Travel gems by Miss Sophie

Some travel gems, some luxury and some inspiration
  • Home
  • Beautiful Hotels
  • Beautiful Destinations
  • Gems in Norway
  • About
  • Contact
  • Tag: life

    • Gems to visit in Norway when we can start travel again

      Posted at 11:17 am by mylifemyworldrg, on March 22, 2020

      It is extraordinary times, we are all trying to stay safe for the Covid-19 virus and staying at home. Boarders are closed and countries locked down. We have to respect this and contribute to prevent the infection to grow. One of the effects are that hospitality business is almost totally closed down, hotels are empty and employees have no longer work.

      When society begins to open up again, we will see a change from before. This year I am sure there will still be limited travelling across boarders. This gives us an opportunity to explore our own countries, and support the travel and hospitality business in our own country to get the wheels turning and start to grow again, and it is super important. These days we are taking responsibility to prevent infection of Covid-19 to grow, in a few weeks or months we have to take responsibility to get the economy moving again, we have to stay at hotels, eat at restaurants, start to use and support all the different businesses in our own countries so people can get back to work and the economy to grow.

      wp-1584873564932.jpg

      I am living in the beautiful country of Norway. I am working in the hospitality business and I have visited a lot of beautiful places. I can’t wait to start exploring more of my own country, I get surprised time after time for all the wonderful gems I discover when I am travelling in Norway. And we have the most wonderful and beautiful nature. People are different, some prefer to stay at larger properties with more options, some at small properties with more soul, charm and ambience. Some prefers cities with shopping and culture, some prefers nature, silence and smaller towns. In Norway we have everything. When doing a road trip in Norway you can experience a little bit of everything. There are so many gems in Norway, and I just want to introduce some of the options for you.

      At first, when you are road-tripping in Norway, do some research in advance to get to know your unique options. We have some smaller chains and hotel groups that you maybe don’t know so much about, and they are offering some unique experiences and some of them unique locations as well.., as De Historiske , Classic Norway, Fjordtind Hotels and many more.. in additions to many independent hotels. And then we have the larger chains as Nordic Choice Hotels located all over the country and mainly in the cities. Everyone have staff teams waiting for you, and want to give you the best experience.

      I also recommend to visit the site to Up Norway who can assist you and suggest some unique experiences, not only for accommodation, but activities as well. I guess they are the ones knowing most about Norway and every small supplier of experiences. Visit their site, and get in contact with them to make your travel and holiday in Norway even more unique.

      I have some wonderful hotels I want to share with you, but this is just a few of hundreds of wonderful, unique hotels in this country. We are so lucky, and this year is the perfect time to travel in Norway for Norwegians, and next year we are ready to welcome from all over the world again. (Hopefully, and maybe already this year.., but first stay safe)

      Amerikalinjen is my new favourite in our capital Oslo. Perfectly located, in a building with history and ambience, a lovely staff team and great Bar and Restaurant. Everything you need for a city break. Please go stay and enjoy.. These days they even offer a very good discount if your book before end of April and stay before end of August. This is a great opportunity, just book for summer and go visit!

      img_20190531_150027_257
      img_20190531_152034_283
      img_20190530_115119
      img_20190530_115240
      img_20190530_115415
      img_20190531_060901
      img_20190531_063831
      img_20190530_121635
      img-20190530-wa0000
      img_20190530_135739_983
      img_20190530_132106
      img_20190530_132155
      img_20190530_132123
      img_20190530_121925
      img_20190530_121915
      img_20190530_114712
      img_20190530_133137

      Why not visit The Well and give yourself a unique spa experience? Treat yourself with a day visit and try to explore as many as possible of the different rituals, and your mind will be completely changed and you will want to go again and again. You have to be prepared to have a bit open mind (at least Norwegians) because there will a bit more nudity than usual, just try to relax and enjoy the relaxing feeling and the experience of the rituals and then enjoy a good lunch or dinner in the restaurant. It is worth it..

