There is a particular kind of prestige that only time can confer.

The Fujiya Hotel understands this instinctively. Nestled in the mountain resort town of Hakone, this storied property has been receiving guests since the late nineteenth century — and it carries that history not as a burden but as a quiet credential, worn with the confidence of something that has never needed to prove itself.

I spent a long weekend in the heritage wing recently, and what struck me most was not the architecture, nor the hot spring waters, nor even the extraordinary dining room — though each deserves its own meditation. It was the atmosphere of unhurried permanence. In an industry increasingly governed by openings, rebrands, and renovations designed to generate coverage, Fujiya simply endures.

A Hotel That Wears Its Age Well

The corridors belong to another century. The woodwork speaks of craftsmanship that contemporary interiors rarely bother attempting. Where a more anxious property might have aggressively modernized, Fujiya has instead exercised the far greater discipline of restraint — refreshing without erasing, maintaining without embalming. The result is a hotel with genuine patina rather than the performative nostalgia that so many new luxury properties spend fortunes trying to simulate.

Those expecting the flawless surfaces of a newly opened resort will need to recalibrate their expectations — and their definition of luxury. The slight softening of edges here is not neglect. It is evidence. Nearly 150 years of guests arriving from Tokyo in search of mountain air and thermal waters have left their mark, and the hotel is better for it.

Dinner: An Occasion Worth Dressing For

The main dining room is the hotel’s undisputed centerpiece. An extraordinary hand-painted ceiling presides over the space, and dinner here quickly becomes something more ceremonial than culinary. The menu is classical and confident — no architectural plating, no twelve-course provocations — just the quiet assurance of a kitchen that knows exactly what it is.

Dress well. Order wine. Resist the impulse to rush.

By the time dessert arrives, you will have remembered something travel can occasionally make you forget: that an evening of simple, well-executed pleasure is among the finest things available to us.

Breakfast at the Imperial Villa: The Quieter Pleasure

The first meal of the day, however, belongs somewhere else entirely.

Across the road from the main building, the former Imperial Villa — managed by the hotel and available exclusively to its guests — offers an experience that serves as perfect counterpoint to the previous evening’s grandeur. This elegant structure once provided summer sanctuary for members of the Imperial Family, and the atmosphere of considered simplicity it cultivated then remains palpable now.

Old photographs and discreet period details tell their stories without demanding attention. A traditional Japanese breakfast taken here, surrounded by manicured gardens and a silence that feels genuinely earned, is one of the more quietly memorable hotel meals I have encountered anywhere in the country.

The Joys of Having a Hot Spring Tap in Your Room

A practical note worth underlining: every guest room draws directly from the hotel’s hot spring source. For international visitors uncertain about communal bathing, this is significant. Privacy and tradition need not be negotiated against each other. Fill the tub, open the window to the cool mountain air, and consider yourself fortunate.

It is a small luxury that proves, by the final morning, surprisingly difficult to leave behind.

A Place That Knows What It Is

The Fujiya Hotel will not suit every traveler. It is not immaculate in the way of a newly minted resort, and it does not aspire to be. Its rhythms are unhurried, its pleasures demand a certain willingness to slow down and meet them where they are.

For those who can, it offers something that money and newness alone cannot manufacture: a sense of genuine continuity with the past, and the rare comfort of a place that has never once lost the thread of what it set out to be.

That is, in the end, a form of luxury all its own.

The Fujiya Hotel: A Brief History

The Fujiya Hotel was founded in 1878 by Sennosuke Yamaguchi, making it one of Japan’s oldest Western-style hotels and among the first to actively court international visitors during the Meiji era — a period of rapid modernization in which Japan was opening itself to the world after centuries of near-total isolation.

Its location in Hakone, a mountainous resort region roughly 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, was no accident. The area’s volcanic landscape had long made it a destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of its abundant hot springs, and the new railway connections of the era made it newly accessible to both domestic and foreign travelers.

Over the decades, the hotel accumulated a remarkable guest register. Charlie Chaplin stayed here. John Lennon and Yoko Ono were regulars. Several sitting American presidents have been among its visitors, as have members of Japan’s Imperial Family — hence the adjacent Imperial Villa, which the hotel now manages.

The property sustained significant damage during the Second World War and was subsequently requisitioned for use by Allied occupation forces before being returned and restored. A major renovation completed in 2020 addressed structural and cosmetic concerns while deliberately preserving the hotel’s historic character.

Today the Fujiya operates across several wings of varying vintage, with the oldest heritage rooms offering the most direct connection to the hotel’s nineteenth-century origins. It remains privately managed and family-affiliated — a rarity in an industry increasingly dominated by global chains — and continues to occupy a singular place in the story of Japanese hospitality.

READ MORE ABOUT THE MOST UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY IN JAPAN IN TRAVELIFE MAGAZINE

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For decades, luxury travel was defined by scale and spectacle. Grand hotels rose above city skylines. Beachfront resorts stretched across private coves. Marble lobbies, infinity pools and Michelin-starred restaurants became the universal language of luxury.

Yet among today’s most experienced travelers, a subtle shift is taking place.

Increasingly, the question is no longer how luxurious a property is, but how it makes guests feel.

Privacy has become more valuable than prestige. Authenticity often outweighs extravagance. Experiences are prized above amenities. In a world that feels increasingly connected, many travelers are seeking something surprisingly rare: a genuine connection with nature.

