Tokyo/Kyoto Travel


Asia, Travel , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Geisha-Kyoto Proceed with Caution A country of contradictions.

 

Tokyo Japan – From brights light big city, love hotels, outrageous fashion & state of the art electronics merging with temples, gardens and of course the freshest sushi in the world – the Japanese cover all bases! Think polite, punctual, hard working, respectful, super smart, beautiful and lets not forget they know how to party! Head to Tokyo because seeing is believing.  No other city in the world resembles Tokyo.

Kyoto Japan – Exhausted? Need a city break?  No visit to Japan is complete without seeing Kyoto. Take a step back in time. Buddhist temples, shrines, forests, geisha’s, tea ceremonies & traditional Ryokans – will bring out the Zen in you.

 

Geiko_Kimiha  Slowly walk...

 

Introducing Flight Courtier – an internationally based travel company that offers First and Business class travel at reduced rates. Arrive in Tokyo refreshed, unwrinkled and ready for business. Tell them Wear2Where sent you!

Flight Courtier

 

Where2Stay  – Tokyo

Park Hyatt Tokyo – This 5 star classic hotel (Lost in Translation) will fulfill all your fantasies. You might get lucky and share the elevator with Scarlet Johansson! Recharge on the 52nd floor at their NY Bar, listen to jazz, gaze out at the breathtaking view (one of the best in Tokyo). Dine at their NY Grill (grab that window seat). Leave time to explore Shinjuku, where Tokyo’s tallest buildings meets the wildest and largest red-light district. Does that entice you enough???

Sinjuku at Night  Whats your pleasure?

Exhausted? Make a “fast” break for it.  At 360 mph the Shinkansen bullet train will whisk you away to another reality-Kyoto!

Did too much?   Shinkasen

Where2Stay – Featured Hotel KYOTO 

Hoshinoya Ryokan -who knew you would want to sleep on the floor? And pay for the privilege! Disclaimer – I did! Fuse modern luxury w/ tradition at this extraordinary award winning “waterfront” Japanese Inn. Accessible by private boat near Arashiyama, offering 25 river front suites, Japanese styled pajamas, Tabi slippers, a meditation outfit, private gardens and a tea and incense ceremony. Expect futons, not beds.  It’s all part of the experience. Do not miss their multi course Japanese breakfast prepared and created in your room w/ complete cooking table (don’t even think of attempting this at home!)

Hoshinoya Kyoto by night Arriving Hoshinoya by boatHoshinoya Suite Dinner courses at hoshinoya

 Where2Eat- Featured Restaurant – Hoshinoya Kyoto

What is better than a private dining room?  Behind closed doors anything can happen-  don’t ask – don’t tell! Here you will experience the “essense” of Kyoto’s kaiseki culinary tradition. Nine courses, fused with French accents.  Awarded one Michelin star!  And worth it!

 

Fushimi-inari Gates A glimpse of Zen

Golden Temple Kyoto bamboo-groves-of-arashiyama-kyoto-japan

What2Do

Known as the “cultural heart” of Japan, Kyoto, once the capital, now one of the best preserved historical cities in Japan. Chose among 1600 temples (Gold & Silver a must) 400 Shrines, Imperial Palace, Moss Garden (advanced reservations from the U.S. required), Bamboo Grove and the stunning endless orange gates of the Fushimi Inari shrine.

Too much Zen? Go shopping in Shijo-Dori Daimaru and Takashimaya Department stores where you will find unique Japanese cutting edge designers unknown in the U.S. Don’t speak Japanese? English translators will help you shop! All purchases wrapped as gifts and they even refund your taxes! Need to re-energize? Hit the food emporiums in the basement.  Puts Harrods to shame! And don’t miss Niashiki Fish Market.  And the main reason to visit Japan right now… Cherry Blossom Season

 

Cherry-Blossoms

Paris Travel


Europe, Travel , , , , , , , ,

 

 

Take a Peek into Paris

 

Ooh la la…even the fashion directors are in love with Paris. (Anna Wintour, Glenda Bailey and Carine Roitfeld). Everyone’s favorite romantic getaway its beautiful in any season. The city of love, art and fashion it never fails to amaze.

