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Summer has arrived in New York City. What better way to admire the striking skyline than from a rooftop bar? With breathtaking views, happy hour specials and tasty food, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the summer. Below is a list of some notable ones around the city from Central Park, all the way Downtown.

Don’t forget to check out nyctourism.com to help you plan your next NYC getaway.

Central Park

Darling at the Park Lane New York

Located on the 47th floor of Park Lane Hotel, Darling is Central Park South’s only rooftop lounge offering a chic experience against a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and iconic park. Darling provides an intimate and whimsical gathering space with an elevated cocktail menu and selection of thoughtfully curated food and beverage programming. Featuring a bold lounge with a wrap-around outdoor patio oasis, designed to embrace the expansive views. It is the final piece to the hotel and is the newest addition to Manhattan’s nightlife scene, bringing the eccentric spirit of the hotel to life. The food and beverage program has been created by Scott Sartiano, and includes a menu that features an eclectic mix of offerings such as seafood towers, caviar grilled cheese and A5 Wagyu Katsu Sando. This is complemented by extensive and inventive cocktails and spirits.

Midtown/Flatiron

Refinery Rooftop Bar at the Refinery Hotel

Credit: Refinery Rooftop

Midtown’s Refinery Hotel boasts a glamorous rooftop bar and lounge with impressive views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline. The American menu is designed for snacking and is accompanied by a signature cocktail list that is centered around natural ingredients and surprising pairings. Groups can order ‘cocktail caddies’ – four servings of their handcrafted cocktails, meant for sharing. The rooftop bar is a year-round destination, thanks to its retractable glass roof, there is a buzzing atmosphere no matter the season.

RT60 at Hard Rock Hotel New York

Credit: Hard Rock Hotel NYC

Located on the 33rd floor, RT60 delivers masterfully crafted cocktails, shareable bites and an effortlessly stylish scene. The music-themed bar is set to host world-renowned DJs and emerging local talent and boasts two outdoor terraces which offer incredible views of the surrounding Midtown skyline.

Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric Times Square

Credit: Chris Vilano

Set atop the 54-story tower of the Hyatt Centric Times Square, Bar 54 offers views that stretch across Manhattan from the East River to the Hudson River. Officially the highest hotel rooftop lounge in New York City, inside and outside, Bar 54 serves up tantalizing handcrafted cocktails and gourmet small plates.

Castell Rooftop Lounge at AC Hotel New York Times Square

Credit: Castell Rooftop Lounge

Perched atop the AC Hotel New York Times Square, offering iconic views, this cozy but modern rooftop bar has the spirit of the classic lounge, with extra emphasis on martinis. The venue’s contemporary décor provides a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere to let off some steam. Guests can gather around the intimate fireplace lounge or the luxe granite bar or soak up some sun on the verdant, open-air terrace.

Haven Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel

Credit: Sanctuary Hotel New York

The Haven Rooftop, above The Sanctuary Hotel offers a perfect happy hour escape in Midtown. It’s just steps away from Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and The Museum of Modern Art. Haven Rooftop offers $6 select beers, $9 glasses of wine and champagne, and $10 margaritas and from 4pm – 6pm, Monday – Friday. They also offer lunch and dinner service Monday through Sunday as well as bottomless brunch service on weekends. To capture the warmth of sunny days, order the Watermelon Mule featuring Tito’s Vodka, Watermelon, Orange Liqueur, and Ginger beer, or a glass of their Summer in a Bottle Rosé.

Sushi Lab Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel

Enjoy a modern take on traditional sushi from Executive Chef Frankie Chen at the Sushi Lab Rooftop. Delight in one-of-a-kind Japanese inspired cocktails Highlights like their Strawberry Geisha, featuring sake, shochu, yuzu, muddled strawberries and lychee or Spicy Toki 18, featuring Japanese whiskey, jalapeno, fresh lime and sparkling water utilize exotic fruits to craft a signature experience. Besides the creative Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki sushi, the star of the show is their omakase experience, utilizing only the freshest ingredients for lunch and dinner.

Apotheke NoMad at the Sonder Flatiron

Featuring a cellar speakeasy, penthouse lounge, and rooftop terrace, Apotheke NoMad is the second NYC outpost for the brand, expanding Apotheke’s apothecary-inspired cocktails and experience. Each week on Mondays from 8:30pm – 11:30pm Apotheke’s cellar speakeasy hosts a range of live music performances. The bar also offers bespoke academy mixology sessions in their penthouse lounge, which allows groups of up to 12 to choose a theme, liquor, or ingredient to be schooled in.

Nicolas O’Connor is behind the elaborate Garden-to-Glass cocktail menu, with many of Apotheke’s classic cocktails brought along with brand new creations such as sustainable caviar service and a selection of dumplings inspired by the bar’s Chinatown roots.

Lower East Side

Mr. Purple at the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York

Credit: Gerber Group

An NYC OG rooftop is Mr. Purple. It offers a menu focusing on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients and an expansive collection of small-batch spirits, regionally brewed craft beers, universal wine offerings and a rotating cocktail menu. Mr Purple captures the vibrant and artistic spirit of the Lower East Side in its modern industrial vibe and offers panoramic views of the city.

The Highlight Room at the Moxy Lower East Side

In March, I had the pleasure of staying at the brand-new 303-room Moxy Lower East Side hotel. Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group worked on the hotel interior and architecture by Stonehill Taylor, giving references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social history with the vibrancy of today.

Its convenient location houses five new food and beverage establishments created in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality. Look up 16 stories above the intersection of Broome and Bowery, and you will find The Highlight Room. The glamorous rooftop bar is encased in glass and a majestic tree spreads its branches across the room and outdoor terrace.

