Gypsy Jetsetter

A Visit to the Holy Land

gypsyjetsetter — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:53:41 +0000

There is so much to see in the Holy Land – one of the most religious and historically rich places in the world. It is definitely worth a visit, despite all the regional tensions. This is also a great place to celebrate the traditional New Year’s Eve (December 31^staccording to the Gregorian / Roman calendar) as it doesn’t coincide with Jewish New Year’s celebrations (Rosh Hashanah). If you only have a few days, you can make the most of it with a tour – either a private hire through your hotel or a group tour through Egged Tours.

VISIT:

JERUSALEM

It is easy to get lost in the narrow, winding pedestrian streets and to forget which quarter of the Old City you’re in – the Jewish, Muslim, Armenian, and Christian Quarters are all closely intertwined. This is the place to view biblical sites and get souvenirs of your trip if you so wish. The Western (Wailing) Wall is also a must see – be sure to pray at either the men’s or women’s side before you leave.

THE DEAD SEA

One of the most memorable parts of this trip, the Dead Sea really is a unique site. Float in the water, and make sure to wrap the Dead Sea mud all over your body for a proper natural spa session. Or as one creative woman did, take a Tupperware with you so that you can fill it with the mud and take it home! You can also buy Ahava (Dead Sea beauty products) there or for a better deal, at the airport duty-free.

STAY:

There’s a charming new little boutique hotel called Hotel Berdichevsky located on a quiet street in Tel Aviv. The rooms are clean and tastefully decorated, and the breakfast is delicious. The concierge also gives fantastic restaurant recommendations (see below).

DINE:

Eat (as often as you can) at Shila restaurant, also known as Sharon Cohen’s Kitchen & Bar. If you sit at the food bar, the mouth-watering tasting menu is created right in front of you by the chefs.

A LITTLE R&R:

For a shisha and mint tea in a live DJ setting, stop at Honey Beach (cocktails are also served here). Or relax on the beach in Tel Aviv – the winter sunshine in December (21degrees Celsius or approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit) is very welcomed by pale, Vitamin-D deficient tourists (myself included).

As always, have a great trip!

Sunsets in Santorini

gypsyjetsetter — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:42:05 +0000

Arguably the most romantic of the Greek islands, Santorini is a great place to go with your other half. You’ll get stunning sunset views from hotels set high up on cliffs overlooking the water – the perfect place to relax and unwind – whether for your ‘mini-moon,’ honeymoon or just an extra-special vacation.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni Carpi

Stay in a suite at Canaves Oia Hotel for a little piece of paradise. Lounge on your own private balcony with incredible views, and alternate with a few hours relaxing at the pool.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni Carpi

If you’d like to go for an intimate dinner, make a reservation at 1800 which is just a few steps away. Dine on the terrace or on the roof. The set menu has an excellent array of fine dishes to thrill your taste buds. Many of the restaurants in Oia are very touristy but this one is a delightful exception.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni Carpi

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, take a private sailing tour for a few hours with George of the Triantafillou Bros Oia Sailing Center. Swim in the natural hot springs to pamper your skin.

If you’re flying from London, easyjet flies directly from Gatwick to Santorini.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni Carpi

As always, enjoy your trip!

Revitalize Yourself in Wales

gypsyjetsetter — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:41:56 +0000

Looking for a peaceful weekend getaway?

Drive out to experience nature in Wales. Visit the shore and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Have a cupcake at Casa Maria – Magnolia has met it’s match!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Dine at Wolfscastle.

Stay at Crundale House, a picture-perfect bed and breakfast in Wales. Veronica and her husband go out of their way to ensure that their guests are completely content, with the kind of genuine hospital that doesn’t really exist that much anymore. The rooms are tastefully decorated, especially the Rudbaxton room with a view of their beautiful garden and a welcoming bathtub to soak in. The rooms have a cozy feel, and Veronica has added tasteful touches like the True Grace orangery room diffuser leaving you feeling calm and relaxed. They make a delicious breakfast which you can select from their menu, including fresh cut fruit.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

As always, have a great trip!

A little sun, sand, and R&R in…Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

gypsyjetsetter — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:05:36 +0000

Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands, formed by a volcanic eruption 20million years ago, and it still remains a fairly barren, deserted island today, at least in the Corralejo area. Depending on what you’re looking for, this could be the perfect long-weekend getaway with nothing but beautiful beaches, a great hotel and great food at your fingertips.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Where to stay:

Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real in Corralejo – breathtaking views, great service, and tastefully decorated – this is the perfect getaway spot for a romantic weekend away.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Where to eat:

Restaurants in this area generally are not very fancy, but the food is delicious.

Restaurante La Scarpetta da Mario – an Italian restaurant with succulent meats, and freshly made pasta.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Restaurante Avelino (c/. Galicia, 35) – run by the sweetest older gentleman who goes out of his way to ensure his clients are well taken care of. The jamon Iberico and paella were excellent and they even put together a great simple salad. Eat outside so you can enjoy views of the ocean.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

As always, have a great trip!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Antwerp – City of Fashion and Diamonds

gypsyjetsetter — Thu, 31 May 2012 12:08:47 +0000

Antwerp has long been known as a diamond hub, and is one of the largest in the world with $16billion in polished diamonds passing through here each year. It is also known for the Antwerp Six, the fashion designers who’ve made a name for themselves in this city, including Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs, and Marina Yee (Source: Wikipedia).