LUXURY GLAMPING: THE NEW FRONTIER IN TRAVEL

This desire has fueled the rise of one of the most compelling sectors in contemporary travel—luxury glamping.

Far removed from traditional camping, today’s luxury outdoor accommodations blend immersive natural settings with the comforts and service standards of world-class hospitality. Across Asia, visionary hoteliers are creating extraordinary retreats hidden within rainforests, perched above river valleys, overlooking rice terraces and nestled beside remote beaches.

Guests may find themselves sleeping in architect-designed treehouses suspended among tropical canopies, elegant safari-style tents furnished with handcrafted textiles, or secluded villas where the soundtrack is birdsong rather than traffic.

The appeal extends well beyond novelty.

Luxury glamping offers something increasingly difficult to find in conventional hospitality: a sense of discovery. The environment is not simply the view from the room—it is an integral part of the experience itself.

THE ANSWER TO SUSTAINABILITY AND COMFORT

According to the Asia-Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association, demand for premium outdoor accommodations continues to grow as travelers seek experiences that combine comfort, wellness, sustainability and meaningful engagement with the natural world.

As we move through the remainder of 2026, luxury glamping is emerging as one of Asia’s most influential travel movements—not because it offers less luxury, but because it redefines what luxury means.

GLAMPING BASICS

What Exactly Is Glamping?

The word glamping combines “glamorous” and “camping,” though today’s luxury outdoor accommodations bear little resemblance to traditional camping.

Modern glamping properties may offer:

• Private plunge pools

• Air conditioning and climate control

• Fine dining experiences

• Spa and wellness facilities

• Butler or concierge service

• Architect-designed accommodations

• Exceptional environmental integration

At its best, glamping combines the emotional rewards of nature with the comforts of a luxury hotel.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A Different Kind of Luxury

Do not expect marble lobbies or grand ballrooms.

Instead, expect sunrise through a forest canopy, outdoor bathtubs overlooking mountain valleys, evenings around a fire pit and accommodation designed to immerse you in the surrounding landscape.

Privacy

Many glamping retreats offer more seclusion than traditional resorts, making them particularly appealing for couples, honeymooners and wellness travelers.

Sustainability

Many leading operators place sustainability at the centre of the guest experience through low-impact construction, local sourcing and conservation initiatives.

Connection

Luxury glamping encourages guests to engage with nature, local communities and slower rhythms of travel.

THREE REMARKABLE GLAMPING EXPERIENCES IN ASIA

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, Bali, Indonesia

Set in the lush highlands north of Ubud, Buahan has become one of Asia’s most celebrated luxury retreats. Its philosophy of “no walls, no doors” creates an extraordinary sense of immersion, allowing guests to experience Bali’s forests, rivers and mountains in a uniquely intimate way.

The adults-only retreat has attracted international recognition for its sustainability initiatives, wellness programming and thoughtful design. Increasingly, it is also being chosen for exclusive private retreats and celebrations by travelers seeking complete privacy in a remarkable natural setting.

Travelife Take: One of Asia’s most influential examples of how luxury, sustainability and nature can coexist.

Visama Explorer Nan, Thailand

Northern Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s most underappreciated destinations, and Visama Explorer Nan provides a compelling reason to visit.

Located among the hills of Nan Province, the retreat combines safari-style accommodations with opportunities to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage and spectacular scenery. Outdoor film screenings, campfire evenings and access to traditional Thai Lue communities help create a deeper connection to the destination.

For travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic side of Thailand, Nan offers a refreshing alternative to the country’s more familiar tourism circuits.

Travelife Take: Ideal for travelers who value cultural discovery as much as luxury.

Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket, Thailand

Not all glamping experiences require a remote jungle location. Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket demonstrates how luxury outdoor lodging can thrive within one of Asia’s most established resort destinations.

Inspired by classic safari camps, the adults-only retreat combines canvas accommodations, lagoon and beachfront settings, private plunge pools and access to Phuket’s celebrated dining and lifestyle scene.

The result is a glamping experience that feels adventurous yet approachable, making it an ideal introduction to the category.

Travelife Take: Perfect for travelers curious about glamping but unwilling to sacrifice the comforts of a luxury beach holiday.

WHY GLAMPING IS RESONATING WITH TRAVELERS

Luxury glamping succeeds because it delivers something many traditional hotels struggle to provide: a meaningful sense of place.

A guest may forget the dimensions of a suite or the size of a lobby. They are far less likely to forget the sound of rain on canvas, a sunrise over mist-covered hills, or an evening spent beneath a canopy of stars.

For a growing number of travelers, these moments have become the new definition of luxury.

The finest glamping properties understand that luxury is no longer measured solely by amenities. It is measured by experience, connection and memory.

Whether hidden within the jungles of Bali, nestled among the mountains of northern Thailand or overlooking the shores of Phuket, Asia’s leading glamping retreats are proving that the future of luxury travel may not be found in the city skyline, but beneath the open sky.

READ MORE ABOUT LUXURY GLAMPING IN TRAVELIFE MAGAZINE

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Every serious traveler has, at least once, chased a legend — a restaurant whispered about in quiet reverence, a table that seems to exist outside ordinary geography.

We flew into Japan one summer afternoon just to have lunch at a restaurant that had captured the attention of food lovers everywhere. To eat at Yanagiya, we first landed in Nagoya, a vibrant city in central Japan. From there, we stayed overnight and caught a local train the next morning to a tiny station in Gifu Prefecture.