Chelsea/Meatpacking

The Fleur Room at the Moxy Chelsea

A nod to the Flower District, you will find the Moxy Chelsea’s Fleur Room at 35 stories high. The new concept by Tao Group Hospitality and Angelo Bianchi, interiors that reference the Flower Market (a chandelier that resembles oversize water droplets; dazzling floral-patterned seating; and a copper-clad bar). A list of creative cocktails is accompanied by a simple, elegant menu of elevated bar snacks—warm olives with Marcona almonds, king crab club sandwich, truffle grilled cheese toast. The lounge area comes complete with a DJ booth and a massive vintage disco ball—a one-of-a-kind artifact salvaged from the 1980s L.A. nightclub Vertigo. The glass-enclosed rooftop lounge has expansive 360-degree views that stretch from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. Like magic (and at the touch of a button), a retractable window wall transforms the lounge into an alfresco sky veranda.

Soho House New York (Members Only)

The original New York City Soho House is set over six floors of a former warehouse in the heart of the Meatpacking District. A stone’s throw from The High Line and Chelsea Market, it’s home to (no pun intended) Soho House’s first-ever rooftop pool. The rooftop underwent a complete refresh ahead of the summer 2022 season and embraces a new floral-inspired design featuring Rosé-hued pastel tones and two new fully renovated bar areas. The pool is surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas and boasts views of lower Manhattan. A menu of poolside fare, Soho House Favorites, and specialty cocktails also grace the House in addition to a whole host of events and pop-ups on the rooftop terrace. 

Daintree at the Hotel Henricks

Daintree sits atop Hotel Hendricks in Chelsea, and offers an unforgettable happy hour, two times a day! Pop in for an evening drink between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. or a nightcap from 11pm till close. Enjoy $12 sips such as the Aussie Spritz, Blood Orange Mule, Negroni, Old Fashioned and Mojito, discounted beers and wines like $10 Domaine De Moulin or $6 Reissdorf Kolsch, $8 bubbles, as well as a rotating list of bar snacks such as Hummus & Crudite, Boudin Balls, and and House Fries with Black Garlic Aioli for $6-$12.

Somewhere Nowhere NYC at the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

Somewhere Nowhere NYC is a bi-level lounge, nightclub and rooftop pool complete with floor-to-ceiling windows with 360-degree views. Escape the busy Chelsea streets to the 38/39th floors of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel to this 5,516 square foot luxury daylife and nightlife destination.

Guests can wind down after work with creative yet delicious cocktails and tapas or dance to live music. Ongoing events include Gotham Jazz on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Trusted Mic with The Rakiem Walker Project Band on Fridays at 5 p.m.

Downtown

PHD Rooftop Lounge at the Dream Downtown

PHD Rooftop Lounge is Dream Downtown’s rooftop nightclub and lounge bar decked out with uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and Empire State Building. With two full-service bars, a fully-equipped DJ booth and a retractable canopy for an outdoor terrace, PHD is one of the best rooftops in New York City. Located at Dream Downtown, a New York City lifestyle hotel with an emphasis on service and after-dark possibilities, there is no better place to experience exquisite Manhattan views.

The cultural scene in Hong Kong is thriving at the moment. That is in no small part due to the likes of the West Kowloon Cultural District. One of their latest museums to open is arguably its finest: Hong Kong Palace Museum. They house over 900 invaluable artefacts from The Palace Museum in Beijing. Many priceless pieces have never left the capital city or even been shown to the public. They have seven thematic galleries focusing on these items, general Chinese art and modern reinterpretation of Palace Museum culture. There are two galleries with temporary exhibitions showcasing art and treasures from other parts of the world. Currently, they have the blockbuster, Cartier and Women exhibition as well as Radiance: Ancient Gold from the Hong Kong Palace Museum Collection and the Mengdiexuan Collection.

The state-of-the-art building has been designed by Rocco Design Architects Associates Limited. With an exhibition space of 7,800 square metres, it has been designed to offer abundant rest areas both inside and outside the galleries. The facilities are barrier-free and particularly spacious, capable of handling substantial crowds during the holidays periods. You can observe throughout the building, they’ve used contemporary interpretations of traditional aesthetics. They’ve taken inspiration from the architecture of the Forbidden City but also taken care to blend in with Hong Kong’s urban skyline.

The themes of galleries are very well construed. For example, in gallery two, they have “From Dawn to Dusk: life in the Forbidden City”. You can follow the noteworthy events in the daily life of an emperor and other staff members in the palace. You will encounter what the emperor might be wearing on different occasions.

They don’t shy away from using modern technology in portraying the historical details of the period. Expect to see state-of-the-art video walls that will transport you back to the time of the Qing Dynasty. In gallery four, you’ll encounter very impressive portraits of Qing Emperors and Empresses. They’ve also created helpful timelines, where you can follow the imperial lineage. Even the main thematic galleries from one to seven are not expected to be permanent exhibitions and they will likely be rotated out after being on display for over a year.

Hong Kong locals will be particularly fascinated by gallery six, which explores “Private to Public: the history of Chinese art collecting in Hong Kong”. It explores the philanthropy of Hong Kong donors who have chosen to donate artwork they’ve privately collected, so the public can enjoy the beauty of these pieces. Often this has been to help promote Chinese culture at home and abroad. With each display, there is a handy note explaining the original owner of the artwork. For example, there is a wonderful oil on canvas painting of The Matilde moored in Hong Kong Harbour from the Anthony Hardy Collection.

Despite the historical nature of most of the artefacts, the museum is a very forward-thinking and progressive institution. This is very much in evidence in gallery seven “No boundaries: reinterpreting Palace Museum culture”. In this gallery space, they’ve asked six Hong Kong-based multimedia and interdisciplinary artists to create fresh and bespoke pieces of art installations for the museum which takes a fresh interpretation of the art and culture of the Forbidden City. The most impressive installation is without a doubt “A grandiose fanfare” by GayBird. The artwork fuses the atmosphere of Qing court music with modern festive performances through 31 audio channels and kinetic installations. It even includes a special sound installation performance every half an hour.

