Community Forum - Blogs - danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/ en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:18:20 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.luxurylink.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg Community Forum - Blogs - danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/ Villa Le Maschere - The Pope’s Chamber - Florence, Italy http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/villa-le-maschere-pope%92s-chamber-florence-italy-1676/ Fri, 24 May 2013 02:43:44 GMT It seems like I never get around to blogging much of anything as soon as I would like to, and such is the case with the two LL properties we included... It seems like I never get around to blogging much of anything as soon as I would like to, and such is the case with the two LL properties we included in our 3 week Euro road trip this past August.

Eight thousand kilometers of wonderful landscapes, traffic, pot holes, vignettes, an excess of carbs, a defective air conditioning system during a heat wave which brought the temperature into the mid 90’s, and much more.

Our main goal was to walk amongst the lavender fields in Provence, and though late in the season, we found a remnant that would allow me to check it off my wife’s bucket list, as well as set a backdrop for some wonderful pictures.

Halfway into our trip to France we had planned a 4 day R & R Luxury Link stay at Villa Le Maschere, which we picked up as a mystery auction. Nestled in the Tuscan hills, this property is everything one would expect an Italian luxury villa to be!

As we pulled into the gated courtyard my wife and I started smiling at each other, and without any words being exchanged we both concluded that LL had done it again. The reception area did not disappoint, bringing together a wonderful blend of aged and new.

Andreas greeted us with great professionalism and made us feel like VIPs from the moment we arrived. He informed us of an upgrade to a junior suite that was named after a visit by Pope Pius IX. He reassured us that a table on the terrace would be ready for us at 8pm, timed perfectly for us to toast while watching the sun retire behind the hills for the day.

As we walked to our suite, we were in awe of the beauty of the frescoed ceiling, our view overlooking the courtyard, where we would soon be serving our lazy breakfasts under the matured trees, and the oversized bed that would grant us the much needed rest and reignite our desire to explore Florence, San Gimignano, and Sienna.

Our included dining experience consisted of three courses that were served with long pauses to assure the time necessary to take in the beauty of the sunset. We savored every minute and knew right away that we would regret not having another evening available for an encore.

Though the property is fairly close to Florence – even offering a complementary shuttle – I cannot recommend it for someone whose sole desire is to visit Florence. If you are looking for the full Tuscan experience, this is the place for you!

The amazing variety served at the champagne breakfast was a great incentive to make you get out of the outrageously comfy bed each morning. Everything and anything you could think of serving – including some international specialties that I would never eat at breakfast – were offered. In retrospect, the only think we did not like was the espresso and cappuccinos. Such a shame since Italy serves up some of the best...

We were able to resist Florence during one of our mornings and took advantage of the great wellness facilities. We took ample time to prepare ourselves for the massages, rotating ourselves through the ‘emotional’ showers, hammam, jacuzzi, waterfall, pools, steam room, sauna and relaxation room.

We would not hesitate in planning a return visit if not for the other many, many destinations we have yet to visit. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/villa-le-maschere-pope%92s-chamber-florence-italy-1676/ Learning to Love the Quickie http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/learning-love-quickie-1654/ Fri, 10 May 2013 06:32:27 GMT I like to luxuriate. I like to take my time, and not be rushed when I’m on vacation, and so as far as I’m concerned a seven day trip is good, but a... I like to luxuriate. I like to take my time, and not be rushed when I’m on vacation, and so as far as I’m concerned a seven day trip is good, but a ten day trip is even better. Even if it’s on an island as big as my palm where you have nothing to do but lay out in the sun, perhaps snorkel a little, and enjoy the breeze and the smell of the coconut scented sun tan oil, ten days of fun beats seven, hands down, every time. Let’s face it, even the worst vacation is better than the best day of pushing papers and having to deal with customers. Mind you, I’ve had some bad vacations, especially before discovering Luxury Link, but that’s another story for another time.

With time being more of a commodity than ever before, in recent years I’ve had no choice but to learn to love the quickie vacation. Three days, in and out, no fuss, no muss, just full boar adventuring with very little time to dillydally or smell the roses.

Since we were already in Europe at the time, the wife and I ventured to the Luxury Link website to see what three day jaunt we could work into our schedule before we returned stateside. We looked at a few Italian properties, one in Budapest, another in Lisbon, but we kept returning to the only three night property Luxury Link offers for Barcelona, and finally decided upon it.

Before the comments start pouring in as to how three days isn’t nearly enough to do justice to Barcelona, let me assure you, I know. The wife and I both knew three days wouldn’t be much time to see what we wanted to see, but three days was all we had, and so having had our dates confirmed after winning the auction, we found some less than affordable planet tickets, and off we were.

You can get a surprising amount of stuff done in three days when you’ve done some of the research beforehand. Granted, we would have loved to take more time at the Museu Nacional D’art, the Catalonian National Art Museum, (if you’re a fan of renaissance or baroque art I highly recommend it) but all in all we covered pretty much everything we wanted to cover during our three days.

The things I recommend one do when planning a quickie trip is foremost make a list of all the things that are must see in the order you want to see them. Second, if you can get an early flight in and a late flight out, it will give you a few precious, extra hours, wherein you can fit in another sight, or a few extra minutes contemplating a work of art by Borrassa or Ramon de Mur. Hotels are usually happy to accommodate either an early check in a late checkout, or keeping your luggage in a storeroom while you roam the city.

