Archive for April, 2011

As I eagerly walked to my treatment suite, I could not help but notice all of the thoughtful details that existed throughout the entire spa.  Wherever I looked it was an Asian feast for the eyes!

One of the things that sets the spa at the MO, Miami apart from other spas around the world is that along with 17 treatment rooms, there are also 6 luxurious treatment suites.  These VIP suites have floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Biscayne Bay.  I am not exaggerating in the slightest bit when I say that these suites take your breath away when you first walk inside.

I received the Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapy.  A more perfect package of treatments do not exist for me.  It was based completely around the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and being an Acupuncturist I completely resonated with it.

As my feet were immersed in a basin filled with warm water and rose petals, I was asked to answer a series of questions in order for my therapist to know which of the 5 elements was out of balance, so that she could choose the correct oil to use on me during the treatments.

The next hour and a half was pure bliss and I truly forgot about everything else that existed other than that moment.  After my treatments were over I was brought herbal tea and chocolate strawberries and was told to relax in the lounge chair for 20 minutes while the oils worked their magic.

Then, I was lead to another suite where my breath was taken away yet again!  A jacuzzi was filled with bubbles and more rose petals.

I was afforded this view while my body, mind, and soul were nourished:

If you find yourself in Miami, I cannot recommend the MO, Miami highly enough.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed, whether you are there for the accommodation, dining, or spa experience.  Their website describes themselves succinctly, “A taste of Asian serenity in exhilarating Miami.”

For as long as I have been a traveler, I have had a special place in my heart for the Mandarin Oriental hotel chain.  I do not know if it is because I am obsessed with the Asian culture or because their name alone exudes the ultimate in luxury, but I am a loyal MO fan.  Thus, when the MO, Miami approached me about experiencing their world renown spa the answer was an obvious one.

Me awaiting my car with absolute excitement.

The hotel is tucked away in a prestigious part of Miami known as Brickell Key.  When you arrive you immediately feel that amidst the bustling metropolis, you have found a secret hideaway.

My first stop of the afternoon was at their waterfront restaurant, Cafe Sambal.  I was surrounded by stunning bay views while I dined on some of the most delicious sushi I have ever tasted.  Before heading to the spa, I finished off the meal with some champagne to celebrate the day.

I once read a quote that really resonated with me,

Sometimes you want to expand your horizons, sometimes you are good right where you are.

And that is exactly how I felt once I entered the spa at the MO, Miami, I was more than good right where I was.

If I felt that strongly by just being inside of the spa, I could only imagine how I would feel during and after my treatments. . .

There is a reason Cape Town has appeared on lists as Africa’s most popular tourist destination, actually there are lots of reasons.  Found on the western tip of South Africa, Cape Town has an incredible atmosphere about it.  It might sound a bit over the top, but truly its landscape — from beaches to mountains — its history, and its cultural vibe make it an unforgettable trip.  Upon arrival, one of the first things you will notice is Table Mountain; it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, thus it is impossible to miss.  If, like me, you live to snap the perfect picture (we all need at least one from every trip) then this is the place for you.  Gorgeous views of the city and ocean abound from the upper reaches of Table Mountain.  Plus, it is easily accessible, it just depends on whether you want to strap on your hiking boots or take a ride in a cable car.  Another worthwhile outdoor adventure is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.  If you head to Cape Town during the right season, you can catch one of the Sunday night concerts at the Gardens.  Just make sure you bring your picnic basket.  The Victoria and Albert Waterfront, aka the V&A, is also a hot spot to see.  At the foot of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront is in the working harbor and lined with shops, entertainment options, and plenty of restaurants.

When it comes to dining, the restaurant choices range from African, Indian, and a general “international” category.  Food and drink in Cape Town is an eclectic mix and you can be as daring as you like.  You can try springbok (think antelope), ostrich, or even some crocodile.  Expanding your taste palate is part of the adventure that is travel, right?  Long Street is a great place to find nightlife.  Mama Africa was a favorite of mine for both its eye-catching interior and its African dishes.  The drink of Cape Town is just as flavorful as its food, so if you enjoy a glass of wine, make sure you take advantage of what the area offers.  Whether you order local wine at a restaurant or take a day trip to one of the nearby vineyards, it is another experience worth having.