No modern-day museum is complete these days without world-class dining options and a well-stocked gift shop. Hong Kong Palace Museum has numerous options from the high-end King Lung Heen offering fine dining Cantonese cuisine to the very accessible Chinese teahouse, Xia. Their gift shop, ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press is a treasure trove of Chinese cultural gift ideas from ornamental trinkets to coffee table books.

https://www.hkpm.org.hk/en/home

Ask your average international tourist about the American coastline and the majority are going to mention California and Florida. However, if you question the well-travelled Americanophile, you are likely to hear mentions of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas on the Texas coastline. The breezy excitement of the former is the perfect foil for the laid-back island lifestyle of the latter.

Corpus Christi

A Texan city where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a diverse city life and idyllic beaches that transport you to another world such as Padre Island National Seashore nearby which includes 70 miles of untouched beaches and wildlife habitat.

Experiencing the Texan coastal life

The city has played host to the Windsurfing World Championships due to the windy nature of the locality. This is ideal during the warmer months when you can enjoy a cooling breeze on a sunset cruise with the likes of Texas Tease. You can enjoy a leisurely cruise around Corpus Christi Bay on a 74-foot sightseeing boat. They can serve up high-quality dinner fare with local shrimp and oyster Rockefeller.

If you want to pilot your vessel innovatively, then you should consider Glow Row. It is a night-time kayaking experience guided by glowing lights which surround your transparent kayak. Their North Padre Island – Sunset Island route is ideal for beginners as the waters are very shallow there and it is relatively easy to spot some marine life.

Sightseeing ideas

There are a multitude of varied offerings in Corpus Christi. If you didn’t spot any aquatic creatures during your kayaking, you will at The Texas State Aquarium, the largest of its kind in Texas. They have an interactive stingray lagoon. You can spot reef sharks in their eye-catching curved aquarium with a 68-foot-long acrylic window, which is the longest in North America. You can enjoy an acrobatic show at Dolphin Bay. And the most fulfilling part is learning about their conservation work at their newly opened wildlife rescue center.

Nearby is the USS Lexington, which is a former WWII aircraft carrier and currently a naval museum. The most popular part is the flight deck with 20 historic aircraft on-board with the centrepiece being Maverick’s F-14 Tomcat jet from the original Top Gun film. There is plenty to experience below deck too from a flight operations tour to a fascinating late-night paranormal investigation.

You can savour the cowboy lifestyle by going on a visit to King Ranch. It is the largest ranch in the United States, bigger than the country of Luxembourg. You can go on a ranch tour where they explain the modern-day workings of their business. You can visit King Ranch Museum to appreciate the history of the brand and purchase the finest leather goods and outdoor gear at their saddle shop.

Where to eat

A visit to the institution that is Water Street Oyster Bar is a must. They’ve been serving Corpus Christi since 1983. They’ve recently expanded to oyster farming in Copano Bay nearby. Their menu is a seafood lover’s paradise with everything from wood-grilled oysters to shrimp picayune. Their sister restaurant, Elizabeth’s at the iconic Art Museum of South Texas is equally worth a visit. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu includes shakshuka and Italian torte for brunch. Whilst the museum houses fascinating temporary exhibitions such as the blockbuster, Collidoscope: De La Torre Brothers retro-perspective.

Port Aransas

Affectionately known as Port A by the locals. It is all about island life in this part of Texas, especially as the town has a population of less than 3,500.

Cruising to carting

You can also enjoy a cruising experience at Port A, but their offering is more geared towards the family with Red Dragon Pirate Cruise. There are interactive games on board but it is more about dolphin watching and admiring the scenic coastline. Another mode of transport that is popular with locals and tourist alike are the golf carts that are ubiquitous all over town. Visit at the right time of the year and you might spot their iconic Christmas golf cart parade, their Mardi Gras parade, their pirate parade or even their graduation parade. It is a great way to see the town highlights including Horace Caldwell Pier, its jetties and Roberts Point Park.

Embracing the wildlife

For bird-watchers, a visit to Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is sheer heaven. You can observe hundreds of local and migratory birds in this wetland area. There are sheltered observation towers along with a 700-foot boardwalk. You can observe waterfowl, grebes, shorebirds and flaming pink Roseate Spoonbills, which is the Port A city bird. If you are lucky, you might even spot their resident alligator “Boots”. If you visit on certain days, they have free guided tours with binoculars provided for loan.

You get a feel of the passion locals have for their marine ecosystem by visiting the newly renovated Patton Education Center and Wetlands. There are interactive displays that help you understand the local marine life. Along with the Amos Rehabilitation Keep, which is all part of the campus of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, you feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that there might be hope for our seas. Rescued sea turtles are a major part of their project as the Gulf of Mexico is home to 5 of the 7 sea turtle species. You might spot the likes of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles or loggerhead sea turtles.

Dining the island life way

Fresh-from-the-sea ingredients in a laid-back environment are what you can expect at Port A. Fin’s Grill and Icehouse, which is a sister restaurant to the cruise company serves up classics from the region like a crispy shrimp PoBoy to unique creations like crab-stuffed gulf fish. They can all be washed down with a wide selection of margaritas. They have an elevated version that uses Dobel tequila and Gran Gala.

If you walked into Trout Street Bar & Grill, you might think fishing is a religion on the island. The menu offers everything from snapper to redfish to steelhead trout, all can be cooked in a variety of ways. There are historic photos of blue and white marlin being caught in the state and they offer you catch ’em we cook ’em service, which is also available at Fin’s Grill.

