Destinations

I just returned from the island of Lanai where I spent two nights at the Four Seasons Manele Bay Resort. My room was number 2908 in the oceanfront wing, ground floor with large lanai that had a rattan table for 4 and a rattan loveseat. The hotel is up on the hillside overlooking the bay and there is a path that leads down to a wonderful beach where the Four Seasons has a private area with chaise lounges, towels and umbrellas. My room was beautiful and spacious with a plasma tv, very comfortable bed and large marble bathroom.

The service at this resort is impeccable and several staff members called me by my name before I was even introduced to them but that is Four Seasons service. I enjoyed my first dinner at the Ocean Grill outside by the pool and had lobster and shrimp fried rice. It was very delicious. The second night I had dinner in their signature restaurant, Ihilani, which was also a wonderful meal. The hotel is full of Asian antiques and artwork and they are about to offer walking tours with IPods that guests can take to learn about all of the pieces there. The grounds are beautiful with gardens and waterfalls between the buildings.

I had heard about the spinner dolphins in the bay at this resort and I was very fortunate that they swam in to feed both mornings that I was there. I could see them from my lanai and they were dotted throughout the bay swimming and feeding and they jump up out of the water and spin. I saw a group of about 6 people swimming in the bay and a few minutes later I saw 2 dolphins swimming very close to them and I was told that the dolphins are very friendly and curious about people. (I was ready to leave for the airport or I would’ve run down there to swim with them myself.)

I took the resort shuttle up to Lanai City and walked around this charming plantation town dotted with colorful Hawaiian homes, shops, and little restaurants, and Mike Carroll’s art studio where I purchased 2 prints of scenes from the town.

I look forward to returning to Lanai to spend a longer time there maybe splitting my stay between the beautiful Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay Resort, and hope to swim with the dolphins!

Devi Garh, Delwara, Udaipur. This boutique hotel was a former fort built in the 1700’s. This upscale hide a way is someplace where you would expect to find Brad & Angelina on holiday! Only 39 all suite rooms, all with a contemporary design and very private. Another out-of this world spa. This is modern India at it’s best. Send your young hip clients.

Amanbagh, Alwar. After all the intensity of traveling around Rajasthan, this is t-h-e place to ‘ relax & recharge’. It is a 2 hour drive from Jaipur, located in the hills, in a area that was favored by the Maharaja’s for hunting. Contemporary architecture, yet with a nod to the past. Sixteen pool pavilions are located on the perimeter of the property, all with lavish enormous baths & sitting areas. No TV! Courtyard & garden rooms are located in the two story structures on either side of the pool. All with sitting areas & lavish marble baths. Another world class spa with traditional & healing therapies. I had my first ever Indian head message. thought I had died & gone to Heaven!! Indoor & outdoor dining with Western & Indian cuisine. Many local activates can be booked from the hotel. We went on a jeep tour to the local village, which was one of the high lights of the trip. Your high end travelers will love this place.

We started in New Delhi with a two night stay at The Imperial Hotel. This simply is the b-e-s-t hotel in the heart of the city. Staff were most courteous & friendly. It has the British colonial feel, very elegant & understated. The lead in category of a Heritage room offers very spacious accommodations with king bed, sitting area and good size marble bath. The one bedroom suites in addition to the large living room offer a spacious dressing area off the marble bath room. There are a variety of additional amenities from butler service to in room massage. The Spice Route Restaurant in the hotel (Asian fustian) is one of the best in Delhi. A wonderful dinner.

Taj Palace, New Delhi. Is a high rise contemporary hotel in the heart of Delhi. Decor was dated, sort of ’80’s feel. You will not find any jet setters there. Rooms were comfortable and this hotel could appeal to business travelers. Club level offers the usual amenities of breakfast & afternoon tea.

The Oberoi, New Delhi. Another high rise contemporary hotel located in the city center. The hotel was full so we were unable to see any rooms. Compared the the other Oberoi hotels, this was not as luxurious. If you have golfers they will like the location by the best course in all of Delhi. The spa is brand new and very luxurious. Overall my top hotel pick for Delhi would be The Imperial.

Next stop Udaipur, a very popular honeymoon destination located by Lake Pichola . We stayed at the Oberoi Udaivalas, which was rated best hotel in Asia by from Conde Nast in 2007. Spectacular entry amid manicured gardens and acres of marble. This luxury resort recreates the ambiance of a royal residence. Only 87 rooms, all feature a sitting area, luxurious marble bath overlooking a private courtyard. The spa is simply fantastic! Two good restaurants with menus of both Continental & Indian cuisine.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur. Does anyone remember the James Bond movie ‘ Otopussy’, well many scenes were filmed here. The hotel is a marble fantasy that sits in the middle of Lake Pichola. 84 rooms with some suites. This is classified as a ‘heritage’ hotel, which might appeal to a seasoned traveler.

Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur. This resort is truly an oasis set on 32 acres of beautiful gardens, pools & fountains. It is located about an half hour from the city center. Built in 1997 with a contemporary Rajasthani-style design there are deluxe rooms with four poster beds & marble baths. Also 14 deluxe air conditioned tents with lavish bathrooms, teak floors and marble bath. World class spa and dining. Travel & Leisure rated the Rajvilas the third best hotel in the world.

Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. All 105 luxury rooms & suites have an uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal! Elegantly appointed interiors, all with marble bath & some with private terraces. Many recreational facilities including fitness center, heated pool and library. Another outstanding spa operated by Banyan Tree. Two restaurants, Esphalhan which serves Indian cuisine & Bellevnue offering both Western & Indian cuisine. Not to forget the lobby, bar & tea lounge all offer spectacular views of the Taj Mahal.