English – Page 2 – The Unique Traveler Guide

22 de October de 201911 de November de 2019

Flying Business Class with Emirates

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You are drinking a glass of champagne, seated in a table next to the bar. A well-dressed girl brings you warm nuts and asks if you want to have dinner there. Ok, why not!?

The scene described above is quite usual, no!? No, it isn’t, because you are above 40.000 feet. You are now at the Lounge of the Emirates A380, the giant luxurious 2-deck-floors aircraft.

I was so excited about this trip to Singapore and Bali with Emirates and I can say it matched my expectations. Flying in an A380 is definitely worth it and now I gonna tell you in detail how was my experience with them.

Flying with an airline from the United Emirates is a completely different experience of every other airline. I had flew with Qatar before (to Maldives in our honeymoon) and it was certainly the most luxurious experience we’ve ever had concerning airlines.

Emirates Business Class is not different. You have all that massive luxurious options you expect from this kind of airline, with top notch champagne and wine options, big tv screens and a premium service. I must confess I think Qatar Airlines can be even more exclusive concerning business classes.

But back to my Emirates experience, their A380 lounge certainly takes the first position in everyone’s heart. It’s where you can chill and loose track of time while flying a long distance flight.

We barely saw how 14 hours passed, between napping in our super comfy bed and chatting in the bar. They have pre-settled meals, but you can pretty much eat whenever you desire, from small bites to a gourmet experience.

The decor is ultra luxurious, with wooden details. You have your own mini bar to refresh yourself during the flight. And as if that weren’t enough, they put a mattress so you can feel even more comfortable in your seat. Good night, for sure you will have the flight of your dreams.

*** We issued our Emirates tickets with miles from TAP Miles and Go program (260.000 miles). The best way to check award tickets availabilities is at Expert Flyer. You must pay for the premium plan to have access to awards searches, but I assure you it is a wonderful investment. I would have never found out a seat without this website.

12 de October de 201922 de March de 2020

Classic Stay in Singapore – Mandarin Oriental – Hotel Review

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It’s our first day in Asia. Our very first day in Singapore. After flying for almost two days from Brazil with Emirates (review soon), we are now arriving in a kind of sanctuary. It’s how you feel when you arrive at Mandarin Oriental Singapore.

The atmosphere here is so peaceful and intimate you can barely realize it has about 500 hundred rooms. From the very first contact, we were treated like friends by every staff member, who do care about your deepest wishes. It looks like you are at home, but with 5* luxury amenities.

We stepped into our beautifully decorated room with a lovely view over Singapore’s skyline and were granted with a warm welcome gift to always remember this pleasant stay. But how to forget?

From breakfast with endless options for every taste – from oriental dishes, to eggs any style, to several types of juices – to a wide variety of dining options, MO Singapore is definitely a place you never want to leave.

We used to start our days with morning exercises at the state-of-the-art gym, with the latest equipments contrasting with classic-black-crystal chandeliers.

To have a relaxing time and to beat jet lag after almost two days flying, we spent some hours at the pool, with private cabanas overlooking Singapore’s skyline. There you can have a light lunch by the pool at Dolce Vita Restaurant.

But if you are interested in having a glamorous meal, what about tasting the best of Cantonese Cuisine? Be sure to check Cherry Garden Restaurant, where we had one of the most incredible meals of our whole trip. I don’t know if you love dumplings as I do, but this place is a food lover paradise.

To wrap up your day in style, have fun at MO Bar, where you can sip the most inventive drinks with Singapore’s skyline in the background, while savoring delicious snacks and enjoying lively elegant music.

Besides being super comfortable and elegant, MO Singapore is also very well located, in front of Marina Bay with easy access to major tourist attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Shops and Orchard Road, as many other places to going out (soon) in Singapore. I don’t know about you, but after re-reading this post, I’d love to go back to this place for at least a day. MO Singapore is definitely a place to remember.

6 de October de 20196 de October de 2019

What to Do in Singapore

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As mentioned before in my first post about Singapore, we had only three days in the city before heading to Bali, so I can’t say we saw everything as the city offers many options for every kind of traveler, but I guess we had a small idea of what Singapore is about.

