lesleymurphy

Desert Vibes: Qasr al Sarab Resort in Abu Dhabi

September 6, 2016 by lesleymurphy 8 Comments

Besides sleeping on the side of a mountain in Peru, Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara (aka Palace of the Mirage) tops the charts for the most unique hotel and backdrop I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Mirroring a desert oasis, the long (and I mean long, like 20 minutes long) entrance to the property had our jaws dropped and eyes wide open, rudely gapping at the dunes before us. After finally arriving, the property welcomed us with delectable dates and camel milk…which reminds me. I never want regular milk ever again. It was thick with a hint of cinnamon and other mouth-watering Middle Eastern spices I couldn’t begin to name, and I felt the urge to thank whatever camel produced such greatness. I knew I’d get that chance shortly.

With 205 rooms, Qasr Al Sarab doesn’t short-change any guest due to its 360-degree panoramic view of straight sand. I guarantee you that even the Harry Potter closet has a view of the wavelike dunes from the crack in the stone. Whichever way you look, however, note that sunglasses are a necessity. ‘Blinded by the light’ takes on new meaning here. The skies are hold more of a whiter hue than blue, and come high noon, you’ll most likely have already gravitated towards the hotel’s swimming pool that feels more like a lukewarm bath than anything else. Being surrounded by one of the largest sand deserts (Liwa Desert) in the world will do that (and then will promptly have you ordering vodka-anything-with-ice to halt from perspiring inside said pool).

If you decide to embark on an adventure to the middle of nowhere, you must remember to partake in a few things:

1) 5am Sunrise Camel Ride: The alarm clock sounded earlier than early that morning, but I can’t imagine who wouldn’t want to wake up for a camel ride…until we arrived to the meeting point and were told the family of 5 joining us was still in bed. Their loss! Suhan and Shahen were our camels and BFFs for the day as we headed into the 300 meter high dunes.

2) Sand Boarding: Unless you’re Hulk Hogan, Usain Bolt, or some other insanely athletic character who can defy all odds and therefore extreme temperatures, you’ll only be able to go up and down the dunes a couple of times. Maybe more depending on how much water you brought with you. The only way to slide down is to walk up! There are no ski lifts in the desert.

3) Private dinner in the dunes: While this was super tasty and beautiful and romantic (I mean, I was with one of my best girlfriends, but one can imagine), note that it’s not entirely private. While paying an arm and a leg for a private dinner at sunset, half the hotel was out and about right next to us witnessing the colorblasts as well. Just check out the photobomb in the background of the picture below. I felt as if the property needed to either lower the price for this activity or move it a bit further from the backyard of the hotel.

4) Sand is like herpes. You can never rid of it entirely (while in its vicinity.) It will be in your bed, in your shower, in your bathtub. Just go with it, and become one with the sand.

Note that traveling in the UAE means a 10% service fee and 6% tourism fee on each and every purchase and activity you do. Be prepared for a hefty bill at check-out. #worthit

How to Visit Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque

August 25, 2016 by lesleymurphy 5 Comments

Before Your Visit

Plan for the best lighting, especially if you’re a photographer (in which case, you’ll already have thought about this!). The best time of day to arrive is 4:30pm. It’ll still be SCORCHING hot, but the lighting will be at its best (and will only get better) and the crowds will be dwindling down.

Dress appropriately. This is a place of worship, and even if you do not follow this religion, at least respect it. All women are provided with an abaya (traditional black robe) and a shayla (head scarf) at no charge upon entering the premises, however, it’s still in good conduct to already be wearing clothing covering your shoulders and lower legs plus ankles. Men, no tank tops or shorts. See here for clothing specifics.

Drink lots of water beforehand as it’s a very hot environment, and water is not allowed inside. Neither are any kind of food items.

During Your Visit

Entry fee? None!

Join a tour for free (offered in English and Arabic) to experience the various elements of the architecture and Islamic culture. See more about specific tour times here. Opening hours are 9am to 10pm daily. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is closed for tourism activities on Friday mornings but will reopen for visitors after 4:30pm.

