lesleymurphy

The World’s Largest Salt Flat, Where Heaven Meets Earth: Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni

March 29, 2015 by lesleymurphy 13 Comments

What to do in: London, England

March 26, 2015 by lesleymurphy 1 Comment

Upon Arrival

First thing’s first. Let’s start with the obvious: getting into the city. It may be daunting as London has three different airports in three different regions of the greater London area. We’ll start with Heathrow.

If you’re flying into Heathrow, the most economical way to arrive in Central London is to buy an Oyster card in the airport and take the Underground Piccadilly Line train that runs from all terminals, and journey time is 50 – 60 minutes. The fastest route into Central London is via Heathrow Express, the non-stop trains that run to Paddington every 15 minutes, and journey time is 15 minutes from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (a few minutes more from Terminals 4 or 5). London taxis are available outside each terminal. The cost to Central London is £45 – £70 and the journey time is about one hour. Buses and more rail options exist, but I wouldn’t mess with anything else, unless you want to arrive in style, in which case you can hire a private chauffeur.

My pick: London Underground

If you’re flying into Gatwick, take the Gatwick Express, the fastest route between the airport and Central London. Non-stop trains run to and from London Victoria station every 15 minutes and take about 30 minutes total. Buses include National Express (to London Victoria, operate once an hour with a journey time of 1.5 to 2 hours) and easyBus (non-stop from Gatwick with prices from £2. Buses depart every 15 minutes at peak times and run from 4am until 1am.). Taxis are also on offer, taking around an hour to arrive to Central London.

My pick: Gatwick Express

If you’re flying into London City Airport, get excited. It’s one of the easiest and most accessible airports in London due to its location just 6 miles east of Central London. The airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which takes you to Tube interchange stations such as Canning Town, Stratford and Bank. Buy an Oyster Card for this. Bus routes 473 and 474 serve the airport and accept the Oyster Card as well. Taxis and private cars are available.

My pick: Docklands Light Railway

My advice for seeing London is simple: travel like a local. This means buying an Oyster card and using the Tube. It’s actually very easy to use and you’ll have more money to spend at Harrod’s and Harvey Nichols because of it.

Shop Til You Drop…or Run Out of Money

London rivals the various iconic fashion cities of the world: NYC, Paris and Milan. My advice would be to get lost in the famous department store of Harrods and then venture to Harvey Nichols, not missing the 5th floor sushi bar. Pop into Top Shop and Burberry along the way, as these British staples are a must-see-and-shop while in the neighborhood of Knightsbridge. You can spend lots of time and money here, so beware.

Eye Candy

Okay. Fine. Maybe riding the London Eye is a wee bit touristy, and maybe the line to buy tickets is long, but I see it as a chance for an amazing photo op of the city. The higher you go, the better the view.

Sky High

A highlight of my recent trip to London was definitely my heli ride with The London Helicopter. I was invited by Dave Burt, creator of the IG account @London,to see the city from the sky, and what crazy would turn that down? Not this girl. From the smooth ride to the amazing staff, I couldn’t recommend a better activity while across the pond!

The Shard

View, views, and more views. That’s pretty much what I’m all about. See that shard of glass looking building in the photo above? That’s what we’re talking about. A great option for seeing the city lights is visiting the Shard bar on the 31st floor of the building.

Museum Goers

Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery, British Museum, Tate Modern…and the list goes on and on. London does a lot of things well, but one thing’s for sure – it definitely knows its exhibitions. If you’re looking for a fix of culture but not a clue where to start, take a look at Visit London’s suggestions here.

Market Lovers

Borough Market – Breads and fruits and vegetables, oh my! This market is for the hungry at heart, as they will be blessed with beautiful cuisine set up for client’s viewing and tasting pleasure.

Portobello Market – Vintage and antique finds make my heart sing, and Portobello Road does just the trick. Held in Notting Hill, get lost in Portobello Market wandering the street stalls that offer everything from fruits to posters and vintage jewelry and clothing.

Old Spitalfields Market – This vintage and second hand market includes an eclectic range of shops and restaurants to enjoy in the trendy neighborhood of Shoreditch.

Foodies

Tea – Mmmm. Tea time is the best time. Head to The Dorchester, The Milestone or The Berkeley.

Ye Old Cheshire Cheese – What’s in a name? Everything in this case! Why wouldn’t you waltz inside this fine establishment? If you’re looking for a laid-back British pub, this is your place.

Bubbledogs – Champagne and hotdogs – a match made in heaven.

Bob Bob Ricard Restaurant – It has a “Press for Champagne” button at every table. Enough said.

Department Stores – The famous Harrods and Harvey Nichols British staples aren’t just department stores. Talk a walk into the food areas and you’ll want to spend more time salivating over the delicious offerings rather than shopping.