      Britannia in Trondheim.. member of Leading Hotels of the World, beautiful refurbished, plenty of choices for food and beverage. Even if it might be a bit more expensive than others, it is very good value of money. Just go visit! This is a must visit hotel..

      wp-1584869983933.jpg
      rhdr
      rhdr
      hdrpl
      hdrpl
      wp-1584869984547.jpg
      qrf
      qrf
      fznor
      fznor

      Brakanes Hotel  – is perfectly located by the fjord in Ulvik, Hardanger. My dream is to explore this hotel on a sunny day in summer. Enjoy the views, lower my shoulders, zip on a glass of white wine and breath the fresh air.. Fjordtind Hotels have two more hotels in Hardanger located by the fjords with great views. You should not miss out on one of these..

      wp-1584868056525.jpg
      wp-1584868056482.jpg
      wp-1584868056503.jpg
      wp-1584868056497.jpg
      wp-1584868056459.jpg
      wp-1584868056444.jpg
      wp-1584868056376.jpg
      wp-1584868056428.jpg
      wp-1584868056471.jpg
      wp-1584868056396.jpg

      At Strand Hotel Fevik – you can get the feeling of being in the south of Europe on a warm and sunny summer day. The sand beach, the garden, the sea view. Eating lunch at the terrace. The hotel is situated in Fevik, between the towns of Arendal and Grimstad. Dyreparken just a 30 minutes drive away. Perfect for families. Stay for a couple of days.. one night is not enough.

      wp-1584873657862.jpg
      wp-1584873833819.jpg
      wp-1584873833789.jpg
      ptr
      ptr
      rhdr
      rhdr
      wp-1584873833932.jpg
      ptr
      ptr
      nfd
      nfd
      wp-1584873833946.jpg
      wp-1584873564936.jpg

      Støtvig Hotel is beautiful situated at the seaside at Larkollen, another wonderful hotel to visit at summertime (or any time of the year..) Nice view from the Restaurant and terrace. Breakfast buffet is very good (if buffet will be an option in restaurants this summer..) Anyway a very nice place to visit.

      wp-1584868888569.jpg
      wp-1584868888615.jpg
      wp-1584868888545.jpg
      wp-1584868888676.jpg
      wp-1584868888560.jpg
      wp-1584868888520.jpg
      wp-1584868888475.jpg
      wp-1584868888542.jpg
      wp-1584868888649.jpg
      wp-1584868888621.jpg

      Quality Hotel Sogndal – I have to add this hotel as well, if you are driving one west coast of Norway, Sogndal could be an option to stop for a night. At Quality Hotel Sogndal, which is a bit lager property, you can choose between to good restaurants, and you find a good fitness room as well 🙂 You have to keep fit as well…

      wp-1584868552365.jpg
      wp-1584868552381.jpg
      wp-1584868552397.jpg
      wp-1584868552413.jpg
      wp-1584868552350.jpg
      wp-1584868552293.jpg
      wp-1584868552306.jpg
      wp-1584868552334.jpg
      wp-1584868552317.jpg

      Røros is worth mentioning, I only have pictures from the wintertime, but this charming town with so much history and ambience should be visited as well..

      wp-1584868300452.jpg
      wp-1584868300440.jpg
      wp-1584868300492.jpg
      wp-1584868300476.jpg
      wp-1584868300462.jpg
      hdr
      hdr
      hdr
      hdr
      wp-1584868300527.jpg
      wp-1584868300510.jpg
      wp-1584868300390.jpg
      wp-1584868300348.jpg
      wp-1584868300406.jpg
      wp-1584868300502.jpg

       

      Once again this is just a very few of hundreds of beautiful hotels all over Norway, I will try to introduce some more later.

      Take care, stay safe and stay at home until further notice… And when we can start travel again, support the hospitality business and help them get the wheels turning again..

       

       

      Posted in hospitality, Hotels, nature, norway, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged gems, history, holidays, hospitality, Hotels, inspiration, Leisure, life, nature, norway, travel, travelling
    • Istanbul – vibrant and loads of history

      Posted at 2:12 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on October 17, 2019

      Istanbul is a “must visit”. I didn’t know before I actually did visit.. and I had to come back again and again..

      img_20190607_191918
      img_20190607_083216
      1557653859073
      1557653853297
      1557653853101
      img_20190608_212804-1
      View to Hagia Sofia from Seven Hills Restaurant
      View to Hagia Sofia from Seven Hills Restaurant

      This wonderful, vibrant city, with all its history, and being part of both Europe and Asia making it even more interesting. It is a colorful city with a lot of charm. The city have several districts being quite different from each other. You cannot be bored in Istanbul. There are so much to see, experience and learn about. There are a lot of wonderful places in the world, but if you just have to chose one – chose Istanbul and you get a taste and experience of “everything”.

      img_20190518_194338_211
      img_20190518_194338_213
      img_20190517_220932
      img_20190607_192402

      Sultanahmet is the Old Town of Istanbul were the famous Hagia Sofia (Ayasofya) and Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii) is situated. Sultanahmet is the district in Istanbul with most tourist, and can be very crowded. But still a very nice, colorful and vibrant place, with different bazars, a lot of restaurants and some shops. And of course a lot of hotels and other accommodation. It is a very nice place to stay, and easy to use the tram to move around in Istanbul. If you are staying for a longer stay or more than one visit, the Istanbul Card is recommendable.