We arrived on a Friday afternoon and headed to Gardens by the Bay, one of the most visited places in Singapore. It’s pretty impressive how did they build such huge trees (called Supertrees) and an impressive forest in the middle of the city. I knew the trees were tall, but I never knew they were this tall. Absolutely amazing!

If you want to watch the show – every night they light up the Supertrees for 15 minutes, accompanied by music – it takes place at 7.45 and 8.45pm every day. The entrance is free. Take your place under any tree and enjoy the show. It’s quick, so don’t expect something spectacular, but I think it’s worth the visit. I remember hearing a song which said “Singapore… Oh Singapore…” in a melodic way while the Supertrees were shining. It definitely added a magic touch to our first night in Asia.

We never had the chance to get into the Flower Dome, inside Gardens by the Bay, one of the most visited places in Singapore (with at least 45 minutes waiting to get in). I don’t know about you, but we are not that kind of tourist that wait patiently to get int at every visiting point, so we let this experience for our next visit. It’s probably better to go there early in the morning. I recently put the Floral Fantasy, also at Gardens by the Bay, on my bucket list for our next visit, it seems to be absolutely beautiful thru the pics I saw in Instagram.

There is another show in front of the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel, next to the Louis Vitton flagship store, with lasers, music and water contrasting with Singapore’s skyline. Take your seat as early as you can, because it can get very crowded.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy sunset, then take the lift up to the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel at Ce La Vi Restaurant and Bar. It’s a trendy rooftop bar with overwhelming views over the city. Remember to reserve a table in advance, otherwise you will have to pay an entrance. The vibe up there is incredible. After drinks at the sky bar, enjoy dinner with a view at the restaurant. We ate a delicious seafood, while sipping a glass of white wine and enjoying great house music powered by a DJ. Highly recommended.

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For a more relaxing experience, head to the opposite side of the bay where the Lantern Bar is, at the stylish Fullerton Bay Hotel. This place was recommended by a local and I can say it was one of the best spots we’ve been to in Singapore. It’s a place to chill out with panoramic views in an elegant but informal ambience. Enjoying sunset hours there was incredible, with a golden skyline in the backdrop.

Seeking for another exclusive and classy bar to hang out? Then have a look at MO Bar, the main bar at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. With lively relaxing music and inventive cocktails, it’s a place to loose track of time. We had a light dinner there while enjoying wonderful views over the city and appreciating good drinks, what more could we ask for?

If after so much drinking you are more about eating something, Singapore has so much to offer which makes a decision not that easy. Inside Marina Bay Shops there are so many options, from the most simple ones to Michelin starred, including CUT by Wolfgang Puck and DB Bistro and Oyster Bar by Daniel Boulud. We tried another restaurant of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where we had one of the best meals of our whole stay at the Cherry Garden, a cantonese cuisine restaurant. Traditional and beyond delicious.

I’ve just read that Singapore has more than 40 Michelin Starred Restaurants, so I guess we should go back to check them out. Not to mention everyone says worth it a lot a visit to the Sentosa Island, the Singapore Botanic Garden – the most visited botanical garden of the world – and the Heritage Sites (Little India and China Town), which will definitely be added to the list in our next visit.

We will return, for sure.

29 de September de 201911 de November de 2019

Vibrant Singapore

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When we started to plan our trip to Bali, we had no idea we would visit Singapore. As we issued our Emirates flights with awards from Tap Miles & Go Program, we found seats available on the Singapore route, that’s how we ended up getting to know this city. Lucky we are!!!

It was our first time in Asia and Singapore seems to be one of the best hubs to connect to other Southeast Asian countries. But the city is a destination itself. We had only three days there and it’s definitely not enough to discover all Singapore highlights, but I guess we had a reasonable idea of it.

It all begins at the airport, where you get completely crazy about the recently opened The Jewel, a true gem inside Terminal 1, where a huge waterfall contrasts with beautiful adorned green walls. If it’s not enough, wait to see the rainy kinetic, a crazy sculpture which keeps moving and enchanting your eyes.

Then you leave the airport and get even more crazy about the cleaning and super vibrant city, with its lush vegetation wide spread all over it. It’s probably one of the most green cities I’ve ever been to, considering the big ones.