(Since our room wasn’t ready when we arrived near 11 a.m. they put our luggage in storage, and we went exploring as soon as they told us we could be back any time after 2 p.m.)

Third – and I know this might sound trite to some – get a two day hop on hop off ticket, usually available in every major tourist destination in Europe. They make stops at every major tourist attraction, and it saves allot of time and awkward moments of asking for directions in a language you can’t speak if you haven’t been to that particular city before.

Other than these three recommendations for a successful quickie trip, there is the one we all know we should do which is stay hydrated, and for your palate’s sake try some of the local cuisine. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/learning-love-quickie-1654/ Kudos to the Worker Bees http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/kudos-worker-bees-1623/ Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:23:48 GMT Every operation, regardless of its size, has behind the scenes individuals who make it run smoothly and with as little drama as humanly possible.... Every operation, regardless of its size, has behind the scenes individuals who make it run smoothly and with as little drama as humanly possible. It’s the worker bees, those individuals who punch the time clock and do their job with nobility and professionalism that often get the vitriol of individuals, but not always the heartfelt thanks of the selfsame individuals when a task is executed to perfection, and a seemingly convoluted set of instructions, dates, transfers, and other matters often necessary with something as straightforward as a three day trip, come together as if by magic.

I assure you, it was not magic.

Someone took the time to make sure you were treated well, someone took the time to make sure the dates you wanted for your six destination world hopping extravaganza were available, and for all the hard work the worker bees of Luxury Link put in day in and day out you have my thanks and gratitude.

I remember working a few thankless jobs in my day and if you’ve never had to do so, let me assure you it’s not fun.

Because most people usually treat you like some dispensable thing, unworthy of their attention never mind their thanks, I can still remember those few who were real human beings, who looked me in the eye, said ‘thank you,’ and shook my hand.

It doesn’t cost us anything to be nice. It doesn’t cost us anything to try – if only for a split second – to put ourselves in someone else's shoes, and see a situation from their perspective.

Do you really think the representative found out the dates you requested were indeed available but just to be a curmudgeon told you they weren’t?

Truth be told I’ve booked more than my fair share of trips with Luxury Link, and even when real problems arose – such as not being able to accommodate my dates and needing to bid on another property instead – they worked with me, and we were able to come to an amiable solution.

They could have just as easily said, ‘sorry, you bought it, you own it, can’t do nothing for you,’ but instead I actually got a one-time refund, and purchased another package.

Throughout this ordeal I dealt with more than one representative, and if only one had shown exemplary professionalism I would gladly single him out, but all three of the individuals I spoke to were never anything less than courteous and well-meaning.

There are certain unspoken rules in life which dictate our actions more often than we might think. I get on a plane every couple weeks or so without fear or apprehension because I assume the pilot wants to make it home to see his wife and kids as much as I do.

Likewise, I trust the Luxury Link employees to be honest and forthright with me because they want my repeat business which in turn will ensure that they continue to be gainfully employed.

Everything is symbiotic, and once we realize this, life becomes much simpler and less hectic.

And so, thank you worker bees for the long hours and hard work and taking flak from the antsy soon-to-be travelers who still can’t quite believe they got such a good deal on such an awesome vacation, and are still wondering in the back of their mind if this is one of those ‘too good to be true’ instances where they’ll end up spending five night sharing a room with a donkey and three chickens.

You make it possible for us to live our dreams, and my hope for you is that you will likewise get to live yours, whatever they might be. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/kudos-worker-bees-1623/ All The Right Foods in All The Wrong Places..... http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/all-right-foods-all-wrong-places-1606/ Thu, 28 Mar 2013 01:52:04 GMT It’s quite easy to look up a restaurant in the Michelin guidebook, see what’s buzzing on tripadvisor.com, or check out who’s raving about what’s in... It’s quite easy to look up a restaurant in the Michelin guidebook, see what’s buzzing on tripadvisor.com, or check out who’s raving about what’s in the newest edition of Food and Travel Magazine. 



While I use all these resources myself, I try to break the mold once in a while. This occurs usually when I am not traveling with my wife since she quite enjoys ‘the mold’.



I have fond memories of visiting Port El Kantaoui. Not because of anything in particular, and certainly not because of our 5 star accommodations – at best a glorified 2 star property – Hannibal Palace. More like Hannibal Lecter’s palace, sans the liver, Chianti, and fava beans.



Since we were booked half board, we tried to eat there twice. Once for breakfast, when we gave up on the notion just after tasting the coffee and once during their themed buffet dinner consisting of spaghetti with tomato sauce, a concoction the consistency of mashed potatoes. So, Italian prison themed buffet, I suppose?



With empty stomachs and a desire for culinary experiences we set out searching for a place that would not only grant us some much needed nutrition, but perhaps leave us with a story, or in the least some good memories. 



We jumped into the nearest cab and told the driver that we wanted to eat something authentic, and wholly Tunisian.

“For tourists, yes?” he asked nodding his head up and down as though he were a bobble doll.
We shook our heads in unison, and said, “No. Somewhere you would go to eat lunch.”
“Are you sure?” the man asked almost apologetically.
“Yes! Positive” we exclaimed.



As he drove further and further into town, we could see that tourists were getting sparse and the conservative, religious locals were growing in number. After what seemed like a 20 minute drive, the cabby pulled into an alley reminiscent of the alleys from every movie where every passer-by gets mugged, and pointed to a shack, “here, this is where I eat”.



