All posts tagged: hotels

SINGAPORE

Published by Nicole Isaacs

Singapore had been on my list of places to visit in Asia ever since I saw a picture of the iconic infiniti pool on top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. I got to give credit to Instagram, it really changed the game for so many industries, the travel industry being one of them. I have traveled and added so many more places on my travel bucket list because of pictures I’ve seen on social media. Although my stay in Singapore was short, the city is quite small so my two days felt like enough time to see all the main landmarks and get a good feel of the city and had a great experience. Singapore is a very cosmopolitan city and reminded me a lot of Las Vegas. It was the first place I visited in Asia that didn’t feel like Asia. The Singapore skyline was one of the most breathtaking cityscapes I’d ever seen. I was blown away by the architecture of the city. The shapes and structures of the buildings was like …

SEMINYAK, BALI

Published by Nicole Isaacs

Seminyak is Bali’s party scene. It’s a fun beach town buzzing with restaurants, boutiques, bars and beach clubs. If you want to experience the action, I definitely recommend visiting Seminyak. It has an entirely different feel from Ubud and it’s good to experience both. My Seminyak list includes these trendy spots: Potato Head Beach Club, Ku De Ta, Motel Mexicola, La Plancha Beach Bar, Sarong restaurant, and the W hotel. W RESORT & SPA SEMINYAK I stayed a few nights at the W Resort and Spa in the heart of Seminyak. Located right on the beach and next to the popular Potato Head Beach Club, the W has an exciting energy and is the perfect place to stay to be in the heart of all the action. It was a nice change of pace after relaxing in Ubud for a few days. I stayed there during the W’s 5-year anniversary party and danced under the stars and fireworks at the Woobar. I got my party fix in, but also had time to relax and enjoy …

FOUR SEASONS BALI EXPERIENCE

Published by Nicole Isaacs

FOUR SEASONS SAYAN I couldn’t leave Ubud without experiencing the Four Seasons Sayan. It came highly recommended and is another great choice when looking into luxury accommodations in Ubud. Also located in the middle of the rainforest and alongside the Ayung River, the Four Seasons exudes complete tranquility surrounded by the beauty of mother nature. It’s unique architecture was built from the inspiration of Ubud’s signature rice terraces, staying true to traditional Balinese design. The resort’s main entrance is breathtaking, with a vast circular lily pond on top of the main lobby, signifying the center of a large rice bowl. The lush property is surrounded by tropical palms, rice farms, lily ponds and scattered gardens of fruit trees, medicinal and spice plants, all of which are labeled by name. The Four Seasons put together a personalized itinerary of Sayan Signature Experiences which allowed me to really get the full resort experience. I practiced Power and Anti Gravity Yoga in the amazing open air bamboo studio overlooking their own rice terraces. Anti Gravity Yoga uses a …

BALI, INDONESIA | FIRST STOP: UBUD

Published by Nicole Isaacs

I am breaking up my Bali posts because there is just so much to write about! I am going to write a post for each resort I stayed at in Bali along with all the activities I did at each. I’m also going to share some information about Ubud in this post. My first stop in Bali was the Ritz Carlton Mandapa Reserve. UBUD The town of Ubud is an hour and a half drive from Bali’s international airport, Denpasar. Ubud represents traditional Bali, you can really feel the authentic Balinese culture. It’s in the uplands and surrounded by rainforest, rice terraces, Hindu temples and shrines– Bali’s most iconic landscapes. Ubud is also known for the center of Balinese crafts and dance. It feels very far removed from the hustle and bustle of the populated town of Kuta and Bali’s beach party scene in Seminyak. It is the ultimate place for serenity and relaxation, and the perfect place to practice yoga and mediation. If visiting a spiritual healer interests you (like the healer Ketut in …

