Category Archives: Dining – Elegant
Notes to Self: On Becoming Lighthouse Innkeepers
There are certain jobs that people dream about. A frequent fancy in a troubled world is being a lighthouse innkeeper where one can enjoy the peace and serenity of the ocean and abundant sea life. We wanted to see if the lifestyle of a lighthouse innkeeper might be in our future. We arranged for a visit …
Don’t Miss the Luau at the Royal Hawaiian
Aha’aina – is a Royal Celebration. We were anxious to experience this renowned oceanfront luau on Waikiki Beach with its spectacular views, excellent food, and top-notch entertainment. We were not disappointed. During our luau celebration at the famous “Pink Palace,” we were treated to a few minutes of Hawaii’s famous liquid-sunshine. It did not dampen …
The Ideal First Cruise for Seniors
On our last cruise we were delighted to meet a number of first-time cruisers in their seventies and eighties. When they heard we were travel photojournalists, they were more than willing to offer opinions and comments that helped form the foundation for this article, which we dedicate to them. The perfect first cruise We had …
Celebrate Veterans Day at the Thayer Hotel at West Point
No other hotel in the United States can boast the patriotic pedigree of the Thayer Hotel at West Point. We paid a visit to the award-winning Thayer Hotel during the holiday season, and felt it especially appropriate to write about this unique hotel on Veterans Day, when we honor the members of the military that have gallantly served …
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel: The Stunning Pink Palace on Waikiki Beach
If you have ever marveled at the iconic “Pink Palace” on Waikiki beach, and wondered about its colorful origin, so did we. Here is what we found out about its interesting history. In the early 20th century, a group of capitalists with substantial interests in Hawaii had the foresight to envision a burgeoning tourism future for the …
The Kempinski Hotel at Barbaros Bay: Still Tops in Extraordinary Turkish Hotels
The Kempinski Hotel in Bodrum at Barbaros Bay is much more than an ordinary coastal luxury hotel in an up and coming vacation paradise. It is also a premiere destination resort for discriminating travelers from around the world. Here is why. The Kempinski Barbaros Bay is about 20 minutes from the Turkish city of Bodrum. …
Cruising the Rainforests of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park
The “Other Down Under” destination of New Zealand is on the Bucket List of many Americans — and justly so. Problem is, New Zealand is a long way from anywhere U.S.A. Consequently, most tourists want to see as much as possible on their first visit. Our suggestion for an orientation trip to New Zealand – book a cruise. The rationale …
The Ahwahnee: An Iconic American Hotel Name May Become a Memory
The Ahwahnee Hotel photos by Judy Bayliff Because of a legal dispute over trademarks, some of the best-known places in Yosemite National Park may soon change their names. If something is not done, the historic and revered Ahwahnee Hotel will become the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. This is not simply a name change, it is another gross humiliation for the people of …
The St. Regis on Kaua‛i for an Unforgettable Hawaiian Holiday
Often referred to as Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” Kaua‛i is a lush tropical paradise of towering cloud-crested green summits. The island has 50-miles of sandy beaches perpetually polished by translucent waves. It was undoubtedly the perfect island for the legendary St. Regis brand to open one of their unparalleled luxury resorts. Behold the majestic north shore …
A Winter Getaway to the Brewery Gulch Inn and Mendocino’s Crab, Wine, and Beer Festival
We love off-season travel because of the reduced crowds and bargain accommodation rates. Last winter we drove from San Francisco to Mendocino to attend the annual Crab, Wine & Beer Days – a fun family experience – especially if you savor the taste of freshly cooked Dungeness crab. Getting to Mendocino Starting at San Francisco’s …
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