours. They will customize your shopping experience to whatever your heart desires.

If you want to shop like a Parisian, make a pit stop at Tati (24, boulevard Rochechouart) the capital’s discount department store – it’s loved by everyone from Catherine Deneuve to Sonia Rykiel. No designer names but you can be sure to find something chic. Then, stop at the new concept store that opened last June –  Merci (111, boulevard Beaumarchais), a loft-like boutique created by the owners of Bonpoint,  to pick up some vintage or designer items. They also have books, home furnishings and accessories. Feel free to go crazy and feel good about it – all the profits go to charities.

I am very excited about the posts I have coming in the next few days and weeks…Just Back From Hawaii – a candid look at the St. Regis Princeville, Kauai and Four Seasons, Maui…Just Back From St. Barts - a villa experience….Carlisle Bay, Antigua revisited…Family Travel programs in Barcelona, Rome and Florence…and a personal interview with Tony Romer-Lee, the General Manager of the newly opened and HOT One & Only Capetown. Stay tuned!