CAYO ESPANTO RESORT, BELIZE

Published by Nicole Isaacs

For the ultimate luxury experience, I spent the last two nights of my trip at Cayo Espanto, a 5-star, world-class resort nestled on its own small private island off Ambergris Caye. I was picked up by boat from San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, and pulled right up to the dock of my own 2 bedroom villa, Casa Estrella. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the full staff and their signature cocktail, “The Espanto Wave.” From that moment on, I experienced hospitality at its finest and was blown away by the exceptional service and hospitality. There were two house butlers on call, day and night. The two bedroom duplex villa was absolute heaven– each bedroom had an ocean view, there was an open living area with panoramic ocean views, two spacious bathrooms, two private decks, and a heated private plunge pool on top of the water. During the day, our villa was open so I could take in the beautiful views and fresh ocean breeze, and the house butlers closed the walls and doors each …

BEST OF BELIZE

Published by Nicole Isaacs

Belize was on the top of my travel bucket list for a while. I heard so many great things so I finally booked a trip to see the best the country has to offer. I usually squeeze in so many activities on a trip that it’s rarely relaxing, but this trip was different. I spent eight days there and took my time to explore the country, soak in the sun, and relax at its finest resorts. Needless to say, I came back to Los Angeles feeling refreshed and with a beautiful Belizean tan. I started off my trip inland in the small rustic town of Saint Ignacio. A lot of travelers don’t visit the mainland, but I would recommend it– you get an entirely different feel of the country. I arrived in Belize City and took a private shuttle (only $45!) to Saint Ignacio, which is 2 hours away from the airport. There’s a ton to do in Saint Ignacio including visiting the Mayan ruin sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, and jungle adventures like …

DAN HOTELS ISRAEL

Published by Nicole Isaacs

Dan Hotels is the most prestigious hotel chain in Israel. When planning my trip there was no question in my mind that was where I was going to stay. It is the most recognized name in the Israeli hotel industry and very well respected. The Dan Hotel Collection includes 14 hotels within Israel, all offering a unique and special experience. I got the opportunity to stay at the famous King David Hotel in Jerusalem, as well as Dan Tel Aviv. I highly recommend this exquisite hotel chain if you are planning to visit Israel. It made my trip extra special and that much more enjoyable. Thank you to the Dan Hotels team! The King David Hotel, Jerusalem One of the world’s most legendary hotels which is known for accommodating some of the world’s most important people, The King David is a landmark in the unique and fascinating city of Jerusalem. With beautiful views of the Old City, the hotel is located just a short 15 minute walk away from the Old City walls where within lies the old …

ISRAEL

Published by Nicole Isaacs

Israel has a very special place in my heart. I grew up traveling to Israel during my summers off school to visit my dad’s side of the family and I have so many amazing memories that have impacted my life and helped shape who I am today. Israel is, and will forever be a part of me. I feel very connected when I go there, and I think it’s truly one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in the world. Many people I talk to don’t know anything about Israel or what it’s like. They call me “brave” when I tell them I am going, and think it’s only desert, sand dunes and war tanks. It’s crazy to think how the media has portrayed Israel, and it’s sad that the majority of people have major misconceptions of how it really is. My goal for this trip was to show Israel how I know it. If I could live anywhere in the world besides America, I would choose Israel in a heart beat. There is so much history …

NAPA VALLEY + CIROC

Published by Nicole Isaacs

Visitors from around the world travel to Napa Valley for its famous wineries, restaurants and beautiful scenery. The Valley is 30 miles long, only a few miles wide and is home to over 400 tasting rooms. I drove from Los Angeles for an evening and a day just before Memorial Day weekend which is considered the beginning of Napa’s summer season. The vineyards were green with growth, the weather was warm and I never felt overwhelmed by the amount of people we saw. The City of Napa is located at the southern end of Napa Valley and is the beginning of many wine tours. The Napa Valley Wine Train begins just a stones throw away from downtown Napa or you can bring your own driver or hire a car for transportation around the Valley. I had 24 hours to make the best out of what Napa Valley had to offer, so below is what I suggest for a quick, well-rounded Napa Valley experience. WHERE TO STAY The Westin Verasa Napa is the epitome of luxury …