For years, Grant Thatcher rattled around Asia gathering wisdom about where to find the perfect martini in Bali, how to buy furniture in Bangkok, or who makes the smartest tweed jackets in Hong Kong. When friends started pestering him for tips, he decided to launch the Luxe City Guides in 2002. Now available for 22 cities in Asia, Europe, and North America (luxecityguides.com), the Luxe Guide is a three-by-six-inch, 20-panel accordion-pleated guide that will fit in a shirt pocket. "I want them to be sharp, acerbic, cheeky-like a smack in the mouth," says Thatcher, who edits each one himself. We caught up with Thatcher recently in Hong Kong for his always colorful take on travel.
What is it: For my money the Mandarin Oriental is the most glam hotel in London. Its not unusual to see movie stars or models milling around the foyer, while its location near Hyde Park and the shopping mecca of Harrods and Harvey Nichols also make it a place for the seriously monied.
Remember the romance of Prague in the early nineties -- the faded façades, the atmospheric bars, the thrill of discovering a secret city? During the summer, when you're elbow-to-elbow with beer-swilling tourists in the Old Town, those halcyon days seem far away. But fairy-tale Prague is there, especially if you visit in winter, when the crowds have dispersed.
and pamper yourself with an unforgettable weekend in New York City. Or you can spend a full week kicking back at one of the plush resorts that dot the American West. Either option will set you back the same $5,000. The first one delivers more anything-can-happen excitement and variety. The second promises more of the one thing children don't add to your life: free time. --DONNA ROSATO AND KATE ASHFORD ...
For years, Grant Thatcher rattled around Asia gathering wisdom about where to find the perfect martini in Bali, how to buy furniture in Bangkok, or who makes the smartest tweed jackets in Hong Kong. When friends started pestering him for tips, he decided to launch the Luxe City Guides in 2002. Now available for 22 cities in Asia, Europe, and North America (luxecityguides.com), the Luxe Guide is a three-by-six-inch, 20-panel accordion-pleated guide that will fit in a shirt pocket. "I want them to be sharp, acerbic, cheeky-like a smack in the mouth," says Thatcher, who edits each one himself. We caught up with Thatcher recently in Hong Kong for his always colorful take on travel.
What is it: For my money the Mandarin Oriental is the most glam hotel in London. Its not unusual to see movie stars or models milling around the foyer, while its location near Hyde Park and the shopping mecca of Harrods and Harvey Nichols also make it a place for the seriously monied.
Remember the romance of Prague in the early nineties -- the faded façades, the atmospheric bars, the thrill of discovering a secret city? During the summer, when you're elbow-to-elbow with beer-swilling tourists in the Old Town, those halcyon days seem far away. But fairy-tale Prague is there, especially if you visit in winter, when the crowds have dispersed.
and pamper yourself with an unforgettable weekend in New York City. Or you can spend a full week kicking back at one of the plush resorts that dot the American West. Either option will set you back the same $5,000. The first one delivers more anything-can-happen excitement and variety. The second promises more of the one thing children don't add to your life: free time. --DONNA ROSATO AND KATE ASHFORD ...
IN A CITY KNOWN for its jaw-droppingly luxurious hotels, the recent opening of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong has raised the bar. Perfectly situated in Central, the main business distr...
If you have children at home, you know that hitting the road without them is the only way to have a true vacation. So go ahead, take the in-laws up on their offer to watch the kids for a few days a...
Watch "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks and what is memorable about this movie? More to the point, what is not memorable? For some it is the airport interior.
Can't bear the thought of looking at those sad eyes when leaving your pet at the kennel during vacation? You may not have to leave your four-legged friend behind.
Luxury hotel deals Summer is always the best season to get an affordable dose of luxury, as high-end hotels offer off-peak promotions. But this year the values are deeper than usual and in many cas...
A hotel porter was in my suite and on his back, wriggling. I suggested he'd be more comfortable if he removed his tunic. "Oh no, madam," he replied. "I couldn't possibly."
The trend toward shorter but sweeter trips (see Travel Wise, June 1990) is going strong -- three or fewer nights was the average for more than 50% of 1989 vacations. Add that demand to the slowdown...
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