Tag: Travel

Travel

à paris

by juleseeLeave a Comment on à paris

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Over the holidays I had several friends who were traveling to Paris and needed recommendations. I put together a list for them and thought others might find it helpful. I so appreciate people sharing their travel notes and have had so many wonderful suggestions over the years. Hopefully my notes will help in planning your next jaunt à Paris.

Hotel – we at stayed the Prince de Galles. There are so many choices in Paris but this hotel worked for us because we are all able to be in one room (with a bit of convincing). Check out Mr and Mrs Smith hotels for modern boutique hotel accommodations in Paris.

Museums, Sites, & Activities

  • Louvre Museum
  • Musée d’Orsay -my favorite.
  • Musée de l’Orangerie – great for kids short and sweet all Monet.
  • Pompidou – modern art museum
  • Musée Rodin
  • Eiffel Tower – buy skip the line tickets ahead of time Viator is a good source.
  • Bateaux Mouches – boat ride along the Seine big hit with the kids.
  • Atelier Des Lumieres – have not been but heard it’s incredible.
  • Sunside Sunset for Jazz Music
  • Jardin du Luxembourg – kids loved pushing the vintage toy boats in the water when they were little. They also loved the playground and carousel.
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Notre Dame
  • Palais Garnier – it was an experience taking the girls to the Paris opera house. The Chagall ceiling alone is worth the trip.
  • Walk around Montmartre Neighborhood – see the Moulin Rouge, Love Wall, and Place du Tertre.
  • Foundation Louis Vuitton
  • Le Foodist – we did a great French baking class here.
  • Treasure Hunt at the Louvre – book through THATlou.
  • Jardin des Tuileries – the infamous green chairs great for a photo opt and strolling the gardens.
  • Walk around the Marais – my favorite neighborhood in Paris.

Food 

  • Le Relais d’Entrecote- love this restaurant! They do not take reservations but it’s worth the wait. They serve one thing Entrecote and french fries.
  • Breizah Cafe – the kids favorite! They accept reservations and we went to the one in the Marais. Delicious crepes.
  • Café de Flore – touristy but still fun.
  • Frenchie Wine Bar – cozy dinner on a quaint street. Hightop tables not great for little kids.
  • Poilâne Bakery – famous for their bread. We had lunch at the cafe next door (Comptoir Poilâne) where they use their delicious bread on tartine sandwiches.
  • Cafe Constant – french country food.
  • Berthillon – salted caramel ice cream.
  • L’As du Fallafel – got to have a falafel while walking around the Marais.
  • Amorino – beautiful flower shaped ice cream.
  • Odette – colorful creams puffs.
  • Ladurée – always fun to browse the beautiful macarons.
  • Boot Cafe – tiny charming cafe in the Marais…nice photo opt.
  • Cocktails at The Ritz.

David Lebovitz is a great resource for restaurants in Paris.

Shopping 

You can shop for days in Paris below are the stores I hit on our last trip in September.

Bon Voyage!

Travel

Quick Trip Tips – Japan

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Quick Trip Tips – Japan

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Japan is a popular destination for families; there is so much to do and see. We did a quick 6 night trip for my 40th birthday to Tokyo and Kyoto. I have been asked to share my itinerary so many times that I decided to post it on my blog.

Tokyo Hotel – Four Seasons Marunouchi – we loved this hotel! Small boutique feeling but spacious rooms with two queen beds. Nice location next to the Tokyo train station and short walk to Ginza.

Kyoto Hotel – The Ritz Carlton – this hotel is truly special! It has a modern luxury resort feel. Located right along the Kamogawa River. The kids loved the indoor grotto style swimming pool and spa. After being in Tokyo we needed a day to relax and swim. The hotel has a Pierre Hermé which is a big plus, and the breakfast was an experience in itself.

First Night in Tokyo – we walked around Ginza and stopped at Itoya Paper store the mecca of all paper stores. The girls also loved the Tokyo Hands store, there is a floor with tons of crafts and DIY supplies (if your kids are into that). We had dinner at Nodaiwa which specializes in Unagi. It wasn’t easy to find but glad we did!

I highly recommend hiring a guide (our hotel arranged ours). Her name was Ms. Haruko Ootsuki. It saved us a lot of time and she helped us navigate the subway which isn’t an easy task.

Below is our 2 day itinerary our guide put together based on what we wanted to see.

On the 1stday we will cover the west Tokyo including Shinjuku, since Isetan will be closed on the following 21stfor maintenance etc…. the day 2, the Central & East Tokyo including Tsukiji, Ginza and Asakusa.

