Last week we had the joy of experiencing part of Grand Teton National Park, WY including Jenny Lake. The drive along Teton Park Road from Jackson Lake Dam south and turning west along Jenny Lake Road to Jenny Lake Visitors Center is one of the most beautiful in America. Jenny Lake road is one-way southbound and takes you within yards of the shore line with its crystal clear waters. Looking across Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake to the stunning, snow capped peaks will take your breath away.
Our first view was of Mt. Moran from the dam on Jackson Lake and Signal Mountain area. In my youth we stayed in this area numerous times.
This is where I learned to skip rocks across the water as a young lad. Our time there brought back old and deep memories of fun times in the crisp mountain air, the smell of evergreens and the sounds of wild birds flying from branch to branch.
Mt. Moran
From there we continued south through the forest to Jenny Lake. There were numerous turnouts with fantastic views of the Tetons.
Coyote hunting
While stopped at a viewpoint a long coyote hunted for insects, small reptiles, birds, and rodents. He ignored me, walking within 20 feet of us.
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake Visitor Center is well organized and includes, stables and a boat launch along with visitor services, store and exhibits . Boat tours across the lake give you a front row seat to the view and will drop you off at the trail heads.
Check with the National Park Service( http://nps.gov) before your trip to learn which facilities are open and possible restrictions. PS Don’t Feed the Wildlife
I hope you get to experience this awesome drive someday.
And to top it all off Yellowstone National Park, our nations first, is just north of Grand Teton NP.
When you travel from the Salt Lake City area on Interstate 15 South towards St. George, UT or Las Vegas, NV you’ll pass through Parowan, UT. Not many people have discovered the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs site, approximately 10.5 miles west of I-15 on the paved Gap Road. These are very distinct and easy to see images. If you enjoy history it’s well worth the stop. Also, it’s a great stop for kids during a long drive.
The petroglyphs are carved into sedimentary rock about 15 million years old. According to Utah.com the carvings are thought to be the work of several cultural groups and represent a long period of use by Native cultures several centuries ago. It’s a great are to view evidence of the Ancients who lived in the area 100s of years ago.
The carvings are behind a short metal fence and very close to the path making them easy to see and photograph. There isn’t shade in the area so be prepared to be in direct sunlight, bring a hat and your own water.
The site has a large gravel parking lot, rustic restroom and picnic area. The area is wheelchair accessible (not the bathroom).
When you’re ready to leave you can return the same way to I-15, or follow UT 130 to I-15 towards Cedar City and St. George.
Tremendous hike to Pulpit Rock in Norway by Norwegian Xplorer. #travel #norway #pulpitrock #hiking #extreemhiking #fijords #outdooractive (photo credit)
Question, traveling from Key West Florida to Miami or Cuba, which is closer?? Without looking at a map, which is it? You’ll have to read the story below, originally posted on Oyster.com.
Ok travelers, here’s “the rest of the story.”
12 Things You Probably Don’t Know About the Florida Keys
Katherine Alex BeavenJanuary 29, 2017
We love a good story, especially if it gives us a fresh perspective on an amazing travel destination. Lucky for us, every place has its own history and locals-only folklore that’s waiting to be discovered. Speaking of which, we’ve recently unlocked a few interesting tidbits about the Florida Keys. Since its discovery in 1513 by the famous Juan Ponce de Leon, the Keys have quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) shaped their story. So, grab a tropical drink, sit back, and prepare to be schooled on 12 things you probably didn’t know about the Florida Keys. (We were particularly fascinated by number five on the list.)
Ever see a cat romping around with six or seven toes? They are affectionately known as mitten cats, and rumor has it, thanks to Ernest Hemingway, who was given a white, six-toed feline on board a ship to the Keys, they came to America. Though Hemingway’s cat is long gone, the Hemingway house and museum have an unintended collection of the polydactyl kitties around the grounds. They are all thought to be descendants of Hemingway’s own cat and there’s a good chance yours might be, too.
