The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.
USTOA Live Like a Local Series
Yes, it might have been below zero outside, but our tour with Tauck made sure that we were comfortable–even out on the open tundra. Not only were our accommodations at the Lazy Bear Lodge charming & cozy, our days spent out looking for polar bears were just as comfortable on board heated, spacious tundra vehicles. Private charter buses & planes only heightened the ease of getting around and all the extras made this tour a cut above!
From the second you get off the plane throughout the whole experience, USTOA member Swain Destinations, makes sure that comfort is on the menu. You don’t have to think while on tour–you can sit back and enjoy world renowned hotels, sip famed wines, taste gourmet meals and leave all the stress out of travel. From Singita Castleton in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve to the One & Only in Capetown, you experience only the best.
USTOA Live Like a Local Series
Cruising the Nile with Abercrombie & Kent
The Nile is one of the most incredible places that I’ve ever seen and getting to experience while on board a luxury cruise with USTOA member Abercrombie & Kent, was a personal highlight of my visit to Egypt. You could see the heart of Egypt from the deck and jump on & off at various important stops, like the Temple of Dendara, Valley of the Kings as well as Karnak and Luxor Temples.
Get Lost with Kelley Ferro aboard the beautiful MSC Divina!
The stunning MSC Divina pulled into Miami’s harbor in November to start her Caribbean route. This gem of a ship is luxurious and simply lavish–with amazing amenities, rooms, entertainment & dining–it is quite classy!
The food is high quality and delicious–the buffet is plentiful but there are many other options too like Eataly Steakhouse & Venchi homemade Gelato!
Get Lost in Saint Lucia with Kelley Ferro
Chocolate in Cuisine
We all love chocolate in its…natural state. But who knew that chocolate was so delicious in other foods and dishes as well! Kelley tries out some of the inventive uses of chocolate from the island’s top chefs. From chocolate butter to cocoa dusted snapper to peppermills of cacao nibs–really nothing doesn’t go well with chocolate!
Get Lost It might seem obvious that perfume was invented in Cologne, but the history behind this ‘eau de parfum’ is fascinating. This entertaining tour/performance brings you back to the Middle Ages and takes you through the process and development of the sweet scents that we’ve come to know today.
Swiss Miss in Saint Moritz Video
Swiss Miss: Skiing in Saint Moritz Video
Saint Moritz. Glitz. Glamor. Snow. Furry boots. There’s a reason “ritz” is in the name. The city is just as popular among the jetset today as it was 50 years ago. St Moritz feels like a really upscale fairytale. Softly falling snow, gourmet chocolates, bustling pastry shops which may have taken advantage of equipment from shop supplies, chic shops in whimsical buildings and grandiose 5 star hotels. No wonder the likes of Grace Kelly and George Clooney have called St Moritz their winter retreat.
Just getting off the train, I had this overwhelming sense that Saint Moritz was THE place to be “wintering.” It didn’t hurt that I was there just days before the “White Turf,” a series of equine competitions all held on top of the city’s now frozen glacial lake.
I was experiencing the city in style, staying at the oldest and one of the most famous 5 Stars, the Kulm Hotel and skiing incredible ski area. Now this is what it’s like to live luxe.
id=”attachment_220″ align=”alignright” width=”224″ caption=”The peak of Corviglia in St Moritz”
I only had two nights in the city and was quite busy filming, eating sumptuous breakfasts, checking out the spa & gym and exploring the town. To be honest, I almost didn’t really feel like going skiing–trekking up to the hill in all my gear, freezing my buns off for a few runs just to say I did it.
Wow was I wrong. My few hours skiing ended up being the best skiing of my life and probably the biggest highlight of the trip (which is saying A LOT). Not only did the Engadin Tourism board make the rental process and transport to the peak extremely easy (the funicular literally takes you from street to peak in around 10 minutes), but the mountain itself was just stunning. I still lose myself in the mental images of the incredible peaks, the perfectly groomed trails, the open spaces and lack of lift lines. When Angela forced me to stop for lunch, I had the most delicious ski resort lunch of rosti with ham. I think she thought it was pretty funny how much I raved and I’m pretty sure my actual skiing wasn’t so pretty as I was so distracted. I told her that she was so so lucky to have this in her backyard and to be able to take a few runs on her lunch break (what!?).
I indulged, as the Saint Moritz-ers do, in an apres ski gluwein at the Hauser’s lively outdoor bar before returning for a swanky evening of cocktail parties, night ice skating, a delicious dinner and a jazz concert at the Kulm. My adrenaline was still racing all evening from the amazing trails and I truly understood why St Moritz was the birthplace of the winter ski holiday.
To see more photos from the trip, take a look here: [slideshow]
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Stay tuned for more St Moritz fun at the historic, and opulent, Kulm Hotel St Moritz.
If you want to get up close and personal with one of Switzerland’s most famous assets (and without freezing), take the Glacier Express. This panormaic train not only takes you through picture perfect villages but you literally scale blindingly white, epic glaciers. A major plus is the oversize windows that let’s you feel you could reach out and touch the snow, but you are warm & cozy in your immaculate cars with waiter service and excellent food.
Have you ever called a Palace home? Well I was lucky enough to call the Gstaad Palace, one of the best hotels in the world, my home for two glorious days. I’ll never forget the unbelievable food (yes champagne truffle fondue exists), the charming staff, opulent spa and every inch of this ridiculously beautiful hotel–inside and out. Yes heaven exist on earth and I believe it’s at the Gstaad Palace
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