The “dining room” of only 300 sq. ft. consisted of 4 red, plastic, Coca Cola tables (those of you who have been to third world countries know what I’m talking about!) that were filthy. This wasn’t the regular kind of filthy; it was the silverware sticking to the tables kind of filthy. After second guessing ourselves, wondering how adventurous we were willing to get, and being the object of a lengthy stare-down from the locals dining in this not-so-fine establishment, we decided to risk it.



The owner/cook/waiter greeted us with an unfriendly, “what you want”. No menus, no boards on the walls, nothing. It was basically an establishment where the owner served you what he wanted, if he wanted...kind of reminded me of Seinfeld’s soup Nazi episode.

We quietly responded, “One of everything”. He pointed to where we should sit, and we obliged. No, we were not asked smoking or non...it wasn’t one of those places.



In less than 15 minutes the plates started coming out. All of a sudden the filthy, sticky, aluminum silverware didn’t matter. The fact that we were not offered a wine menu or greeted with a smile did not count. We were in Tunisian cuisine heaven. Before us platters of tuna, tomato and red onion salad dressed with just the right amount of olive oil, hot out-of-the-oven flatbread, pineapple couscous with lamb, grilled fresh fish, a couple of vegetable dishes and much more, memories of which time and age have dulled and faded. 



After glutinously taking down more food than one should ever endeavor to consume, our bill was set before us and it was less than we would’ve paid for coffee at any of the major US chains.



I only wished we could shake the cabbie’s hand and thank him for giving us the opportunity to enjoy an amazing meal and have a story to share. If we ever return to Tunisia, which we likely never will, we shall yet again risk hepatitis, indigestion and awkward glances, to partake of and share in the amazing flavors of Tunisian “underground” gastronomy. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/all-right-foods-all-wrong-places-1606/ Hola, Ohla! http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/hola-ohla-1601/ Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:16:22 GMT Having recently taken advantage of the Luxury Link offer for the Ohla Hotel Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain - Hotel Travel Deals | Luxury Link... Having recently taken advantage of the Luxury Link offer for the Ohla Hotel Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain - Hotel Travel Deals | Luxury Link, I feel it is within my purview to offer my opinion regarding this fabulous property, as well as extend a warning of sorts for those who would likely find the layout of the rooms themselves ill-suited to their needs.

First off, the Ohla hotel in Barcelona is as advertised. It is but a stone’s throw away from La Rambla – the ever popular pedestrian, tree lined walkway and mall – nestled on a corner overlooking buildings rich with carvings, statues, and unmistakable European architecture.

Since bakeries are abundant in the area, an ever present and pleasant smell of fresh baked bread, pastries and croissants hangs in the air, reminding you of simpler times, and simple joys, and the pure pleasure of just being, without the stress and pressures life can often bring.

The staff is friendly, well versed in English, and eager to help or offer an opinion on everything from the best tapas place in the area, to which of Gaudi’s works one should see first, to where one can find good crema catalana.

It’s with the rooms themselves that one might take issue depending on their traveling companion. The beds are – as one would expect of a five star establishment – perfectly lovely and comfortable. The room itself is contemporary and minimalist but with enough accents and tastefully playful color to make it warm and inviting. The one issue likely to exist depending on whether the sight of your traveling companion in their birthday suit is a pleasant and awe inspiring experience, or something that will likely cause you to claw at your eyes, is the see through shower.

Thankfully, I took this trip with my wife, whom I am glad to say is still a vision after thirteen years of wedded bliss, so having a glass walled shower which faced the bed was nothing more than free entertainment every morning and evening.

As I was saying, if you are traveling to Barcelona on business, plan on a trip with someone with whom you are not romantically linked, or just can’t bear the thought of anyone seeing you naked, then the Ohla hotel in Barcelona is not for you.

If, however, you are comfortable in your own skin, then you are not likely to find a better hotel, with a friendlier staff, and if you happen to be traveling in the summer, a rooftop pool with more dramatic views.

Although it was too chilly to go for a swim during our trip, we did spend our mornings on the roof, drinking coffee, making plans for the day ahead, and just soaking in the priceless view.

All in all, the Ohla did not disappoint, the only downside being that three days isn’t nearly enough to see all there is to see in Barcelona.

danielboldea's Album: Rooftop from the Ohla Barcelona ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/hola-ohla-1601/ (Almost) Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta, Island of Malta http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/almost-grand-hotel-excelsior-valletta-island-malta-1579/ Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:25:06 GMT I have had plenty of time to ponder writing a review for this property and I promise to be as objective as possible. I will gauge my appreciation for... I have had plenty of time to ponder writing a review for this property and I promise to be as objective as possible. I will gauge my appreciation for the property using the retail price for the package, since the LL auction price is as low as a three star hotel in the area.

We both arrived with high expectations, excited that the hotel confirmed our requested New Year’s dates. As we pulled up, we immediately observed the awkward design of the hotel, the lobby was a few floors down from the street level. To walk to the property one needs to walk down a few flights of stairs, this might be an issue with those who have reduced mobility or after a long day of exploring Malta.

We walked in and were greeted by a very friendly bell boy, who quickly offered us some chilled juice. The receptionist, who seemed like she was having a bad day, suggested we sit down at the bar for about the 20 minutes and she will walk the keys over after the room, that she stated was clean, is double-checked. During our wait we had ample time to observe the lobby that looked like it was grand a long, long time ago, only to find out that the hotel has been running for much less time than expected for the level of ware and tear.