Finally, what better way to end your Texas coastal experience, than savouring a beachside shrimp boil around a bonfire, which can all be arranged with minimal fuss by the likes of Rollin’ Tide. Enjoying an authentic low country shrimp boil whilst admiring the sunset over Mustang Island with your feet in the sand is one of those little joys of life that will linger long in the memory.

https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/

https://www.portaransas.org/

Regent Hong Kong Hotel recently reopened after their most extensive renovations in three decades. Their prime location on the Victoria Harbour waterfront has always meant it is a beloved institution by locals and tourists alike. It is the perfect location to catch the daily light and sound show, ‘A Symphony of Lights’ or the New Year’s Eve fireworks. It was always regarded as one of the big three hotels in Hong Kong along with The Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental.

Their in-house Cantonese restaurant which stayed open during the renovation, Lai Ching Heen is a world-class institution that has been showered with countless accolades from two Michelin stars to two diamonds in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. The dishes they offer are often Cantonese culinary treasures given a contemporary update. The decor is the definition of refined elegance. There are touches of gold and jade throughout the restaurant down to your place settings but the designs are never garish or forceful. Most guests will be more distracted by the floor-to-ceiling window showcasing a dynamic view of Victoria Harbour.

Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai has over three decades of experience working with the hotel. Whilst head chef, Cheng Man Sang has worked with the executive chef for over two decades. What you get with their kitchen team is expertise married with innovation. The hotel has given them the platform to evolve the cuisine and always bring new ideas to the dining table.

Their ‘Premier Delicacy’ dinner menu is the showcase offering where you can taste their greatest hits and the immense variety of Cantonese cuisine. You’ll get to try Hokkaido scallops which are very much akin to their Orkney counterpart known for their clean, sweet taste. Their barbecue pork ‘char siu’ with honey is arguably the best version you’ll find in Hong Kong with the perfect ratio of meat to fat served up with an irresistible sweetness. Their clear Chinese soup offering is something you rarely encounter in the UK or Europe. Double-boiled fish maw with sea whelk and russula mushroom soup might sound exotic, but the ingredients provide countless benefits. For example, russula is used in Chinese medicine to treat liver and eye conditions.

The eye-catchers on their menu are undoubtedly the steamed lobster with tofu and crabmeat roe and braised whole abalone in oyster jus. The former is one of the most perfectly executed dishes on their menu. The tender, firm, succulent lobster meat injects the silky smooth tofu with both sweet and umami flavours. Any element that is over or undercooked would significantly impact the dish. Abalone is the definition of luxury in Cantonese restaurants and it’s still very much a delicacy waiting to be discovered by the Western world. Their version at the restaurant is a Japanese fresh abalone that has been braised and served in an oyster jus.

At Lai Ching Heen, you get to sample the finest of wagyu beef. Their set menu offers beef from Kagoshima, which produces more wagyu than any other prefecture in Japan. It is the epicentre of the country’s beef industry. Their wok-fried Kagoshima wagyu has a firm appearance on the outside, but a buttery soft tenderness on the inside. It is presented with an onion ring, peppers, lily bulbs and garlic. It is ideally paired with their fried rice wrapped in a lotus leaf to offer extra fragrant aromas.

Cantonese desserts are a hugely underrated gem. When executed well, they are more than a match with the finest crème brûlées and pastel de natas of this world. Their baked sago and custard cream pudding is similar to a rice pudding but littered with addictively chewy sago pearls. And their taro paste with black and white sesame roll is the perfect way to end a meal with subtle nuttiness and sweetness that will send you away from the restaurant with a satisfied grin.

Please note, they do have a dress code – smart elegant: closed-toed shoes, sleeved shirts and long trousers are required for gentlemen.

Lai Ching Heen

San Francisco is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its unique vibe and energy, which makes it one of the most exciting cities to visit in the world. From the trendy cafes and boutiques of the Mission to the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marina, San Francisco has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a neighbourhood that’s always buzzing with energy, the Mission is the place to be. This vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood is famous for its colourful street art, delicious food, and lively nightlife.

The Mission is home to some of the best taquerias in the city, where you can get your hands on some authentic Mexican food. But that’s not all, the neighbourhood is also a popular spot for trendy cafes, bars, and shops.

One of the best things about the Mission is the street art. The neighbourhood is home to some of the most beautiful murals in the city, which makes it the perfect place to take a stroll and admire the art. You can even take a street art tour to learn more about the artists and their work.

When in the Mission, you can’t miss out on trying the famous Mission-style burrito. These burritos are massive, and they come loaded with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. They’re so big that you might need to share with a friend (or simply keep them for yourself!)

If you’re looking for a neighbourhood with stunning views, the Marina is the place to be. This neighbourhood is located right by the water and offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Marina is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

One of the best things about the Marina is the outdoor activities. With the Presidio and Crissy Field nearby, you can take a scenic walk or bike ride, have a picnic, or go for a swim. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at windsurfing or paddle boarding.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more residential neighbourhood, Noe Valley is the place to be. This family-friendly neighbourhood is full of beautiful Victorian homes and tree-lined streets. The neighbourhood has a cozy feel to it, with its cafes, restaurants, and shops.

One of the best things about Noe Valley is the farmer’s market. The market is open on Saturdays, and it’s the perfect place to buy fresh produce, flowers, and other local goods. The vendors are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet in the city, and they’re always happy to chat.

These are just a few of the many neighbourhoods that make San Francisco such a unique and vibrant city. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or a culture vulture, you’re sure to find your perfect neighbourhood in the City by the Bay. So come and explore, and discover the magic of San Francisco’s inspiring neighbourhoods for yourself.

Dominica is justifiably called the Nature Island because of its soaring cliffs and lush vegetation. With a local population of under 75,000, this is your dream escape to be far from the maddening crowds. It was one of the last islands in the Caribbean to open up to tourism and has managed to follow an ecotourism model which encourages sustainable development.

Where to stay

The ideal base to start your adventures is at Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort. It is situated in the capital, Roseau which makes a convenient base to explore the rest of the island. There are no chain hotels or large-scale resorts on the island, just hotels like Fort Young which oozes character in abundance. The hotel is on the site of a military fort dating back to the 17th century and was subsequently used as a police station. They are currently undergoing extension works to add 60 rooms in the autumn. They will also be displaying many of the original features of the building including a centuries-old bread oven and historic walls.