When the train finally slowed to a stop in the quiet town of Mizunami, a waiting van whisked us away. We drove through rice fields shimmering in the heat and winding country roads lined with cedar trees. After half an hour, the van turned up a narrow hill, and there it was — a quiet farmhouse framed by forest, bathed in summer light.

A Hidden Masterpiece in the Countryside

Yanagiya could pass for any rural home in Japan. Its low wooden roof and sliding doors reveal nothing of the reputation it holds. Yet inside this unassuming farmhouse lies one of the most revered dining experiences in the world.

For years, despite its secluded location and its formidable price, Yanagiya has reigned near the top of Tabelog, Japan’s most respected restaurant review site. Among those who follow the culinary world closely, that ranking alone is enough to make it a pilgrimage. Japan’s standards for dining are famously exacting — so when locals agree that something is extraordinary, you listen.

At first glance, Yanagiya’s simplicity is disarming. But the family who runs it understands quiet drama. The meal unfolds not with spectacle, but with devotion.

Around the Irori Fire

In the heart of the room burns the irori, an open-hearth sand pit once found in every farmhouse. Here, eight river fish are staked upright around the glowing charcoal, their salt-crusted skins turning slowly to bronze. The sight is almost ceremonial — part sculpture, part memory of old Japan.

The chef worked in near silence, adjusting each skewer by instinct rather than timing. “My grandfather started the restaurant,” he told us, never pausing. “But it was my father who began cooking with the irori. A customer from the local bank suggested it to him.” His movements were as calm as the firelight that danced on the walls.

The Taste of Summer: Ayu

The first course was ayu, Japan’s beloved river fish. Grilled over the embers, it was delicate and clean, its sweetness deepened by the salt. Ayu is a symbol of summer here — fleeting, refined, and always tied to the season’s flow.

We dipped it into a sharp sauce of herbs and vinegar, then ate it whole, head to tail. The flavor was so subtle it felt almost like an emotion — something sensed rather than tasted. Locals say foreigners often miss its nuance. We didn’t. Every piece was a small revelation, especially the final dish: ayu deep-fried in the thinnest tempura batter, crisp as parchment.

Wild Game, Reimagined

Still, the highlight of the meal came later — the grilled game. Yanagiya is famous for it. The restaurant sources its wild boar and venison from hunters in the surrounding forests, but only accepts animals that have been killed cleanly. The family insists on this. A single misplaced shot, they say, can taint the purity of the meat.

The difference is unmistakable. The venison arrived tender and fragrant, tasting of mountain air and wood smoke. The wild boar was deeper, almost sweet. There was no heaviness, no trace of gaminess — only the pure, clean flavor of the countryside. It was better than beef, and more honest. I could have eaten another plate, but here, extra orders are not part of the ritual.

The Clockwork of a Perfect Meal

Meals at Yanagiya follow a quiet rhythm. There is no menu and no negotiation. Each course flows naturally into the next, ending exactly at three o’clock in the afternoon. When the last bite was served, the family gathered outside the door, bowing gently as each guest left.

Dessert, as always, was a small sweet — delicate, unassuming, and enough. Outside, the air was still thick with the scent of charcoal. We boarded the van back to Mizunami Station in silence, too content for words.

At the station, ritual gave way to reality. We bought ice creams from a tiny kiosk for a single coin — cold, sweet, and perfectly ordinary. It was the ideal ending to an extraordinary meal.

Quick Info: Yanagiya

Restaurant: Yanagiya

Location: Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Cuisine: Traditional Japanese countryside cooking (Irori-grilled fish and wild game)

Price Range: ¥15,000–¥20,000 per person

Reservations: Required, often months in advance

Access: About 20 minutes by taxi or shuttle from Mizunami Station

Tabelog Page: https://s.tabelog.com/en/gifu/A2103/A210301/21000023/

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you book Yanagiya?

Reservations are essential and can be made only by phone or through a Japanese-speaking contact. Bookings open several months ahead and fill quickly.

What is the signature dish at Yanagiya?

The restaurant is best known for irori-grilled ayu (sweetfish) in summer and wild game such as boar and venison in winter.

Does Yanagiya serve dessert?

The meal traditionally ends with a small sweet rather than a Western-style dessert. Diners often stop by the station shop afterward for ice cream.

Is Yanagiya worth the journey?

Completely. The food, setting, and precision of the experience make it one of Japan’s most authentic and unforgettable meals.

Ready for an Andalusian Foodtrip?

Discover local restaurants serving dishes based on heirloom recipes amidst the timeless landscapes surrounding La Esperanza Granada — a place where every stay becomes a story.
Learn more about La Esperanza Granada

Read more about the best restaurants in the world in Travelife Magazine.

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How an annual wellness trip turned into a treasure hunt for antiques and stories

Hungary: The Trip That Became a Tradition

Hungary had never been part of the plan — until it quietly became a tradition. What began years ago as a spontaneous detour turned into an annual pilgrimage, the kind of journey we kept returning to because it nourished something quiet and essential in us. Each visit revealed a new delight: a hilltop castle discovered at sunset, a vineyard pouring wine as the lake turned silver, a centuries-old thermal bath sending up steam into the cold morning air.