After an hour we decided it was time to see if we were simply forgotten. Sure enough, after I asked if the room was ready, she just pulled out a key from a drawer and handed it to us. At this point we were just looking forward to settling in.

As we walked into the room, we immediately noticed the staining on the beige carpet that everyone writes about on Tripadvisor. There was a lampshade on the table and the TV did not work. We were not impressed with the room to say the least. The view did make up for any shortcomings and we found ourselves spending plenty of time outside.

While we were unpacking, a waiter knocks on the door and delivers the included fruit basket. Nice touch right? Wrong. It was addressed to Capt. Z something or other, and though I might think so, I’m not a captain. Nice gestures like a fruit basket, all of a sudden fall flat.

Our room service experience was interesting. After placing our order, I called back to make sure they included ketchup with our midnight fries. Five minutes later, a waitress shows up with a little dish of ketchup, 30 minutes short of our food. We found that quite comical. . .

The executive lounge that was included in our package was very intimate. There were only two other guests present during our entire stay. The breakfast was decent but could be better for this caliber of property. The hors d'oeuvre selection was really two different types of mini pin wheels that weren’t worth eating. A varied bar service was offered and served with a smile by the executive lounge staff.

We had booked our dinner a few weeks in advance to make sure we get a good table at the Admiral’s Landing restaurant that has the beautiful bay windows overlooking the bay. We reconfirmed the reservation during our check in. Five minutes before our reservation time, we went downstairs at said restaurant, only to find our names on a sign saying that we should proceed to a different restaurant (I don’t recall the name) in the hotel. We obliged and walked over to the other restaurant. They knew nothing of our reservation and told us that we will only be able to dine an hour later, when they are scheduled to open. She did however mention that we could go back and dine at the Admiral’s Landing. Really?!

During check out we requested that they arrange a car transfer to the airport. They suggested that we wait, since the hotel car was taking a customer to Valletta and would return shortly. Without giving me a ETA, I requested that he call a cab. He seemed upset that I would even insist on cab and requested that I pay him in full. The car pulled up, it was a car from a local auto service, that was subcontracted by the hotel for overflow transfers. Kind of shady....oh well, we were on our way out.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news! All in all, I still think the LL package is a good deal. I couldn’t fathom accepting this level of service at retail pricing. Not the experience one would come to expect with LL properties.

On the other hand, it was holiday, high season. Your experience might be much better! Feel free to comeback with your perspective, I hope it is much better than ours! ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/almost-grand-hotel-excelsior-valletta-island-malta-1579/ Sense Travel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/sense-travel-1569/ Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:20:02 GMT I am a big believer in employing all five senses whenever I travel. Let’s be honest. If all we wanted to do was see a place and not experience it,... I am a big believer in employing all five senses whenever I travel. Let’s be honest. If all we wanted to do was see a place and not experience it, then we wouldn’t shell out a few hundred dollars for a plane ticket, another few hundred for accommodations, and a few hundred still for food and drinks while we are there.

I think anyone that does not experience their vacation destination but merely sees it, is robbing themselves blind. If all you wanted to do was see a place, Google street view is free, and visible from the comfort of your own home.

I love to travel, and if you’re on Luxury Link I’d wager you love to travel too. It is the one thing that brings us together, even though we might differ on everything else under the sun.
Ever since I could remember I’ve loved to go places, but it was only recently that I learned to experience a place and not just see it.

My other passion in life is photography, and anyone who is an avid photographer knows it’s easy to live through the lens, and see your vacation in frames, rather than really experience the culture surrounding you.

It was only after several years of marriage and a dozen or so vacations that I realized I was missing out on some crucial ingredient of my travel. Yes, I’d come home with stunning pictures of waterfalls, flora, fauna, landscapes, and portraits, but then someone who knew where I’d been on vacation would ask, ‘did you try feijoada or acaraje while you were in Brazil?’ and I’d have to shake my head and say that I had not.

Of course, there would always be a rebuke afterwards such as, ‘how can you go to Brazil and not try feijoada?’ but I never really understood the importance of immersing oneself in the culture of a place until I spent a week in Istanbul and decided to eat only what locals ate, and drink what locals drank. That weeklong experience changed my entire outlook on vacations, and what I do when I’m abroad.

The first thing I do is divide my time between seeing a vacation destination, and experiencing a destination. I still love photography and that’s not going to change, so I take three days out of any trip and see it through the frame of my Nikon. The rest of the time however, I spend immersing myself in the culture, and truly experiencing the place, its traditions, and its people.

For some reason I find it sad when I see a group of Americans all huddled together at any given not-to-be-named international burger chain, in a country half a world away.
You can eat the burger and the fries and the chicken strips when you’re in America. Now you’re on vacation, in an exotic place, with exotic foods and spices, and it would be akin to sin not to taste the local cuisine.

Take Turkey for instance. Thirteen hundred years of gastronomy and tradition can’t be wrong. How could I not try the halva, or the simit, or lokma or the baklava? Trust me vanilla soft serve with caramel syrup’s got nothing on a fresh piece of pistachio baklava.

We live in a world of wonder, and we’re only robbing ourselves if we don’t use all our senses when we get the opportunity to visit a new culture.

Touch, taste, smell, hear, and of course see the heart and soul of a place. Don’t be afraid to experiment, because experimenting usually leads to great experiences, and great experiences is why we all shell out our hard earned clams, and take a few days respite from the humdrum of everyday life.