The rooms are extremely spacious and incredibly affordable from $190 per night and $255 per night if you opt for all-inclusive. If you are looking for a regal experience, upgrade yourself to one of their oceanfront suites. The names of these suites are named after prominent Dominican historical figures. They are larger than most people’s flats with a heavenly King bed, living room, dining room, kitchenette, and two bathrooms, which feature a whirlpool tub and shower. The best part is the expansive balcony for you to gaze into the tempting Caribbean Sea.

Dining out

Looking for dining options in Roseau can be a tricky affair. Some restaurants don’t open for lunch. Some don’t cater for dietary requirements such as vegetarian food. The best restaurant we discovered is The Palisades Restaurant at the hotel. You can enjoy al fresco dining at the only seaside restaurant in Roseau. The restaurant has a winning formula of offering local flavours with the likes of jerk pork served with provision pie along with comforting classics like luxuriously creamy shrimp a la king pasta. Their attentive staff do consider requests. With pleasure, they can offer more vegetarian options or lactose-free options, if you feel choices are lacking on the menu.

Spa

Visiting Dominica is often about revitalising and recharging oneself. Their Zemi Spa is just the space to achieve these goals. You’ll get to enjoy signature treatments with the mesmerising sound of the Caribbean waves in the background. They only use locally sourced ingredients and will cater the experience to your personal needs.

To-Do

The island is one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. And the hotel must be at the heart of the operations, considering the non-stop flow of divers streaming in and out of the harbour which you can observe from The Palisades Restaurant. They have an equipment shop along with expert guides, so can cater from beginner level to advanced. Champagne Reef, with bubbles appearing through the sand due to underwater hot springs, is a must-visit for any diver.

The resort offers an “all-inclusive island-included” experience. It truly takes out the hassle from tourists having to arrange their excursions. Top of the list should be a visit to Titou Gorge. It will be a scenic swim through emerald waters to a waterfall surrounded by cliff walls. The entrancing light that filters through the gorge creates an ethereal atmosphere and it is no surprise, many Hollywood films have been shot at the gorge including Pirates of the Caribbean.

It is often combined with a trip to Trafalgar Falls. Set amongst the verdant mountainside are twin majestic waterfalls. One offers a cold-water pool whilst the other offers hot-spring water. The scenery looks like a film set from Avatar except the wildlife you will see will be adorable land crabs rather than Jurassic-type beasts. And close to this popular site is the River Rock Cafe, which reputedly serves the finest rum punch on the island (and probably the strongest).

Finally, a visit to Dominica isn’t complete without checking out the world-famous thermal springs. Ti Gwen Glo Sho is one I would recommend for the tranquillity and variety it offers. There are 2 separate hot springs with varying degrees of heat. The sulphur water is therapeutic as well as soothing. It’s nestled amongst various exotic flowers and rainforest cover and you are more than likely to encounter the endangered Lesser Antillean iguana.

If you want an off-the-beaten-track experience in the Caribbean, make sure you consider Dominica for your next holiday.

https://www.fortyounghotel.com/

As we approach the summer season, one of the most popular destinations in Italy to consider visiting is Florence. We will examine the best places to stay, eat and enjoy immersive experiences so you can sample the very finest from the picturesque city.

Latest hotel opening

The most recent hotel opening in Florence is the distinctive 5-star La Gemma boutique hotel. The location could not be more central, steps away from Piazza della Repubblica. You are minutes away from designer boutiques and the most well-known monuments. It is situated in the former Palazzo Paoletti built in 1895 and then was subsequently used by the guild of hoteliers. The owners have painstakingly restored the interiors of the building and given it a funky art Deco vibe. The prominent green and pink palettes in the hotel reflect the similar colours used in the Duomo di Firenze. The alluring geometric shapes found throughout the hotel add a sense of whimsicality to your stay. Their Allure Spa offers personalised treatments in conjunction with Biologique Recherche to make sure the necessities of your skin come first. They will also offer a Turkish bath, hydro-massage bath, and ice shower along with their two therapy rooms.

The hottest restaurants and bars in town

You can enjoy a tour de Force fine dining experience at LUCA’s by Paolo Airaudo at La Gemma. The world-renowned chef runs countless famous restaurants across the globe, the most sought-after being his two Michelin-starred, Amelia in San Sebastian. Here, he offers elevated Tuscan cuisine in a refined yet relaxed environment. Despite the limited space, they have a very impressive wine cellar along with a bar that creates very hip cocktails with a Britpop theme. An alternative bar to sample world-class cocktails is Harry’s Bar The Garden at Sina Villa Medici Hotel. They serve classic cocktails using the finest ingredients and you get splendid views of the pool and garden of the hotel.

Another restaurant to consider is Gunè San Frediano. They specialise in Tuscan and Lucanian cuisine. They offer a 5 or 7-course tasting menu and expect to see delights such as a rabbit stuffed with foie gras and a tart served with white, milk and extra dark chocolate. The restaurant pays particular homage to the important women in our lives with post-modern paintings of iconic women commissioned with a local artist. If you want a casual venue populated by locals, then Trattoria Marione is a must-visit. You’ll enjoy comforting pasta dishes there such as pappardelle alla chinatigiana.

Food and aperitivo tours

I’ve always said the best way to explore a city and understand its culture is by doing a food tour. If you book with Curious Appetite Travel, that’s exactly what you’ll get as you discover the hidden gems of the city. Their historic food lover’s tour includes 5 gourmet tasting pit stops and you are guided by an experienced local who intersperses quirky historical facts in between the tastings. You’ll learn about the famous wine windows of Florence. You can sample local delicacies like budini di riso, which are Florentine rice pudding tarts. For those who are more into savoury dishes, you’ll get to try coccoli caldi and panini tartufati. The former is a deep-fried dough ball often stuffed with prosciutto ham and stracchino, whilst the latter is a truffle pâté roll. Particularly impressive is meeting local artisans such as visiting a farm-to-table deli, where the meat is from a farm a mere 11km away from the shop and run by the same family.