Yet the moments that lingered longest were always the accidents — the discoveries that happened when we stopped trying to find something and simply allowed ourselves to arrive. One of those serendipitous turns led us to Hévíz — pronounced Hey-veez — a small spa town in western Hungary where thermal waters warmed the bones, time unraveled gracefully, and hidden treasures waited for anyone willing to wander.

Hévíz: A Thermal Lake Like No Other

The town is famous for the Hévíz Lake Bath, a thermal lake which is really a vast pool of mineral-rich water fed by a natural spring deep underground. Locals claim the water heals joints and nerves; swimmers say it heals the spirit. People travel from across Hungary, and from the rest of Europe, just to float beneath its rising steam and watch lilies glide across the surface.

It is said to be the largest biologically active natural thermal lake in the world, and that alone was reason enough for us to make the journey. We came to bathe in the healing waters and experience what it felt like to swim in a lake that never cools, even in winter.

A Detour We Didn’t Expect

On our first morning, just after breakfast, our guide paused with a casual suggestion.

“There’s a Saturday market before the lake,” she said. “Would you like to stop by?”

We didn’t even try to hide our enthusiasm. Of course we did.

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The Weekend Market of Hévíz

A small parking lot, a world of hidden stories.

The market took place in an ordinary parking lot — a space you might overlook if you didn’t know what was waiting. But the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere shifted. Pickup trucks and vans were parked in neat rows, their back doors swung open like stage curtains as sellers began arranging their wares.

Tables appeared like magic, covered with porcelain teacups, silver spoons, pocket watches, embroidered linens, and lace tablecloths. Every item looked as though it carried someone’s wedding, childhood, or memory within it. For two people who love antiques, this felt like a heartbeat-quickening surprise.

Flea Markets in Hungary: A Local Ritual

Weekend markets are a hobby for many Hungarians. Every Saturday, across towns and villages, locals spill into open squares to browse and bargain while sipping coffee from paper cups. Some come to search for treasures. Others simply come to talk, to wander, and to feel connected.

Hungary takes flea markets seriously. And after this trip, so do we.

Treasure Hunting Between the Tables

Porcelain. Silver. Stories whispered in objects.

Some sellers were professionals who could recite the history of porcelain factories from memory. Others were hobbyists clearing out their homes, hoping that someone else might fall in love with the things they no longer needed.

One table displayed porcelain planter boxes — creamy white, with delicate painted flowers. I wanted them desperately. But they were too big to bring home, so I admired them from a respectful distance, reminding myself that longing can be part of the pleasure.

Fortunately, something else appeared — something smaller, but irresistible.

The Candy Dish That Almost Got Away

At another stall, a glass candy dish caught the morning light. The color was deep amber, like brandy swirling in a crystal glass. I picked it up, and the seller watched me with a knowing smile.

The first price was 15,000 forint.

A quiet negotiation dance began — small numbers whispered back and forth, friendly but firm. We settled on 10,000 forint, a price that felt fair to both of us.

Just as I agreed, another woman appeared beside me. “Are you buying that?” she asked. “Because if not, I will.”

She looked ready to pay the original price.

I smiled, held the dish a little closer, and said, “Yes. I’m buying it.”

That settled it.

A Souvenir With a Soul

Some memories don’t fit in a suitcase. This one did.

The candy dish sits in my living room now, catching the afternoon light just as it did that morning in Hévíz. I could have brought home something predictable — a postcard, a fridge magnet, something mass-produced and forgettable.

Instead, I carried back a piece of someone else’s history, something that had lived another life before mine. A souvenir with a story. A reminder that the best discoveries are the ones we never planned.

What You Must Do in Hévíz

• Float in the warm lake.
• Let the steam rise around your face.
• And if it’s a Saturday — wander the market.

Because in Hungary, treasure appears when you least expect it.

Read more articles about traveling in Hungary in Travelife Magazine

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I landed via a three hour flight from Bangkok. excited to try the food in Bhutan. The drive through the valley to my lodge felt like stepping out of time. The road curved along the Mo Chhu River, its surface shining like silk under the late-afternoon sun. Then came the wooden bridge — narrow, humming softly with prayer flags — and the quiet world beyond.

Inside the Pemako Punakha, everything spoke in a calm language of wood, stone, and stillness. Carved beams framed views of forest and river. Prayer wheels turned slowly in the wind. The air smelled of pine, butter lamps, and something sweet — perhaps honey from the village nearby.

I had come to rest, but Pemako had other plans. It wanted me to notice. To taste. To feel the valley instead of simply looking at it.

First Meal: Where Flavour Meets Story

That first evening at Alchemy House, the hotel’s traditional restaurant, the air was thick with the scent of firewood and melting cheese. A butter lamp flickered near the counter, throwing small shadows across copper pots and hanging red chillies.

Dinner began with ema datshi — Bhutan’s national dish. Chillies, not as garnish but as vegetable, steeped in molten cheese. Spicy, yes, but the kind that makes you alert rather than numb. It came with red rice, nutty and warm, and a side of kewa datshi — potatoes cooked in the same buttery sauce.

There was also shakam paa, air-dried beef sautéed with chillies, and dumplings filled with wild spinach. Every bowl tasted of effort and altitude — dishes born not in kitchens but in a way of life.

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(Because a wedding should feel like a chapter of your life, not a production.)

Going with the Seasons

When the chef, Sonam, joined me, he explained quietly, “Everything we eat comes from close by. We dry our meat in winter and cook to stay warm. There is no hiding of flavours.”

