5 Beaches to Visit This Summer
If there's one thing I regret, it’s not heading to the beach before the pandemic broke out.
After being isolated for weeks, there’s nothing I yearn more than languidly sipping a cold beer and rubbing my toes against fine, white sand.
Here are the top five beaches I will make a beeline for when it's safer to travel.
BORACAY - PHILIPPINES
Photo credit: Laurentiu Morariu
Nothing compares to the powder-soft white sand of Boracay Island’s White Beach, the longest white beach in Asia.
This 4-km stretch of heaven on earth offers beachfront hotels to suit any budget, five-dollar massages by the beach and a wide selection of bars and restaurants.
What I would do: Eat the famous street food chori burger, a charcoal-grilled sweet chorizo with spicy sauce in a bun, and wash it down with an ice-cold San Miguel beer.
Where I would stay: Sea Wind Boracay in Station 1, the quiet side of White Beach, has a private beach with sunbeds reserved for hotel guests. Natural old wood architecture and a small pool surrounded by trees make this the perfect hideaway in Boracay. Double room starts at $250/night.
SARDINIA - ITALY
Photo credit: Massimo Virgilio
This Italian island beauty in the Mediterranean Sea famed for its clear, turquoise waters has plenty to offer aside from sandy beaches.
There are hiking trails in its mountainous interior, prehistoric archaeological sites, little towns with narrow streets full of character and a lively nightlife.
What I would do: Take a private boat tour to the La Maddalena islands on the north-western coast and stop at some the beaches to soak in the blueness of the Mediterranean Sea.
Where I would stay: The Cervo Hotel in Costa Smerlada overlooks the lively piazza of Porto Cervo and its exclusive marina. This resort is a bit pricey but its private beach, outdoor pool, seven restaurants and bars with seaside views and central location make it worth every penny. Double room starts at $500/night.
SAINT-TROPEZ - FRENCH RIVIERA
Photo credit: Valentin B Kremer
After Brigitte Bardot shot some films in the 1950s in this coastal town in the southeast of France, Saint-Tropez became a destination for the jet-setters from the 1960s until today.
This chic and decadent affair is ideal if you want to channel your inner glamour for a day under the sun and show off your tan in a nightclub afterwards.
What I would do: Put on my sexiest wrap-around sundress and pretend to be glamorous at the Bagatelle Beach Club on Nikki Beach.
Where I would stay: At the swanky Byblos Hotel, you can rub elbows with the A-listers on its private pool, at the Cucina restaurant by Alain Ducasse or at its adjacent nightclub Les Caves Du Roy. Decadence doesn’t come cheap, double rooms start at $800/night.
ALGARVE - PORTUGAL
Photo credit: Dan Gold
Less popular than the lively cities of Lisbon and Porto, the Algarve region in the south of Portugal is a must-see for its golden beaches, sandy coves, limestone cliffs, dramatic rock formations and culinary sensations.
What I would do: Rent a car and visit the golden shores from Lagos to Faro and eat some carabineiros (grilled prawns specialty of Algarve) and fresh seabass at the seaside Rei das Praias restaurant in Ferragudos.
Where I would stay: The Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort in the town of Carvoeiro is a good base to explore the rest of Algarve. This fully-refurbished cliffside hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean promises a relaxing stay. Double room starts at $200/night.
SANTORINI - GREECE
Photo credit: Hello lightbulb
This sounds cheesy but I dream of holding hands with a lover while watching a sunset from one of the white-washed hotels on the cliffs of Santorini.
What I would do: Explore the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli on foot, visit some wine caverns, rent a private boat and sail into the sunset.
Where I would stay: With tastefully decorated rooms in classic Santorini style and an outdoor rooftop pool, this small boutique hotel called Anteliz on the hills of of Fira, overlooking the Aegean Sea, is a steal at $200/night off-peak.
Luke
Five Culinary Finds in Tokyo that You Must Try
It’s impossible to eat bad food in Tokyo. From street food to haute cuisine and everything in between, the flavors of Tokyo will not disappoint. Here are five unforgettable dining experiences that should be on your bucket list.
