gem | Travel gems by Miss Sophie

Tag: gem
- Boen Gård – a gem in the South of Norway
  
  Posted at 12:39 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on June 7, 2020
  You get this warm feeling in your heart, like falling in love, when you discover something wonderful perfect, that really extend your expectations. You want everyone else to go there and have the same experience too, because it is truly wonderful. This is how I feel after staying a perfect night at Boen Gård nearby Kristiansand in Norway. I will try to express this in this blog with some pictures, but you have to go visit to get the true feeling and experience.
  
  Boen Gård is a small hotel, with only 18 rooms in different buildings. Boen Gård is from year 1520 and has an interesting history. When the buildings have been renovated over the last couple of years, they have managed to preserve some of the original materials and keep the touch of their history. Boen Gård has previously been a place for salmon fishers. Located just by the river, it is just a few steps before you are ready to start fishing. The surroundings are beautiful, and when the sun is shining and you have a walk by the river, you discover many beautiful scenery. Norway is a beautiful country
  The river view from the hotel
  
  Welcome to Boen Gård
  
  The Bar
  
  The room we had was in the main building, and was very comfortable. You had the view to the river from your window. On the walls there was pictures related to the history and fishing. You also had some old books about salmon fishing, if you spend several days and have time for reading.. I loved that there were a lot historical items in the room, and also some related to the salmon fishing. The ambience was kept very well with the history and the property.
  
  Bedroom in main building
  In the main building you also find the restaurant. Smaller rooms making the atmosphere very good. Wonderful rooms, well kept and in harmony. Flowers from the garden on the tables. Candle lights in the evening making it even more cosy.
  The dinner was perfect. 5 course dinner, with some small additions, ending up with 8 courses. All dishes very tasteful and very nice presented. The wine package made the total experience even more perfect. They are using only local products, and some of them are also made on the farm.
  
  When the setting, ambience and total experience exceed your expectations, then you have to grab the opportunity to make it even more magical.. So I had a glass of a Madeira from 1834. A wonderful ending of a perfect dinner.
  The breakfast was just as good as the dinner. Fresh products, nice presented. First we got a plate with some cheese, sausages, salmon and fresh salad. Together with a wonderful warm and freshly baked sourdough bread. Some nutella (homemade I assume). The butter “Søren så godt” was from Hodne Gård in Evje, Setesdalen. And it was “damn good”..
  
  Next plate consisted of yogurt with honey from the farm, waffles, fresh fruit and strawberries and some more homemade honey and jam.
  
  In addition you could have some warm dishes, different eggs, baked tomato, sausages, bacon..
  After breakfast we had a walk along the river and different paths on the property. The sun was shining and the scenery was beautiful.
  From around the farm
  The most recently renovated building
  It is hard to convey how great this stay was. I recommend you to go visit and explore yourself. I think you get a very good value for money. If you enjoy smaller hotels, with a lot of history, charm and ambience, you appreciate the attention to details, fresh and local products, and a staff team who do the most for you to relax, enjoy and explore their wonderful hotel.. Then go visit Boen Gård! A member of De Historiske
  
  Some videos to the end
  
  From the tour we had together with the Maître d’hôtel
  Posted in hospitality, Hotels, nature, norway, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged #agder, #boengård, #dehistoriske, #dehistoriskehoteller, #heritage, #Kristiansand, #salmonfishing, #travelinspiration, #travelnorway, Dining, food, gem, history, holidays, hotel, Hotels, Leisure, nature, norway, travel, travelling, wine
- Giraffe Manor
  
  Posted at 6:48 am by mylifemyworldrg, on March 30, 2018
  
  A perfect day, this is what we experienced when we stayed at the Giraffe Manor. If you have the opportunity to travel and visit this wonderful hotel with the beautiful and gentile giraffes – do it!
  
  We arrived at 11.00 am after being picked up at our hotel location in Nairobi. It was so quiet and beautiful to sit down outside the manor and just listen to the singing birds and surroundings. The welcome was very attentive and warm, and the staff team was very caring. We got served refreshments while filling out all formalities. It was no rush, and for me that was wonderful, just sit quietly and enjoy the surroundings.
  
  Giraffe Manor from the parking entrance
  
  We stayed in the beautiful room “Daisy”. The room was not so large, but had light and bright colors, and very charming bathroom and a wonderful terrace. I loved it.
  
  A personal welcome note and fresh roses
  
  From our terrace;
  
  My recommendation is to arrive early so you have the chance to enjoy the property before the Afternoon Tea at 17.00 when we have the first interaction with the giraffes and get to feed them and get photos.
  