      When starting to write on this blog, I realized it is to much to write about for just one post, but I will try to..

      1557653853166
      1557658132889
      1557598793195
      1557598791434
      1557598787101
      img_20190606_195435

      View to Hagia Sofia from Seven Hills Restaurant

      img_20190518_194338_215

      Hagia Sofia

      Hagia Sofia is a former cathedral, which became a mosque, but is now a museum. The history, and the beautiful inside of Hagia Sofia is worth a visit. The architecture is wonderful and so many unique Mosaics.

      img_20190911_132356
      img_20190911_132634
      img_20190911_132425
      img_20190911_131847
      img_20190911_132918
      img_20190911_133743
      img_20190911_130918
      img_20190911_131104
      img_20190911_130825
      img_20190911_133234
      img_20190911_132423
      img_20190911_132220

      Gülhane Park is situated in connection to Sultanahmet , a nice park were you can have a short walk in relaxing surrandings, if you want to get away from the crowd.

      1557653853101
      1557653853297
      1557653859073

      Nearby you also find Yerebatan Sarnici or Basilica Cistern, with the Medusas. An interesting story, and this attraction is both cheap and do not have this long queues as many of the others.

      img_20190517_175145
      img_20190517_175345
      img_20190518_194338_212

      On the other side of Bosphorus you find Karaköy with Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) and the Taksim shopping street. A visit on the top of Galata Tower gives you the best view of Istanbul, but here again – there is a lot of people and you have to stand in line for a while to get the opportunity to explore this view..

      IMG_20190912_105141.jpg

      img_20190608_212804

      img_20190912_101051

      In Taksim shopping street you find all kinds of shops, expensive to cheap, and Istanbul is a good place to shop. You can find very cheap alternatives to whatever you would like to shop.

      IMG_20190913_184529.jpg
      IMG_20190913_181631.jpg

      In Taksim you also find nice cafés and bars, as you find all over Istanbul. You can always find some good food here, their food is inspired from both continents, and every country and culture around Turkey, and “added” their own traditions. The food is tasty and with flavors and colors 🙂 .

      IMG_20190910_212214.jpg
      IMG_20190911_121143.jpg
      IMG_20190911_195155.jpg
      IMG_20190911_201728.jpg
      IMG_20190912_215219.jpg

      A very good option to dine is one of the restaurants situated by the Bosphorus

      img_20190913_195249
      img_20190913_203555
      IMG_20190511_194828.jpg
      IMG_20190511_195925.jpg
      IMG_20190512_131211.jpg
      IMG_20190517_140755.jpg
      Mado Café
      Mado Café
      Desserts and sweets
      Desserts and sweets
      Turkish tea
      Turkish tea

      Mado is of Turkish origin and their ice creams are made of goat milk. It is very tasty, and the goatmilk taste is not strong. Mado have a history of more than 100 years. And you can choose between plenty of tasty desserts and ice cream flavors.

      A daytrip to Price Island (or Kızıl Adalar in Turkish) is absolute to recommend. The ferry takes about an hour, and there are different island to choose between. The largest island Büyükada, is a really nice and charming island. I recommend to rent some bicycles and bike around the island to get to know ot and see all the charming Ottoman Mansions and beautiful views, a wonderful experience.

      img_20190912_132126

      Beautiful scenery with Istanbul and the beginning of the sunset in behind, when the ferry is bringing you back from Adalar / Prince Islands.

      IMG_20190912_133406.jpg
      IMG_20190912_134144.jpg
      IMG_20190912_132159.jpg
      IMG_20190517_220903.jpg
      IMG_20190517_220350.jpg
      IMG_20190517_220508.jpg

      The Ortaköy area of Istanbul is also very nice. More quiet, but still very vibrant. A very good option to were to stay, and very nice view as well. The Ortaköy Mosque is the “landmark” of this area.

      There are also many different cruises to join at Bosphorus, both daytime and night. If you choose to go, I recommend you to do good research to find one that will suit you. There are different dining options, music and entertainment. The pricerange and the quality varies a lot. For me, I don’t think it was value for money. Even if you have nice views, the total experience was not worth the money, but then I probably should have choose another cruise supplier.

      img_20190607_214215
      img_20190607_214424
      img_20190607_215350

      Views of Istanbul..