For a special take on SUKIYAKI, the popular Japanese dish made of thin beef slices simmered at the table in a shallow iron pot with soy sauce, sugar and mirin, head over to Ganryujima in Ginza, where only the highest quality A5 grade Japanese Black beef is served. To replace sugar in the sauce, the ritual instead starts off with cotton candy that slowly melts as the sauce is added.
Address: Pacific Ginza building 5F, 7-2-20, Ginza, Chuo-ku
Contact: +81-03-5568-5555
If you want to experience Wagyu beef that melts in your tongue like butter, head over to Misuji in Akasaka for a YAKINIKU, the Japanese version of barbecue. Owned by the same amazing chefs of Yoroniku, this spot at Tokyo’s central business district has locals queuing up for Wagyu sirloin, shoulder, tongue and tenderloin cuts grilled to perfection.
Address: 2F, 3-16-3, Akasaka, Minato-ku
Contact: +81-03-5573-8929
A sinfully delightful affair that goes well with beer is the OKONOMIYAKI, a savory Japanese pancake made of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage and a choice of meat, octopus, shrimp or squid that’s best enjoyed in an Izakaya, a casual after-work drinking spot similar to pubs or tapas bars. Gyozasenka Dining-Lee in Shinjuku has an affordable, good value menu.
Address: 3-21-2 Shinjuku NANAE Bldg. 2F, Shinjuku
Contact: +8-203-3350-2228
Nagomi, a four-seater hole-in-the-wall in Shibuya serves the most amazing GYOZA. A simple menu of pork gyoza, shrimp gyoza or a combo with soup or rice lovingly prepared by the owner himself makes this no-frills experience a very satisfying one.
Address: 1-21-15 Jingumae B1f, Shibuya
Contact: +81-03-6804-5569
For the best sushi experience in all of Tokyo, book well in advance for a degustation at the 10-seater Shutoku Honten in the outer area of Tsujiki fish market. The typical pre-fixed 10-sushi menu is about Y 10,000. The sushi chefs are specialists who uphold the sushi bar’s long-standing tradition of pursuing perfection in sushi-making for 400 years.
This sushi is made of male cod sperm sac only available during winter season.
Address: 4-14-16 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku
Contact: +81-03-3541-4015
Chloe
Where to Stay in Paris: Trendy but not Touristy
Portraits
Five Hotels in Berlin for Every Personality Type
You're thinking about going to Berlin but have no clue where to stay? Here are five options that could suit your budget and taste.
Michelberger Hotel
A favorite among the creative types, Michelberger’s mismatched flea market furniture and come-as-you-are vibe make this hotel a true hipster haven. There are loft spaces for three and spacious rooms for six ideal for groups that like to eat, sleep, work or play together.
It's located within walking distance from Warschauer Street (known as the clubbing mile) and in between the city’s two nightlife hubs, Kreuzberg and Freidrichshein, making it the perfect choice for party revelers. Its 24-hour bar lounge is great for odd-hour nightcaps and post-party recovery meal.
Hipster in a nutshell
credit: michelbergerhotel.com
Address: Warschauer Str. 39/40, 10243
Telephone: +49 (0) 30 297 78590
Hotel Adlon Kempinski
From the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, a skip and a hop would take you to the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall making this hotel a great choice for luxury travelers. Its large, ostentatious rooms, superb conference facilities and first class restaurants would give any business traveler an elegant address in Berlin.
A doorman in a black suit and top hat, gilded chandeliers, velvet curtains and upholstery speak of traditional European opulence. Michael Jackson couldn’t have been more stylishly luxurious in his choice of hotel balcony from which to dangle his baby back in 2002.
Traditional luxury
credit: kempinski.com
Address: Unter den Linden 77, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 22610
Hotel Q
When Japanese sensibilities meet Scandinavian sleek, the result is an understated elegance that makes this boutique hotel oh so chic. Pilates classes are available for fitness enthusiasts who will love the spa with fitted Japanese washing area and Finnish sauna. Fashionistas will feel at home as this hotel is located right on the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping street on Charlottenburg.
New Age Minimalist
credit: hotel-q.com
Address: Knesebeckstr. 67, 10623 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0) 30 81 00 66 0
Das Stue
For the ultimate luxury boutique hotel experience, book a weekend stay at the Das Stue and rub elbows with hip locals and travelers in the know. Located in Tiergarten disctrict within the Embassy Quarter, this prestigious hotel has relaxing views of the adjacent Tiergarten Park. Delight in Chef Paco Perez’ creative tapas at The Casual all-day dining restaurant.