We stayed at Mandarin Oriental, which is very well located in front of Marina Bay and the most visited touristic points. About 10 minutes walking and you can reach Gardens by The Bay and its famous SuperTrees and Flower Dome or Marina Bay Sands mall and hotel, with its super famous infinity pool and rooftops bars in the 57th floor.

Another 10 minutes walking to the opposite side you can reach the Merlion, the famous lion statue – symbol of Singapore – and the Lantern Bar at Fullerton Bay Hotel, a stylish rooftop bar where you can sip a glass of wine while enjoying the sun setting across the buildings.

Along Marina Bay you can either walk or bike feeling a warm breeze and enjoying wonderful views of the city’s skyline. It’s pretty impressive how the concrete buildings contrasts with the splendid vegetation around the city. Everywhere you look you will find plants, trees and beautiful flowers.

Marina Bay Shops is a place to find luxury goods. By the way that’s one of the best things to do in Singapore, it’s definitely a shoppers paradise, with a different mall every two or three blocks, it’s incredible. One of the best areas to shop is at the Orchard Road, with endless options from small boutiques to huge malls.

We didn’t have the chance to visit the Botanical Garden, which is one of the most visited in the world. Actually when you are in Singapore it seems that every place is the most visited one, full packed of people every where, it’s crazy.

This wonderful city-state with a few years more than 50 has got us for complete. It’s a place to enjoy and feel the wonderful atmosphere. It’s a place to get crazy in stylish vibrant rooftops or to relax under the lush vegetation of Gardens by the Bay. It’s a hub. It’s a destination itself. It’s definitely a place to return.

23 de September de 201911 de November de 2019

The Dream of One Thousand and One Nights

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Picture yourself driving thru a road in the middle of the desert. No one but you and the dunes. There in the horizon, as far as your eyes can see, you start to sight something like an oasis. Beautiful palm trees and lush greenery mixed with stylish tented camps with their own private pools. Is it a mirage? It could be, but then you realize you are arriving at Al Maha, the most luxurious desert resort of Dubai.

In our recent passage thru the United Emirates, in our trip to Singapore and Bali, with Emirates, we were invited to visit one of the most prestigious hotels of the region. Al Maha is a luxury desert hotel nestled in the middle of Dubai’s desert, about 45 minutes from the city centre. From the main entrance to the pool, you literally feel you are in a peaceful oasis, all surrounded by dunes, palm trees and wild animals.

We arrived at afternoon tea time, enriched with fine canapes and red-velvet-like profiteroles. The ambience feels more like an Hernest Hemingway expedition. Old 20’s gives a charming touch to the modern resort with high technology facilities.

We took a quick tour through the beautiful spa and then refreshed by the infinity pool overlooking the desert. Enjoying the sunlight and a warm breeze, we could barely believe what our eyes were seeing: a dozen of camels came by the pool, lying there in front of us.

When the sun slowly started to set by, it was time to ride the camels and begin our gentle ride into the desert, where they were waiting us for a champagne toast. We’ve been to the desert before, but riding a camel was much more genuine and authentic experience. Something we will never forget!

When we returned to the hotel, cold towels and fresh water was gentle given to refresh from the warm summer night in Dubai. We were then leaded to the main restaurant, Al Diwaan. There we experienced a candle-lighted delightful 3-course-menu with the best of international cuisine. Arabic music in the backdrop and bonfire in the terrace gives a magical touch to the ambience, that has kind of a “one thousand nights” atmosphere.

The service is absolutely outstanding. Everyone call you by the name and guests are treated like royalty. Imagine yourself waking up in a place like this. We imagine it so much that we were almost staying for the night.

On our way back to Dubai we were talking about the wonderful experience we had and wondering wether it was a dream or not. Al Maha, we are definitely coming back soon.

13 de July de 201922 de March de 2020

Singular Stay in Chilean Winelands – Vik Retreats Chile – Hotel Review

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Imagine yourself driving thru beautiful vineyards covered with a thin layer of foggy. Surrounded by majestic mountains and crispy cypresses, you drive along a dirty road, on the way to the top of a hill, where the modern building starts to reach your sight.

You have now arrived to Vik Retreats Chile, a playground for wine lovers and art enthusiasts. The hotel, perfectly designed by awarded architects, houses individually decorated suites and bungalows, all of them with magnificent views.