M.E. is an American studying law in London.  Despite the frequent company of large textbooks, she is actually not boring and loves to travel the world, experiencing new places and new people and learning lots (non legal stuff) along the way.

I had so many of you comment and send me private emails about “my look” at Maria and Jon’s wedding (thank you for your kind words!).  When I entered the salon the only requirement I had was that they make me look tropical.  This is what they came up with:

And together with the dress and jewelry, this was the complete look:

Dress: Camille La Vie, Earrings: Alexis Bittar, Shoes (not pictured): BCBG, Engagement Ring: Le Vian

After watching the picturesque Floridian sunset that matched the colors of the wedding perfectly fade into the horizon, everyone headed inside the hotel’s restaurant for the reception.

Maria and Jon, thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of your special day.  I wish you both a lifetime of gigantic smiles, mountains of love, and unforgettable moments.

All photos were taken with a Canon 30D and a Canon EF 24-105mm lens.  I highly recommend Key Largo for a destination wedding and for Florida holidays.

Some say Florence is the most beautiful city in Italy.  And they may be right, since not only is it saturated with impressive monuments and spectacular artwork that one can nearly breathe in by walking around, but it also happens to have one of the most charming atmospheres on the planet.  The following is a list of the must-visit places in Florence if you should find yourself there for only a couple of days:

Duomo

After you check into one of the apartments in Florence, your next stop should be the Duomo.  From the crowded streets around the Piazza you will see its amazing pink, white, and green marble façade.  It is the world’s 4th largest cathedral.  It was created in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and took almost 150 years to complete.

Pitti Gola e Cantina Wine Bar

It is well known that Tuscan wines are amongst the world’s most valued and this wine bar will surely provide you with a taste of them.  They also happen to serve the best cheese in the city. (Via Cavour 29)

Accademia Gallery

It is the home of Michelangelo’s David, as well as many other historical treasures, which simply cannot be missed.

Piazzale Michelangelo

The views from this square are impressive (the photo of the Duomo above was taken from there).

Il Rifrullo

This is one of the most famous bars in Florence.  It serves delicious Tuscan food and cheap drinks.  It is the perfect place to spend long hours conversing with friends like the most authentic of Italians.  Located in the enchanting neighbourhood of San Niccolò, it has 3 different spaces and is definitely the place to start the night before going dancing. (Via de Rondinelli 24r)

Next time you find yourself dreaming of a weekend getaway, remember this post before renting your Florence apartments.

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.

My dream wedding would have been to marry on a beach and since that is not going to happen (though I am crazy in love with where I am getting married), I was happy to live vicariously through Maria and Jon’s oceanside nuptials at the Hilton Key Largo Resort!

More pictures to come soon. . .

Almost 6 years ago on the exact same day 2 soul mates entered my life.  If I had not met one, I would not have met the other.  Talk about winning the synchronistic jackpot!

The story begins with me in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  It was my first time in South America and from the moment I stepped off the plane I was immediately enchanted by the seductively gorgeous city.  On the 2nd evening of the trip, my girlfriend that I was traveling with suggested we check out a particular dance club.  During the elevator ride to the lobby we began a conversation with 2 other American women.  Instantly we felt a connection and they suggested we join them instead.  Thus, our plans were abandoned and we followed our new friends Maria and Lorena.