Italy Customized runs highly bespoke tours that cater to all requirements. They don’t just operate in Tuscany but throughout the country. With their aperitivo tour, you get to visit one of the most impressive wine stores in Florence. You can have a wine-tasting experience paired with cured meats and local cheese. And if you are very lucky and have the very personable owner, Linda take the tour; she can help you pick out the unique gems to buy as a holiday gift for friends or family. During the walking tour, you’ll pass very trendy street art from the likes of Andrea Roggi. During the tour, they might take you to hip neighbourhood wine bars where you can try a spritz cynar. The drink is well-known to aid digestion and is the ideal aperitif option.

Creating your bespoke perfume

Being the perfume capital of Italy, it’s not surprising you can find immersive experiences in the city where you can create your perfume. Visiting the master perfumer’s laboratory at Sileno Cheloni is like a journey into Hogwarts. With countless potions, you are guided by Sileno to discover what scents you are attracted to and learn the process of perfume-making. He also offers incense rituals and sensory dinners that arouse more than just your olfactory senses.

https://lagemmahotel.com/

Who does not love brunch? It is the meal of the day, where all the juicy gossip of the events of the night prior get discussed at length. Think Sex and the City/And Just Like That/ Gossip Girl. Brunch always supports that tête-à-tête.

Here are some great spots in the city to partake in the perfect combo of breakfast and lunch:

Cecconi’s, The Ned NoMad

The Ned NoMad hotel and private club welcomes visitors and guests to Manhattan’s first Cecconi’s restaurant. Open seven days a week from 7am-11pm guests can find themselves at the modern-day classic Northern Italian restaurant for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Those seeking a posh brunch featuring modern cuisine can look to Cecconi’s with selections from Cacio pepe scrambled eggs and Buttermilk pancakes topped with caramel and blueberry syrup, off of the breakfast menu, to hand-made pasta, wood-oven pizza, and seafood classics off of the all-day menu. I cannot wait to try Cecconi’s when I am back in the city.

Milady’s

Milady’s officially launches its outdoor terrace this spring, positioned on the corner of Prince and Thompson Street, right in the heart of Soho. Diners can soak up the sun while sipping on a line-up of refreshing cocktails, created by owner and bar-industry veteran Julie Reiner, such as the Milady’s Spritz, Hawaiian Iced Tea, or an American Whiskey Highball. There’s also delicious elevated and produce-focused fare for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, including Steak Tartare, Caviar Dip, and a house-made Veggie Burger.

Saint Theo’s

As the premier brunch destination in the heart of West Village, Saint Theo’s boasts an elevated Venetian-inspired weekend lunch menu. Served exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays from 12PM-2:30PM, menu highlights include Saint Theo’s classics including Tuna Crudo with lemon zest, olive oil and seasalt; Beef Carpaccio with mushroom, arugula, aioli and balsamic vinegar and the Seabass Linguine with dill, la passata and garlic oil. The breezy, vibrant 110-seat space uplifts a dining room, bar, and lounge, with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern design features including colorful Murano glass sconces, Venice Biennale exhibition posters, framed Pirelli calendars and deep green linen banquettes.

THIEF

Thief combines the precision and craft of a world-class cocktail program with the edge and artistic culture of New York City in the ‘80s. Located at 161 Ludlow St, the bar pairs classic and modern art pieces, graffiti murals and a killer playlist with a distinctive cocktail menu and expansive food offering. Thief recently launched brunch with twists on classic brunch favorites like french toast served with apple mezcal caramel and mezcal maple butter.

Valerie

Midtown East’s Valerie, known for its extensive gin library and lively happy hours, has unveiled their boozy rendition of morning tea time. The Tea with the Queen, is a spiked cuppa with English breakfast & bergamot infused Navy Strength Gin, Luxardo Bianco, Punt e Mes, and orange juice. If you’re looking for an excuse to have a G&T at 11am, the Chai Gin & Tonic includes chai infused Fundy Gin (with notes of earthy, sweet juniper berry & citrus peel), lemon, Havi Amer, cardamom bitters, and Fever Tree Premium Indian Tonic. Guests can pair these brunch libations with lemon ricotta pancakes with cardamom and crab salad and egg toast with roe which are a few of their new dishes.

Isla & Co

Isla & Co. is Parched Hospitality Group’s popular Aussie all-day cafe and restaurant with locations in Midtown at Hotel Hendricks and in Williamsburg adjacent to the William Vale. Executive Chef Matt Foley’s brunch menu, which is served daily until 3pm, includes favorites like Brioche French Toast, Isla Benedict, Smashed Avocado Toast and Mushroom Toast. There are new additions to the menu like Kangaroo Tucker, traditional Australian rubbed kangaroo skewered over herbed tahini, marinated cucumbers and pickled onions. I highly recommend the Kangaroo Tucker! Brunch pairs perfectly with an Aperol Spritz, Bloody Mary or Espresso Martini.

Ainslie Bowery

Ainslie is now open in the 20,000 square foot space that formerly occupied Vandal at 199 Bowery on the Lower East Side. Ainslie has remained a neighborhood favorite in Williamsburg since its flagship location opened in 2019. Ainslie’s kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef John DeLucie serving a menu filled with Italian favorites ranging from wood-fired pizzas and Eggs in Purgatory to French Toast and Pancetta & Pecorino Omelette.