After a warm welcoming by the staff, you arrive to your charming room. At the same time modern and vintage. Super cozy, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful mountains and vineyards. There is no television – perfect to disconnect and enjoy the sounds of nature.

If you reserve a full board stay – highly recommended – you will now start to understand why this hotel brand is one of my favorites – absolutely high standard levels of cuisine and service, not to mention the wine – one of the tops of Chile.

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Either lunch and dinner are a true gourmand experience, all paired with their three top quality red wines. Not to mention the breakfast, a feast of Gods, with everything you can imagine, from poached eggs and avocado toast, to delicious dulce de leche crepes and Dammann tea.

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But the cherry on the top is not the luxury suite, the haute cuisine, neither the outstanding wines. The impeccable and warmth service takes the first place. Prepare to be spoiled to the fullest. From complimentary wine tasting and cabalgatas around the vast propriety to twice a day cleaning service – including turndown where they put a delicate sweet gift beside your bed.

After taking a warm bath, prepare yourself to sleep on the bed of your dreams. But be aware that you may not distinguish whether is reality or not. Vik Retreats Chile is a true dream.

Vik Chile is about 2 hours driving from Santiago International Airport, in the Colchagua and Millahue Valley – the most famous and renowned wine region in Chile. Discover more about other Vik Retreats in South America here.

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16 de June de 201922 de March de 2020

Uniqueness in Cape Town – Cape Grace Hotel Review

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When we decided to plan this trip to Africa, we selected every hotel with particular attention, so we had high expectations before boarding on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. As mentioned before, we elected GiltEdge Travel Agency as the one to plan this special trip for us.

Even with high expectations, the Cape Grace Hotel didn’t disappoint at all. It was actually much more than we ever expected it to be. Besides its marvelous location – exactly in front of the Cape Town Marina, with wonderful Table Mountain views – it has spectacular intimist service. Attention to detail I may say it’s a quality they certainly have.

View from our Balcony – Table Mountain Superior Room

We were treated like royalties from beggining to end. You can order your breakfast at your room with no extra cost, and don’t stop admiring those amazing views. The cherry on the top: every hot dish comes in a special compartment, so your bread or omelette arrives perfectly warm. Amazing!!!!

I know it’s hard to leave the bed when it’s so cozy, but imagine having a wonderful massage and then tasting a delicious tea with Table Mountain views in their rooftop terrace. Or tasting a glass of South African wine while enjoying the sunset from your room or from their outdoor bar. Isn’t that dreamy?

The hotel offers luxurious accommodation, an acclaimed restaurant and a trendy terrace bar. It’s also well know for its afternoon tea with classic English touch. Expect to be pampered with 5* services and facilities in one of the best and most stylish Cape Town hotels.

3 de June de 201922 de March de 2020

Luxury in the African Savanna – Makanyi Private Game Lodge Hotel Review

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They handpicked every hotel as we wanted to stay in very special places. And even with high expectations, Makanyi Lodge, in the exclusive Timbavati Private Game Reserve – inside Kruger Park – has surpassed it all. They have carefull attention to every detail. Absolutely luxurious rooms. Delicious food and outstanding service.

From the start to the end, we could observe that everything is managed with top notch service, from the powered Range Rover open air car – with no seats in the middle – to the exquisite lounge decor. Authentic safari vibes with luxury touches.

They offer two daily game drives which always ended up in a delicious coffee or a classy sundowner drinks. The rangers and guides are experienced and very professional. As it was our first safari trip, we wanted to feel comfortable and safe, and so we did.

Special Anniversary Treatment – Picnic on the Bush

Our private-plunge-pool-room was beautifully decorated with a dreamy four poster bed and luxurious victorian free stand bath. But the cherry on the cake was the outdoor shower overlooking the beautiful savanna and the free animals walking around. The only thing I would ever change is the pool, that is located under the trees and is not heated, so it’s almost impossible to feel comfortable inside it – too cold! But the rest was absolutely outstanding!

Lounge Decor – Classy and Luxurious with Authentic Safari Vibe

The food and beverage are delicious, but the first position goes to the service – absolutely friendly and welcoming – they spared no efforts to make us feel comfortable and special. As we were celebrating our 5th anniversary and my birthday exactly during those dates, we had received special treatment and we are more than glad for that. From a private picnic on the bush to a romantic candle light dinner, we were pampered to the fullest.