Removing shoes may be required in order to visit certain places inside the mosque. Not to worry – they’ll be there upon your return!

Entry fee? None!

Don’t miss the mirror pools towards the entrance as well as the crystal chandeliers situated inside the halls and foyers. The largest chandelier (located in the main prayer hall and considered one of the world’s largest in a mosque) weighs approx. 12 tons. The main prayer hall houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, coming in at over 61,000 sq. ft.

Take LOTS of photos, because you can! I was so happy to learn that cameras were allowed inside the mosque in order to capture this beaut!

Our opening hours are 9am-10pm daily, however the mosque is closed for tourism activities on Friday mornings.

28 Hours in Siem Reap, Cambodia

August 16, 2016 by lesleymurphy 5 Comments

The backstory: I really wanted to see Angkor Wat, wake up with the sun, roam where Angelina Jolie roamed while filming Tomb Raider and experience the largest religious monument in the world. That’s basically it. So, off I went with my fearless travel buddy.

We landed to a hazy Siem Reap at around 5pm from Vietnam. Customs and Immigrations were zero hassle since we received our e-visa from a simple application online, so we grabbed our bags from the conveyor belt and found our two tuk-tuks awaiting our arrival – one for us and one for our bags (*cringes with embarrassment*).

Now that our luggage had garnered attention from all kinds of on-lookers, we began the bumpy 20 minute drive ahead of us. We passed everything from mobile businesses on tuk-tuks to naked babies in the streets to moped drivers carrying guns I couldn’t even name. It was an authentic clip out of a cultural foreign film, and I can’t say that I ever felt on edge while exposed to the Siem Reap evening scene. It was, in a way, refreshing.

Stay

Park Hyatt Siem Reap is located in the heart of the city, showcasing 104 elegant and contemporary guest rooms boasting vibrant pops of summery colors. Rising high above the Siem Reap skyline, our arrival at sunset made for a dramatic photo shoot session to say the very least.

To describe the Rooftop Garden Suite as spacious is an understatement. Coming in at 1,636 sq. ft., the suite provided us with our very own kitchen, living area, rooftop garden and separate bedroom with marble bath and outdoor shower – for all of those precious 1,680 minutes.

As if the interiors weren’t enough, who doesn’t love dining with a 100-year-old Banyan tree? Set in the courtyard of the hotel, The Dining Room can’t be missed when searching for authentic Cambodian cuisine, the most famous dish being the Fish Amok with coconut curry, herbs, flowers, spices, and white fish.

Do – Angkor Archaeological Park

What did we do during our one and only morning in Siem Reap? In a destination made famous by the decaying temples of Angkor, we woke up before the sun to catch the world’s largest religious complex in its best lighting.

My iPhone alarm sounded at 4:20am. We were meeting our guide, Paige, downstairs at 4:45. Woof. Forgoing breakfast for temples meant something huge: That I’d rather attempt to explore 402 acres of Hindu turned Buddhist temples than eat my complimentary pancakes. Ha! There was going to need to be a blueberry muffin in there somewhere along the way or else I was going to faceplant in front of a few brightly-cloaked monks.

Paige was incredibly cheery for 4:45 in the morning, like there was a skip in her step, and I mean that in the most literal sense. I looked down at my phone once we arrived at the ticket office. It read 5:07. I looked up just in time to see Paige literally skipping across the street. This was going to be one hell of a morning!

Angkor Wat sunrise sessions see around 500 people, which then accumulates to around 3,000 in one day during low season, or 6,000 per day in high season. After sunrise, we started out at Angkor Thom, built in 1181, and then made our way to Ta Prohm. Meaning “the great city” in Khmer, the 12th-century royal Buddhist city of Angkor Thom is especially famed for its Bayon Temple.

I especially loved Ta Prohm and it’s iconic tree roots and maze-like corridors. Having been swallowed by the jungle, Ta Prohm looks very much the way most of the monuments of Angkor appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. One of the most famous spots in Ta Prohm is the so-called ‘Tomb Raider tree’, where Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft roamed.