Haven Rooftop, Sanctuary Hotel

Haven Rooftop above the Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown is ready for diners to escape to. Haven offers delicious food and craft cocktails. Favorites include sliders, tuna tartare, and Times Square Omelet, Acai Bowl and Brunch Pizza with eggs sunny side, mozzarella, tomato sauce, bacon. Pair that with a Cloudtini or Summer Sangria for a truly elevated experience. Brunch can be made bottomless for $29 with the purchase of an entree for an hour.

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall has locations in FiDi, Murray Hill, in Flatiron at Hotel Henri and Williamsburg . Signature dishes from Executive Chef Matthew Foley include a Chili Scramble, Avocado Toast and a Brekky Roll with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo pate, folded eggs, chimichurri and mayo on a milk bun with tots on the side. You can also enjoy the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich or Crispy Pork Belly with sticky glaze, chili, fried shallots and lime. Sip on a Jalapeno Bloody Mary, a Blood Orange Negroni, an Aperol Spritz or a Mimosa any time of day.

Amali

Amali features seasonal Mediterranean fare that’s locally sourced and served in a sleek space. The restaurant’s Executive Chef Alex Tubero works with many small farmers, purveyors and fishermen, resulting in frequent menu changes. Amali is currently serving Soft Scramble with Bloomsdale spinach, feta, lemon and flatbread, Shakshuka, Cavatelli and Wild Mushroom Caponata along with many others for brunch.

Carnegie Diner & Cafe

Carnegie Diner & Cafe is located on the corner of West 57th Street and 7th Avenue, steps from the iconic Carnegie Hall in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The diner and cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner indoors and outside seven days a week. It pays homage to the diners of yesteryear in its design only but has a menu made for today, with something for everyone. Menu items feature an extensive all-day breakfast menu in addition to serving up salads, burgers, sandwiches, main entrees, pastas and desserts.

Carroll Place

Carroll Place is a classic Italian American wine bar and gastropub in the heart of Greenwich Village. The brunch menu, created by Chef John DeLucie is filled with favorites like Eggs Benedict, Penne Alla Vodka, Pappardelle and more with 1 1/2 hours of unlimited brunch drinks for $30 with the purchase of any entree. which pair perfectly with the restaurant’s artisan cocktails, beers and 25 wines by the glass.

Loulou

Loulou is a stunning French Bistro and Speakeasy in Chelsea with one of the most stunning outdoor seating options in town. Signature menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include a Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites. That’s in addition to a large selection of gorgeously crafted cocktails, which you can indulge in, in the dining room or by entering the restaurant’s speakeasy via a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine door on 8th Avenue.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the installation of the Big Buddha in Hong Kong, officially known as the Tian Tan Buddha. It’s a must-visit destination for any tourist visiting the enclave, whether they are religious or not. Taking 12 years to plan and build by the Po Lin Monastery, its architectural magnificence has been admired the world over. It might be on the same island as the local airport and Disneyland but you get a sense of what Lantau Island is about when you visit the Big Buddha. The mountainous greenery with breathtaking hiking trails is a far cry from the shopping mecca images frequently used to portray Hong Kong.

Getting to the Big Buddha might seem like a pilgrimage, but is remarkably straightforward especially if you opt for the Ngong Ping Cable Car rather than the winding bus routes through the island. It is an adventurous 25-minute journey ride. They offer crystal cabins with a glass bottom which offer uninterrupted views of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Big Buddha. Once you get off, it’s a 10-minute walk to the monastery.

During the walk, you pass through Ngong Ping Village, a quaint revival of traditional Cantonese villages. You can sample traditional delicacies like egg waffles. You can purchase local handy crafts like Chinese opera accessories and masks. There are multimedia and immersive experiences like the art of chocolate making and a 5-D theatre suitable for the whole family.

The Big Buddha is the second-largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue in the world. The statue is 34 metres tall and you’ll need to ascend 268 steps to the base of the statue for a closer inspection. It is well worth the hike as you get splendid views of the verdant scenery surrounding the iconic structure. And if you are methodical, you’ll notice many famous faces having their final resting place including famed Cantonese pop star, Anita Mui.

The Big Buddha Statue was voted as the fourth of the 10 Engineering Wonders in Hong Kong in 2000. The first three were all government works projects. Top of the list is the Lantau Link followed by the Hong Kong International Airport Passenger Terminal, and in third place is the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Extension. In terms of private projects, the Big Buddha statue came out on top.

If you want to escape the hectic city life, the monastery runs a 1-week mediation retreat held on the final week of the first lunar month. Leading monks will lead attendees on meditative walks and also there will be discussions about Zen Buddhism. It will especially help you with achieving clarity of mind if you are lacking focus or are easily distracted.

Chinese cuisine is not always known as the most vegetarian friendly but you can try exceptional Buddhist vegetarian dishes at the monastery. Dishes are designed to cleanse the body and the soul and might include steamed bean curd with olive leaf and asparagus with exotic mushrooms and cashew. There is also a snack shop next to the restaurant for those looking for a quick bite. You can sample the delights of bean curd dessert and glutinous rice dumplings filled with mango. The bean curd is made daily in-house and is known to be especially silky-smooth and inviting. Most of the items are prepared in small quantities and often do sell out.

Apart from the Big Buddha statue itself, there are plenty of other spectacles to behold such as the grand hall of ten thousand Buddhas and the main shrine hall of Buddha. Both of which are extremely busy, especially on religious days. There are plenty of garden areas for people to enjoy all the wonderful outdoor spaces such as the orchid garden and the bauhinia park. There is also the wisdom path, which is an installation of 38 wooden structures carved with the complete verses of the Heart Sutra, written by master calligrapher Jao Tsung-I.

https://plm.org.hk/eng/home.php

Nestled on the outskirts of the nucleus that is Cambridge city center in an unassuming residential area, a casual ten minute stroll through Jesus Green until you reach the hubbub of the university city, sits The Fellows House. An aparthotel that promises a home away from home for both short stay city breakers and long haul business trippers. With an array of on site facilities such as 24/7 gym, pool complete with sauna and steam room, coffee shop, restaurant and a luxe bar area, it is easy to see why.