2. The Florida Keys once got rich off shipwreck treasures.
For a period in the 19th century, Key West was the country’s most prosperous city per capita. During this time, the island collected their riches from the numerous shipwrecks off their coast. And while all the treasure may be gone, you can still snorkel and dive several of the shipwreck sights. There’s even a Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail, maintained by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Here, you’ll find nine historic underwater shipwrecks and artificial reefs extending from Key Largo to Key West.
3. The Florida Keys are made up of more than 800 islands.
The Florida Keys collectively make up a chain of more than 800 islands, though a road trip is fairly convenient thanks to a 113-mile, 42-bridge Overseas Highway that connects all the major Keys. There used to be an Overseas Railroad that connected all above-ground Keys, but it was destroyed by a powerful hurricane in 1935. However, you can still spot its remnants.
4. It has the highest year-round temperatures in the country.
Sorry, California — the Keys hold the title for the highest year-round average temperature. At a balmy 77.8-degree average, you can almost always count on packing a suitcase full of shorts and dresses. Tip: We suggest bringing an umbrella for sun showers during the rainier months (June to November).
5. The Conch Republic declared war with a loaf of bread.
Back in the early ’80s, the U.S. Border Patrol set up shop at the top of Highway 1, roadblocking all traffic leaving the Keys and checking cars for illegal drugs and immigrants. This negatively impacted tourism to the area and locals felt it cast an ugly shadow on the free-spirited islands. They demanded this roadblock be removed, and when it wasn’t, they took matters into their own hands. Then-mayor Dennis Wardlow declared war on the U.S. by throwing up a Conch Republic flag in Key West’s Mallory Square and hitting a local Navy officer over the head with a loaf of stale Cuban bread. But within one minute of the tongue-in-cheek bread beating, he surrendered and demanded one billion dollars in foreign aid. While they never received the aid, the roadblocks were soon removed. Each year, Key West still celebrates the anniversary of the Conch Republic independence. What’s more, the Conch Republic adopted the motto, “We seceded where others failed.”
6. Key West was the only southern city to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War.
As you can imagine, the Keys are an important port city. However, you may not know that they used their southernmost positioning differently during the Civil War. Unlike other southern U.S. states, including Florida, Key West rebelled against the Confederacy and remained part of the Union. In fact, it was the only southern city to remain in Union hands during the Civil War. The heavy number of Union supporters at the military base of Fort Zachary Taylor were enough to extinguish any naysayers, and eventually, they held celebrations for the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
7. It’s home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
Just a few miles from the Florida Keys shoreline lies the Florida Reef. It’s the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. — and the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world. Spanning approximately 221 miles, the reef extends from Key Biscayne near Miami down to the Dry Tortugas, located west of Key West. This area is also home loads of marine life — nearly 1,400 species of marine plants and animals live here. And the whole reef system is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
8. The Keys aren’t all surrounded by sand beaches.
Contrary to popular belief, the Keys don’t offer up a plethora of sandy beach options along their shores. Think of it as a sacrifice made in order to have a fantastic coral reef system off the coast. The coral barrier reef acts as, well, a barrier for sand sweeps that would normally carry sand to the shore to create beachfront. But there are a few beaches along the coast, mostly with imported sand, if you need that beach fix.
9. There’s a massive underwater statue of Jesus Christ off the coast of Key Largo.
To reach the approximately eight-foot, nine-ton bronze statue (think underwater Christ the Redeemer), take a trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater park. Resting on the sea floor, about 30 feet under water, Christ of the Abyss awaits. Hands raised toward the sparkling surface, you can’t miss him.
10. Key West is closer to Cuba than Miami.
Believe it or not, Key West, the southernmost Key, is actually so far south that it’s closer to Cuba than Miami — by almost twice as much. Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba, while it takes approximately 150 miles to reach Miami. Maduros run, anyone?
The smallest deer species in North America can only be found within the forests of the Florida Keys. A subspecies of the white-tailed deer, the Key deer is elusive and hard to spot in the leafy National Key Deer Refuge. Unfortunately, drivers on the nearby roads also seem to have trouble spotting them and many die from being struck by cars each year. The deer, which also lost nearly an eighth of its already dwindling population thanks to a 2016 parasite epidemic, is on the list of endangered species.