If you happen to be in this trendy port city in the summer, make sure you stop by Strantwerpen, a beach bar on the water where people go to see and be seen or just relax and enjoy some drinks on beds in the sand. It has a bit of an Ibiza feel to it, but a bit calmer of course.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

If you’re looking for typical Belgian cuisine, indulge in a steak tartar with salad and fries at Vieux Depot in Brasschaat (Oude baan 11). You can ask to prepare it yourself or they can prepare it for you (meaning adding pickles, egg yolk, mustard and other tasty ingredients).

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

As always, have a good trip!

‘Kiss me…I’m Irish’ – A Relaxing Weekend Getaway at Ashford Castle

gypsyjetsetter — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:17:27 +0000

Looking for a romantic, relaxing weekend getaway in Europe? Check out Ashford Castle in Cong, Ireland, part of The Leading Hotels of the World group. Their website depicts great views of the idyllic countryside surroundings which are even more breathtaking in person.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Service is excellent – TJ especially goes above and beyond. You can choose to do many activities or nothing at all, depending on your preference. If you land at Dublin, the drive is approximately two and a half hours, but it’s worth it. Built in 1228, the castle still retains its charm to this day, and has intrigued many world leaders and celebrities who have stayed here. Take a walk and see the beautiful grounds.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Activities include horseback riding, golf, falconry, and clay target shooting among other things. Spa treatments are also available.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

I highly recommend their Virgin Mary cocktail, and both the red and white Puna Snipe wines, and the George V restaurant offers delicious cuisine!

As always, have a great trip:).

“La Ville-Lumière”…or City of Lights, PARIS

gypsyjetsetter — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:45:22 +0000

Getting its name originally from being the center of ideas and education in the Age of Enlightenment, Paris emanates all that is romance, exquisiteness, and glamour – basically anything that holds an indefinable allure. Here are a few ideas to keep you entertained on your trip, touristy and otherwise…

SHOP:

The Champs-Élysées has all the high street brands, including the much coveted Sephora that for some odd reason has not opened in the UK yet. Massimo Dutti is a classy premium brand worth taking a look at too. Try coming here before noon as it otherwise gets swamped with tourists shopping and taking photos of the Arc de Triomphe. There are also quite a few museums you can check out here.

Photo credit: journeymart.com

If you’re looking for luxury, take a walk down Avenue Montaigne. Louis Vuitton (also on the Champs), Prada, Harry Winston, Chanel, etc. are all here. You can stop in the famed Plaza Athénée for tea.

Go to Galeries Lafayette and Printemps which is even nicer, for a wider variety of brands in a high-end department store setting. Make sure you get there early if you’re going on a weekend as the crowds can be overwhelming!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

EAT:

L’Avenue restaurant on Avenue Montaigne is the perfect way to treat yourself after walking all around Paris. Everything on the menu is excellent. And when the weather is nice you can sit on the terrace and people-watch in an intimate setting.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

La Société is a super trendy spot that is great for group dinners. ‘Le tigre qui pleure’ is a delicious steak dish that melts in your mouth. You’ll be sure to bump into a celebrity or two here.

Make sure you soak in all the sights and sounds of this magical city before you go on to your next destination.

As always, have a great trip!

Looking to escape the London rat race?

gypsyjetsetter — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:07:25 +0000

For a quiet haven away from your daily routine, pamper yourself with a massage and facial from Nalika’s Beauty – Nalika even tailors the facials to suit your skin’s needs. One and a half hours of this treatment leaves you feeling refreshed and re-energized, and Nalika herself is extremely professional and always smiling.

Stop into Evolve Wellness for yoga, meditation, and holistic therapy sessions. Located in a quiet mews in South Kensington by the tube station, this sanctuary has a yoga timetable to suit your needs, experienced instructors and a dedicated reception staff.

Photo credit: http://evolvewellnesscentre.com/

Marrakech

gypsyjetsetter — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:33:08 +0000

This exotic North African city is unique, chaotic and just an all-around very interesting place (although it can be tiring!) I wouldn’t recommend visiting the souks and main square more than once. There is much history though can be seen and I highly recommend taking a drive outside the city to get some fresh air and take in the nature that Morocco has to offer.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Here’s a clip from the beautiful Kate Winslet movie ‘Hideous Kinky’, which takes place in Marrakech – a great movie that gives you a feel for the city:

Places to eat:
Le Tanjia – delicious tagines

Restaurant Le Foundouk – high-end, more tagines, but also European cuisine

Dar Essalam – authentic architecture and you guessed it, more tagines

Stay: Riad Kaiss – great service, view from the rooftop, traditional.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Get chauffeured:
Rida.Moktafi@gmail.com / +212 670 609 876 – Our driver while we were there. He was very respectful and explained a lot about Marrakech, the people and the culture.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

As always, have a great trip!

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Prague – A Romantic Weekend in Eastern Europe

gypsyjetsetter — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:54:50 +0000

Prague is filled with beautiful architecture, and is all-around charming and very affordable. There are a few other places to see in this city aside from the tourist sites of Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the National Gallery though.

Stay at Mamaison Riverside Hotel -

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Just across the bridge from the city center and without wifi, this simple hotel allows you to get a taste of tranquillity, while providing excellent service. I’d recommend a room on the 6thfloor with views of Prague.

Eat at Olympia –

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

A ten minute walk from the hotel, this local restaurant serves delicious typical Czech food. Try the American steak or the platter of various meats. They even have a section of the menu entitled something along the lines of – ‘Food that goes with Beer’.

For a bit more upscale experience, dine at Bellevue. Try the tasting menu. As a plus, the views really are beautiful, as the name of the restaurant suggests.

Shop at Manufaktura -

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

This store is filled with natural bath products, made of beer, wine, and dead sea minerals among other ingredients. You can find traditional wooden Christmas decorations here as well.

As always, have a great trip!