  We got served this wonderful lunsj on the patio, the food was so tasteful and the ambiance perfect.
  
  The manor have some beautiful common areas, I really loved the Living Room with the grammofon playing evocative music, so you kind of felt going back in time.
  
  Dining room in the Manor
  
  At 17.00 the giraffes came for Afternoon Tea, and we got to feed them with pellets and got a lot of pictures and videos. A lot of fun
  
  Later we had dinner together with some of the other guests at the Manor in the Main Dining Room, it was a candle light dinner.
  
  Early the next morning at 6.00 am the first giraffe came to get fed by the guestroom windows and terrace. And later we eat breakfast together. It was a wonderful and fun experience.
  
  And some videos at the end..
  
  Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged africa, architecture, beautiful places, beautifulhotels, beauty, bucketlist, Charming, decor, exploring, gem, giraffe manor, giraffes, holidays, hotel, Hotels, inspiration, kenya, Leisure, life, luxury, luxuryhotel, luxurytravel, nairobi, nature, travel, travelling, View
- Nairobi Serena Hotel
  
  Posted at 6:45 am by mylifemyworldrg, on March 26, 2018
  
  Wow – due to constructions and renovation work, your first impression is not the best. BUT, when checked in and you experience the hospitality and the afrikan ambiance of this hotel, you discover this is a gem!
  
  As a leading hotels of the world traveler, we were upgraded to a small suite, perfect for us. The room had a lot of amenities from Elemis (spa products) and other small details as a fresh red rose on the toilet and a big bouquet of roses at the working desk.
  
  In the evening we got complimentary Nederburg sparkling wine from South-Africa, together with some fruit. When we checked in there were a big basket with Out of Africa products as coffee, tea, nuts and chocolate. It felt as a lot, and again – from my opinion to be a member of leading hotels of the world is adding a lot of value to your stay (not any add, just a fact)
  
  The ambiance by the Pool Side Bar and Restaurant was very nice, the staff team very attentive and kind, and the food very good. We tried the Kenyan speciality from the menu.
  
  The Breakfast buffe was large and with a lot of fruit and juices.
  
  A very good start at our fist visit in Kenya and Africa. Today we are going to stay at the Giraffe Manor, and we are very much looking forward to it. And then we will revisit Nairobi Serena Hotel tomorrow, and it will be the perfect end on our short Nairobi Vacation.
  
  Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged africa, Dining, gem, holidays, hospitality, inspiration, kenya, Leisure, life, nairobi, restaurant, travelling
- Hotel Casa Del Mar at Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles, California
  
  Posted at 5:43 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on December 30, 2017
  
  Casa Del Mar – This is my new favorite hotel, everything was perfect from start to end. Hotel Casa Del Mar is perfectly situated at Santa Monica beach, by the Pier. Beautiful setting to look at both the sunset or the sunrise. The hotel itself is beautiful with classic interior and decor in maritime colors. The hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
  
  Even if we arrived early in the morning, they had the room ready for us for check-in. They had even upgraded our room, to sea view and view to the pier. A wonderful room with good size, with a large bathroom. A lot of amenities in the room, and the I loved the quality of the bathrobe and all the attention to details in the room.
  
  Loved the decor in the room, felt more like a living room at home than a hotel room
  
  View from the Room #1
  
  View from the room #2
  
  After the turndown service in the afternoon, there were wine and snack awaiting for us in the room
  
  One hour bike rental was included in the rate, and it was a wonderful ride from the Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach and back. Since we visited in December the temperature was a bit low for relaxing on the beach. But it was perfect to enjoy and explore the surroundings without a crowd of people.
  
  The Beach side / Front side of the Hotel Casa Del Mar
  
  Free bike rental handled by their sister hotel “Shutters” situated just a few meters from Casa Del Mar
  
  From the Pier, were trail 66 ends.
  
  The beach a sunny day in December..
  
  The interior of the hotel, The Lobby and Restaurant
  
  The beautiful entrance of the hotel
  
  The Restaurant ready for Breakfast time
  
  Wonderful Cabanas
  
  The Lobby
  
  Coffee available for early birds before breakfast
  
  The Lounge with the restaurant in the back
  
  The Bar
  
  Breakfast
  
  Beautiful sunrise view from the breakfast table
  
  The Exterior of the hotel with the pool area, and some pictures of both sunset and sunrise..
  