“What do foreigners usually think of the food in Bhutan?” I asked.

He smiled. “Some fall in love. Some cry from the chilli. But all remember it.”

He poured me a cup of suja, butter tea made from yak butter and salt. It tasted more like broth than tea — thick, strange, comforting. “This,” he said, “is what keeps us alive in the mountains.”

And I understood. Bhutanese food doesn’t aim to please; it aims to belong.

All You Need to Know About Bhutanese Food

Bhutanese cuisine is bold, earthy, and deeply local — shaped by altitude, cold winters, and a national love of chillies. Meals often revolve around red rice, cheese, and vegetables, with meat preserved through drying or smoking.

• Shakam Paa — Air-dried beef stir-fried with dried red chillies and a touch of ginger. Smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying, it’s a winter staple served with red rice.

• Chicken Maru — Tender chicken simmered with tomatoes, onions, and Bhutanese chilli paste. Less fiery than beef dishes but rich in warmth and aroma.

• Ema Datshi — The signature dish of Bhutan. Fresh or dried chillies cooked in local cheese until creamy and intense. Every family has its version.

• Izay — A vibrant chilli salsa found on every table, made with crushed chillies, coriander, garlic, and a squeeze of lime. Bright, sharp, and addictive.

• Jaju — A gentle soup of spinach or turnip leaves in a light milk or butter broth — a soothing contrast to the country’s bolder dishes.

• Kewa Datshi — Potatoes cooked in cheese and butter, often served as a milder companion to ema datshi. Comfort food for cold days.

• Saag Fry — Stir-fried leafy greens, usually mustard or spinach, cooked with garlic and butter. Fresh, fragrant, and grounding.

Together, these dishes express the Bhutanese idea of balance — fire and calm, simplicity and depth — on every plate.

Private Moments of Calm

The next morning, mist clung to the valley like breath on glass. From my villa, I could hear the steady voice of the river. Nothing mechanical, nothing rushed — just nature keeping time.

Pemako’s villas are discreet, built to blend into the slope. Carved wood, wool throws, local clay vases. Every corner feels touched by a hand, not a machine. My private plunge pool steamed faintly in the chill air, framed by pines and prayer flags.

I slipped in and let the warmth hold me. The world had narrowed to sound and sky — birds, water, wind. In Bhutan, idleness is not indulgence. It’s participation. The valley asks you to stop long enough to hear it breathe.

Breakfast with a View & Farm-to-Table Vibes

By breakfast, the fog had lifted, revealing the Punakha River gleaming like a silver thread. I sat on the terrace of Soma, the all-day café, where the tablecloths were handwoven and the honey came from hives up the road.

My meal was simple but confident: red rice porridge with wild honey, a cheese omelette folded around mountain herbs, sautéed mustard greens, and a small bowl of yak yogurt topped with pomegranate seeds. Each bite felt alive — ingredients that had traveled no more than a few hills to reach my plate.

The chef passed by with a basket of greens. “We don’t rush the seasons,” he said. “If we can’t grow it, we wait.”

It felt like a quiet philosophy disguised as breakfast — patience as flavour.

A Culinary Adventure: Spice, Herb & River Essence

Later, I followed the aroma of wood smoke to the outdoor kitchen. The chefs were cooking lunch for a group of monks, moving with steady rhythm — no noise, no hurry.

On the counter lay fiddlehead ferns, mustard greens, wild garlic, and red chillies. A chef named Kinley stirred phaksha paa, pork with dried chillies and ginger, its colour deep as brick. Beside her, another simmered turnip soup in yak butter and coriander.

“Everything here has a temperature,” Kinley said. “The mountains are cold. So our food must be warm.”

LA ESPERANZA GRANADA : THE MOST ROMANTIC WEDDING VENUE IN ANDALUSIA

Food in Bhutan : The Wow Factor

She handed me a spoonful. The flavour bloomed slowly — heat first, then salt, then something earthy and enduring. It wasn’t delicate; it was truthful.

When I asked if tourists ever find Bhutanese food too strong, she laughed. “We add less chilli sometimes. But food without fire has no story.”

Later she served lom — dried turnip leaves revived in butter and spice. Modest in appearance, generous in memory. It tasted of resourcefulness, of gratitude for what the land provides.

Watching the monks eat, I realised Bhutanese cooking isn’t performance or invention. It’s preservation — a living map of a country that has learned to thrive on balance and respect.

Dining Beneath the Stars at Five Nectars Bar

As night fell, I climbed the path to Five Nectars Bar, where the terrace floated above the dark river. Lanterns glowed softly, and the scent of lemongrass drifted through the air.

A young bartender named Tashi smiled as I sat down. “Something from the valley?” he asked.

He crushed wild coriander and lemongrass in a stone mortar, added honey from local hives, lime, and sparkling water. “No alcohol?” he asked.

I shook my head.

“Then I’ll make you our ‘river walk’,” he said. “It’s what we serve to monks when they visit.”

What Monks Drink

The first sip tasted clean and alive — citrus, herbs, a touch of sweetness. In fact, it didn’t mimic anything. It was its own idea of refreshment.

Tashi leaned over the counter. “People think cocktails need alcohol,” he said. “But here, flavour tells the story.”

He showed me another drink — ara, the local spirit made from fermented rice, tinted gold with turmeric and ginger. The smell was sharp and grounding.