Clothing: It’s hot, and while there are tourists who wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, be respectful and bring along a scarf and wear clothing past the knee.
Best time of day: Sunrise. Tickets are available starting at 5am. Tip: Get there before 5am. There are loads of tourists!
Passes: $20/day; $40 for a 3-day pass; $60 for weekly pass
Tour guide: Ask for Paige, associated with Park Hyatt Siem Reap. She helped up bypass the tourist lines at the ticket counters before sunrise, expediting the process immensely. She was also one of the best guides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with – extremely fun and knowledgeable.

These young monks were so nice to have their photo made with me when asked by our tour guide, Paige. I don’t think I could be any more awkward here…

Later that afternoon, we visited Artisans Angkor, an establishment for young rural people who are able to find work here for 6 months to a year while training in the development of local arts & crafts. The hope is that after training is completed, they can go back to their homeland and provide for their families by opening a shop to sell their handicraft, whether that be stone or wood carvings, silver plating, or the production of silk fabrics. I couldn’t leave without buying a scarf and a stone-carved pig for my father (go hogs!).

The last stop of the day included a blessing by two monks. This was especially unique because after visiting various monasteries, sanctuaries & abbies all over the world, I’ve never been in such close contact with a monk. It should be noted here that when I say close contact, I mean we were separated by at least 2-3 feet during the blessing. Many guidelines are instated for the lifestyles of monks, who would also refrain from carrying on correspondence with women, other than for matters pertaining to the monastery. Lucky for me, he was gracing us with his blessing inside those walls. I was able to ask him questions about his life, and the last thing he said to me was, “Please smile. It will make you happy all the time.” Thank you for the reminder, Brother Nen.

After the blessing, we raced back to the hotel with just enough time to shower, pack and scarf down a very quick dinner before heading to the airport. We had an all-nighter in front of us to Japan!

Giving Back

My favorite aspect of Park Hyatt Siem Reap wasn’t the plush pink living room sofas or the sprawling pool to bask in after a long day of exploration. Giving back to the local community is as much a part of the fabric as the plush beds and luxurious sheets. From partnering with Angkor Hospital for Children for blood-donation day to raising funds to support the children and families of various communes, their purpose defines their practice: they work to create an environment for people to thrive by building strong communities. The Park Hyatt Sewing School NGO in partnership with Life and Hope Association pulled at my heart strings and made me sad that I only had an allotted 28 hours in Siem Reap. Upon my next visit, I promised the property I’d lend my hands to helping their causes and can’t wait for round two in Cambodia to do just that.

See more images from my time with Park Hyatt Siem Reap below!

Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun: Four Seasons Dubai x2

August 10, 2016 by lesleymurphy 3 Comments

I have to be honest. It’s taken me a long time to sit down to write this post. Some articles are easier than others, and there is something so special about Four Seasons Dubai that maybe I wanted the experience to marinade before I let it all out. Perhaps I wanted to keep it to myself and bask in complete selfishness. Maybe I was nervous that I couldn’t do it justice on paper (read: screen). But alas, here we are, and I will do my best to transform the over-the-top experience so that you, the reader, can feel transported to the UAE if only for a moment.

Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach

I landed at Dubai International and had no idea what to think. I had just flown from Krabi, Thailand, to Hong Kong to Dubai via Cathay Pacific for a five day stint in the Middle East, and all I knew was that it was HOT. Whoa. And I thought Thailand was warm…

The Suite

I pulled up the elite post code of Jumeirah Beach to a well-heeled, energetic crowd in the lobby of Four Seasons. There was no glistening chandelier or gaudy water feature in the middle of the foyer. Instead, I was met by a geometric dome, glass and an abundance of light. The Shai Salon with its prime sea view was calling my name, but its vibrant yellow seating and calming tea would have to wait. My generously-sized suite and its tub was calling my name “Lesssllleeyyyyyyyy” ever so softly. International travel doesn’t look or smell good on anyone!

This bedroom…

…with this mosaic-tiled wall as the backdrop for a dramatic free-standing oval tub? PURE INDULGENCE. The design features a white marble floor, silver-leaf ceiling, and a custom Murano glass pendant. A special highlight is the TV hidden in the vanity mirror. I die.

