Hotel Belle Blog

Friday Links to Love from Australia

Annie Fitzsimmons — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:28 +0000

Three flights and nearly 30 hours of travel later, and I'm in the Gold Coast of Australia, known for surfing, outdoor activities and a beautiful hinterland (land behind a coast). It's the number one vacation destination for Australians. I've already done stand-up paddleboarding and HELD A KOALA!!!! They define adorable. Tomorrow I'm headed to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat which looks to have a fun Tree Top Walk and is within a national park.

How awesome is this pic? I love roaming through grocery stores in other countries and I spotted these bananas in Woolworth's as I was looking for Lucas Papaw Ointment. One of my journalist friends that I traveled to India with is super chic. I'll trust anything she says and she said it was her favorite lip balm in the world. I love the name!

A few things to check out:

15 Powerful Things Happy People Do Differently - I need to work on #7 and #15. I don't need to work on #10 - being realistic is never something I've done well. :)
Britain's Most Eccentric Attractions - A travel blogger reached out with this list she created and it's awesome. Museum of Dog Collars? World Championship Hen Racing? Very cool.
Historic Hotel Bossert Converting Back to Hotel - I absolutely can't wait for this to be a hotel again. It's on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights and has been owned by the Jehovah's Witnesses for decades, who have taken very good care of it. You can't get in now but you can peek into the marble lobby and it's stunning. The two-story Marine Roof rooftop deck was legendary in the 1920s & 30s for views of the skyline and this is where the Brooklyn Dodgers celebrated their World Series win over the Yankees in 1955. I still feel like Brooklyn Heights is somewhat of a secret (even to New Yorkers) but with Sarah Jessica Parker moving in and many hotel projects, it's poised to become a must for tourists, as it should be! So beautiful and so much history (which I can tell you all about on one of my Brooklyn Heights 101 tours).

The Many Pleasures of Bath, England

Annie Fitzsimmons — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:01:02 +0000

For a city as well-known as first-century spa town Bath, I wasn't expecting to really love it. Thought I'd enjoy it, see the baths, and get out of town. But I found myself wanting to linger in Bath, to walk through the streets admiring the perfect Georgian architecture and duck into one of the many newer cafes and shops. Next time, I will stay overnight (at The Royal Crescent, where I had lunch).

Things I Love About Bath:

The Royal Crescent, BathLunch at the Royal Crescent Hotel - For views of the hills, an expansive park in front to frolic, and inventive food in a wonderful English setting. The hotel is the most luxurious option in town and just removed enough from the city center, but within walking distance to everything.

Lunch at The Royal CrescentThe Roman Baths - Brace yourself for crowds, especially large throngs of high school students, but you have to come here in Bath. You have to follow a certain route, and I darted through most everything at the beginning to get to the actual baths quickly. To me, that was the most interesting part.

The Roman BathsTea at The Pump Room after touring the Roman Baths - The Pump Room has been a gathering place for 2,000 years and still is today. Afternoon tea is wonderful. You can also try a glass of the hot spa water, with 43+ minerals (one sip was more than enough for me).

The Bath AbbeyHire a Blue Badge Guide for walking tour when you first arrive - This gave me the best overview of the city's history and what I shouldn't miss in my day there. Plus, they're like rock stars in town and can get past lines at popular attractions.

The Fashion Musuem - You won't need more than an hour - it's small but interesting to wander through the exhibits celebrating over 400 years of fashion

The Fashion MuseumThermae Bath Spa - I'd choose the 2-hour session at the "new" Roman bath where you can relax the morning or afternoon away in warm spa waters.

Thermae Bath SpaVisit Sally Lunn's for a famous BUN! They are gigantic - but get one to try it!

The architecture! Just soak it all in - the style is predominantly Georgian and gorgeous.

Georgian homes in BathThe Jane Austen Centre - Another quick stop for me & a must for Jane Austen lovers - She's from Bath!

The Bertinent Kitchen Cookery School - When I return to Bath, I'm allowing time for a cooking class here.The location is perfect. See?

The Bertinent Kitchen Cookery School, BathBrowse at the Highgrove Shop - Prince Charles' estate sells a large selection of items at this shop, all high-quality and a great reminder of your time in England. He has always believed in business operating on a larger social level, serving the community and environment.

The Highgrove Shop, Bath

Shopping in BathStop into Topping & Company Booksellers - A charming independent bookstore that always has complimentary tea & coffee at the ready.