      IMG_20190517_162554.jpg
      IMG_20190517_162216.jpg
      IMG_20190911_144950.jpg

      Since I have been in Istanbul a couple of times I have tried different hotels as well. My favorite is Kempinski Ciragan Palace, but Swissotel The Bosphorus was a very pleasant surprise. Both are in Besiktas area, with some distance from Sultanahmet. In Sultanahmet area I can recommend Hotel Yasmak Sultan. It is located just a few minutes walk from Hagia Sofia, and only 2 minutes from the Tram Station. The restaurant is situated on the top and have very nice views on both sides of the city. The room and bathroom was delicate and fresh. And they have both pool and gym.

      1557589194472
      1557589194382
      1557589194351
      1557589194411
      1557592943264
      1557592996260
      1557595592415
      1557595418955

      Another option is Celine Hotel situated on the other side of Hagia Sofia. This is a Ottoman Mansion with only 14 rooms, so breakfast and facilities are limited. Nice, but don’t think I will stay there again.

      img_20190606_190951
      img_20190606_180441
      img_20190606_180504

      On the Galata Tower side, Karaköy, you find 10 Karaköy Istanbul a sbe hotel. Not a favorite either if you are looking for value for money. The rooms are small, and breakfast average. But interior are nice and delicate.

      1559990295277
      1559990295112
      1559990295039
      1559990295008
      1559990294952

      Then we have Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul, i really liked this one, it was large but not too large. It was vibrant and modern. The room had a very nice view to the Bosphorus, and had plenty of amenities.

      img_20190516_201323
      img_20190516_200952
      img_20190517_120744
      img_20190516_194116
      img_20190516_194141
      img_20190516_200512
      img_20190517_102206
      img_20190517_101809
      img_20190516_194158

      And I loved of course the rooftop bar and the view..

      Kempinski has another price range, but it is my favourite, and I have stayed there three times, so it have to have it’s own blog post..

      I will have different recommendations for different people, because Istanbul have everything, and it depends on what you want to experience and prefer of accommodation and surroundings. Please let me know if you have some questions, I will be happy to assist!

      img_20190518_092921_441
      img_20190517_124451
      img_20190610_094208
      1554758300880
      1554817863468
      1554923077790
      1554956188047
      1554923780594
      Posted in travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Adalar, architecture, Bosphorus, city, Colors, Dining, Galata Tower, Hagia Sofia, historical, history, holidays, Hotels, inspiration, Istanbul, Karaköy, Leisure, life, Museum, Ortaköy, Ottoman, Prince Islands, shopping, Sultanahmet, Taksim, travel, travelling, Turkey, View
    • Athens – heritage, architecture and charm

      Posted at 10:06 am by mylifemyworldrg, on July 25, 2019

      It is time to start to post some of my travels the past year. It has been a busy year, and time flies. When it slows down in the summertime, you get the time to reflect on what has passed and everything you have explored. And Athens is one of the beautiful cities I have had the pleasure to explore.

      imag4210
      imag4183
      snapchat-761925587

      Athens has the beauty and charm of the heritage sites and buildings around the city, together with charming streets and wonderful views. All this makes it a wonderful city to visit. And for me that loves history and architecture – perfect.  The city center is not that big, and can be crowded as it is a popular city for tourists. I visited in August, and according to the locals it is not so crowded this month because the locals are out of town on vacations.

      Since I am not to happy in standing in line for the tourist attractions, I have found my own “way” of exploring the most without. The first day on my trips I usually get on one of the Hop On Hop Off busses to get to know the city and “identify what to explore more in detail”.

      imag4151

      Acropolis

      imag4153imag4158imag4160snapchat-440825033

       

       

      In Athens I loved to stroll around in the charming streets, were you still feel the heritage ambiance.

      imag4204
      imag4215
      imag4216
      imag4213
      imag4212
      imag4190
      imag4210
      imag4209
      snapchat-1390158325

       

       

      imag4244
      imag4247
      imag4245
      imag4218

      snapchat-765479679

       

      And then I am always looking for a nice place to dine.. preferably with a view and some charm and great food, wine and quality..

      Luckily I discovered this place in Athens on my first day, and came back again and again.. A warm recommendation to visit Tudor Hall at King Georges perfectly situated on the Syntagma square. Here you get everything, the wonderful view, ambiance, attention, food and drinks.

      imag4173

       

      snapchat-2123500276
      imag4165
      imag4164
      imag4167
      imag4168
      imag4171
      snapchat-1205347491

       

       

      And in the evening I am hunting for the sunset. I enjoy to sit and relax and watch the beauty of the sunsets. I found the perfect setting for this at Hilton Athens..