The Grounds

It’s a no-brainer that all Four Seasons hotels and resorts strive to be a notch about the rest. If you’ve visited Dubai, you know that anything that the city touches is extraordinary. Now, put a Four Seasons property inside Dubai and BOOM. A paradisiacal community exists for any guest who books a reservation. A self-guided tour while on property should be worked into any guest’s itinerary just to witness the amount of detail that goes into such a place.

The dramatic walkway leading out from the dome to the natural beach at the edge of the Arabian Gulf is one of my favorites scenes on property. Passing by two pools on either side with luxury cabanas and wafts of what’s sure to be amazing poolside cuisine, I couldn’t help but to act like a complete paparazzi for a hot second (and when I say hot, I mean really, really, really hot).

When you look up ‘paradise’ in the dictionary, Merriam-Webster says “See also: Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach.” Okay, not really, but it should.

Don’t even get me started on this floating dock. What is life?

If you’re a spa snob, you should probably just snob it up here in either the indoor pool or in one of the 10 luxe treatments rooms. To say they are devine is an understatement. If you still have some money to spend, don’t miss the hotel’s five shops down my favorite corridor that ever lived.

The Cuisine

I don’t think I’ve ever had a proper breakfast of champions until I landed here at Suq (meaning “market” in Arabic). If you can dream it, Chef Jagath can make it…I truly mean that.

The buffet breakfast is truly a luxurious extravaganza with baked eggs in bread bowls, made-to-order waffles, Indian fare and the most unique homemade granola I’ve ever witnessed. My compliments to the Chef for making the most delicious green smoothie I’ve ever had. You, sir, have major talent.

Definitely worth mentioning is my dinner at Sea Fu, Four Seasons’ beachfront venue that whips up scrumptious Asian-influenced delicacies by the beach. (If you’re staying over the weekend, don’t miss the Saturday brunch here, which translates to the popular Sunday brunch in the States. Dubai’s weekends are Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday!) I don’t know what was more enjoyable: the live DJ, my dim sum platter, or my night cap upstairs at Hendrix Bar. As the gin and tonic trolley came wheeling my way, I leaned back in my oversized club chair and took in the smell of cigars. The bar’s modern take on the classic British gentleman’s club was an establishment for the serious drinkers of the world, and I figured I could act the part for one night alongside other frequenters of the bar. Note* To have an alcohol license in Dubai, the bar must be connected to a hotel.

The Works

We’ve gone through the accommodations, the cuisine, the amenities, the sophisticated luxury that’s all in the details, but what about if you want to go off property? HELLO. Ever heard of the Burj? I thought so. What about the monstrosity that is Dubai Mall? Mmmhmm. I couldn’t believe my luck when the property offered to put me in the hotel car for an entire day to show me the city life. While many hotels and resorts want to keep you on property as long as possible in order for guests to, I don’t know…say spend more money, Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach encourages city exploration via hotel Bentley pimped out with the best amenity of all: wifi.

Four Seasons DIFC

Now, for that double dose of greatness may I introduce to you: Four Seasons DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center). Calling all business travelers: This one’s for you. Well, this one’s for everybody really, and here’s why.

The boutique-style sanctuary that is FS DIFC is a must-see. What it lacks in beachfront property and a resort-like atmosphere, it makes for in urban vibes, prime location, intimate feel and a rooftop walled pool. With just 106 rooms, FS DIFC exudes privacy. I opted for the Studio Suite with its unmistakable view of the towering Burj Khalifa outside my floor-to-ceiling windows. Special shout out to internationally renowned designer Adam D. Tihany for creating a contemporary oasis that I called home for a few days.

7th Heaven

With the heat index higher than the amount of destinations on my travel itinerary, I felt as though my face needed some major TLC. I headed to the 7th floor and let my senses indulge in all the spa things. After my face felt like it was renewed, rejuvenated and reborn, I may or may not have reversed everything by immediately making my way outside to the pool. But, come on, can you blame me?