Hakkasan – This Michelin Star award-winning restaurant offers modern Cantonese cuisine, world-class mixology and dramatic design. Just go. Your tastebuds will kindly thank you.

Chiltern Firehouse – I wasn’t impressed with the size of the menu, but when my eggs with black truffles came to the table, the soupy mixture tasted so much better than it looked. Perhaps I’m not selling it at the moment, but the restaurant is a beautiful spot for a scrumptious brunch.

Sketch – This is quite possibly the weirdest yet most amazing dining experience of my life. Both complex and unique, this menu and its food presentations will blow your mind. The best part: the bathrooms. I kid you not. Think Mork and Mindy pods, if you’re old enough to know what that is.

Restrooms at Sketch Restaurant

Where to Stay

The Milestone Hotel: English opulence can be found throughout these hotel grounds. Located in the coveted Royal borough of Kensington, the 5 star hotel is in every way an English country mansion. Read more from my stay here.

Bvulgari Hotel: Located in the esteemed neighborhood of Knightsbridge on the edge of Hyde Park, the Bvlgari Hotel & Residences London is beautiful British luxury like you’ve never seen before. During my visit, I couldn’t help but to stare down the most beautiful body of water I’ve ever seen.

Millinneum Gloucester Hotel: This hotel is conveniently located just steps from the Gloucester Road tube stop, making it almost unnecessary to tug along an umbrella in the questionable London weather (which is daily).

Travel Tag: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

March 17, 2015 by lesleymurphy 12 Comments

Of all the destinations in the world, Paris radiates elegance like no other. Effortlessly, too. The proof is in Four Seasons Hotel George V, the iconic hotel perfectly placed in the city’s 8th arrondissement.

The Experience

Greeted by smiles and pleasantries before even stepping out of the transport, each and every guest is swept away to a dream world of magic as check-in draws near. Bright and inviting lobbies make way to amenity-filled suites that transport the traveler to a luxurious home-away-from-home for a few days or, weeks if you’re lucky. As for me, I only stayed at the George V for a few days, but I’m going to go ahead and call myself beyond fortunate to have been welcomed as a guest into the establishment that redefined luxury for the City of Light.

The eight-story landmark was originally built in 1928 and after undergoing a massive renovation, reopened its doors in 1999 with 244 beautiful guest rooms. Wait. Scratch that. They aren’t simply beautiful, for this adjective could describe any 5 star hotel on the street. They are lavish and expansive and opulent and regal and deserve to be singled-out, as the hotel houses the largest guest rooms in all of Paris. With additional items ranging from hypoallergenic pillow menus to in-room bread toasting services (they know their pastries), choice is a beautiful thing here at Four Seasons Paris.

The Suite

Suite 631 would spoil even North West and Prince George’s love child. Would they take in the Eiffel Tower view from the bedroom, the bathtub, or the wrap-around terrace? I took it in from all three and thought this was one of the most unique room features I’ve ever come across. Who gets to wake up in a billion thread count sheets, pull back the curtains and see the world’s most iconic landmark? Lucky guests who are booking rooms at the George V, that’s who. Probably North West and Prince George…

If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve most likely already seen my Four Seasons Paris twitter tour, so bear with me for a moment. Upon gracing this corner suite, you’ll walk into a living area complete with office space, lounge quarters, makeshift yoga studio, what have you. The space is generous, coming complete with a full bar and culinary delights on arrival.

Sliding doors materialize the continuation of the calming blue hues, a massive bed, and the focal point of the room: the Eiffel Tower view. If you’ve missed it, you’re the most unobservant person on the face of the planet. Lastly, yes, this bed is as comfortable as it looks, and it’s extremely hard to get out of in the morning.

Moving past the ample closet space is the marble-clad bathroom stocked full of Bvulgari products and, oh my…a second Eiffel Tower view worth soaking for. The longer one soaks, the more wrinkles one receives. After wrapping up in a plush terry-cloth robe and slippers, head on out to the spacious terrace and take in the Parisian skyline, the third Eiffel Tower view from suite 631.

Le Cinq

Think back for a moment on what’s been the best dinner of your life to date. Go on. Think. It’s a fun game to play, going down memory lane conjuring up the most memorable steak houses, homemade cooking, romantic dinners for two. Whatever you have in mind, I assure you Le Cinq will outshine the dishes any day of the week, any month of the year. The hotel’s critically acclaimed eatery even outshines most Michelin Star restaurants by having been awarded not one, but two. Only a couple of months after opening, the kitchen and best tables in town were awarded the first star. Within the first year, a prestigious second star came along. In my book, it deserves three.