12. Key lime pie was originally a sailor’s dessert.
There’s a bit of contention over the right way to make Key lime pie (some say it’s best with a pie crust and merengue topping, while others prefer a graham cracker crust with whipped cream). However, it’s likely that the original pie was neither. This tart and sweet signature dessert of the Keys is thought to have originated on boats, using the ingredients on hand. It’s believed that sailors used the citric acid from the Key lime’s juice to cook a mixture of condensed milk and egg resting in a stale bread crust.
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Fall is rapidly approaching and that means the fall harvest and a chance for families to get together and celebrate and indulge in natures bounty.
Thanks to Conde Nast Traveler magazine and its editors, for this list of some of the best places to enjoy. John McFadden
Here we go…
There’s a lot to love about Thanksgiving: uncorking the first Beaujolais at noon, spoonfuls of gravy all over your meat and veggies, wearing elastic-waistband pants without shame… But the prep? Not so much. Ditto the dishes. Luckily, you can skip the dry turkey and a pile of dishes in the sink by heading to a luxury hotel that will do it all for you. Here are 17 hotels and resorts across the country—and a few abroad—offering a gourmet Thanksgiving meal with all the deliciousness and none of the hassle. Make a weekend out of it and book yourself a room, too.
United States
Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island There’s something about being in New England for Thanksgiving that feels right. Especially if you get a table inside one of our all-time favorite Rhode Island retreats, the Ocean House. This year, the hotel will be offering a homestyle buffet—with an Atlantic twist—in its seaside ballroom, complete with local sea bass, butternut squash tortellini, and a full raw bar. That’s all in addition to the classic turkey and sides, of course. Reservations are $85 for adults and $37 for children.
Thompson Chicago Turns out there’s a new reason to visit one of the best hotels in Chicago—the Thanksgiving dinner from on-site restaurant Nico Osteria. They’re putting a light Italian spin on the pre-fixe menu this year (also available à la carte), with highlights like turkey bolognese, winter squash tortelloni, and pesto soup. Even better? There’s apple butter gelato for dessert. Four-course dinner, $80 for adults and $35 for children.
Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee This rural retreat on 4,200 acres in the Smoky Mountains might—might—be our favorite foodie hotel anywhere on earth (pretty much nothing, from the bread to the butter, comes from a packet). And they go all out for Thanksgiving, turning the one-day holiday into a five-day eat-a-thon that often books out months in advance. This year that means fried turkey, peanut soup (don’t knock it till you try it), and angel biscuits on the lawn at lunch time, while dinner—a spread of turkeys (plural) and platters of sides in all the colors of autumn—is served in the regal, wood-paneled Dogwood restaurant. Prices vary.
Gramercy Park Hotel, New York Chances are, it’s nothing like what your mama used to make—the Italian-American Thanksgiving men) at Maialino at the Gramercy Park Hotel is probably better. Much more than just another hotel dining room, Danny Meyer’s smash restaurant offers four refreshingly non-traditional courses—potato and leek soup and butternut squash ravioli are followed up with a traditional turkey dinner, complete with sausage stuffing and cranberry mostarda. Diners can also opt for the “Maialino Classics” menu, which offers roasted lamb and tiramisu. Four-course dinner (both menus), $115 for adults and $65 for children.
The Conrad, New York City The Conrad opened with a top food-and-drink game two years ago in downtown New York (its rooftop Loopy Doopy is one of our summertime go-to’s for sunset margaritas). And this year, Atrio (the restaurant in the lobby) has created a special Thanksgiving menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients in dishes that manage to leave you feeling like you appropriately indulged (as we all should on Turkey Day) without the guilt. The three-course menu includes apple tarte tatin, braised short ribs, and a dreamy butternut squash soup with brown butter crumble. Three-course dinner, $65 per person.
Gramercy Park Hotel: No better place to nurse those food comas.Courtesy Gramercy Park Hotel
Park Hyatt, Washington, D.C. An almost-stark dining room inside a Tony Chi–designed hotel might not be your first pick for a cozy holiday, but the Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern has been wowing even the most skeptical since its debut a decade ago. Already firing on all cylinders nearly year-round, the kitchen takes on the most American of meals with a certain gusto—think classic preparations, but with the utmost precision, not to mention a wide variety of top-notch, regional ingredients (whipped boiled peanuts, anyone?). Three-course dinner, $135 for adults and $55 for children.