That’s what I thought. LOOK AT THIS THING. I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING SO BEAUTIFUL IN MY LIFE. I feel like I’m shouting, but I kind of want to. I want to tell everyone how amazing this body of water really is. Who needs Jumeirah Beach when this exists above your hotel?!

Firebird Diner

I love anything tied to a theme, but add food to it and I’m bound to fall in love. Paying tribute to the classic American eatery, Michael Mina’s diner is outfitted with a decorative counter, plush booths, and my personal fave – a jukebox. You better believe I waltzed over and turned on ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ so that the entire restaurant could sing in unison while devouring signature burgers, duck fat fries and milkshakes. …and yet I still wonder what I did to gain weight on my five week trip to the Middle East and Asia. #smh

Care for a Cocktail

Rooftop Luna Sky Bar is everything with its view of the Dubai skyline. I honestly could not tell you what I ordered to drink because it didn’t matter. I could’ve been served sugar water for all I knew. I was totally engrossed in my surroundings, but then again, can you blame me?

It was time to wrap things up for the night, but not before having one more beverage in Churchill Club. I was no cigar connoisseur, but it didn’t take a smoker to know this place was special. The secluded enclave off of Luna Sky Bar was just what the doctor ordered – one more whiskey drink before advil the following morning.

THANK YOU!

I want to give a special thank you to the friendly faces that made me feel especially at home during my time on property including Clem, Claire, Simon, Lorenzo, Lawrence, and Chef Jagath at FS Jumeirah Beach and to Joe, Carlos, and Clifford at DIFC. Also many thanks to those working behind the scenes. I hope to see you again at Four Seasons Dubai!

Best of Two Cities: A Dream Itinerary with Canada’s Boutique Hotels

August 9, 2016 by lesleymurphy 4 Comments

I can’t quite put my finger on it. My obsession with Canada grows at a rapid pace each and every time I visit. The amount of wilderness to get lost in and friendly Canadians to befriend are endless. As for the language barrier…well, there isn’t one, unless you find yourself in a quaint storefront of Quebec somewhere. As for the lodging, Canada takes hotels seriously.

This past winter, I had the chance to visit Whistler, British Columbia, a snow-globe wonderland and world-renown ski resort town. I was ecstatic to head back towards the area during the month of July for a completely different experience as I traded my parka for a light sweater (a chill still exists even during the summertime) during a long weekend in B.C. The ‘Best of Two Cities’ package that both The Loden and The Magnolia hotel partnered up to offer was about to commence!

Thursday

11:30am – Arrival to Vancouver International Airport

I hoped off the plane at YVR with a carry-on and my cardigan. I took the Canada line train to Waterfront Station where I walked the remaining 10 minutes to the Loden Hotel. Ahh. I love a hotel that’s a breeze from the airport.

1pm – Check in to the Loden Hotel

If you don’t know Coal Harbour, you don’t know paradise. Located on Vancouver’s coveted waterfront neighborhood, the Loden is situated in quite possibly the best location a hotel can be situated: on the same block as Starbucks and around the corner from yachts, greenways and water. Ahhhh. The dream.

2pm – Lunch at Meet in Gastown

I knew I could live in Vancouver when my eyes met Gastown, the city’s fashion and design district. With character, culinary and culture delights, this neighborhood has it all. I even saw a man walking around in a full latex Spiderman outfit. Winning.

7pm – Dinner at Homer Street Cafe & Bar

What’s not to love about chicken decor, elegantly tiled floor and an adventurous wine/cocktail list? I’m all in! Here, the chicken reigns supreme, served in quarter, half or whole portions. Homer Street would be my go-to if I lived in Vancouver, of which I wouldn’t be mad about.

Friday

8am – Breakfast at Tableau Bar Bistro

If my day doesn’t start out with a breakfast buffet, it’ll be marginal at best. Thanks for making my mornings extra special with your granola, yogurt and innumerable pastries, Tableau.

10am – Grouse Grind Hike

“It’s called Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” they said. “It’ll be fun,” they said. OUCH. Let’s just say it was real. It was fun. But it wasn’t real fun. I’m only kidding…sort of. Totaling only 1.8 miles, Grouse Grind has an elevation gain of almost 3,000 feet. On average it takes about an hour and a half to climb. Guess I’m about average then 😉 It doesn’t cost anything except some major calories, and the tram ride down is $10.