Topping & Company BooksellersPrior Park - I thought this park was a short walk away, but it took me 45 minutes to walk there from the center of Bath and much of it was uphill. I had my rental car and should have driven it. It's so worth finding it - a peaceful park in a deep valley with stunning views of Bath. The Palladian Bridge is especially beautiful.

Prior Park, BathPrior Park, Bath

The Palladian Bridge, Prior Park, Bath

Gold Coast, Australia

Annie Fitzsimmons — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:09 +0000

I'm nearing the end of my 3-month travel stint but before I'm home in New York for the month of June playing massive catch-up, I'm headed off to the Gold Coast of Australia. Today's flight path is New York-Los Angeles-Sydney-Brisbane. It's all on Qantas, the airline that I've always wanted to fly because everyone I've talked to LOVES it! Oh and I get to meet a koala. YES!

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

National Geographic: All the Queen's Castles: Celebrating a 60-Year Reign

Annie Fitzsimmons — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:08:13 +0000

Check out my latest piece for National Geographic here - I still desperately miss England (2 weeks of fun adventures and no rain will do that!) and feel like I could write 20 more pieces about my time there.

Photo courtesy of VisitEngland.com All the Queen's Castles: Celebrating a 60-Year Reign

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year, with key events taking place the first week in June. Queen Victoria is the only other English monarch to earn the distinction — and, given Elizabeth’s spirit and good health, she’s poised to out-reign her predecessor. If you’re headed to England, you’ll soak up spirit simply by walking the streets. But if you have to settle for being an armchair spectator, there are plenty of ways to join in from abroad.

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday, June 3 is a spectacle of massive proportion — and one to watch on TV if you’re not in London. More than a thousand ships of all shapes and sizes will float down a seven-mile stretch of the river, with the royal family waving to the crowds from the sparkling Royal barge. That day, thousands of picnics and parties will be held to honor the Queen, including the Big Jubilee Lunch. Then, on Monday, June 4, the stars will really come out, as the feted royal attends the Diamond Jubilee Concert in front of Buckingham Palace, with Elton John, Paul McCartney, and others performing.

In addition, the Royal Family occupies several royal residences — and many more are uninhabited, such as Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London. Here are a few places that will be hosting special Jubilee events and exhibits to celebrate the occasion.

Hotel Penzance in Cornwall, England

Annie Fitzsimmons — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:08 +0000

View from my room at Hotel PenzanceThat gray, crashing wave image you might have of England? It's in Cornwall, and Penzance, where I stayed for one night before going to the Isles of Scilly. Sometimes I get tired of luxury resorts...they all start to feel the same (the horror!). I love places like Hotel Penzance - clean, super comfortable but not fancy, and a taste of what the destination is. Before dinner at the Bay Restaurant, I opened my windows, let the cool breeze come in, and snapped photos of Penzance and St. Michael's Mount. I highly recommend Room 25!

Even comes with a teddy bear! Very welcoming lobby

Restaurant View

St. Michael's Mount viewEarly morning sun!

My Favorite Belt: Badichi in NYC

Annie Fitzsimmons — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:36 +0000

The past few trips (except for Nevis - who needs belts in the Caribbean), one item has always made its way into my luggage, a custom made Badichi belt that I got in the Village near my apartment. I give major props to my friend Mel, who dragged me in and by the end, had made me a believer in belts. Mel looks amazing in anything she puts on and really rocks a belt. And I never wore belts until I discovered Badichi. You might be paralyzed by choice, but you can pick whatever color, type, and width of belt you want and pair it with whatever buckle looks good to you, from massively ostentatious to simple and classic. They'll fit it to you. And it's not that expensive! Mine was $80 total. The saleslady was really fun and never pushy.

So my lovely dark red leather Badichi belt has now seen London and the countryside of England, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, Arizona, and Charleston. And it's going in my bag for Australia next week.

Snapshot from Nevis

Annie Fitzsimmons — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:10:05 +0000

I'm back from Nevis and can't remember the last time I successfully unplugged like that. It was three great days at the Four Seasons and felt like a true vacation even though it was also work!

Here I am on Pinney's Beach in Nevis.

On My Way To...Nevis!

Annie Fitzsimmons — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:00:14 +0000

Where's NEVIS you might ask? It's in the French West Indies in the Caribbean, and I'm on my way there for a long weekend with celebrity yoga instructor (and friend) Kristin McGee! We are staying at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, which is supposed to be gorgeous.