So if you ever see a guy rubbing a Greek column at the Acropolis, or just standing in a spice market flaring his nostrils taking it all in, it’s probably me, and you’re welcome to come say hi. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/sense-travel-1569/ Our Go-To Place http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/our-go-place-1554/ Sat, 29 Dec 2012 13:28:12 GMT Through the years of living in Bucharest, we have often been confronted with the urgent desire to get away from the madness for a weekend, go... Through the years of living in Bucharest, we have often been confronted with the urgent desire to get away from the madness for a weekend, go somewhere during the holidays sans price gouging, or just change the scenery for a bit without having to go through a surpisingly frisky airport security pat down.

Since it is only three hours away, Sibiu (or Hermannstadt to the Germans in the area) has always been our go-to place of choice.

We have made our way there on numerous occasions, enjoying the turning of the leaves as well as the coming of spring. This time we decided we would make a two day trip to our go-to place, that is always the same yet somehow a bit different, before the hustle and bustle of the coming Christmas holiday.

We soon arrived at this amazing German-influenced city, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with Saxon-built fortress’ within reach, that has just as much caracter to offer as any European city. Named the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2007, Sibiu has something for everyone.

After a sleigh ride in the Astra Village Museum, we made our way to the Christmas market for a perfect cup of Glühwein. As we took in all the lights, smells and sounds of the Christmas carols in the background, we knew we had made the right choice and Sibiu yet again, did not dissappoint.

If you are ever on this side of the world, don’t hesitate, make your way to Sibiu and check it out. Who knows, I just might be there and the first cup of mulled wine is on me!

danielboldea's Album: Hermannstadt - Sibiu, Romania


We would love to hear of your go-to place. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/our-go-place-1554/ Oh! Canada! http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/oh-canada-1532/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 07:52:28 GMT Having done my civic duty and voted early, the wife and I decided to do something different this time around and be away during the elections. It’s... Having done my civic duty and voted early, the wife and I decided to do something different this time around and be away during the elections. It’s not that I have heart problems or anything, but watching an entire night of early returns, exit polls, and the subjective opinions of men I wouldn’t trust to hold my wallet if my life depended on it, we both decided life was too short, and it would do us good to go somewhere during all the madness and just relax.

We figured life would go on with or without us glued to our television set, so why not take advantage of the few days in which productivity would be at its lowest anyway, and just take a trip?

Since the wife had never seen Niagara Falls we decided on either Buffalo, New York or somewhere close to the falls across the border into Canada.

As has become my custom ever since I discovered Luxury Link, I got on the site and after a handful of minutes ran across the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The offer was for two nights in a classic king room, a three course meal, and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine.

After conferring with my better half, we decided on the package, and after calling and confirming it was available on the days we were considering taking the trip we booked it forthwith and with haste.

Although I had tried to prepare my wife for what she could expect to see in Niagara Falls, she was still underwhelmed by all the kitsch, and after spending the morning walking around the falls themselves, and taking in the natural beauty we drove the twenty-four kilometers to Niagara-on-the-Lake, hoping and praying it would not be a carbon copy of the touristy stew we witnessed at the falls themselves.

After following our trusty GPS to our destination, it took us a moment to get our bearings and realize that the quaint building on the corner was indeed the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa - Niagara on the Lake Hotels | Shaw Club Hotel & Spa | 4 Diamond Luxury in Ontario | Niagara's Finest Inns. After braving the wax museums, haunted houses, and cabinets of curiosities, the simple yet elegant Shaw Club was a breath of fresh air.

There was no kitsch here, and if I had to describe the town itself, it would be as a simpler version of Napa Valley. Niagara-on-the-Lake is situated smack dab in the middle of Canadian wine country, and to her unending delight my wife even recognized some of the wineries within close proximity. Wineries, which we subsequently visited, had tastings at, and purchased considerable quantities of the nectar of the gods from.

As it so happened, we had also arrived during the last week of the season, and the town itself was near to empty, which suited us to no end. It just goes to show you can have a touristy town, without being over the top, and by the clientele of the bistros and pastry shops we dined in, those in the know, know Niagara-on-the-Lake is the place to be for demure sophistication and refinement.

As far as the Shaw Club Hotel itself, the rooms were a bit smaller than what we are used to, but since a good meal will wash away much indiscretion as far as the wife and I are concerned, I would recommend the stay just for the fine meals one can have at Zees, their onsite restaurant.

As I said, it was not an issue of the rooms being clean, or the bed being comfortable, it was just the size of it that both the wife and I noticed, but all that was soon forgotten as soon as my wife saw her cheese plate, and I bit into my noodles with beef.

Overall the experience was wonderful, we got the relaxing couple days we were craving, and in four years when the madness of election season is once more upon us, we might just return to Niagara-on-the-Lake and unwind for a couple of days, bypassing the flashing lights, honking horns, and blaring music of its better known sister city, Niagara Falls. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/oh-canada-1532/ Something to Remember It By http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/something-remember-1529/ Wed, 14 Nov 2012 07:32:05 GMT Whether it’s refrigerator magnets, an antique letter opener, or even a coconut, it’s always a good idea to have something physical, and tangible to... Whether it’s refrigerator magnets, an antique letter opener, or even a coconut, it’s always a good idea to have something physical, and tangible to remember a place by. In our home my wife and I have an entire shelf dedicated to small items, trinkets, and oddities we’ve collected over the years, including everything from seashells I found free diving in Aruba, Hawaii and Bali, to antique weapons, vases, bowls, cups, and even potsherds we found in Corinth.