12pm – Lunch at the top

With multiple eateries on Vancouver’s best peak, I didn’t have trouble finding great food after depleting my body of all necessary elements. Afterwards, I walked around and witnessed the zip-liners, the helicopter, and paragliders before I took the tram down the mountain.

3pm – Gondola down and take bus ride to Capilano Suspension Bridge

Note* There’s a free shuttle service from Downtown Vancouver (Canada Place + other locations) to/from Grouse Mountain from May – September (takes about 20 minutes). If you’re going to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge before heading back into the city (it’s on the way!), the bus service stops at Capilano.

7pm – Dinner at Nightingale

Winner winner chicken dinner! I’m sorry to open with that, but I had to. Never have I ever had better fried chicken for dinner before. I’m getting hungry just writing this… The restaurant’s take on a gin & tonic is especially creative (it’s on tap!), almost as if it was infused with a hint of whiskey. It was so nice, I had it twice! Renowned Vancouver chef David Hawksworth outdid himself again.

9pm – Drinks at Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Hawksworth Restaurant bar

I can’t speak to the food (although I’m confident Chef Hawksworth’s brilliance continues here), but the bartenders know what they’re doing. I can’t put my finger on what exactly my bespoke cocktail was called (bartender’s choice), but I do remember it was infused with chocolate. Night made.

Saturday

7am – Breakfast at Tableau Bar Bistro

Yep. Buffet breakfast again. Enough said.

8am – Bike ride around Stanley Park

Even though the Loden has a gym, the hotel also provides complimentary bikes to ride the 5.5 miles along the seawall and the 17 miles of forest trails.

10:45am – Check out of Loden Hotel and head to Victoria Harbour

I was sad to leave my spacious room with a view (and macarons and massive tub and patio!), but I had a plane to catch…

11:40am – Seaplane to Victoria Harbour

If you’ve never been on a seaplane before, you need to make it happen. First off, checking in with Harbour Air was a BREEZE. No lines, no hassle, no problem. Secondly, I only waited about 15 minutes near the gate until I spotted the pilot getting ready for boarding. Many thanks to Caleb for allowing me to fly in the cockpit for the 35 minute, unbelievably gorgeous flight!

1pm – Check into Magnolia Hotel & Spa

I hopped out of the cockpit and there to pick up my teeny tiny carry-on was a staff member from The Magnolia hotel. We walked about .2 miles and boom. We had arrived! I was immediately shown to my beautiful room complete with the coziest fireplace that ever was and the most scrumptious amenities that can accompany a room: chocolates from local chocolatier Rogers, chilled wine from the B.C. region, Saltspring Soapworks Sparkling Rhubarb Bubble Bath (!!!) and Magnolia whisk to whip up some bath bubbles, literally. We’d only just met and yet The Magnolia already knew the way to my heart… <3

…and then there’s always this view of the stunning Inner Harbour outside my window.

1:15 – Lunch at 10 Acres Bistro

From farm to table, this place knows fresh food. It’s a perfect place for both lunch and dinner, and I highly recommend dining on their patio.

2pm – 75 Minute OneBody Treatment at Spa Magnolia

What is life? After a delectable lunch, I was treated to a full-body treatment that reduces inflammation, increases circulation and assists with cellulite management. Oh hayyyyy. And if that wasn’t good enough, there was a bath involved. Swoooooon.

6pm – Drinks and Dinner at Catalano Restaurant

Located inside the Magnolia Hotel, Catalano surprised me with its Mediterranean flare. Did you say tzatziki? I actually had the Mediterranean chicken and it was everything I wanted and more.

8pm – Walk to Inner Harbour for views, views, views.

Sunday

8am – Breakfast

Breakfast buffet = heaven.