       

      snapchat-1115761041
      imag4183
      snapchat-901470973

       

       

      And yes, we returned to enjoy it with our dinner several nights

       

      snapchat-294959797
      imag4271
      snapchat-614091413
      imag4267

      As a Leading Hotels of the World traveler I stayed at the Divani Caravel Hotel in the beginning of my stay in Athens. I was upgraded to a suite with a very nice view to the Acropolis. The swimmingpool on the rooftop had also a nice view.

      imag4119
      imag4122
      imag4131
      imag4125
      imag4139
      imag4142
      imag4145
      imag4243
      imag4175

      One morning I had a perfect room service breakfast in my room

      imag4187
      imag4185
      imag4186

      After some days here, we moved to Syntagma Square area and stayed at NJV Athens Plaza.

      imag4278
      imag4284
      imag4279
      imag4280

      Here we enjoyed most the location and were happy of having King George and Grand Bretagne as “neighbours”, with more wonderful views and great dining.

       

      snapchat-730658949
      imag4297
      snapchat-2020344840
      imag4295
      snapchat-104541233
      snapchat-761925587
      imag4287
      imag4285
      imag4310
      snapchat-1810893468
      imag4308
      imag4307
      imag4298

      snapchat-761925587

      The last night I explored the beaches of Athens, staying at Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso. A wonderful gem, and I got this room with a great balcony and view..

       

      snapchat-390500042
      snapchat-1256981059

       

      imag4317
      snapchat-772830545
      imag4318

      Enjoying life 🙂

      imag4322
      imag4324
      imag4335
      snapchat-2071226850
      snapchat-959255199
      imag4320
      imag4319

      Sunset and evening ambiance by the pool area

      snapchat-2032448801
      imag4332
      imag4331
      imag4333

      Breakfast on the balcony with a perfect view in a quiet morning

      snapchat-958772845
      imag4336

       

       

       

      So, do I want to go back and visit Athens again? Yes, I do!

      You know my blogspots are not so into details, so feel free to contact me if any questions on how, what, why’s.. 🙂

      Posted in Hotels, travel | 1 Comment | Tagged ancient, architecture, Athens, beauty, city, Colors, Dining, Greece, historical, history, Hotels, inspiration, Leisure, life, nature, restaurant, travel, travelling, View, World heritage
    • Museum Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey

      Posted at 2:09 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on April 21, 2019

      Museum Hotel – is a gem. Unique, in wonderful settings. Just to sit and enjoy the views, and all the historical items you can find all around you. Be sure not to pack the day with to many other things to visit in Cappadocia when you are staying at Museum Hotel, because you have to spend the time at the property..

      img_20190414_123554img_20190414_123714img_20190414_112851img_20190414_123401

      The room was very nice, with good size. And there was a lot of amenities. Even in the room a lot of historical items, making the ambiance great.

      img_20190414_130202img_20190414_130326img_20190414_130309img_20190414_130211img_20190414_130454img_20190414_130503img_20190414_130547img_20190414_134826

      Since there was changing weather while I was visiting, it was very nice to dine in the warm and cozy Restaurant Lil’a.

      img_20190414_150859img_20190414_151550img_20190414_153657img_20190414_155701img_20190414_150910img_20190414_124024img_20190414_124136img_20190415_163644img_20190415_141014img_20190415_142042

      The outside area was the best, scenery changing with weather and lighting trough the day. Could never get enough pictures of the views..

      img_20190414_155903img_20190414_155944img_20190414_184514img_20190414_184626img_20190414_185759img_20190414_193211img_20190414_193046img_20190414_193123img_20190414_193202img_20190414_193542img_20190414_193336img_20190414_193258img_20190414_194010img_20190414_193735img_20190414_193906img_20190415_181920

      In the morning, the two peacocks will be awaking you.. Or at least they was walking outside my window, giving me this joyful morning view..

      img_20190415_134424_820img_20190415_081959img_20190415_081716

      The breakfast buffet was large, with plenty of turkish and local products. Have to go back to get some pictures from it..

      The Museum Hotel experience was very good due to the setting, but many of the team members seemed a bit unexperienced and there was quite a few details missing to make it to the top of the 5 star hotels.

      But still, I hope to be able to revisit and it is on my recommended list for you to visit.