Later in the evening, slip into an elegant attire and sample the Spanish Chef’s craft at the Michelin-starred Cinco restaurant. End the night with a 1920’s-inspired cocktail at the Stue Bar, a playground for the glamorous set who come here to sip exclusive whiskies and cognacs not to be found elsewhere in Berlin.
Luxury Boutique
credit: das-stue.com
Address: Drakestraße 1, 10787 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 311 722-0
nhow Berlin
For musicians and aspiring musicians, there is the NHow Berlin --- Europe's first music hotel located along the banks of the River Spree just a few minutes away from MTV and Universal headquarters. The River Spree is in between Berlin's nightlife hubs, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshein, making this hotel an ideal base for those seeking to explore Berlin's entertainment scene.
Its choice of psychedelic patterns of magenta, purple and lime at the lobby are meant to stimulate creativity before you head to one of the two in-house professional recording studios. The guest rooms have a more subdued palette of powder blue and baby pink which you can balance with some electrifying rhythm from the electric guitar that can be borrowed at no extra cost. The nHow Gallery holds exhibitions on photography, painting and sculpture so expect to bump into some creative types during your stay.
Musician's Choice
credit: nhow-berlin.com
Address: Stralauer Allee 3, 10245 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0)30 290 299 0
Nudes
Outdoor Portraits
Man in Wooden Bike, Amsterdam, July 2017
Sebastian, Bologna, October 2017
Ria, Old Town Geneva, October 2017
Reflections
Street Art, Paris, January 2017
Dusk in San Sebastian, Spain, June 2018
Secret Beach, El Nido Palawan, Philippines, July 2018
How to Chill Like a Local in Switzerland
If your shoulder muscles are hard as rock from hunching over the computer all week, why not plan your next city break and escape to The Gruyere Baths.
Go Now
Known to locals as Les Bains de la Gruyere, this spa with heated pools set against a panoramic backdrop of the Gruyere mountains will give the relaxing getaway that you so desperately need. Entrance fees start at CHF 26 for 3 hours.
Do This
Start by sinking into the 34-degree heated outdoor pool and find a spot with massage jets to relax your leg muscles, then make your way to the bubble bed for an aquatic massage and stare at the clouds drifting lazily and wonder why you haven’t done this before.
Crawl into one of the Nordic saunas or Turkish hammams to melt away the toxins and finish off with a cold shower. If that isn’t enough to purify you from the last holiday’s excessive drinking, book one of the massage treatments on site.
credit: hotel-cailler.ch
Stay Here
For a more zen experience, book a room at the Hotel Cailler, a 4-star affair with direct access from the hotel to the thermal baths. Special offers for doubles start at CHF 380 which includes a breakfast buffet and unlimited entry to the thermal baths.
credit: hotel-cailler.ch
Eat Here
Head to Hotel Cailler’s Le Bistrot for casual dining to enjoy regional classics such as the emince de veau, slices of beef doused in Gruyere and Vacherin cream (CHF 37). A good starter choice is the foie gras with apricot chutney (CHF 26). For a more gastronomic experience, the hotel offers a 5-course degustation at the 4 Saison starting at CHF 140 including wine-pairing.
credit: hotel-cailler..ch
Try This
Enjoy the view from the balcony of your hotel room and end the night with your drink of choice! Salut!
credit: Patrick Pfister
Why Zermatt Won Best Ski Resort in Switzerland
Zermatt was voted as the no. 1 ski resort in Switzerland in a survey among 46,000 skiers and snowboarders. Here are 5 reasons why you should make Zermatt your next winter holiday destination.
1. It’s the home of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world, known as the king of the Alps among hikers who dream of reaching its summit. Admire its almost perfect pyramid-shaped peak on the ski slopes or take the Matterhorn Glacier Ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to get a 360-view of the alpine peaks across France, Switzerland and Italy.
2. It’s not crowded even during peak season. Since there are over 360 kilometers of pistes with well-placed ski lifts, you won’t experience long queues at gondolas or worry about being run over by other skiers in a jam-packed slope.