9am – Will Walk for Donuts (& Fisherman’s Wharf)

Dear Everyone, please go try Yonni’s Doughnuts. During the month of July, they served the most vibrant rainbow donuts with coconut vanilla icing for Pride Month, where $1 from each went towards programs that directly benefited the LGBT community in British Colombia. #loveislove

My brightly colored donut and I made the walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and its famous floating home village. Yes, please.

11am – Bike ride via Magnolia’s Curated Trails

I was lucky enough to have Victoria extraordinaire Mariah as a guide who knows all there is to know about the city. Victoria is known as the ‘Cycling Capital of Canada’ for a reason. From the historic Rockland neighborhood to Beacon Hill park, my eyes were having a feast with the Victorian mansions and beautiful beaches of British Columbia.

12:15 – Teahouse at the Abkhazi Gardens

While many visitors to Victoria would tell you they had tea at The Empress, I’ll tell you that Abkhazi Gardens is the best you can do for a tea time. It’s located in a fairytale-like setting with some of the funniest wait staff I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Tour the gardens afterwards or buy lots and lots of tea in the gift shop!

4pm – Hike to the top of Gowlland Tod with Hike Victoria

To work off all those biscuits and clotted cream, I met up with Mark who guides hikes for Hike Victoria. We went to the top of Gowlland Tod for some incredible views of the fjords below, but that wasn’t even the best part. Mark is a photographer and while I wasn’t on one of his signature photo school hikes, he was kind enough to bestow as much knowledge on the group as possible that afternoon.

9pm – Dinner at OLO Restaurant

Sure, farm-to-table is hot right now, but OLO is more than just fresh ingredients. Chef Brad Holmes switches up the sustainable menus depending on what’s coming through the kitchen doors every day, and each dish celebrates life in B.C., using only the best ingredients available while working with amazing farmers, fishermen and foragers. Repeat after me: pork rinds with chili sea salt. DO IT. I can’t leave here without mentioning the Nectarous beer on the menu from B.C. DO IT, TOO.

Monday

Departure is such sweet sorrow…

I truly love both of these cities and find them extremely livable…something I can’t say about most places I visit. Many thanks to The Loden for supplying me with hiking gear when my carry-on wouldn’t allow for it, and to the Magnolia for shipping home I jacket that I left behind. Both properties go above and beyond, and I highly recommend a stay with them upon your next visit!

The 4-night Best of Two Cities package is available from May – September 30th starting at $459.50/night.

Let the Games Begin: A Quick Guide to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro

August 5, 2016 by lesleymurphy Leave a Comment

That was then, this is now. The 2016 Olympic Games will officially commence tonight during the Opening Ceremonies taking place in Rio’s Maracanã Stadium. It will air on NBC at 7:30 p.m. ET…and I’m having some SERIOUS nostalgia for this paradise in the sun.

How to watch

It’s OLYMPIC FRIDAY! And what a better way to celebrate the weekend than by taking up your own sport of laying on the couch, flipping through channels, and landing on NBC. The network will also be live streaming, whether through a browser or through the NBC Sports app for tablets and smartphones, however, there’s a catch. You’ll need cable login credentials. WAAWAAA. This is when I tell you to politely ask for a friend/family member’s credentials.

What To Do

Order a coconut, chopp (cold, draft beer) and a Caipirinha (national cocktail) from beach kiosks and bask in the tropical sun. Buy a Brazilian beach towel known as cangas or pay R$5 for a chair, whatever floats your boat.
Watch the locals play futevolei on Copacabana. The sport is as if volleyball and soccer had a baby, not to mention the most beautiful people are playing almost naked. Try and take your eyes off it, I dare you.

Wander the streets of Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon. Rua Visconde de Pirajá is particularly interesting with its restaurants, shops, kiosks and charm. Head into the boutique known as ‘Farm’ if you’re looking to really blow some cash money.
Take a helicopter ride with Helisul to visit Christ the Redeemer, although I’m sure they are swamped with the amount of people in town, so I suggest you call them like, yesterday.
Hike up to one of the highest points in Rio to take in the amazing views of the peaks through the clouds and the views down below. I hiked up Pedra da Gávea located in the Tijuca Forest and definitely recommend it (on a clear day). Disclaimer: NOT for beginners as this hike gets technical with small amounts of rock climbing and repelling. Seeing the panoramic views from the 844m high summit is worth it…as well as the thigh workout you’ll get.