Every piece holds a memory, and it is like our own private secret whenever we happen to look at an item on our shelf and remember the time we spent in that particular place. It’s amazing the memories a certain piece acquired in a certain place can unlock, and in the end, life is about making memories and having a way to catalogue them and remember them throughout the years.

Don’t get me wrong, photos are great, a picture is after all worth a thousand words, but if you’re anything like me, you probably have upward of fifty thousand photos on your hard drive, and are still putting off going through them, cataloging them, and making photo albums.

Let’s face it; talking about a spearhead you acquired in Thermopylae is far more fascinating than showing someone a picture of you pretending to free dive of a cliff.

As I said, what you acquire as an anchor for your memories in any given place doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, but it does have to have some kind of meaning and relevance.

A friend of mine writes the time, date, and place on a sugar packet wherever she goes, and that’s her anchor. She has a giant bowl in the corner of her living room, and every time she returns from a trip, the bowl gets a little fuller with sugar packets.

When I asked her why she did this, since she has been doing it since her teen and is now in her thirties, she said it was for when she grew old, and would have no place to go. ‘All I have to do when the time comes is stick my hand in the bowl, pull out a packet, read the time, date and location, close my eyes, and relive the experience. I remember sights, sounds and smells from ten, even fifteen years ago when I read one of those packets, but I couldn’t tell you what I had for dinner two weeks ago.’

Without an active anchor our memories just float around aimlessly, popping up for air from time to time, at a time and in a manner of their own choosing.

When we anchor our memories however, we know exactly where to find them, and can return to them as often as we choose.

Whether it’s the first taste of gelato on your tongue on a hot summer’s day on a bustling nondescript street in Rome, or a particularly breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower as you’re strolling through Paris, there are countless memories we want to remember, and having something to remember them by is how we accomplish this.

Make it a habit to bring something home each time you go somewhere, and pretty soon it will be second nature, because you realize the many benefits of being able to remember on demand all the wonderful, rich and detailed moments of your memorable experiences. ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/something-remember-1529/ <![CDATA[Culinary Flight - A journey into Dubai's home of pure gastronomic decadence. . .]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/culinary-flight-journey-into-dubais-home-pure-gastronomic-decadence-1520/ Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:19:00 GMT As I was looking into places to see in Dubai, I came across this one of a kind offering. It features the best dining the Burj Al Arab has to offer,... As I was looking into places to see in Dubai, I came across this one of a kind offering. It features the best dining the Burj Al Arab has to offer, in a culinary flight never to be forgotten.

Arrive for your pre-dinner drinks at Sky View Bar. With the bar being suspended 200 metres above sea level, spectacular views are guaranteed. Skyview Bar - Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah

Take in the view whilst indulging in your first course at Al Muntaha. Dining 200 meters above sea level sure seems like high adventure to me! Step into one of the express panoramic lifts traveling six meters per second and look forward to what lies on top.

Al Muntaha which means 'The Ultimate' or 'The Top' in Arabic lives up to its name by offering unparalleled views of the Jumeirah beach, and The Palm and World Islands while you enjoy 'The Ultimate' in Modern European cuisine. Al Muntaha Restaurant - Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah

The next stopover takes you to Al Iwan (dinner only) for your delectable second course.
In the heart of the world’s tallest atrium, flanked by golden columns and next to the lobby fountain, is Al Iwan Royal Dining Hall, where you can enjoy a taste of the finest Arabic cuisine.

With spectacular sea views during the day, Al Iwan is transformed into an intimate dining room by night, with sumptuous tables and flickering candles.
Jumeirah-Burj Al Arab-Al Iwan


Next on this culinary extravaganza, Junsui where shall savor a sumptuous third course.

The Japanese word for ‘pure’, Junsui is an authentic Far East Asian restaurant set within the opulent interiors of Burj Al Arab. With breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf and an uber-stylish cocktail lounge, Junsui is the definitive place to be in a setting which is a pure delight.

The Culinary team is comprised of Asian chefs preparing a wide selection of dishes in front of guests, from twelve different live cooking stations in an open kitchen concept. Japanese and Chinese cuisine will be well presented and completed with Thai, Indonesian and Korean dishes.
Junsui Restaurant- Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah


Relish your main course at Al Mahara Restaurant Oyster Shell

Simply the finest seafood in the world. You will feast on delicious contemporary seafood prepared by our award winning chefs, while watching a wide selection of exotic fish in what has to be the most beautiful aquarium in Dubai. Al Mahara Restaurant - Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah

For the finishing touch, appease your sweet tooth cravings in Sahn Eddar Lounge.
Sahn Eddar is a symphony of classical sounds, marble, mosaic and soft torch lighting. An iconic spot to meet at the base of the world’s tallest atrium, against the backdrop of the magnificent water display, guests can linger over morning coffee or indulge in the delights of a traditional afternoon tea.
Sahn Eddar Restaurant - Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah


Build up your appetite for these mouth-watering offers:

Lunch (available everyday except Fridays):
AED 800 per person ($220)

Dinner:
AED 1,000 per person ($270)

*Prices are subject to change without prior notice

Advance reservations are essential and can be made via the following:
Telephone: +971 4 301 7600
Fax: +971 4 301 6076
Email: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com

Burj Al Arab
Timings:
Lunch: 12:30 to 15:30
Dinner: 18:30 till midnight

Cuisine: Seafood, International, Arabic, Asian

Dress Code:
Lunch: The Dress Code in Burj Al Arab is smart casual.
Dinner: The dress code for dinner in Al Mahara is semi-formal.

