Vertical limit

Sitting at a vertigo-inducing altitude of 1588 feet, the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong literally touches new heights in hospitality

There are rooms with a view, and then there are rooms that induce a heady sense of being on top of the world. Any guest checking into the newly opened Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong will get an eyeful of the latter- panoramic vistas of Victoria Harbour and a steel-and-glass HK skyline. As the world’s highest hotel, the record-breaking property occupies floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Center, with 312 rooms in all. These come packed with state-of-the-art amenities including wi fi, iPod docking stations, Bluray DVD players, and supersized flat screen TVs.

Those who like the feeling of floating on the lip of a precipice and have no vertigo can visit the hotel’s top-floor gym and infinity pool that promise to offer what may well be an unnerving experience.

The hotel boasts of a steady stream of design and architechture geniuses – the sumptuous interiors are designed by Singapore’s LTW Designworks (the team that designed the Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia, and the Mandarin Oriental Sanya Hainan, China), a spa designed by ESPA, and restaurants (Cantonese and Italian) by Japan’s Spin Design Studio and Wonderwall. There’s even a chocolate library, a pool with an adjacent 23 x 92 feet LED screen, a bar with crystal fire pits, and an outdoor terrace lounge-also the highest in the world-on the 118th floor. It’s like going to a hill station, at a salubrious height of 1588 feet. Guaranteed to get your head reeling.

Escape to Kerala

Rain Country Resort’s allwood Kerala illams (homes) stand tall amidst the lush foliage of Wayanad. The stark minimalism of this 23-acre property, high up a hill, is more austere than understated. Like all plantation stays, it’s far away from any lights but its own. Short treks are organised by the management; there is a small freshwater lake where guests can have a dip (lifejackets are provided). The resort can arrange for in-room massages, campfires, and candlelit dinners, upon request, should you wish to make use of the quiet nights. There are no phones or TVs, only raw and unbound nature all around. Located 11 km from Vythiri, at Lakkidi, the resort has nine cottages and tariffs range from Rs 3, 000-Rs 4, 800 on double occupancy. There is an additional 15 per cent luxury tax.

Vienna on foot

Whether it’s a generous dose of culture, an indulgent escape, or simply good old-fashioned sightseeing, your search for that perfect summer vacation ends with Austria. Consider Vienna, the capital city steeped in history, art and culture. Much of Vienna can be explored by foot-as you admire its majestic architechture while strolling through the bylanes. Relax over coffee and cake, explore museums and art galleries, swing high above on the Prater Wheel, and as dusk falls, enjoy a glass of local wine by the Danube. The coffee house tradition in Vienna dates back some 300 years. Take a break from sightseeing at one of the many Viennese coffee houses. Enjoy coffee served on a silver platter and watch the world go by. Sample some of the delectable local wines grown in the neighbouring areas as the sun sets.

Art and Amsterdam

Tired of the long queues at the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum when hopping around Amsterdam? Consider these alternatives to the heavyweights: housed in a magnificent 17th-century former home for the elderly, the Hermitage Amsterdam (http://www.hermitage.nl/en/) brings treasures from the main St Petersburg museum to Amsterdam. Since its opening here in June 2009, the Hermitage has staged a series of blockbuster exhibits, the latest of which, running till September 16, 2011, is Splendour and Glory: Art of the Russian Orthodox Church. Also look out for the work of 19th-century photographers George Breitner and Jacob Olie, intermittently the subject of exhibitions around town. Or check out Foam photography gallery (www.foam.org) for shows as well as exhibitions by big names such as Mario Testino, Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz.

Summer splendour at Devi Garh

Located in the picturesque hills of Aravallis, Devi Garh, the 39-suite boutique hotel, set in a 18th century Rajput fort-palace, is chic minimalism at its best. The property’s finest asset is the level of privacy and customised care it offers its guests. The imposing grandeur of the palace resort is a delightful combination of ethnic charm and contemporary comforts. The unconventional usage of space and colour complements and enhances the mood of this private haven.The stylish pure-white restaurant serves both local and international gastronimical delights. For a relaxing weekend, unwind with yoga on the ramparts of the palace at sunrise followed by a treatment in the Serena Spa. Summer would be a good time to visit the spectacular resort as the property is offering a ‘Joyful Getaway’ package priced at Rs 25, 000, for two nights/ three days that includes accommodation in a Garden Suite on a double occupancy basis, breakfast and lunch or dinner, usage of gym and the internet, and complimentary stay for two children up to the age of 12. The package was valid till October 15, 2011.

12 June 2011

http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/places-to-travel-vacation-india-and-world/1/15695.html

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 183 user reviews.

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Hotel Europe, Amsterdam

One of my favorite cities in the world is Amsterdam, and it has nothing to do with the colorful red lights that are so characteristic of the city. What I love about Amsterdam is that it reminds me of home with its brick buildings, open skyline, history (the Pilgrims came from Leiden before they landed on Plymouth rock!), and similar attitude towards life. Over the years, I’ve visited Amsterdam on many different times and I’ve spent countless hours walking the city, making local friends, and living in the city for a few months in 2006. The city deserves more than just a two day to its coffeeshops most people give it. However, if a few days are all you have, here is a itinerary that will give you an idea as to what the city is really about

Day 1
Free Walking Tour

A good way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You’ll learn some history and be able to see where all these windy canal streets take you. I recommend the free New Europe walking tour. It covers a lot of ground and gives you a good general overview of the city.