3. You can ski all year round in Europe’s highest and largest glacier ski area even during summer. Enjoy 21 kilometers of well-maintained slopes at Theodul Glacier, also a popular training area for winter sports athletes in the summer.
4. It’s a car-free zone which means cleaner air, less noise pollution and a traffic-free road that makes strolling a bit more pleasant. Holidaymakers travelling by car must park in Tasch and take a 12-minute train to Zermatt. There are electric taxis and buses available for getting around.
5. There’s a wide selection of apres ski restaurants, bars and night clubs to suit every taste and budget.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re looking for a ski-in ski-out hotel with a good apres-ski vibe, stunning views of the Matterhorn, excellent spa and great dining options in an unbeatable location, The Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort has it all. Peak season rates for doubles start at CHF 526 (room only).
credit: cervo.ch
For an excellent standard of hospitality that the Swiss are known for, the family-run Hotel Aristella will not disappoint. Located within walking distance to the Zermatt train station, town center and Sunnega cable car that takes you to the ski lifts, its modern double room offer with breakfast is good value at CHF 288.
credit: aristella-zermatt.ch
Where to Eat & Drink Like a Local in Prague
The Classic Chlebíčky
The Czechs are very fond of the chlebíčky, an open-faced sandwich made of savory toppings on a slice of baguette-like bread. They have it for a quick lunch, a snack, finger food at parties or late-night bites. Best enjoyed at Sisters Bistro paired with one of their hearty soups
Where to find it: Dlouhá 727/39, 110 00 Staré Město
Char-grilled Slab of Meat
If you’re a meat-lover, make your way to Kantyna where you’ll be greeted by the slogan “Vy si vyberete, my to ugrilujeme!” The“You choose it, we grill it” ritual starts with your choice of slab of meat which you write on a scoreboard order slip given at the entrance. Then you cross off how many glasses of beer you’d like to have with it (yes, the Czechs love beer!) and head to the counter to pick your meat to be grilled on charcoal.
Order some starters to go with the beer while you wait. You can’t go wrong with some pulled pork, potato pancake, dry-aged beef sausage with truffle, and steak tartare, along with Kozel dark lager. Rub elbows with the locals on the stand up communal table or settle in one of the cozy tables at the back.
Where to find it: Politických vězňů 5, 110 00 Prague-Nové Město,
The Best Czech Beer Experience
There’s a local pub in the trendy district of Karlin that’s become somewhat of an institution in Prague. Locals keep coming back to Local Hamburk because there’s nothing like the taste of fresh draught beer served straight from the steel tanks to your pint glass.
It’s a small space with very few tables so if you turn up without a reservation, you’ll find yourself standing outside, beer on hand next to yuppie locals London-pub-style. Not bad at all in the summer time. The Czechs are a friendly bunch.
credit: lokal-hamburk.ambi.cz
credit: tasteofprague
credit: tasteofprague
Where to find it: Sokolovská 55, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín
Gourmet But Unpretentious
For a more gastronomic experience in a casual setting, the open kitchen and communal style tables at the Eska restaurant is a good choice. The potato in ash with potato espuma, paired with gin and tonic and fermented red wheat with raw button mushrooms and sautéed black trumpet mushrooms paired with 2016 Blauer Portuguieser are some of the unique creations of Eska the head chef Martin Štangl who combines traditional Czech ingredients with modern cooking methods for a truly unique dining experience.
The tasting menu with 8 courses is 1850 CZK (70 euros). Add 1550 CZK (60 euros) for the pairing drinks.
OMG (Oh My God) Gin
Potato in ash with potato espuma
Sautéed black trumpet mushrooms
Where to find it: Pernerova 49, Karlín, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín-Praha 8
Sinfully Delicious Czech Ending
credit: roamrambleread
Krystal Bistro serves traditional French cuisine with a Czech touch. But if you’re only looking for dessert, the plum dumpling with poppy seeds, crushed nuts and lots of melted butter paired with a glass of walnut brandy will not disappoint.
Where to find it: Sokolovská 101/99, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín
The Longest Outdoor Art Gallery in the World
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a portion of the wall that runs along the banks of the River Spree in Friedrichshain remained standing.