21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville, Arkansas A short walk from one of the country’s most talked-about art museums, Crystal Bridges, the Bentonville’s 21c Museum Hotel is drawing Thanksgiving travelers yet again this year. Its smart, Southern-inflected restaurant, The Hive, is offering a pre-fixe menu headlined by smoked turkey with house-made cornbread stuffing (and all the trimmings). Four-course dinner, $47–$56 per person. (Tip: Don’t miss the highly unusual rotating exhibitions in the hotel’s first-floor gallery spaces.)
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida Spending the holiday at the House of Mouse this year? Upgrade your experience to a level you probably weren’t expecting in those parts with a stay at one of Orlando’s best hotels, or simply pop by for the epic buffet at Ravello. Already known as home to the tastiest (and least-crowded) Disney character breakfast, the restaurant will serve a more-than-just-turkey dinner, featuring charcuterie, oysters, sushi, and pasta, as well as all the classics. Dinner buffet, $115 for adults and $45 for children.
The Allison Inn and Spa, Willamette Valley, Oregon This wine country favorite not far from Portland offers a hyper-local Thanksgiving dinner in Jory, the award-winning restaurant at the The Allison Inn and Spa. Much of the produce that makes its way to your plate comes from the property’s sizable garden, with trusted Northwest farms picking up the slack. Four-course dinner, $70 per person. (And don’t forget the vineyards—supplement your meal with thoughtful pairings of regional wines for an additional $55.)
Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans The Big Easy’s finest address is also home to one of the city’s best special-occasion restaurants. Thanksgiving in the Grill Room of the Windsor Court Hotel offers a regional spin on the classics: think roasted turkey breast with andouille dressing, blue crab bisque, and caramel apple bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Four-course dinner, $100 per person.
Salish Lodge and Spa, Snoqualmie, Washington More than 1.5 million people visit the Seattle area’s iconic Snoqualmie Falls each year; a relatively select few are fortunate enough to fall asleep listening to the falls’ inspired thundering from cozy rooms at the Salish Lodge and Spa, made world-famous by cult-classic TV show Twin Peaks. Book a room, then immediately book a table at the dining room for a Thanksgiving dinner of Dungeness crab bisque followed by sea salt brined turkey. Four-course dinner, $105 for adults and $35 for children; wine pairings for an additional $35.
International
45 Park Lane, London Wolfgang Puck gets in on the turkey action at CUT at 45 Park Lane, where the four-and-a-half-hour feast on Thanksgiving will include favorites like roasted squash soup, turkey with wild mushroom stuffing, and pecan pie with maple ice cream for dessert. Three-course menu, US$141 per person (Wagyu beef entrees for an additional US$83–$122).
The Curtain Hotel and Members Club, London For American expats in London, head to The Curtain Hotel this November 22. Red Rooster Shoreditch (the London outpost of the famous Harlem restaurant of the same name) will host a Thanksgiving-with-soul menu crafted by chef Marcus Samuelsson. We’re guessing no Thanksgiving dinner outside of New Orleans will have dishes like these: deviled eggs and chicken and waffles for starters, followed by roasted turkey breast, and bourbon ice cream for dinner—all washed down with the restaurant’s signature pumpkin spice espresso martini. Three-course dinner, US$70 per person.
Thanksgiving a la Samuelsson at Red Rooster Shoreditch.Photo by Thomas Alexander
The St. Regis Singapore Thanksgiving dinner in a French restaurant in Singapore? We say go for it. Proof that you truly can celebrate Thanksgiving in every corner of the world, Brasserie Les Saveurs will hold an exquisite dinner buffet on November 22 in one of Singapore’s best hotels. The menu includes a seafood medley with Fine de Claire oysters and Alaskan king crab, French cheeses, lobster macaroni and cheese, and a carving station with roasted turkey and leg of lamb. Buffet dinner, from US$100 per person.