As we walked into the dance club that they had chosen, I instantly spotted a man amongst the crowd that took my breath away.  I grabbed Maria’s arm and whispered to her, “He is the most beautiful man I have ever laid eyes on.”  That man must have also liked what he saw, because 5 minutes later he was standing next to me with a glass of champagne.  For the next couple of hours we flirted through Spanglish.  When it was time to leave we exchanged information and promised to see each other before I left Argentina.  It took my friends and I awhile to reach the exit of the dance club and just as we were leaving I felt a tap on my shoulder.  I turned around and the sexy gentleman that I had been talking to proceeded to give me a passionate Hollywood-like kiss.  After our lips parted he whispered into my ear, “I would have regretted that the rest of my life if I had not kissed you.”  I floated blissfully into the taxi and Maria looked me straight in the eyes and said, “If you do not marry that man I will kill you.”

Well, I am marrying that man in less than a month and not only that Maria and I remained the best of friends!  We returned to Argentina together a year later and then Spain the following year.  And as fate would have it, we are getting married within a month of each other.  As a present to her and her husband, I offered to be their wedding photographer several weeks ago.  It was my first time shooting a wedding, however with a woman as beautiful as Maria and a setting as beautiful as Key Largo, Florida it was impossible to take a bad photo.

More pictures to come soon. . .

Over the remaining days of the trip there were many memorable moments at Hacienda Tres Rios. . .

There was a sunrise so spectacular I could literally feel my soul being touched.

There were hours upon hours spent sunbathing underneath the tropical sun with multiple tequilajitos.

There were naps on luxurious sunbeds when our skin needed a break from the powerful rays.

There were also more glamorous photo shoots that drew inquisitive looks all around us.

Photo taken by: Kirsten Alana Larsson

There were surprises awaiting us in our room from secret admirers.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

There was a dinner cooked in front of us by the famed Chef Oscar that left me a changed woman.

There was a sexy fire show on the beach underneath the moonlight.

And it because of memorable moments like these that  I will keep returning to Mexico over and over and over again.

I do not know about you, but I like a bit of consistency when it comes to the weather?  One minute it is hot, the next it is cold.  I can hardly keep up!  In order to save myself from yet another wardrobe malfunction (ie: Ugg boots in 30° heat), I decided it was time for another holiday to a place where when it is hot, it stays hot.  Thus, what better place than the sun-kissed bliss of the Mediterranean?  After much perusal, I left my Ugg boots behind and set sail to my destination, Malta.

As an avid scuba diver, one my top priorities was to hit the beach and explore the transparent waters that surround Malta.  If you have never scuba dived before, it is an ideal location to learn the ropes because there are no tides and not much of a current.  From my research online, I managed to track down a diving site that contains a shipwreck called Marfa Point located in the north.  Although it turned out that the ship had been deliberately sunk in order to add an attraction to glass-bottomed boat tours, it was still a breathtaking experience.  The ship itself still stands upright and even appears to emanate an eerie glow; its outline highlighted by the shining blue of the surrounding water.  I managed to fill up my camera’s memory in a single dive, so make sure you take a camera with lots of space.

Having fulfilled my wish of exploring the underwater sights of Malta, I headed off to drier pastures and explored a few of the inland sights.  I have always been a bit of a scary-movie lover.  When I stumbled upon the Mdina Dungeons, it was like a dream come true.  The tour consists of an exploration of underground passageways which depict the dark side of the country’s history, including particularly gory waxworks showing the torture methods used by the Maltese.  It makes the infamous tales of the London dungeons look incredibly tame.

I appreciate that seeking food after such a gruesome experience seems a little odd, but what can I say, I like to eat!  Plus, I had heard incredible things about the food and drink in Malta.  Located near the dungeons is The Medina, a wonderfully secluded restaurant offering a wide variety of authentic Maltese dishes.  All the dishes were made with local produce.  Although it was a bit expensive, it was worth the price.  I did spare a thought for the little fish that had made my aljotta (a traditional fish soup), except it was short-lived; it was like nothing I had ever tasted — just like most of my experiences in Malta.  Magical!

Jade Eva is an English Literature student who has read books based in all the corners of the world.  But now she wants to see it for herself.  From Verona to Vegas, Peru to Portugal, Jade will see it all!