The furnishings are grand, the linens fine, the silverware immaculate, the food spectacular and yet the atmosphere emits a very humble elegance made possible by the warm and welcoming staff that I was given the opportunity to know over the nine course dinner, excluding the carbohydrate basket that I absolutely devoured. First the food, then the service.

Bread: I couldn’t leave this out, not this pretty, elegant, diverse bunch of bread. Baguettes, grains, olives and raisins continue to pop up in my dreams, even after check-out.

Course 1: Champagne rosé with a ginger bubble ball accompanied by orange, Campari, and some open-mindedness.

Course 2: Smoked eel with beetroot. Have you ever seen a course so miniature yet confident? I appreciate the pop of color amid the contrast of the serving plate.

Course 3: Green asparagus with black truffle. Need I say more?

Course 4: Sea scallop with a pancake of buckwheat and celeriac water scented with truffle.

Course 5: Line-fished sea bass with caviar.

Course 6: Caramel ice cream with lemon jelly and sugar hair.

Course 7: Mini pastries on large blocks of chocolate.

Course 8: Strawberry ice cream with coriander and creme brûlée .

Course 9: Treat trolley with cakes, nougats, caramels, and much much much more.

There you have it. Gluttony at its finest and cuisine at its best. The time came to drink the last drop of Bordeaux and finish off the caramels, but not before we were gifted with a box of chocolates to-go, yellow roses and a framed picture taken earlier in the dinner.

Our wait staff went above and beyond to make sure everything on the table was top-notch, sending us up to our room with treats for days. I believe this same attention to detail is much admired in many luxury hotels around the world but not easily replicated. Franck et al, thank you from the bottom of my heart to the top of my full stomach. Blessed are those who can stumble upstairs to their bedroom, stuffed, tipsy and happy.

Le Spa

Undoubtedly the most luxurious spa in the city, George V’s will pamper you with its endless menu of treatments and indoor pool worthy of a few swims.

Tip: Go for the Marie Antoinette’s Spa Package if you have 2 1/2 hours to spare. The treatment includes a steamed orange-blossom body scrub, a relaxing massage with warm shea butter and a milky facial – all inspired by Marie Antoinette’s beauty secrets. The best part: Macarons at the end!

Extraordinary Experience

I was already having an extraordinary experience as one does while living the life at Four Seasons, but the luxury chain went a step further by unveiling a new exclusive collection of Extraordinary Experiences only available through the hotel. Four Seasons’ philosophy has a huge emphasis on constant creativity and innovation, and they delivered by offering bespoke luxury adventures, as unique and individual as the destinations where they take place around the world. Luxury adventures, eh? Sounds a lot like what The Road Les Traveled is all about. I knew we’d go together just right.

Ever wonder where Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris houses their inventory of over 50,000 bottles of wine? As a recent guest of the hotel, I know all the secrets! I’m fortunate enough to be part of those who’ve ventured 46 feet below ground to sample, sip and see the cellar’s extensive collection. Expertly curated by Eric Beaumard and a team of nine sommeliers, the cellar stocks around 3,000 wine labels ranging from German Rieslings to Burgundy Pinots for thirsty guests to imbibe. My favorite of the evening? A robust red chosen by our insanely knowledgeable sommelier, Victor, as well as a bottle of Terrantez from 1795 and a bottle of (drinkable!) Port the dates back to 1900! With a set up this romantic and picture perfect, it is easy to see why the George V wine cellar sees its fair share of proposals.

For more glamorous Four Seasons Experiences from around the world, read my Top 10 here.

Penthouse Preview

The higher you go, the better the view, and as if my deluxe suite wasn’t chic enough, I ascended two more flights to arrive at arguably the most elegant, and expensive, hotel penthouse in the world. With 360-degree views of the city, fresh flowers from Artistic Director and Florist Jeff Leatham’s team upon arrival and a bathtub so unbelievably beautiful, the George V penthouse is a triple threat to any and all of its celebrity and wealthy inhabitants.

The 1,630 square feet are in every way a Parisian apartment rather than part of a hotel. Giving the interior a run for its money, the main terrace is reminiscent of the prow of a ship where you can stand before some of the world’s most notable landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Coeur Basilica and the Panthéon, and where you can make the factual statement of being the King of the World, at least until check-out.

The ample space and grand furnishings of the master bedroom transform it into a true sanctuary. Moving into the bathroom, guests are surrounded by beige marble. If you know me at all, you know my affinity for bathtubs, and I can say with 100% certainty that I’ve found one I’d like to take home with me. Scratch that. I think I’ll just move on in. Forget infinity pools. Here’s the one and only infinity tub I’ve ever laid eyes on, and it’s safe to say I’ve found my hotel equivalent of heaven.