Hotel Eden, Rome We’ve come to expect classic Italian luxury at Hotel Eden, but the renovated Il Giardino Ristorante and Bar also impresses. Case in point: the seasonal dishes served up by executive chef Fabio Ciervo this Thanksgiving. Expect tradition with a gourmet twist: turkey breast stuffed with brandy-flavored prunes and pumpkin pie with Tahitian vanilla ice cream. Four-course dinner, US$91 per person.
Hassler Roma, Rome At Hassler Roma, the five-star hotel (one of the best in Rome) near the Spanish Steps, Thanksgiving is distinctly Italian. Served on Thursday evening at Hassler Bistrot at Salone Eva, the menu will include pumpkin lasagna and a selection of Italian cakes (plus turkey and veggies, of course). Five-course dinner, US$97 per person.
Provence, France in winter gives you lower cost and fewer visitors, which add up to a more relaxing and personal travel experience. In this mild climate a light jacket or maybe a wool sweater is all that’s needed to keep you comfortable. Beauty will surround you 360 degrees. See the vineyards and lavender fields in their winter resting stage of life, hike the local trails, visit museums and Chateaus, take a cooking class at a regional inn or restaurant. So get away from the hectic crowds of summer and experience a more authentic Provence.
For arrangements and private Luxury experiences in Provence and Southern France I use Andy at AndySwannVoyage.com.
(Originally published at NYHabitat.com)
Surprising Winter Holiday in Provence
Provence in Wintertime
The South of France is often associated with summer holidays. While a beach holiday in Southern France can of course be fantastic, areas such as Provence tend to be very crowded in the summer months.
In wintertime, Provence is visited by way less tourists and has an entirely different kind of charm. The climate in Provence stays mild in the winter, so you can still explore the South of France at your leisure. It also doesn’t hurt that the prices usually go down considerably offseason. In this article, we’ll give you an impression of a winter holiday in Provence, and provide you with some insider tips on the best time to go shopping, where to stay in the wintertime, what to eat in Provence, and more!
Winter Holiday Accommodation in Provence
If you’re coming to Provence for a winter holiday, first you have to decide what kind of holiday you prefer: a tranquil and relaxing vacation in one of Provence’s small villages, or a cultural and stimulating holiday in one of Provence’s cities.
A vineyard in Provence during winter
If the first is more to your liking, you can choose a cozy family holiday in the middle of Provence’s beautiful countryside. We have many vacation rentals available in the province of Provence, and in many different villages. The streets of these villages are often very quit during the winter, except for several hours in the morning when markets are taking place on the main road or square of the village. A lot of people know each other in these villages, and if you make the effort to talk to people you can quickly feel like a local and have a very unique experience there. The apartments for rent in these villages almost all come with comfortable living rooms, kitchens where you can prepare your own meals, a bathroom and one or more bedrooms. A vacation rental apartment can be the perfect base to explore the countryside of Provence from. Be sure to stock up on groceries before heading out to your vacation rental, as in the small villages restaurants are sometimes closed for the winter period. Instead of going out to dinner, spend your time cooking Provencal meals in your own apartment, hiking across the golden yellow fields, or by taking a day trip to one of the cities or nearby ski resorts! To find out more about the ski resorts in the Southern French Alps, check out this article about visiting the Southern French Alps in winter.
he city of Avignon and the Pont d’Avignon in the winter
If you like the quiet, but also want to experience living among the locals and going out to town every once in awhile, a city trip may be a bet ter fit. Cities in Provence such as Avignon, Arles, Nimes, Marseille or Aix-en-Provence are great to visit during the wintertime. The dry and sunny winter climate of Provence will inspire you to go out and explore the city. Furthermore, popular tourist attractions such as museums, theaters, the Palais des Papes or the Notre Dame de will be much quieter in wintertime, and you won’t have to stand in line to visit them! For tips on what to see and do in these cities, check out our travel guide to Provence.