“Everything we serve,” he said, “should remind you of the valley. Otherwise, it’s just decoration.”

When I left, he handed me a sprig of lemongrass. “For your pocket,” he said. “So the scent can follow you home.”

Why I Would Return (And You Should Too)

On my final morning, the valley shimmered under a slow-rising sun. The bridge back to the main road felt longer than it had when I arrived, as if Punakha was reluctant to let me go.

At Pemako, nothing felt rehearsed or ornamental. The flavours, the air, the people — all moved in quiet harmony. However the meals were not performances. They were lessons in presence, reminders that food, like landscape, can nourish more than the body.

I thought of Sonam’s calm voice, Kinley’s easy laughter, and Tashi’s careful hands crushing lemongrass. Together they embodied something rarer than luxury: authenticity without effort.

Travel often measures distance — how far we go, what we leave behind. But Punakha taught me the opposite: how near life can feel when you surrender the need to control it.

I would return for that belonging, for the warmth behind the spice, for the taste of a valley that still listens to itself.

And perhaps, simply, to remember — once more — what stillness tastes like.

READ MORE ABOUT BHUTAN IN TRAVELIFE MAGAZINE

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In the middle of a sweltering August afternoon, I landed in Marrakech and stepped into the cool and dimly-lit lobby of the famous La Mamounia. This hotel has intrigued luxury travelers for decades with its legendary status and famous guests. It exudes history, elegance and yet also a vibrant Moroccan spirit. I’ve stayed at La Mamounia several times before but this was the first since the pandemic. For a few days, I was once again part of its storied legacy.

Walking in the Footsteps of Winston Churchill

La Mamounia has been a sanctuary for many notable figures over the years. However, perhaps none has left a more enduring mark than former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Known for his love of painting, he often referred to La Mamounia as “the most lovely spot in the whole world.”

Churchill first visited the hotel in the 1930s and returned many times. Often, he brought his easel and paints, eager to capture the beauty of the gardens and the Atlas Mountains beyond. Even now it’s easy to imagine him sitting in the very same gardens I could see from my suite, painting the rows pf flowers and palm trees.

La Mamounia’s gardens have been a central part of its identity since the hotel opened. Spanning nearly 20 acres, it is a lush private world of greenery within the walls of the Marrakech Medina. Orange and olive trees, cacti, roses, and towering palms create a space so serene that it feels miles away from the hustle and bustle.

Somewhere in this garden as well is a small plaque to mark the spot where Churchill used to set up his easel.

The views from the executive suite

My executive suite was a lovely blend of Moroccan craftsmanship and modern elegance. Hand-carved cedarwood screens, intricate zellij tilework in rich shades of cobalt and emerald, and plush velvety furnishings made it feel grand and yet also comforting. Every detail, from the Moroccan silk curtains to the opulent marble bathroom, reflected La Mamounia’s dedication to authentic design. It was a joy to return to this suite every evening.

READ ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HACIENDA HOTELS IN SPAIN

Legendary Hospitality at La Mamounia

However the staff’s hospitality was what really made all the difference to my stay. The team was sincere, confident and professional across the board. For instance, a lady serving us lunch in the lobby told us, who said she’d been working at the hotel for many years, gave some pointers for what to see in the medina.

Meanwhile, my spa therapist for the hotel’s signature Obido facial, which was so good that I booked it twice, taught me how to massage my face. As for the wonderful concierge team, they truly tried their best to get me into the most impossible places in Marrakech.

I’ve stayed in the best hotels in the world. Each member of the La Mamounia team was personally invested in making my experience extraordinary.

Farewell to a great hotel

Leaving La Mamounia was a bittersweet experience. Having stayed nearly a week in such splendor, I was reluctant to check out. The past and present coexist harmoniously at La Mamounia and every detail tells a story. And every member of the hotel team is a storyteller, bringing the warmth of Moroccan hospitality to life in every interaction.

This is not simply another luxurious hotel. It is an experience and a journey into Moroccan heritage that lingers long after the stay is over. No wonder Winston Churchill and countless others — myself included — were and continue to be captivated by its charm.

Read more about Luxury Travel in Morocco in Travelife Magazine

The post Amidst history at La Mamounia in Marrakech appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

During my last trip, I stayed at La Esperanza Granada, a boutique estate renowned for its elegance and intimate atmosphere. My junior suite featured a spacious terrace, charming blue and white interiors, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for any traveler seeking luxury in the heart of Andalusia.

In the Heart of the Lecrin Valley

Entering through the gates of the estate felt like stepping into a dream. Surrounded by verdant hills and ancient olive trees, the setting is nothing short of enchanting. Known as the “Valley of Happiness,” the Lecrin Valley is celebrated for its lush landscapes, mild climate, and vibrant wildflowers, making it a serene yet dynamic destination.

The estate’s prime location offers easy access to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the cultural treasures of Granada, and the stunning Costa Tropical. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this picturesque region has something for everyone.

La Esperanza Granada is a stunning example of Andalusian architecture, featuring whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, and elegant arched windows framed by vibrant bougainvillea. Upon arrival, General Manager Napo and his attentive team welcomed me with a chilled glass of lemonade made from fresh lemons picked right in the courtyard—an unforgettable touch of hospitality.