       

       

      img_20190415_182917
      img_20190415_202714
      img_20190414_161657

      img_20190414_194746img_20190414_194949img_20190415_082205img_20190414_114124img_20190415_085018img_20190414_123213img_20190414_122954img_20190414_123205img_20190414_112756

      Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged architecture, Cappadocia, Colors, Dining, historical, inspiration, Kapadokya, life, Museum, nature, restaurant, travel, travelling, Turkey, View
    • Cappadocia (Kapadokya), Turkey

      Posted at 12:48 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on April 21, 2019

      This slideshow requires JavaScript.

      Cappadocia or Kapadokya (in turkish) – This unique, UNESCO World Heritage area is just amazing, and a “must visit” if you are into both history and nature. You will just fall in love with the beautiful landscape, the views, the fairy chimneys, the sunset, the sunrise, the changing weather. I have to admit, this is one of the most unique places I have ever visited, and I just can’t wait to go back and explore and learn more about all of it.

      img_20190413_064515

      In addition, Cappadocia is becoming famous of all the Instagram photos of the Hot Air balloons and the charming settings from all the different Cave Hotels in the different town Göreme, Uçhisar and Ürgüp. However, Cappadocia deserves much more attention than all the amazing photos posted on Instagram..

      img_20190413_065701_359-1
      img_20190413_062126

      Even if it might be the Hot Air Balloons that is most featured from Cappadocia at the moment, just be aware that this is not a “everyday” happening. If the weather or wind is not favorable, the balloons are cancelled. Therefor my recommendations are to at least stay a 3-4 days while visiting Cappadocia, so you are sure experiencing the Hot Air Balloons as well, because it is truly a beautiful setting in the sunrise. Otherwise, there are so much to see, do and learn about while visiting the area, if not just relaxing in the amazing scenery of Cappadocia.

      img_20190413_061433
      img_20190413_062539
      img_20190413_061637
      img_20190412_192403
      img_20190412_193421
      img_20190412_185652

      I stayed two days in Göreme, at Charming Cave Hotel. Charming Cave Hotel, has a wonderful setting, and here, you are staying with a family doing whatever they can to give you a pleasant stay. The room are nice, but the quality of the equipment’s could be better. The shower fell almost apart and the hotel amenities, was already been used. Otherwise, everything was fine and very authentic. The friendliness of the family, and their hospitality was great.

      img_20190412_121834
      img_20190412_111500
      img_20190412_111447
      img_20190412_111416
      snapchat-1904773152

      Breakfast View Charming Cave Hotel

      Make sure that you experience the Turkish food and wine. The food has a lot of flavor and colors. The local wine is getting quite good quality.

      img_20190413_144505
      img_20190413_142118
      img_20190412_181540

      The last night I stayed at the only Relais & Chateaux hotel in Turkey, Museum Hotel. The hotel is actually a museum and there are so much history. As the Hot Air Balloons is getting Cappadocia famous, the view and settings are getting Museum Hotel famous, even if it is so much more to it. There will be a separate post from Museum Hotel

      img_20190414_194806
      img_20190414_194010
      img_20190414_193735
      img_20190414_130202
      img_20190414_130326
      img_20190414_130211
      img_20190414_130309
      img_20190414_130454
      img_20190414_130503
      img_20190414_185759
      img_20190414_184626
      img_20190414_193202
      img_20190414_155903
      img_20190414_184514
      img_20190414_155944

      img_20190413_083611_121

      img_20190413_064223

      I have to admit my first visit to Turkey was truly wonderful, much more that I expected. And my prejudice to the travelling there due to feedback from others are completely gone and I will return and explore more.

      Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged beauty, Cappadocia, caves, history, Hot Air Balloon, inspiration, Kapadokya, life, nature, Turkey, UNESCO, View, World heritage
    • Giraffe Manor

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

      IMG_20180326_162749_540.jpg

      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.

      Snapchat-1602661505

      Giraffe Manor from the parking entrance

      IMAG3166

      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.

      IMAG3236.jpg

      IMAG3190

      IMAG3178

      IMAG3179

      IMAG3196

      IMAG3197

      IMAG3181

      IMAG3189

      A personal welcome note and fresh roses

      Snapchat-538554767

      From our terrace;

      IMAG3185
      Snapchat-491074182
      Snapchat-608518196
      Snapchat-1565085653

      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.

      IMAG3210
      IMAG3208
      IMAG3220
      IMAG3215
      IMAG3177
      IMAG3176
      IMAG3169

      We got served this wonderful lunsj on the patio, the food was so tasteful and the ambiance perfect.