With four categories of room on offer, ranging from standard and studio through to apartments and duplexes there is something to suit all budgets and purpose of travel. Nearly all the rooms are equipped with kitchenettes including hob, combi oven and fridge plus coffee machines, kettles and toasters – perfect for an in room brekkie in your complimentary fluffy robe and slippers. Most rooms also include sofa beds, large flat screen TVs in both bedroom and living space – no TV control arguments during any family stays – rainfall showers and the pièce de résistance, huge, sumptuous king size beds with premium linen, waiting to envelope its inhabitant(s) for a night of uninterrupted slumber. Well thought out additions such as cook books, books on the nightstands and White Company toiletries really do turn these hotel rooms into an extension of your home.

On site coffee shop, Sage is a great addition that sits at the front of the hotel and is perfect for a spot of remote working or a quick caffeine hit before ambling into the city. The barista’s know their stuff and the onsite patisserie chef ensures counter tops are laden with enticing pastries and cakes with a solid vegan offering. I like to do my due diligence on these sorts of things and can confirm I tried every cake available, all sublime, all worth the extra notch on the belt.

The hotel’s restaurant – Folio Bar & Kitchen offers all day dining, including continental and hot breakfast for guests on the B&B option. You can definitely feel that the American military audience are being catered to with towers of fluffy pancakes and streaky bacon being replenished every five minutes – no complaints from me, I just wish there had been a jug of maple syrup to drown it all in.

The restaurant’s aesthetic is impressive – flooded in natural light from both the huge overhead skylight and glass doors that open out onto the courtyard, it’s a great setting to plan your day of exploring. Bold black and white floor tiles are complimented perfectly by muted sage green booth seating and dark wood furniture. Exposed brickwork and a plethora of plants bring the outside in and a fiery open kitchen with chefs bustling about their business creates the perfect backdrop. At night, the vibe changes, the lighting is low, the flames of the open kitchen are bright and what by day felt like an oasis turns into a cosy, decadent atmosphere – encouraging it’s dwellers to sink into the comfy seating, order another glass of wine and while away the evening.

Chef Kiran Selvarajan boasts to be doing very exciting things with plant based cooking, emphasising a reduction on food waste, using local ingredients and putting contemporary twists on British classics whilst keeping things healthy and nutritious. Dishes such as tofu prawn cocktail, bean risotto and cottage cheese steak pepper the menu. And so, with all these innovative plant based offerings up for grabs, what did I order? Scallops and a steak. You see dear reader, I went with good intentions. I had an assignment to fulfill and I had every ambition of doing so but it seems this carnivore turns primal at the sight of an open grill and all will power flies out the window.

The scallops were fantastic – perfectly seared, sweet and plump, adorning a heady lobster bisque and crowned with crispy sage, this was the standout dish for me. The steak was ok – perhaps the universe laughing at me for ordering the meatiest option available – it was cooked well but lacking that char I was hoping for. A side of wilted baby gem with tahini and dukkah, a welcome accompaniment. Given my menu choices I can’t really comment on the exciting vegan offerings chef is putting forward but what I can tell you about is the chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the fellow journalists who actually stuck to the brief, an audible gasp was heard when the person next to me took her first bite of marinated tofu steak and so, I am planning my return as we speak and this time I promise to stay away from the cow… maybe.

Adjoining the Folio Kitchen is the bar, a gorgeously moody space that gives gentlemen club’s vibes but one where all are welcome. Book shelves are lined with carefully curated works from Cambridge Fellows and scholars alike, artwork of the great academics looking down on guests as they sip perfectly mixed cocktails – lethal but perfect – and nods to the discovery of DNA in the paneled walling. These design features that make the hotel so unique and truly deliver its USP, marry perfectly with atmospheric lighting, low level furniture and a  pool table taking center stage. The bar and cocktail menu proving another highlight  – not because I could be considered a lush but more because the atmosphere was so welcoming and the menu so well designed. Each cocktail nodding to a fellow, exquisite detail such as hand painted bees on top of creamy foam and a martini as dirty as you like.Given the long stayers within the hotel there is a community here and being in the bar felt similar to university halls but a very, grown up classy version. The concierge team greeting people by name, the pool sharks winding down after a day researching goodness knows what, bar tenders remembering drinks of choice – I’m into it.

The onsite leisure facilities are simple yet effective – a long pool perfect for morning lengths that also doubles up as relaxation pool, a submerged shelf sitting just below the surface lined with jets ready to bubble, flanked by loungers for those who are more of the sitting than moving camp, a steam room and sauna a mere waddle away and should be that way inclined a compact yet functional gym space complete with Peloton bike and squat rack.

With such a plethora of facilities on site plus specially curated activities for both hotel residents and the local community alike such as ‘Cork and Canvas’ art classes and wine tastings, you would be forgiven if you couldn’t pull yourself away from The Fellow’s House but pull yourself away you must – be it by amble or by bike (complimentary from the hotel), Cambridge is itching to be explored. Be it a walking tour to learn the history of the city, a gentle punt on the River Cam complete with picnic and prosecco or shopping the day away with some of the highstreets best plus a great independent scene plus an exceptional foodie landscape, this city really does have something for everyone. The concierge team at Fellow’s House will go above and beyond to ensure you see the best of the city, they will even laden you up with aforementioned picnic and help you book a punt or a tour. And if that isn’t enough, Visit Cambridge are helping drive traffic to local businesses within the city with their ‘Love Cambridge’ card, a pre loaded gift card that can be used in an abundance of shops – the perfect gift if you have friends or family visiting and want to ensure they can have a drink or dinner on you.

And if that’s not enough to entice you, you can check out the best Cambridge eateries here.

To find out more about The Fellow’s House, you can visit there website here.