Napo, who has been with La Esperanza Granada since its inception, shared fascinating stories about the hacienda’s creation. These insights added depth to my stay, enhancing my appreciation for its seamless blend of tradition and modern comfort.

La Esperanza Granada: A Luxury Hacienda with a View

I completely fell in love with my junior suite, which exuded authentic Andalusian charm. With tall wooden beams, hand-painted tiles, and thoughtfully designed interiors, it was a perfect blend of elegance and tradition.

Each morning, I sipped coffee on my private terrace, overlooking the valley’s picturesque olive groves. This terrace became my favorite retreat, offering tranquility and stunning views in complete privacy. The suite’s spacious bathroom, featuring a tiled shower and a walk-in closet, added to its luxurious appeal. It truly felt like a retreat within a retreat, with every detail thoughtfully crafted for ultimate comfort and relaxation.

The Natural Beauty of the Lecrin Valley

After breakfast, I explored the hacienda grounds. La Esperanza Granada offers beautifully landscaped gardens, lavender-lined pathways, and a private farm where guests can wander and explore.

Outside the hacienda, the valley’s charm continued. I visited the nearby villages of Saleres, Albunuelas and Melegis. Each one has its own charm, but all had cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and tapas bars that offered a taste of local life. In the bars, I met some locals and also some expatriates who had relocated here. They shared stories of their families and traditions, and I began to understand why the Lecrin Valley inspires such love from those who live here.

Pool with a View in Granada

Afternoons at La Esperanza Granada’s infinity pool offered a perfect way to relax. Set against the mountains, the pool overlooked the valley, and I often found myself mesmerized by the scenery. The fragrant air, alive with citrus and lavender, added to the experience. I savored each moment as the warm sun and tranquil surroundings washed over me.

Eating Well in Andalucia

La Esperanza’s dining experience became another highlight of my stay. Each meal felt like a celebration of Andalusian flavors and traditions. One evening, I enjoyed dinner on the terrace, cooked by the private chef and served to me exactly as the sun was setting over the valley.

Dinner began with Spanish tapas: olives, cheeses, and cured meats. This was followed by a savory mille-feuile of cheese, liver pate and figs drizzled with honey. The main course, a black squid ink paella made right in front of me, tasted exquisite. A rich red wine from a nearby winery perfectly complemented the meal.

Reflections on a Luxury Hacienda

Before I realized it, it was time to go. Time had indeed flew by — to use a cliche. As I packed my bags, I felt a deep gratitude for my time at La Esperanza Granada. This estate offers far more than luxurious accommodations; it gives guests a chance to experience Andalusia’s beauty in a most authentic and serene way.

La Esperanza Granada, in the heart of the Lecrin Valley, redefines what it means to escape. I found a true retreat here, where each day offered beauty, tranquility, and inspiration. For those seeking a luxurious, unforgettable experience in Andalusia, La Esperanza Granada opens the door to an experience that stays with you long after you leave. A piece of the Valley of Happiness — which is the meaning of Lecrin in Arabic — lingers, calling you to return.

Read more about the best hotels in Spain

The post A beautiful hacienda in Andalucia appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

On holiday in the wild and beautiful region of Puglia in Italy for two weeks, on a whim we drove inland to world-famous Alberobello to see the ancient cone-shaped houses of Italy.

It was a day off from our usual ones by the sea. You see, we’d spent most of the time by the coast, swimming in the many natural pools and coves of the Salento Peninsula. One day, however, we drove across Puglia to stay overnight at the Palazzo Scotto boutique hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello.

THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF ALBEROBELLO

We decided to visit Alberbello on a whim, and we were rewarded with the experience of walking around one of the most unique towns in Italy. Alberobello is known for the trulli, the fairytale cone-shaped stone houses that farmers in this region of Puglia once lived in.

There are still quite a lot of trulli that are being used by the local people for living and working. But many trulli are now empty. Or else they have been converted into hotels and museums. Tourists are always willing to pay a fee to see the original interiors of a trulli.

PALAZZO SCOTTO : WHERE TO STAY IN ALBEROBELLO

 

 

The Palazzo Scotto is a lovely little hotel, full of simple but tasteful details. The owner, Valerio carefully chose everything in the hotel to create a simple but upmarket boutique hotel in Alberobello. He’s obviously been successful with this as the hotel is always full.

A TRULLI WITH A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN

The post The cone-shaped houses of Italy appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

Travelife Magazine columnist DONDI JOSEPH celebrates life and death in New Orleans, a place he fondly refers to as Sin City.

“Between a shitload and barrel,” answered Louis, with a touch of sarcasm.

I had asked him how many fresh oysters he shucked every day, and immediately afterwards, I’d realized, “Gawd! What a stupid way to ask an important question!”

I sounded just like the patronizing tourists who ask the guys at Felix, a favorite local haunt, that same unoriginal question 5,000 times every day. Putting embarrassment aside, I then asked if I could take his photo.

UNEXPECTED RESPONSE IN SIN CITY

He suddenly turned, and with a serious look, answered, “When you take a picture of a black man, you need to turn on all the lights!” And then he grinned widely. It was so unexpected and so politically incorrect that I just laughed.

The ice broken, I happily ordered my second glass of sparkling wine with a dozen fresh oysters and a dozen chargrilled ones.

BIRTHPLACE OF JAZZ

I was in the infamous French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. This is also known as “NOLA” for short. Or more popularly as “The Big Easy,” and chargrilled oysters are a NOLA culinary delight.