Please also note that most boutique type of shops only open from 11am, therefore we will visit places like a shrine / Fish market to start the day.  (plus, the Inner market of Tsukiji Fish Market only open to the public from 10am…finishes around 11am. The outer market is available from earlier till around 2 pm. )

Day 1 – Feb. the 20th…Covering west Tokyo

Deaparting Hotel

⇒　subway/train

  • Harajuku Neighborhood –

Meiji shrine,

Takeshita dori street and Crepes for snack (so yummy!)　- Kawaii Monster Cafe (we didn’t make it here) We did have cotton candy at Totti Cotton Candy Factory (big hit!)

  • Omotesando recommended places include…

*Kiddy Land – pioneer, very popular and famous toy store which was a favorite of late Micheal Jackson as well.

*Oriental Bazar – very popular shop which carries good variety of Japanese souvenirs, pioneer to this trendy spot.

We went to Harry’s Hedge Hog Cafe – one of the kids favorite things they did in Tokyo. 

If time and energy allow…before headed for Shinjuku

* Cat street – dotted with fashionable boutiques

→ Shibuya　Neighborhood & Shibuya crossing

⇒　subway/train

  • Shinjuku Neighborhood –Lunch at food hall in Isetan  → Piss Alley to take a look

⇒　train

Back to hotel

Day 2 : Jan. 21st   …Covering Central & East Tokyo

Deaparting Hotel

⇒　subway

  • Tsukji Fish Market and have some Sushi for morning snack ?? … so that you will have some room for a bit late lunch at Asakusa later on for ramen / soba ?

( not at Sushi restaurants where only ‘set menu’is available since it will probably too filling . We will also avoid restaurants where always people lining up for a long time, sometimes for hours!   (this includes, Daiwa, Sushi-dai, Iwasa-Zushi…)

Sushi-Zanmai might be good since there are few branch shops at the outer-market. Let me go on a bit more research, please ! We ended up eating at Iwasa-Zushi  it was excellent. 

⇒　Stroll to

  • Ginza, on the way you can see the Kabuki-za theater, and
  • Kapital Denim Store, if wished (located not too far from the theater)
  • If wished, walk through Ginza area while checking the location of

Ippudo ginza, Kagari ramen, Nodaiwa unagi… so that you can go back there if time and your stomach allows for other occasion.

Other recommended places include,

*Mitsukoshi Department Store – one of the most famous / popular store in Tokyo, whose food section is as good as Isetan.

* Muji Store

*Anime Museum – get tickets ahead of time

* Shinjuku Gyoen Park – for cherry blossoms

⇒　subway

  • Asakusa – Sense-ji Budist Temple

Lunch at Namiki soba/ a few other popular soba places./ Ippudo ramen or my recommended Yoroiya ramen, which said to be the birthplace of ‘soy sauce ramen’..one of the authentic Japanese ramen… conveniently located and has small sized one. Whose roast port fillet in ramen is really good !..  you can decide which one you opt for depending on how you feel, how busy the place is etc.. We ended up having lunch at Yoroiya ( so good!).

Walk around check out the shopping &  take a rickshaw ride

⇒　subway

  • Tea break at Ippodo Tea, Marunouchi →　Walk back to your hotel

Dinner at Tsuru TonTan – upscale udon restaurant (a high school friend of my husbands took us here). We also had ramen at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka & Tsukiji Kitaro Sushi. (we had a friend who lived in the building above the restaurant take us here it was excellent).

Kyoto HighlightsKinkakuji Temple Golden Temple, Fushimi Inari Red Gates, & Bamboo Forest

Camelia Tea Ceremony – traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Cooking Sun – Japanese Cooking Class

Walked around the Gion District and did a Geisha Maiko Photo Shoot – full make-up and dress. You then pose for photos with different traditional back-drops. I don’t recommend it for young children.

Nishiki Market – we love eating and walking through this market. The best matcha ice cream ever! We had a really good meal there as well.

Omakase Sushi – we ate at Matsudaya best sushi I have ever had. We also ate at Mikaku which is a traditional Japanese Steakhouse.

This was one of our favorites trips and we can’t wait to go back!