Get cozy while downing some acai (Brazilian fruit) com granola! NOMMMM.
Frolic inside Jardim Botanico (Botanical Gardens) and feast your eyes on tree lines paths and lily pad filled ponds. It’s fairytale-like.

Head over to Parque Lage for a tranquil setting full of English style gardens, little lakes and a mansion that’s home to the Visual Art School. My school sure wasn’t this dreamlike. I got jipped. It’s very close to Jardim Botanico for a double dose of fantasy land.

Learn Portuguese phrases that will help you along the way like “Hi” and “Thank you” and “How much does this cost” and “Go USA!”
Go flyboarding with 360 Sports.

Visit Escadaria Selarón, the famous Brazilian steps that took Jorge Selarón over 20 years to create with ceramic tiles from all ove tthe world, situated in Rio’s Lapa neighborhood.

Take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) and take in a sunset of the harbor.

Venture out to Lapa for the real Brazilian nightlife, not venturing far from the main streets and plazas though. The Rio Scenarium is a great choice with its samba and live music.
Sit in the sand on Ipanema beach and watch the sunset over the Two Brothers (Dois Irmãos). When I think back oh so fondly on my trip to Rio, this is the exact image I have. Too cool for school and too beautiful for words.

Where to stay

Uhmmm…if you’re heading to the Olympics and haven’t secured lodging, I’m nervous for you. Try your luck at Airbnb or my fave and former employer – Oasis Collections. If they’re all out of options for you, try Rio Exclusive.

How to stay safe

Rio isn’t known for its impeccable safety record, so please please PLEASE be on guard and aware of your surroundings. Don’t text on every street corner. Don’t get drunk and forget where you are. If you go into the favelas, go with a local.

Who to fly

LATAM Airlines is your ticket south to the Olympic Games. A few months ago I flew from Miami to Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport and loved every second of the flight SO much, that I had to get a photo in the cockpit before leaving. Whatever you do, promise me one thing. Purchase a window seat when flying into Rio to see the various green peaks popping all over the city.

Money: There are ATMS in various spots around the city as well as money exchange counters that are easy to find. Brazilian currency come in reias. Today, 1.00 USD=3.16688 BRL

Language: Portuguese! If you know Spanish, you can probably communicate with the locals since the languages tend to be similar.

Weather: Rio’s average low temp is ~70 degrees and the average high is ~82 degrees. The real question is, how does anyone get anything done in this city? If I lived there, I’d be a beach bum a solid 100% of the time. It’s always rockin’ in Rio.

Landscapes: Lush rain forests, picturesque mountains and tropical beaches fronting a deep blue sea have locals and foreigners alike staying put forever. Tack on the sexiest population on the planet and you’ve got an enchanting p-p-p-paradise (sorry, had to).

If you’re looking to get outside the city, take a look at my Best of Buzios post for funspiration. For more information about the 2016 Olympic Games, see the infographic below!

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Do – Angkor Archaeological Park

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Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun: Four Seasons Dubai x2

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Best of Two Cities: A Dream Itinerary with Canada’s Boutique Hotels

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Monday

Let the Games Begin: A Quick Guide to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro

How to watch

What To Do

Where to stay

How to stay safe

Who to fly

If you’re looking to get outside the city, take a look at my Best of Buzios post for funspiration. For more information about the 2016 Olympic Games, see the infographic below!

May the odds be ever in your favor, America.

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lesleymurphy

Before Your Visit

During Your Visit

Stay

Do – Angkor Archaeological Park

More

Giving Back

The Suite

The Grounds

The Cuisine

The Works

7th Heaven

Firebird Diner

Care for a Cocktail

THANK YOU!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

How to watch

What To Do

Where to stay

How to stay safe

Who to fly

If you’re looking to get outside the city, take a look at my Best of Buzios post for funspiration. For more information about the 2016 Olympic Games, see the infographic below!

May the odds be ever in your favor, America.

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