  Early morning
  
  Soon sunrise
  
  Quiet and wonderful
  
  Sunrise
  
  Sunrise at Santa Monica Beach
  
  View at the Pier after sunset
  
  Casa Del Mar in the dark
  
  Sunset
  
  Sunset at Santa Monica Beach and the Pier
  
  The Pier at night
  
  If you want to learn more about this fabulous hotel visit their webpage Hotel Casa Del Mar or let me know if you have a ny questions.
  
  Beautiful views and surroundings every hour of the day
  
  Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged architecture, beauty, California, casa del mar, casadelmar, Christmas, Colors, decor, Dining, gem, holidays, Hotel Casa Del Mar, hotelcasadelmar, Hotels, inspiration, Leading Hotels of the World, life, Los Angeles, LosAngeles, luxury, luxuryhotel, nature, restaurant, santa monica, santa monica hotel, santamonica, travel, travelling, usa, View
- Apple Farm Inn – San Luis Obispo, California
  
  Posted at 11:10 am by mylifemyworldrg, on December 30, 2017
  
  When visiting California, and driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, we wanted to explore a genuine American Inn that would give us a specific ambiance and still a touch of high quality.
  
  It took a lot of time searching on the internet to try to find the perfect place, and also with a reasonable distance from both LA and San Francisco. Then Apple Farm Inn popped up, and it looked very charming on the website.
  
  We are so happy we discovered and explored this charming gem. As you see in the pictures below, the attention to the decor and details is great, and especially the Restaurant gave us the ambiance and feeling of an authentic American Inn.
  
  This is a gem that I have no doubt to recommend and is a perfect spot if you need a stay over when driving highway 101 or highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
  
  The entrance from outside in both daylight and night;
  
  Main building and Lobby – When checking in they served a glass of chardonnay from the Winery of the Month, they also had a wine tasting in the afternoon included in the rate. A non-alcoholic option was apple cider. Four fresh, homemade cookies we got at checkin as well.
  
  The entrance to the Restaurant and the Shop
  
  We visited Apple Farm just a few days before Christmas
  
  A beautiful car outside the main entrance, dressed up for the holidays
  
  All the lights made the Restaurant look warm and inviting, it was so charming and beautiful during the blue hour and when the dark sneaked in.
  
  The Room, a charming Queen Specialty room with both sitting area and fireplace. We stayed at room 328 in the Inn. Be aware that not all rooms are in the main inn, there are rooms in the Millhouse and Garden Rooms.
  
  The Restaurant was traditional with fun decor. The team of waiters was friendly and helpfull.
  
  Gingerhouses
  
  Sidesalad to the Turkeypai
  
  Turkeypai
  
  Apple Farm red wine, a good Cabarnet Sauvignon. San Luis Obispo County is a growing wine county with some good quality wine
  
  Breakfast..
  
  Blueberries Pancake
  
  The corridor to the rooms in the Inn and the Lobby;
  
  Christmas tree in the Lobby
  
  Decor in the hall
  
  If you need to rest by the stairs..
  
  Corridor at the 1st floor, to the Inn rooms in the main building
  
  Happy Holidays
  
  The Shop and the Mill;
  
  For further information, look at their webiste; Apple Farm Inn
  
  Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged applefarm, architecture, beauty, California, Christmas, decor, Dining, gem, holidays, hotel, Inn, inspiration, Leisure, life, restaurant, san luis obispo, sanluisobispo, slo, travelling, usa, wine, Wine county
- Riga – Grand Palace Hotel
  
  Posted at 9:50 am by mylifemyworldrg, on October 22, 2017
  
  Do you want to have some recommendations on were to stay when visiting Riga? If you like to have a touch of Luxury but still at a favorable price I think Grand Palace Riga is a really great choice.
  
  From my perspective you get value for money. I guess it is a bit more expensive then many other hotels in Riga, but still compared to a many other capital cities the rates here are quite low. This is the city to try out a more luxury hotel without ending up “broke”. The hotel picked me up at the airport in a nice Mercedes E-class car at an affordable rate, convenient and safe.
  
  It is a wonderful hotel. It is a small, beautiful with both a historical and luxurious atmosphere. I think it is a gem. And I was really positively surprised. What I loved the most about this hotel was the Bar, were you could sit and relax, read, write, work (if you work in the sky), eat or drink. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, and the service on top.
  
  I have some nice pictures to share with you;
  
  The hotel is situated in the Old Town of Riga, just next of the “Three Brothers” and with a perfect walking distance to the rest of the Old Town. Just a few minutes walk to “everywhere”. I thought it was perfect.
  
  The Checking In was more “relaxed” than on larger hotels. The reception invites to a “personal touch”, while you sit down in the chair and they introduce them self and make you feel welcome and ensure that they want to assist you to make your stay in Riga as comfortable and beneficial as possible.
  