Makanyi, we are certainly going back soon!!!

2 de June de 20193 de June de 2019

Living Among Lions in the Savanna

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“No one ever forgets those first early morning journeys into the African bush”. I read this quote in a magazine only a few days before boarding on this adventure through Africa. I imagined for so many years the raw spirit of waking up in the African wild savanna. And we were finally there. It happened to be much more than I ever expected.

The electricity of anticipation frozen in hushed silences as you wait your first big sighting. And there it was. A big and magnificent male elephant. He was a bit nervous, “full of testosterone”, commented our ranger. And suddenly started to run after us. Oh My God! I almost fainted! Our ranger – the safari guide – was super fast immediately putting the Range Rover in the reverse position. Elephants can be dangerous when they are nervous, but usually they are cute creatures.

In another game drive we had the opportunity to witness eight lions – that’s it, eight lions – walking along a tiny road, next to our car. It was already dark, they were moving calmly literally as the Kings of the Savanna. They stared at us, with focused and brave eyes. No animal could fight with them – at all – and they knew it. Majestic!

We had great lucky to see one leopard, which is absolutely rare in that area. He was above a tree, eating a newly catched impala. Poor impala, but it’s the circle of life. And that’s the most amazing thing about doing a safari trip and having the first game drives. You fastly learn that the bush’s life isn’t easy at all. Animals have to be careful always and the best way to avoid an attack is to belong to a group. Together we are stronger, it’s the most imperative thing that I’ve learnt from the savanna.

Picnic in the Middle of the Savanna – Anniversary Surprise!

Can you believe a giraffe sleeps only about an hour per day? They are very stressed animals because they are not as strong as lions or rhynos, so they struggle more to defend themselves. At the same time they are so cute, I wanted to hug them all!!!

Another important thing I’ve learned about the savanna is that there wouldn’t be life without mothers. Seriously! Everytime you see a baby, there is his mami. No male cares about his children, sorry to be that honest boys. And sometimes it can be even dangerous for them. Can you believe baby male hyppos can be killed by their own dads? To avoid that, their moms have to keep them away from the group until they are grown enough to combat their dads. Unbelievable, not!? It’s wild. It’s nature. It’s life. It’s beautiful!

18 de May de 201918 de May de 2019

Hiddem Gems of Dubrovnik

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On our first night in Dubrovnik we went to the center for dinner at one of the most recommended restaurants by the agency that organized the trip to Croatia: the Proto Restaurant. What an exceptional experience! The restaurant is unpretentious with great elegance, excellent gourmet food, chic and casual at the same time, with lots of charm. The most requested course is a roasted fish inside a thick layer of sea salt that is broken at the time of serving. Wonderful! The cherry on the cake – great price for what you get. We loved it !!!

Restaurante Proto e suas mesas na calçada

There is another restaurant managed by the same company that is farther more sophisticated – and pricy – just outside the walls. Nautika Restaurant is highly recommended for those who want to have a fancy dinner and it’s very well located on the opposite side of the main entrance to the walls.

Also worth mentioning the trendy restaurant 360, which is well-known, super modern, with tasting menu. As we wanted to have more genuine experiences – not so modern ones – we chose not to go there, but everyone says it’s excellent and it’s also very well located, in front of the old port.

If you walk inside the walls towards the sea, there are some exclusive bars where you can watch the sunset. Worth it booking in advance. We watch the sunset from the top of the walls, on a tour that you can carry out by buying a ticket next to one of the entrance doors. I can say it was beautiful and I believe we had the best view of all, but in these bars the view is also incredible and it’s a very romantic experience.

Talking about beautiful sunset, I highly recommend you to enjoy a lively afternoon at the lounge bar of the Excelsior Hotel with great atmosphere, good music and absolutely overwhelming sunset views.

To end our stay in Dubrovnik with a special touch, we had dinner at the hotel restaurant next to ours, from the same chain, the Victoria Restaurant and Lounge of the Villa Ursula hotel. It is a restaurant with a Peruvian touch and lots of charm. We stayed at a table under a beautiful vineyard in front of the sea. I can imagine the sunset from there must be fantastic, just like it was at our hotel. So worth it getting there before the sunset to enjoy the show.