Travel

Ham Yard Hotel

by julesee2 Comments on Ham Yard Hotel

Ham Yard Hotel – London, England

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I am just coming back from a week away in Paris and London. I wanted to share our London hotel because it was truly special. Ham Yard Hotel a Firmdale Hotel is nestled into a London side street with an urban village feel. It’s chic, hip, and happening. The attention to detail from the decor, service, and food was beyond our expectations. All 91 rooms are individually designed by Kit Kemp. You walk out your door and you’re in the midst of Soho, just steps away from the West End, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street. The hotel nightlife was popping. They have a bowling alley, screening room, rooftop bar, and multiple restaurants. The rooms are high tech with iPad’s to dim the lights, close the shades, and turn the television on or off. You feel like you are staying in a modern loft with wall to wall windows, and high ceilings. We had several meals at the hotel that were healthy, (we needed that after Paris) flavorful, and fresh. They make it hard to leave the hotel because it is so cozy, comfy, and cool! If you’re heading to London Ham Yard Hotel is a must!

 

Travel

The Cape

by julesee2 Comments on The Cape

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I am just returning from a well needed weekend getaway in Cabo. We stayed at the new Thompson Hotel property The Cape Los Cabos. This sleek, modern, beach front property is architecturally stunning. Each room is spacious with a beautiful ocean view, and so tastefully decorated. I loved the balcony with a floating day bed, along with the beautiful copper tub adorning each room. The food was outstanding!. The highlight was Chef Enrique Olvera’s restaurant Manta. The menu is influenced  from the Chef’s native Mexico along with Peru, and Japan. We enjoyed the hotel’s infinity pool over looking the ocean along with the modern outdoor spa. In the evenings you can watch the sunset on the hotel’s rooftop bar, or sip artisanal cocktails at the architectural glass box lounge. It truly was a perfect getaway, and I look forward to my next trip to The Cape.

Travel

Positano

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Positano

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I love seeing everyone’s summer travel photos on Instagram. I get inspired and enjoy learning about new, and exotic places to visit and stay. As well as the adventure I do have an affinity for unique, and luxurious hotels.

I wanted to share one of my favorite boutique hotels in Positano. Il San Pietro Positano is perched into the cliffside of Positano overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. A short walk or shuttle ride from town but isolated and away from all the tourists. Each and every room has an ocean view with a balcony where you can sit and have your morning breakfast and caffe. Il San Pietro is the only hotel in Positano with a direct access to a private beach. The beach is a natural cove surrounded by crystal clear waters, with a solarium, restaurant, and bar by the sea. The iconic orange loungers are spread across the cliff overlooking the sea. An elevator carved into the cliff will swiftly carry you from the lobby down to this special heavenly spot. The hotel yacht, Morgan 44 or Joey, is available for chartering for a half or full day. Lastly, how could I forget the state of the art spa and tennis courts! This hotel is not to be missed when visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Buon Viaggio!

 

Fashion, Travel

Bon Voyage

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Bon Voyage

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As the school year comes to a close people are getting ready for their summer travels. I had a friend ask me for some carry-on suggestions so I figured why not share it with all of you. Here are my picks:

  1. The Lois Tote Shinola $495 I have been waiting for this bag, and it’s finally available!! It’s a collaboration between actress and model Carolyn Murphy and Shinola.
  2. Baggu Oversize Tote $182 another option click here here This oversized tote is made in the USA. It’s constructed of soft tanned leather.
  3. Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Med Shoulder Tote $175 another option click here       Longchamp always designs light weight, water resistant, and affordable bags for travel. I like the tone on tone version over the brown leather trim with the nylon. It’s more sleek looking.
  4. Paravel Main Line Duffel $385  I love this bag so chic!!! All Paravel bags are Italian made. The canvas is stain and water resistant.
  5. Paravel Stowaway Leather Trimmed Bag $425 This style is collapsable (easy to store) and comes with a crossbody strap.
  6. Everlane Day Market Tote $165 Italian leather and made in Italy.
  7. Leatherology Large Zippered Tote $175 This bag has a top zipper closure, and you can have it monogrammed which I love.
  8. Filson Rugged Twill Zip Tote Bag $225 Filson isn’t just for the guys. I love the rugged twill, leather trim, and brass hardware on this Filson tote bag.
Travel

Desert Bound

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Desert Bound

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Going with the Coachella desert theme I thought I would share my experience at the new Andaz property in Scottsdale Arizona. I am a big fan of the Maui Andaz, and was excited to check out their new desert property.  The grounds, rooms, and main areas are beautifully decorated with a modern and clean feel. The rooms are little bungalows with your own private patio. The restaurant has an open kitchen serving clean and fresh food. I took full advantage of the beautiful spa and gym. They have a DJ at the main pool on the weekends so if that’s not your speed you can relax at the two other pools. The Andaz has done an excellent job creating a boutique hotel as an alternative to the other large resorts in the area.