Photos courtesy of: jumeriah.com; destination360.com; jobsbump.com; therestaurantseeker.com
Attached Images
]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/culinary-flight-journey-into-dubais-home-pure-gastronomic-decadence-1520/ <![CDATA[A Lifetime of memories... Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/lifetime-memories-nafplia-palace-hotel-villas-1518/ Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:55:32 GMT I always find it difficult to decide where to go on vacation. A limited amount of time one can dedicate to vacationing coupled with a limited amount... I always find it difficult to decide where to go on vacation. A limited amount of time one can dedicate to vacationing coupled with a limited amount of financial resources, makes deciding on a destination for one’s vacation a real heady topic.

I’ve always had an admiration for people who can decide, on a whim, where they will spend their summer or winter vacation, but I’ve never been one of those people. I need to plan. I have to plan. For me, there is no worse feeling than getting on a plane, without certainty of shelter, and a general idea of where the best places to eat are.

Admittedly, I’m not so anal-retentive as to not allow for any variance, or the input of locals especially when it comes to dining out, but in general I like to know where I’m going, and have an idea of what it is I want to see, and what I will be seeing.

This past summer, my wife and I along with another couple decided on Greece. We had ten days at our disposal, and after doing some research decided that although Athens seemed like a wondrously fascinating place, spending the entire ten day vacation in Athens seemed a little much.

After talking it out with the other couple, we decided the best course of action would be to divide our time, and visit the new capital of Greece as well as the old capital of Greece.
This is how we ended up spending five nights in Nafplio, the capital of the First Hellenic Republic 1821-1834.

After scouring the internet for lodging in or around Nafplion, the gods smiled upon us, and we discovered an offer on Luxury Link for the Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas - Ancient history, modern luxury - Homepage.

I was brought up to believe that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. As such, I was quite skeptical of what we would discover once we arrived in Nafplio, because the price for this excursion was ridiculously affordable, and the implied amenities were luxurious indeed.

First, just getting to the Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas is an adventure all its own.
If you’re driving, you have to make your way up a steep, meandering, and often narrow-enough-for-one-vehicle street, until you reach the top. If you want to take the elevator up from street level, then you have to walk through an illuminated cave cut into the rock, reminiscent of James Bond back in the days of Goldfinger or From Russia with Love.

The property itself is nestled under the ancient walls of a castle, overlooking the bay of Argolis, and the old town of Nafplio. It is the perfect blend of history, culture, luxury, and modern day amenities.

As you exit the elevator from street level, you are met with a view of the infinity pool overlooking the bay, and the old executioner’s fort. The view itself is in one word…breathtaking. I would readily wager any amount that it is in the top three best views in all of Greece. Even before seeing the villas, we were already blown away.

As we went to check in, Anastasia, the desk clerk, informed us we had been upgraded to a presidential villa, and a villa with an outdoor Jacuzzi respectively, and breakfast would be included for our entire party throughout the stay. That’s what I call starting one’s vacation off on the right foot.

The villas were everything Luxury Link described and more. From wall to ceiling windows overlooking the marina and the bay, to the newest gadgets, and some of the most comfortable beds in all of Europe, it was an unforgettable vacation, and we are sure to return to both Nafplio and the Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas in the near future.

Needless to say, we racked up a lifetime’s worth of memories during our five day stay in Nafplio, enjoying everything from the accommodations, to the view, to the history, to the people, to the food, to the atmosphere.


Photos courtesy of nafpliapalace.gr
Attached Images
]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/lifetime-memories-nafplia-palace-hotel-villas-1518/ The Divani Caravel Athens - A Special Kind of Charm http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/divani-caravel-athens-special-kind-charm-1517/ Thu, 18 Oct 2012 05:32:41 GMT During our vacation to Greece, much of which was booked through Luxury Link, we spent two nights at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens, Greece -... During our vacation to Greece, much of which was booked through Luxury Link, we spent two nights at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens, Greece - Hotel Travel Deals | Luxury Link.

Let me begin by saying that if you’re looking for quaint, small, boutique, or dainty, the Divani will not, in any way, meet your needs.

The Divani Caravel is an old school, in your face, mammoth construct reminiscent of Cold War era Russian buildings, but it has a special kind of charm nevertheless.

First off, the rooftop pool with a direct line of sight to the Acropolis is one of those experiences that will bring a smile to your face every time you remember it. The view was stunning, the weather was perfect, and the mojito we asked our bartender to make was exceptionally well prepared.

The suites we received were on the top floor of the hotel, and balconies opened up to arguably the best view of the Acropolis in all of Athens. It was stunning.

Usually my wife is talkative, but as we sat on our balcony sipping some very respectable complimentary wine and watching the sun set behind the Acropolis, we were both silent, caught up in the beauty of it all.

The view alone makes the packages more than worth it, and if you happen to be into photography, bring a tripod, and go nuts with the long exposure night shots. I got some seriously gorgeous pictures, some of which I could readily print on canvas and sell, and no one would ever believe I went no further than the balcony of my hotel room.

The rooms are spacious, more like a one bedroom apartment sans kitchen than a conventional hotel room, and the suite we stayed in boasted of none other than Mikhail Gorbachev having slept there.