  I had breakfast in the restaurant the first morning. The breakfast buffet had a lot of choices, and was fresh and appealing. There were some healthy choices, and you could have freshly made eggs, omelets or pancakes if you wished.
  
  The room was nice and comfortable. It contained all I needed. Since I booked through Leading Hotels of the World, I got a very nice welcome gift Black Balsam, fruit basket with flower, and both still and sparkling water. The bathroom had a lot of amenities, and was light and maintained.
  
  As Mentioned before the Bar is the best place to be. Relaxed, very good atmosphere and nice decor. And not at least the staff, very attentive and professional.
  
  The Restaurant is situated in connection with the Bar. I did not try out the Restaurant, only had a Club Sandwich served in the Bar the first night, since I had a late arrival. The Restaurant looked nice. Something to be aware of is that the bar is a smoking area, and the restaurant is non smooking. I am a non smoker, and I am not used to smooking in public areas inside anymore. I can understand if someone get dissatisfied with the smooking in the Bar, but for me it was not a problem, I was here to enjoy my weekend and travel, and not focus on “negatives”. I spent time in the Bar when it was not so crowded, and then the issue was gone.
  
  Here are some more pictures to try to shoe the “feel” and atmosphere of the hotel;
  
  The second morning I had a “sleeping morning” and had breakfast in the room (in bed). They had prepared it acorrding to my request, delivered and served on time. Ensuring a very good start of the day.
  
  I really enjoyed my stay, the staff team was very nice and caring, always assisting you in a professional behavior. Kind and smiling. Even if this was a solo travel I never felt alone.
  
  Today I am moving to another hotel, the newly opened Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga. Looking forward to get to know them as well, and later tonight visiting the Opera and listen to The Rose Of Turadia. New blog post on those experiences soon to come. Wishing you all a very nice day!
  
  Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged architecture, bar, beautiful, beautifulhotels, beauty, city, Colors, Dining, gem, grandpalaceriga, historical, history, Hotels, hunting, inspiration, Leadinghotelsoftheworld, lhw, life, luxury, luxuryhotel, Old Town, restaurant, Riga, travel, travelling
- A real gem in Norway, Hotel Union Øye
  
  Posted at 12:08 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on July 28, 2017
  
  When traveling around in Norway, you will discover a lot of gems in the most strangest places. Or to be more specific in lovely, small villages.. Last summer we visited Hotel Union Øye situated in Øye by Norangsfjorden. I had heard and read a lot about this charming hotel, and was really looking forward to my first visit. And it is truly a gem, and an experience worth travelling for.
  
  This charming and beautiful hotel is from 1891 and has only 27 rooms and all rooms are named after royalties and writers that have been staying at the hotel at previous generations. When we arrived all the vacant rooms had their doors open, so we could see and enjoy the different rooms.
  
  The atmosphere in the hotel is so unique, and you are really feeling you are travelling back in time. You can sit down in the lounge and relax and enjoy the views before having dinner at the restaurant.
  
  After dinner, storytelling took place in the lounge. If you weren’t interested in the hotel and the history before the storytelling, you will be after. It was so engaging, and made you fall even more in love in the hotel. And you get so happy that someone was able to save and restore the hotel, and bring back the “glory”, it is truly unique.
  
  The hotel and its atmosphere is really good, and outside you have this beautiful nature as well. There are waterfalls and the fjord ends only a short walk from the hotel.
  
  Learn more about Hotel Union Øye and if you want to find other small, unique gems in Norway, you can find them here at The Historic Hotels & Restaurant in Norway
  
  Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged architecture, beautiful, beautifulhotels, gem, historical, hotel, Hotels, inspiration, life, norway, travel, travelling, Unionoye

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Travel gems by Miss Sophie

Tag: gem

Boen Gård – a gem in the South of Norway

Posted at 12:39 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on June 7, 2020

Giraffe Manor

Posted at 6:48 am by mylifemyworldrg, on March 30, 2018

Nairobi Serena Hotel

Posted at 6:45 am by mylifemyworldrg, on March 26, 2018

Hotel Casa Del Mar at Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles, California

Posted at 5:43 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on December 30, 2017

Apple Farm Inn – San Luis Obispo, California

Posted at 11:10 am by mylifemyworldrg, on December 30, 2017

Riga – Grand Palace Hotel

Posted at 9:50 am by mylifemyworldrg, on October 22, 2017

A real gem in Norway, Hotel Union Øye

Posted at 12:08 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on July 28, 2017

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