Provence’s January Winter Sales
In the cities, restaurants and shops will mostly also remain open for the entire winter period. As for shopping, you’ll be able to get great deals as January in France always means sale period! Stores in France are only allowed to hold sales twice a year: once in July, when tourists fight for the best deals, and once in January- when you’ll have much less competition from fellow bargain-hunters!
In between the cultural activities and shopping, don’t forget to hop inside a café every once in awhile to drink the local specialty vin chaud, which means hot wine. This is a great drink when it’s cold and windy outside. However, for the most part Provence has a very mild climate in the winter (the average temperature in Provence in December is 14 degrees Celsius or 57 degrees Fahrenheit!), so you’ll probably also be able to try a local rosé wine sitting outside a café in the sun.
Culinary Winter Endeavors in Provence
A wild game winter dish in Provence
In Provence’s cities, you’ll be able to visit some of the best restaurants in the region without having to book weeks in advance or having to wait outside until a table is free. In the wintertime, restaurants often offer mouthwatering dishes with wild game, truffle and many herbs. Visit an “auberge” to enjoy a cozy dinner at a wooden table beside a real fireplace. Alternatively, you can also cook your own Provencal meal in your apartment. Even the city apartments almost always provide a fully equipped kitchen where you can enjoy exploring the local ingredients, which you can pick up at farmer’s markets. For inspiration on what to prepare, check out this article on Provence’s food culture.
To get an idea of accommodation in one of Provence’s bustling cities, have a look at our vacation rentals in Aix-en-Provence. Also don’t forget to experiment with fresh herbs in the kitchen. Provence is famous for its lavender fields, which are often harvested during summer. However dry lavender is available year round everywhere in the region! Pick up some lavender at a local market and hang it in your vacation rental, so the whole apartment will smell great.
Trips to Provence’s Seaside in the Winter
Although the Mediterranean will be too cold to swim in, Provence’s seaside is still definitely worth a visit in wintertime.
The calanques are very impressive during winter in Provence
The calanques, which are steep-walled inlets of the sea, are especially beautiful in the winter months, and are a great destination for an adventurous hike. You can also take a long stroll on the beach and warm up after in one of the seaside village’s cafes or restaurants.
If you pick a local sea restaurant, be sure to try the local soupe de poisson, or fish stew. Two seaside towns that are great to visit in winter are Aigues Mortes and Saintes Maries de la Mer. Lastly, the seaside park Camargue is a popular birding destination, and in wintertime you’ll be able to spot a diverse population of hibernating birds, as well as real wild horses! You can also go horseback riding yourself in the park, which is a great way to take in the beautiful surroundings.
Beautiful London is always a pleasure to visit whether on business or holiday. There are so many luxury hotels each having it’s own unique history. Soon another iconic and historic hotel will enter the market.
In the just announced partnership, iconic Raffles Hotels will open a top Luxury Hotel in London, in the Old War Office which was completed in 1906.
Planning permission was granted for a multi-purpose development including 125 rooms (of which 40% are suites), 88 private residences, restaurants and other amenities. Completion is expected in just over three years.
(From Raffles Press Release June 14, 2017)
Churchill’s Old War Office soon to become London’s most significant luxury hotel and residence
Paris, June 14, 2017 – Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the top luxury brand of AccorHotels Group, today announces the signing of an historic partnership with the Hinduja Group and Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD) to transform the iconic Old War Office building in Whitehall into the most unique hotel and deluxe residences in London. The Raffles Hotel in London will be the heart and soul of this exciting landmark destination.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is delighted to complete its already stunning portfolio with such an exclusive asset in such strategic city and location.
Steeped in history, the first Raffles Hotel was opened in 1887 in Singapore, named after the British statesman and founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Raffles was celebrated by Nobel Prize winner, Rudyard Kipling in his 1889 book, From Sea To Sea and in 1915 Singapore’s most famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling was created at the hotel.
The Grade II* listed Old War Office, with its 1100 rooms across seven floors, and two miles of corridors, was completed in 1906. It was the office to many of the United Kingdom’s most important and influential political and military leaders of the twentieth century, notably Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, Lord Kitchener, Herbert Asquith and T.E. Lawrence. It was also the haunt of the British Secret Service who had their own, more discreet entrance.