Location

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements. The first one is in the center, while the following sectors spiral outward in a clock-wise direction. Set in the 8th arrondissement of the city, Four Seasons George V is perfectly placed for experiencing Paris’ finest cafes, boutiques, museums and landmarks. Guests can find themselves near attractions they’ve read about in storybooks, and get to many of them all within a day’s walk from the hotel.

Champs-Elysées: 2 blocks

Eiffel Tower: 10 minute walk

Arch de Triumph: 10 minute walk

River Seine: 4 blocks…just to name a few!

How to Arrive

All international airlines and Air France are served by Charles de Gaulle International Airport, 15 miles from the hotel. Many sites say travel time is around an hour, but I arrived to the hotel from CDG in about 40 minutes.

Domestic flights by Air France and some European airlines use Orly Airport, 9.3 miles from the hotel. Travel time from the airport to the hotel is around 30 minutes.

Taxis, rental cars and limo services are all available upon landing. If you want to arrive in style, Four Seasons George V can help. The final ride into town after an overseas flight can be daunting, but perhaps not so much in your Rolls-Royce Phantom. Designed by Artistic Director and Florist Jeff Leatham to complement the hotel, the Rolls can be booked for airport transfers, shopping sprees, sightseeing, or just a good ole fashioned joy ride.

Friendly Four Seasons Faces

I want to give a special thank you to the friendly faces that made me feel especially at home during my stay with the hotel. Thank you to Aya on site, Hélène in PR, Victor the Sommelier from the wine cellar, Eric Beaumard, Franck and Ghislain at Le Cinq for an unforgettable experience, Berengere from the front office and to all those working behind the scenes. I hope to see you again sometime soon at Four Seasons Paris!

Rates start at EUR 1,090/Night

Follow Four Seasons Paris on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

View more photos from my stay at FS Paris below!

How to Stay in Shape While Traveling

March 13, 2015 by lesleymurphy 6 Comments

With spring around the corner in the northern hemisphere, it’s time to lose those extra pounds still lingering from the holidays. I hope the winter comfort food was worth it. Say hello to fruits, veggies, and juicing. Mmmm.

One of the most popular questions I receive is, “How do you stay in shape while traveling?” Because I can’t take the stair master in my suitcase, and because I think diet pills are for the devil, I’ll let you in on my routine, if there is such a thing while traveling.

Be Active

I don’t go on a trip to sit in a hotel room. Truth be told, I’m hardly in said hotel room. I prefer the adventure vacays over the city sightseeing tours, which usually means there’s a hike in my near future. If I do find myself in the middle of a bustling city, I try to walk ev.er.y.where. I was recently in London, Prague, Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris on a Euro tour, and I saw all cities via my own two feet. Skip the double decker bus tour for the city’s free walking tour.

Find a Gym…or Don’t

If I know I’m coming up on a day where I simply won’t be getting good exercise outside, I’ll wake up a little earlier and head to the hotel gym. If your hotel doesn’t have a gym, try something new in a new city. I did a pole dancing class in London – harder than it looks! I also took yoga classes, polo lessons, rowing lessons, and did a run through the gardens while in the city. If you’re near a beach, jog it. Many online options also exist from YogaGlo and Fitness Blender to my favorite, 8 Minute Abs. On second thought, who needs a gym?

Carry Your Own Weight

I’ll admit, I don’t travel incredibly light. My suitcase always teeters on the 52 pound mark, which usually ends in me flashing a big smile to the check-in lady in hopes that she won’t make me take anything out of my luggage. I’m a big believer in that the little things add up. Do you know how hard it is to carry a 52 pound bag up and down flights of stairs, through crowds of people, to heave carry-ons into overhead bins, and so on? When I work up a sweat, I know I’m doing something right. Here’s a tip: before leaving, pack healthy snacks at home to munch on during travel day. Airport eating isn’t for the skinny of heart.

Munchies

Diet. What’s that? For me, part of traveling is experiencing a culture’s cuisine. It’s allowing your taste buds to go crazy but not at the expense of bigger thighs and a protruding gut. If I’m in Italy, you can be damn sure I’m having gelato…but perhaps only once. If I’m in Paris, I’m going to partake in devouring macarons, but only once. It’s all about having fun in moderation, and then venturing to that hotel gym to work it all off the next morning. Get over the carefree attitude of I won’t be back for a while. YOLO? Ehh. We’re all adults here. Your thighs will thank you later for quitting after the one ice cream cone.

Travel Tag: The Milestone Hotel London

March 11, 2015 by lesleymurphy 2 Comments

The UK passport stamps have graced my little navy booklet previously, as I’ve traveled among its regal inhabitants before. Never have I ever, however, mirrored their lifestyle so closely. I assume the Royals wear the finest of clothes, sleep in the most luxurious of sheets, and eat the most delectable cuisine. Welcome to my past life at The Milestone Hotel London for a select few gloriously pampered days.