As ought to be the case with any five star properties the service was impeccable. Even with the strain of the recent turmoil, protests, and economic uncertainty, the entire staff from the desk clerk to the cleaning crew to the servers, were professional, polite, and seemed genuinely happy to be there.

Breakfast at the Divani Caravel is an experience. The buffet is better than most we had while traveling Europe, but the attention to detail is what sets them apart from other hotels. What we later concluded must have been the floor manager was efficient, and appropriately authoritative with her subordinates, so that everything from coffee to champagne to fresh rolls was no more than a nod away.

At a certain point in life I guess you come to appreciate cleanliness and efficiency with almost equal enthusiasm as you would taste and presentation, but thankfully the Divani lacked nothing in those areas either.

Yes, the entrance is imposing. It looks like you’re going in to the Politburo of the old USSR to give a deposition or file a complaint, but once you get past the sheer mass of the Divani Caravel its charm is undeniable. Who said big things can’t be beautiful? ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/divani-caravel-athens-special-kind-charm-1517/ Napali Coast http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/napali-coast-1513/ Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:14:49 GMT ---Quote (Originally by danielboldea)--- Here are my two cents: There are many beautiful places on Kauai but nothing comes close to the beauty of...
Quote Originally Posted by danielboldea View Post
Here are my two cents:

There are many beautiful places on Kauai but nothing comes close to the beauty of it's Napali Coast! Not to be missed, must see, call it what you would like!

While Waimea Canyon is worth a drive, I wouldn't spend my only day on Kauai exploring it. If you opt for a driving tour you eventually get to Kalalau Lookout Kalalau Lookout , which will give you an idea of the Napali Coast and what you would have seen, had you taken the boat tour.

During our trip we went on a tour with Holo Holo Charters :: Kauai, Niihau, and Napali Coast Boat & Snorkeling Tours . They were running a special at the time and offered great value for money. Had we had more money we would have opted for Kauai Sailing Adventures and their amazing vessel, the Southern Star, https://www.napali.com/southern-star/ that is more appropriate for discerning Luxury Link travelers.

As far as the helicopter tour goes, though I'm sure it would be worth it, it was too expensive for us and didn't allow enough time to take in the views.

If I still haven't convinced you, check these pictures out: http://www.lovethesepics.com/2012/03...r-adventurers/

Your visit to Napali will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime! Don't miss out!

Depending on the season, keep your eyes open for whales, dolphins and sea turtles.
Make sure you protect your camera from the salty mist.
]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/napali-coast-1513/ Roaming while in Rome. . . http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/roaming-while-rome-1511/ Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:00:06 GMT For those of you who are fortunate enough to be on a follow up visit of Rome, or those who need to escape the mobs of tourists that invade the city... For those of you who are fortunate enough to be on a follow up visit of Rome, or those who need to escape the mobs of tourists that invade the city day after day, may I suggest a quiet destination nearby?

Steeped in the culture and history of Italy, a town that has provided hospitality for emperors, popes, artists and nobility, lies the enchanting city of Tivoli, just 30 km from Rome.

The origins of Tivoli date back to 1215 BC (that is nearly 500 years before the founding of Rome).

What to see:

Villa d’Este Villa d'Este, Tivoli, (Rome) - Italy - Official Site -
Built in 1550 for Cardinal Ippolito Il d’Este. Designed by the architect Pirro Ligorio, it is famous for the sumptuous garden, statue monuments and above all, its great fountains. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001 and has made the list of the top 25 fountains in the world.

Hadrian’s Villa Villa Adriana
Built as a retreat for the Emperor Hadrian, starting from 117 A.D., it is the most extensive ancient roman villa, covering an area of at least 80 hectares, more or less as large as Pompeii. This UNESCO World Heritage site was a complex of over 30 buildings, much of which has still not been excavated.

Villa Gregoriana Villa Gregoriana
“Villa Gregoriana” Park, at the slopes of the acropolis, is dominated by two temples from II and III century b.C., was organized in 1834 under Pope Gregory XVI, after the diverting of the Aniene river.

The presence of archaeological ruins, vestiges of different periods, exceptional natural elements, including a few waterfalls, caves and foreshortened views give the park a great environmental, historical and artistic value.

Temple of Vesta is a Roman Temple dating to the early 1st century BC. Its ruins sit on the acropolis of the city, overlooking the falls of the Aniene that are now included in the Villa Gregoriana.

It is a great place to hike for a couple of hours, enjoy the mist from the waterfalls on a hot day, and to take some pictures in lush, green surroundings.

Getting there:
By Train
To avoid traffic delays I recommend taking the train from either Roma Tiburtina or Roma Termini train stations towards Tivoli. Around a 1 hour trip.

By Metro/Bus
Another option is taking the blue metro line to Ponte Mammolo and hopping on a regional bus that runs frequently to Tivoli. Traffic is heavy at peak times and it can take up to two hours to get there.

By car
Via Nazionale Tiburtina from Rome will take you all the way to Tivoli.

Shopping:
There is a great cameo jewelry shop just across from where you will exit Villa d’Este. The owner is very nice and offers affordable to exquisite cameos.

Dining:
For Italian fare with an amazing view, try Sibilla. They have been here for almost 300 years so they must be doing something right!
Ristorante Tivoli | Ristorante Sibilla dal 1720 ]]> danielboldea http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/danielboldea/roaming-while-rome-1511/