Close to 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the Old War Office was bought by Hinduja Group and OHLD in December 2014 following a public bid. Planning permission was granted for a multi-purpose development including 125 rooms (of which 40% are suites), 88 private residences, restaurants and other amenities. Completion is expected in just over three years.
Commenting on the new partnership, Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels said: “I am delighted to announce this long-term management contract with the Hinduja Group and OHLD. This is the start of an important partnership for Raffles Hotels & Resorts and will create a new and vibrant landmark for London. This is a significant step for Raffles and a strategic addition to the Group’s Luxury portfolio. We remain committed to providing guests with unparalleled service and experience.”
Gopichand P. Hinduja, the Hinduja Group’s Co-Chairman said: “Our new partnership with Raffles Hotels and Resorts is a significant milestone in our vision to transform the Old War Office into London’s finest luxury destination. Raffles brings a unique understanding of British heritage and tradition that will help revive this great British landmark.”
Sanjay G Hinduja, President of the Hinduja Group, said: “We are delighted that after the completion of the Grade I listed building in Carlton House Terrace, we can now apply this valuable experience to a greater challenge and create what will become the most iconic place in London.”
Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes, Chairman of Grupo OHL said: “The OHL Group is extremely proud to be part of, in partnership with the Hinduja Group, this exciting project which, reinforced with the Raffles brand, is now fully aligned with OHL Desarrollos’s strong commitment and strategy to develop unique projects around the world.”
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ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is a luxury brand with an illustrious history dating back to 1887 when the world-renowned Raffles hotel first opened its doors in Singapore. Today, the remarkable collection includes eleven extraordinary properties in many of the world’s best cities and top holiday destinations including favourites such as Paris, Istanbul, and the Seychelles. Many more exciting locations are also on the horizon with new hotels being developed in destinations such as Warsaw and Jeddah. Whether it’s a secluded resort or a lively city-centre, each Raffles promises an oasis of calm and charm and a compelling mix of cultures and styles, and has its very own story to tell. Part of AccorHotels, a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,000 hotels, resorts and residences around the globe, Raffles is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. For more information or reservations, please visit raffles.com.
Banksy, a street artist that remains anonymous has blessed Park City, Utah with one of his works. It’s on Main Street in an alley, outside Java Cow Cafe and Bakery, 402 Main. It was created something during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
Unfortunately, the protective glass covering it and another site were damaged by unknown vandals. Local TV station KSL filed this report when it happened in 2014.
Bring binoculars, a telescope or good camera with a long lens. It should be longer than the 200mm (too short) I used to take these photographs. Preferable, at least 300mm. Enjoy your outing.
Who let the airplane into the photo?
Rocky Mountain High – “Come dance with the west wind…”
We took a quick trip to Sedona to get away from the nasty inversion, cold temperatures and piled up snow in Utah. The weather in Sedona was better than ours, but we still experienced rain and snow. Even so, Sedona didn’t let us down. The Red Rocks with a powdered sugar like snow on them looked gorgeous . However, with so little sunshine it was difficult to make great photos.
We had hoped to spend our first night at the ARIZONA BILTMOREWALDORF ASTORIA RESORT in Luxury. We liked it so much previously, we were looking for another pleasant stay. Unfortunately, they were sold out because of the Barret-Jackson auto auction. We met a guy who was in town to bid and buy a Lamborghini, in other words a high roller and he had to stay at a Residence Inn. There will be other chances for us to stay at the great Frank Lloyd Wright inspired hotel.
AZ Biltmore, Ocatilla club level building.
Instead, we drove north to Sedona for 3 days. It was beautiful.
Snow Covered Red Rocks
Our special treat was lunch at the Enchantment Resort in the TII Gavo Southwestern restaurant. The atmosphere is casual southwestern with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the red rocks up close and personal (see photo below). The food presentation was beautiful and appealing. We enjoyed the Clam Chowder and Grilled Salmon with tasty local flavorings.
Red Rocks from inside TII GAVO Southwestern Restaurant
Yellow Cactus and Spires
TII GAVO SOUTHWESTERN RESTAURANT at Enchantment Resort