I first heard of Nevis when I was researching Alexander Hamilton while studying for my New York City tour guide license - he was born in Nevis. Yep, still a history nut.

Photo: Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Strolling London's Chelsea, From Sloane Square Up the King's Road

Annie Fitzsimmons — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:31:40 +0000

London continues to shine as the world-class city it is, from the royal wedding a year ago to the upcoming Olympics. But my favorite part about London, is discovering the best local shops and restaurants in each neighborhood. Sloane Square is the perfect starting point for a day exploring London's Chelsea neighborhood. The term "Sloane Ranger" was coined when Princess Diana was young to describe the London women that call Chelsea home and love shopping on the King's Road.
Chelsea is where Pippa Middleton still lives in the flat that she used to share with Kate, but it's not about the royal connections here - just a day of shopping and strolling in one of London's great, modern neighborhoods.

Sloane Square: Start in Sloane Square, which has beautiful architecture and is also close to Belgravia and Kensington. The anchor of the square is Peter Jones department store, where Duchess Kate is often spotted shopping for clothes, sunglasses, and handbags. The store's origins date back to 1864, when Welshman Peter Jones arrived in London and started his business. Today, Peter Jones stocks higher end brands like Mulberry but also more affordable lines like Whistles, Diesel, and 7 for All Mankind.

Walking away from Sloane Square, you'll soon see Duke of York Square, which is a great spot to have a coffee and people watch. You'll spot the large Jigsaw stand-alone store, a London favorite for both casual and work clothes. Next to Jigsaw is Partridges, a gourmet grocery store that holds a Royal Warrant. A Royal Warrant means a company supplies goods or services to the Royal Family. At Partridges, you're sure to find a souvenir, or if you have a hankering for American processed food, they stock cereals like Cheerios and Apple Jacks, as well as Oreos, Pop-Tarts, and Fruit Roll-Ups. There's a Banana Republic which stocks different items than U.S. stores, and a fabulous L.K. Bennett store to find a perfect pair of pumps or summer sandals. If you need a haircut or color, the Richard Ward Salon is where Duchess Kate has gone for years, since she lived in the neighborhood.

Continue up the King's Road, where you stop at affordable shop Warehouse for trendy T-shirts, dresses, and pants. Across from Warehouse is Kurt Geiger, one of Europe's leading shoe retailers. Londoners stock up on Geiger branded shoes and accessories here, and other lines like Prada and Gucci. Kurt Geiger branded shoes aren't too expensive, and average about 100-200 pounds. By this point, you may want a gelato break, and Amorino serves some of the best in London. For frozen yogurt, you'll spot Snog further up the road.

As you walk, you'll pass by the famous Raffles nightclub, which you can return to in the evening. Austique is a local favorite for its carefully curated selection of fashion, jewelry and accessories. It's where you come when you want to find something that no one else will have when you get home.

Stopping at Bluebird Cafe is an absolute must for lunch or dinner. Their outdoor cafe and courtyard lunch menu has sandwiches, salads, and soups. For dinner upstairs, it's one of the most popular spots in Chelsea.
Close to Bluebird Cafe is Old Church Street, which shows what a quiet residential Chelsea street feels like. You'll hit the Thames after a ten-minute walk down Old Church, with nice areas to rest.

BluebirdOther favorite local dinner spots as you continue up the King's Road include Medlar for French-based, locally sourced cuisine or eight over eight for pan-Asian dishes.

Old Church StreetThis article was originally published on the Exclusive Resorts blog, the online destination for all things luxury travel, from the world’s leading private club for luxury vacations.

Snapshot from Kiawah Island

Annie Fitzsimmons — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:42 +0000

Kiawah Island, SC I've just spent five days in Kiawah Island and Charleston, South Carolina seeing family and spending a girl's weekend with a great friend from college. She's in Texas and I'm in New York so we picked a place that we both wanted to explore more! Have you heard of Kiawah? I'm surprised at how many people haven't when I mentioned I was going. My extended family has been coming here for almost 30 years. Just 40 minutes from Charleston and a place that's REALLY hard to leave. It's been so wonderful although it's starting to wear on me with so little time at home. I have two days at home before leaving for Nevis in the French West Indies! Cannot wait to really catch up on photos and assignments.