      IMAG3240

      IMAG3242

      IMAG3243

      IMAG3245

      IMAG3247

      Snapchat-1216175629

      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.

      IMAG3205

      IMAG3204

      IMAG3222

      Snapchat-109945110.jpg

      IMAG3221

      IMAG3207

      IMAG3229

      IMAG3234

      IMAG3231

      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

      IMAG3273.jpg

      Snapchat-487438545.jpg

      IMAG3275.jpg

      IMAG3278.jpg

      Snapchat-1702167672.jpg

      IMAG3248

      IMAG3264

      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.

      IMAG3281

      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.

      Snapchat-2074163485.jpg

      IMAG3301.jpg

      IMAG3308.jpg

      Snapchat-354453086.jpg

      IMAG3310.jpg

      received_1643585229093026.jpg

      IMAG3351.jpg

      Snapchat-744453201.jpg

      IMG_20180327_111957_300.jpg

      IMG_20180327_095904_106.jpg

      IMAG3328.jpg

      IMAG3337.jpg

      IMAG3324.jpg

      IMAG3349.jpg

      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!

      IMAG3138IMAG3140

      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)

      IMAG3141IMAG3153IMAG3145

      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.

      IMAG3149IMAG3150

      Snapchat-1794678074

      The Breakfast buffe was large and with a lot of fruit and juices.

      Snapchat-1304096077Snapchat-1443237663

       

      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
    • Exploring Beverly Hills & Hollywood

      Posted at 2:14 pm by mylifemyworldrg, on January 1, 2018

      This year we decided to visit and explore Los Angeles and California during the holidays. It was a good decision, we had a wonderful time.

      We stayed 4 nights in Beverly Hills, at Mr. C which is a member of The Leading Hotel of the World. The hotel was situated quite good in Beverwil Drive, not to far from Rodeo Drive.

      Rodeo Drive was dressed up for the holiday season, and I loved this area of the city. So clean and beautiful decorated. It felt safe to walk around alone, both in the shopping street of Rodeo Drive, and also the whole street while I one day walked all the way from Beverly Hills Hotel in Sunset Boulevard down to Wilshire Hotel.

      IMAG2452

      Sunset at Rodeo Drive

      IMAG2430

      Christmastree at Rodeo Drive

      IMAG2429

      Beautiful signs

      IMAG2435IMAG2433IMAG2439

      IMAG2440

      Rodeo Drive

      The visit in LA was very good, but not everything was as expected. For me Beverly Hills has been a very positive surprise, while Hollywood for me was a turn down. I had expected that Hollywood was more glamorous, but appeared to be a “tourist trap” with very little charm – from my perspective. I understand that people would like to see the Hollywood sign and the Stars on Walk of Fame, but there is nothing else to see or experience. The area appeared dirty and with a lot of people trying to force you to buy everything from a sightseeing trip to a CD. For me it was quite fussy.

      Snapchat-1013276413

      IMAG2536
      IMAG2492
      IMAG2493

      Luckily we had this Best of Hollywood Food Tour the second day, were we had a private tour guide telling us a lot about the history of Hollywood. That added some value.

      Trisha, our private guide, had picked out some very nice places for us to visit and dine. First, she guided us around the Hollywood Boulevard area and taught us a lot about the history of Hollywood and the history of the different theaters.
      After a good hour, we started to drive to different restaurants. interesting places we would not have found or chosen by ourself. We had the best pizza ever from the Pizza Mozza 2go – try it if you are in the neighbourhood.

      IMAG2549
      IMAG2553
      IMAG2554
      IMAG2555
      IMAG2563
      IMAG2547
      IMAG2550
      IMAG2552
      IMAG2562

       

      At Mr. C we enjoyed the accommodation and the balcony. One morning we had breakfast on the balcony after view the sunrise.

      IMAG2413

      Snapchat-1205596715

      Bellini welcomedrink

      IMAG2414IMAG2416Snapchat-1811009936IMAG2410IMAG2411IMAG2421IMAG2420IMAG2419

      Snapchat-1030254226

      The Bar

      IMAG2417

      Christmastree

      Snapchat-246851817

      IMG_20171220_083416_402

      Breakfast with a view

      Snapchat-556525077

      Sunset

      IMAG2423

      Mr. C – Hall

      IMAG2422

      Lemons in the garden

      IMAG2481

      Continental Breakfast

      IMAG2480

      Restaurant

      IMAG2466

      IMAG2473

      Sunrise – Looking at Los Angeles Downtown

      IMAG2581

      Breakfast on the balcony

      IMAG2585

      IMAG2580

      Sunrise

      IMAG2579

      View Los Angeles Downtown

       

      One of the days I strolled around in Beverly Hills, and visited some of the beautiful hotels. Had tea at wonderful Peninsula Beverly Hills and had a very good lunch at Beverly Hills Hotel (Dorchester Collection).