Over a hundred works of art were painted on the east side of this wall by 118 artists from 21 different countries. Known as the East Side Gallery, this wall measures 1.3 kilometers, making it the longest open air gallery in the world. It depicts the artists' views on the political events that took place in 1989 and 1990.
A symbol of hope and freedom, the Berlin Wall is a must-visit. Here's a list of the artwork that caught my eye.
The Fraternal Kiss by Dmitri Vrubel
The fraternal kiss between the leaders of west and east Berlin, Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker, is an iconic, and hilarious, depiction of peace.
Test the Best by Birgit Kinder
The Trabi, made of cardboard and plastic breaks through a concrete wall without any scratches, symbolizes Berlin's resilience.
Doin It Cool For The East Side by Jim Avignon
Partying in a club is the artist's depiction of elation over the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Curriculum Vitae by Susanne Kunjappu-Jellinek
Here's the CV of the DDR. 186 roses represent the number of people who died trying to cross the wall.
Berlyn by Gerhard Lahr
Address: Mühlenstrasse btwn Oberbaumbrücke & Ostbahnhof
Open 24 hours
GETTING THERE
Accessible to the public 24/7 by tram via the Sbahn (stop at Ostbahnhof, line S5, S7, S9, S75) or the Ubahn (stop at Warschauer, line U1, S5, S7, S75
Address: Ostbahnhof (line S5, S7, S9, S75) or Warschauer (U1, S5, S7, S75)
Five Ways to Enjoy a Weekend in Berlin
A weekend is not enough to get intimate with Berlin, a city thought by many as the hedonistic capital of Europe. But if a weekend is all you've got, here are five ways to taste a bit of the best it has to offer.
Eat & Drink in Berlin’s Hippest Area
Unpolished, unpretentious and utterly chill, the neighbourhood of Neukölln is a good place to discover Berlin’s trendsetting food scene. Here you’ll find what hipster truly means before the brick-walled cafes of London and New York started emulating this subculture scene.
Dine in reimagined restaurant spaces like the Lavanderia Vecchia. What was once a backyard laundry shop is now famous for its fixed menu of Italian gastronomy from antipasti, primi, secondi to dolci, plus half a litre of wine, water and coffee or a digestif at a good value of 60 euros.
credit: lavanderiavecchia.wordpress.com
Visit one of the Contemporary Art Galleries
Art lover or not, you must visit one of Berlin’s 440 art galleries if only to get a glimpse of the city’s incredible imagination and restless energy. The Contemporary Fine Arts, or CFA, in Charlottenburg exhibits world class cutting edge art.
If you’re not the art gallery type, fine. Just look up and you won’t miss the multitude of street art all over the city. Find one of El Bocho’s iconic Little Lucy inspired by the 70’s Czech TV series. El Bocho found the series too boring and made a twist by creating street art where Lucy kills her cat in all sorts of imaginative ways.
credit: Stefan Hints
Sample Some Street Food
Head to the corner of Warscahuer and Revaler streets for an authentic taste of Berlin’s most popular street food, the curry wurst, at a food stand called Curry Fritze. Since it’s right next to one of the city's busiest train stations, the Warschauer Strabbe, you’ll enjoy people watching and trend-spotting for cutting edge fashion before they hit the streets of New York and Paris.
credit: andBerlin
Dance all Night
Berlin is famous for its legendary clubs and avant-garde music scene. Put on your I’m-not-trying-hard look and try your luck to get past the doors of the Berghain or Watergate and experience the unique sound and vibe of Berlin.
Local clubbers who avoid tourists arrive on Sunday morning and don't leave till the next day. Why sleep when you can dance all night and not work on Monday?
credit: water-gate.de
Shop for Something Unique
Arguably Berlin has the highest population of artists per square mile in the world and it doesn’t come as a surprise that many unique concept stores and independent fashion labels have opened up here.
Don't miss Wald in Mitte for some extraordinary pieces won’t find anywhere. If you’re into fashion labels with an edgy touch, you'll love VooStore (Oranienstraße 24) in Friedrichshain where you'll find Jil Sander, Alexander Wang and stuff from Swedish label Acne.
For vintage finds, Sometimes Coloured (Grünberger Str. 90) has a good selection of pre-loved clothes and collectible sneaker finds.
credit: Facebook l Sometimes Coloured