Canal Tour

Amsterdam is a city tied to the water. The canals of Amsterdam are incredibly beautiful and there’s nothing like seeing the city from a boat. Skip the big canal boat tours you see around the city. They are over priced and you can hire a private boat tour for less. Look for guides around the Red Light District.

Van Gogh Museum– This may be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, but don’t let the crowds deter you from your visit. The museum features many of Van Gogh’s best works of art alongside an excellent biography of his life. The museum is laid out in chronological order starting with his earliest works. They also have paintings by other famous artists like Monet, Manet, and Matisse. I’ve been three times, but then again I love Van Gogh.

Rijksmuseum – Rijksmuseum is located right next to the Van Gogh Museum. Although it is constantly under renovation, the museum still features an extensive Rembrandt collection, and you’ll be able to see the famous painting, The Night Watch. Besides Rembrandt, there’s also a good collection of other classic Dutch painters.

Vondel Park

Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park is a great place to walk, bike, people watch, or relax, especially after a visit to a local coffee shop. There’s a playground, places to play sports, and numerous areas for hanging out. During the summer, Vondel Park is filled with people.

The Heineken Experience
This museum used to be a lot better when it was cheaper and they offered more beer. It’s not a working brewery and in comparison to the Guinness Museum in Dublin, it’s lame. The price of admission buys you three beers and you’ll learn a bit of the history of Heineken. There’s even a video game.

Day 2
Anne Frank House

In all honesty, I don’t like this place. I found it to be anti-climactic and overall, I felt the Jewish History Museum does a more thorough job of relating the events in Anne Frank’s life and the Holocaust. You basically do a slow walk through the house. But if you don’t mind waiting in line and you’re curious about her, it might be worth the visit. Get there early to avoid a line.

The Jordaan Area– This heavily residential area is one probably the most missed attraction in Amsterdam. I personally think it’s the best area of the city. Although it’s right near the city center, hardly any tourists enter this maze of restaurants, cafes, and stores. Make sure you walk around. It’s peaceful and a great place to avoid the mass of tourists crowding the main streets.

The Tulip Museum

Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this little place does an interesting job of telling the history of tulips in Holland and the infamous Tulip craze. It’s one of the best off the beaten attractions in Amsterdam. Best of all: you’ll never find a crowd.

Amsterdam History Museum– This museum features a very thorough history of Amsterdam. It’s big and you’ll need 3 or 4 hours to really see it. There are a lot of relics, maps, paintings, and audio visual information through out the museum. My favorite is the computer graphic showing the growth and construction of the city over time.

Saint Nicholas Church- This is my favorite church in Amsterdam and one of my favorites in all of Europe. It’s a baroque style church with nothing amazing about it but the immense interior, its age, and the stain glass make it beautiful. You can sense the history inside.

Red Light District

Though much tamer than it has been in previous years, the Red Light District is still an interesting area. You’ll find all the seediness you’d expect, and even a few families. Just don’t take pictures of the girls in the windows. Big bouncers might appear out of now where and smash your camera.

Day 3
Do a Bike Tour

Bikes go with Amsterdam like wine goes with France. The city loves bikes and there are supposedly more bikes in Amsterdam than people. In fact, forget about keeping a lookout for cars. It’s the bikes that will run you over! Seeing Amsterdam and its surrounding area from a bike is something I definitely encourage people to do.

Jewish History Museum– An often-overlooked museum, the Jewish History Museum tells the history of Jews and their prominent and influential position in Amsterdam. The exhibit on World War Two does a great job of highlighting Dutch complacency, resistance, and guilt over the Holocaust.

Oosterpark

Everyone goes to Vondelpark to sit around, bike, or get high, but east of the main city center is a beautiful park with a lot fewer people and green space that is just as nice. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the city center, but it takes you through residential areas of the city not often seen and way off the tourist map.

FOAM– This photography museum houses wonderful pictures and sees few crowds despite being in the main part of the city. It’s a must for any photography lover. I really enjoyed all the black and white photographs and the outdoor garden.

(Optional activity: Coffee shops. I didn’t include any in this list of things to do because there’s more to Amsterdam than its famed smoke shops. If you do want to go to some, you’ll find them all around the city. They are like Starbucks- one on every corner! I like Dolphin. Skip “The Grasshopper” though. They grossly overcharge.)

This list only touches the surface of things to do in Amsterdam. There’s a lot of off the beaten path activities you could include as well as many markets, shops, and museums to see. Three days in any city is never enough time to really see, but, given Amsterdam’s compact nature, it’s definitely enough time to hit all the “major” attractions here. You just won’t hit anything else.

Nomadic Matt

Sept 2010

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/three-days-in-amsterdam/

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 181 user reviews.

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