      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Wilshire Hotel - Four Season
      Wilshire Hotel – Four Season
      Wilshire Hotel - Four Season
      Wilshire Hotel – Four Season
      Wilshire Hotel - Four Season
      Wilshire Hotel – Four Season
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Peninsula Beverly Hills
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Teatime at Peninsula
      Teatime at Peninsula
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Christmastree at Peninsula
      Christmastree at Peninsula
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      IMAG2612
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Collection
      Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection

      A very good dining option in Beverly Hills area, if you do not want to spend too much money on a meal is Cheesecake Factory in Beverly Drive. The driver who picked us up on the Airport recommended us Cheesecake Factory, and we are glad she did. They have a large selection of dishes, and even have their own “slim” menu. The portions are huge, and are ideal to share. We ordered one dish each, and it was way to much food. On our third visit we had enough experience to just order one dish each, and share instead.

      IMAG2457
      IMAG2500
      IMAG2501
      IMAG2503

      Another restaurant we visited and were very pleased with was Il Pastaio in Canon Drive. An Italian restaurant with very good ambiance and good food.

      We visited Cheesecake Factory in Farmers Market (Grove) and in Macy’s in San Francisco too.

      Our total experience dining in California or the country as whole, is that the food mainly is quite heavy and unhealthy. A lot of fat, especially for Breakfast were they mainly serve A la Carte.

      If visiting Universal Studios, the recommendation is to buy First in Line tickets. It is a bit more expensive, but the time you save is worth it.

      We would love to go back to Los Angeles, a big city and we did not have enough time to explore everything. But we would minimize the time spent in Hollywood.

      We also had a wonderful time at Santa Monica, see the link below;

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

       

       

       

      Posted in Hotels, travel, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged architecture, bar, beautiful, beauty, Beverly Hills, California, Christmas, city, decor, Dining, holidays, Hollywood, hotel, Hotels, inspiration, LA, Leisure, life, Los Angeles, restaurant, Rodeo Drive, travel, travelling, usa, View
    • 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.

      Snapchat-1218067562IMAG2641

      IMAG2642

      Loved the decor in the room, felt more like a living room at home than a hotel room

      IMAG2644IMAG2645IMAG2648IMAG2703Snapchat-1372561867

      IMG_20171221_140542_472

      View from the Room #1

      IMAG2643

      View from the room #2

      After the turndown service in the afternoon, there were wine and snack awaiting for us in the room

      IMAG2753
      IMAG2752

       

      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.

      Snapchat-1425919886

      The Beach side / Front side of the Hotel Casa Del Mar

      IMAG2676

      Free bike rental handled by their sister hotel “Shutters” situated just a few meters from Casa Del Mar

       

      IMAG2684

      From the Pier, were trail 66 ends.

      IMAG2682

       

      IMAG2712

      The beach a sunny day in December..

      IMAG2678

       

      The interior of the hotel, The Lobby and Restaurant

      Snapchat-252010059

      The beautiful entrance of the hotel

      Snapchat-1910308176

      The Restaurant ready for Breakfast time

      IMAG2802

      Wonderful Cabanas

      IMAG2807

      IMAG2808

      The Lobby

      IMAG2800

      Coffee available for early birds before breakfast

      IMAG2801

      The Lounge with the restaurant in the back

      IMAG2806

      The Bar

       

       

      Snapchat-1859851181

      Breakfast

       

      IMAG2804

      Beautiful sunrise view from the breakfast table

      IMAG2700IMAG2664IMAG2662IMAG2660IMAG2659IMAG2661

      The Exterior of the hotel with the pool area, and some pictures of both sunset and sunrise..

       

      IMAG2653IMAG2656

      IMAG2790

      Early morning

      IMAG2791

      Soon sunrise

      IMAG2793

      Quiet and wonderful

      IMAG2794

      IMAG2792

      Sunrise

      IMAG2797

      Sunrise at Santa Monica Beach

       

      IMAG2798

      View at the Pier after sunset

      IMAG2783

      Casa Del Mar in the dark

      IMAG2741

      Sunset

      IMAG2737

      Sunset at Santa Monica Beach and the Pier

      IMAG2732IMAG2723IMAG2719

      IMAG2767

      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.

      IMG_20171222_100638_315

      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