No trip to Istanbul, the cultural capital of Turkey, is complete without treating yourself to the full works at one of the many historical Turkish baths dotted around the ancient city. Whether you are traveling first class, or backpacking around the world, a visit to a hamam is an exotic, invigorating and unforgettable experience which […]

There are two ways to get to Hali’imaile General Store. The most common, and perhaps the most sensible, is by car or motorcycle. The second, as I obstinately accomplished, is by bicycle. I left the small sea level town of Paia on Maui around 10:30 a.m., giving myself enough time to climb 1,200 feet up […]

I’m not much of a business traveler. Even when business demands travel, I’m still a strict pleasure seeker. Sometimes the hotel is the destination itself (Vegas!), but when I booked a room at Seattle’s Hotel Max, the hotel wasn’t the point - in hindsight, it’s what I recall the best.
If you’re like me, and can […]

A three-tiered silver tray with champagne grapes, petit fours, and chocolate-dipped strawberries wrapped in cellophane, tied with the hotel’s gold and black monogrammed ribbon welcomes you to your suite. A card addressed to you wishes you an enjoyable stay, personally signed by this floor’s housekeeping staff.
This could be the suite where Celine Dion, Mikhail Gorbachev, […]