Many NOLA places serve decent versions of this, but not many serve them with the richness and flavors of Felix.

THE CHARGRILLED OYSTERS AT FELIX

The oysters at Felix are plump, juicy and layered with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. It also has sea salt and garlic parsley butter.

The restaurant itself was easy to find. I simply googled for the “best oyster bars in New Orleans” and Felix was one of the top choices.

Aside from the great food, NOLA lives and breathes world-class music of outstanding quality. It is, after all, the “Home of Jazz and the Blues.”  So music is all over the place, in every nook and cranny.

A WONDERFUL START

On my first morning, I stepped into the lovely courtyard of my B&B, the Old World-style Creole Gardens Guesthouse and Inn. There was jazz playing on speakers throughout the courtyard. It was real mainstream stuff — the kind I enjoy.

“Nice touch,” I said to myself as the music followed me into the dining room. Here, sunlight filtering through the white lace curtains added a warm glow to the pastel yellow walls.

I sat next to the grand piano. This is where I sipped my coffee while waiting for my breakfast of spicy Cajun sausages, fried eggs, and corn grits. The buzz of the small, friendly crowd was pleasing and I began to feel at home.

The jazz continued to play, punctuated by applause. Eventually it became clear that it was a live broadcast from the morning session of the world-famous New Orleans Jazz Festival, on the second day of its first weekend.

THE NOLA WEEKEND

I almost jumped out of my seat! The jazz festival immediately went on my priority “must do” NOLA weekend to-do list. I went to the jazz festival for a few hours the very next dat and walked away a happy, smiling man. I had touched music heaven.

ABOUT THE BIG EASY

The Big Easy is a gumbo of cultures, but its French legacy lives on with a pride that seeps out from under NOLA’s blanket of Americana. It is visibly the most Catholic city in the United States.

However, it is also one of its most decadent cities. It is a good-time destination, a crazy, fun mix of culture, food, history and trashy tourism.

Voodoo is considered a formal religion which was adopted into the Catholic faith as a tool for the conversion of locals into the Church. It continues to live on and is inexorably mixed into the locals’ religious practice, where saints are venerated side-by-side with gris-gris dolls, gods, and artifacts.

NEW ORLEANS: A GHOST TOWN

But apart from New Orleans’ never-ending hustle and its layered history and traditions, and beneath the beautiful iron and flower-laced galleries and the balconies of the mansions and homes in the French Quarter and Garden District, lies the macabre.

New Orleans is considered the most haunted place in the world, where hundreds of thousands died violently as a result of conquest, disease, war, raging catastrophic fires, floods and hurricanes. And, yes, murder.

HOW TO SPOT A HAUNTED BUILDING

Local experts say it’s not a question of which buildings are haunted, but a question of which are not. In an even more macabre twist, NOLA’s past history is filled with tales of serial killers of amazing strength and cruelty. These are the types who would strip the skin off their victims and drink their blood.

Many of the rescued survivors of these killers reportedly then turned into serial killers. These perpetuated the vampire legend, and eventually these became models for The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice and Charlene Harris’s Louisiana-based novels published under the label Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood.

Watch out for the next section on the visit of Travelife Magazine columnist Dondi Joseph to New Orleans. In the meantime, read more about traveling to New Orleans in Travelife Magazine.

The post In New Orleans, under the spell of Sin City appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

A great start to the day makes all the difference to rest of it, and when we are staying at some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, we simply must enjoy breakfast and oftentimes this becomes the most important meal of the day. Savor these photographs of the best breakfasts around the world with us.

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BREAKFAST IN ISTANBUL

at the Four Seasons Bosphorus

Healthy starters at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet in Istanbul

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Mornings and breakfasts at the Hyatt Regency  in Thessaloniki, Greece

BREAKFAST IN MOSCOW
at the Standart Hotel

Caviar over Eggs Benedict at The Standart in Moscow

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BREAKFAST IN MARRAKECH
at The Selman Marrakech

Al fresco breakfast and croissants  at The Selman in Marrakech

A morning spread prepared by Palais Amani, Morocco

Fruits and olives for breakfast in Chateau Les Crayeres in Champagne, France

Oysters, green tea, seeds, fruits and champagne for breakfast at the One & Only Cape Town in South Africa

Continental breakfast at the Rachmaninoff Hotel in Veliky Novgorod, Russia

BREAKFAST IN TURKEY
at the CVS Park Hotel Bosphorus

Eggs and fruit at the Park Hotel Bosphorus

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BREAKFAST IN AFRICA
at the Oceana Wildlife Reserve
in the Eastern Cape

The Eggs Benedict at the  Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve, South Africa  makes early mornings worth it

The Japanese breakfast at Amanemu in Ise, via room service, came in a beautiful lacquer trio of boxes

Breakfast at the Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne

Spicy eggs in Tel Aviv, Israel

Breakfast in Otaru, Japan,  a port city known for known for glasswork and sake distilleries

Santorini, Greece breakfasts are a feast for all senses

Farm to table breakfast at a farm in Rostov, Russia

An energizing morning meal in Crete, Greece’s largest island

A French morning spread courtesy of Les Crayères

Crystal Cruises breakfasts are both eye-catching and delicious!

A really delicious made-to-order omelette at the Grand Hotel in Tver, Russia

The post The best hotel breakfasts in the world, from Russia to Japan appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.