 

Fly in Style

 

Travel to Paris in Style  Introducing Flight Courtier – an internationally based travel company that offers First and Business class travel at reduced rates. Arrive refreshed, unwrinkled and ready for business. Tell them Wear2Where sent you!

 

 

Ultimate Kiss in Paris  High Life in Paris

 

Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant perfect for married (M))?  Sometimes you want to “marry” the two.  (MS)

Where2Stay

Hotel Sezz – “Discrete, sexy, arty” is this cool hotel’s calling card. Couples only apply. Glass bathrooms, aqua de parma products, book room # 75. Rock a pair of cobalt stiletto booties that are sure to turn your husband’s head!  (M)

Hotel Keppler – tucked away only minutes from the Champs-Élyseés (and shopping) this modern boutique hotel is glamorous and super chic. Share a room with you girlfriend, and shop till you drop in an eye catching geometric pencil skirt.  (S)

Hotel Brighton – Shh… don’t tell. Best location, best view and won’t entirely break the bank. Situated on the Rue de Rivoli across the street from the Louvre & the Tuilleries. Book the 4th floor corner suite w/ terrace for the best view including the Eiffel Tower.  (MS)

Shangri-La Hotel – Imagine a Palace with a Grand Salon mimicking Versailles. And you are only checking in! Perfect for fashion-forward businessmen who need to seal the deal and perfect for women who want to “seal the deal” as well.  (MS)

 

Unique Plaza Athenee view_Eiffel_Tower  Snuggle into Paris Hotel-Plaza-Athénée-Paris

 

Where2Dine – the classic and the new make a complete gastronomic experience.

New to the Scene

Le Bat – tapas with french touch in Montmartre
L’Affable – French comfort food in the 7th, artistic and elite crowd
Le Enfants Rouges – new modern bistro w/Japanese chef cooking fusion french,
Miss KO – insanely designed restaurant from Phillip Stark, (note the floating teapot)
Ciel de Paris – outrageous views & decor
Kong – an elegant & entertaining (face chairs) glass enclosed rooftop bar and dining room.

 

Miss Ko Paris  Germain Paris

Kong BarO-Hotel-O-Paris

Paris  – Full of humor

Classic Restaurants

Restaurant Thoumieux
George for lunch
Brasserie Le Grand Colbert
Costes La Societe, (always chic)
Bistrot Paul Bert (value pre- fix dinner)
Le Crystal Room Baccarat Restaurant –

 

Lounges and Bars

Buddha Bar Le-Coq david-lynch-club-silencio-paris-7

Le Coq – Sexy, dark, east village vibe. Great people watching and music
Club Silenco – Hollywood meets Paris. Owner David Lynch of Twin Peaks has  created a golden underground haven.
Experimental Cocktail Club – Let’s play find the bar. Down a narrow alley, thru a barely marked door exists this speakeasy style lounge.
Ritz Bar Vendome – when only the best will do

Travel Tip – This will not fit in the overhead bin!

Fashion Tip

 

 

Co- authored Jade Wu

 

 

 

Souls of SF -Travel


North America, Travel , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

 

Watch Out… San Francisco is dangerously fabulous!

 

Watch Out SF

 

 Is it the fog, street art, steep hills, or forward fashion? Or because we are the “tech epicenter” or perhaps just the most beautiful city in the world? Ski one day, drink wine in Napa the next! Be anywhere or do anything. Well almost anything!

 

Acrobatic Wish I coud do that? Don't drink while trying this!

 

Introducing Flight Courtier – an internationally based travel company that offers the comfort of First and Business class travel at reduced rates. Think flat beds, champagne, actual food and dessert! Service with a smile! Arrive at your destination refreshed, unwrinkled and ready for business. Please be sure to tell them Wear2Where sent you!

 

Fly in Style

  

Does being married or single influence Where to Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married?  (M)  Sometimes you want to “marry” the two.   (MS)

 

Where2Stay

W Hotel – Cool and never boring, LED certified. Gaze out the floor to ceiling windows in your “Fantastic Suite” while sipping Napa wine. Their new 24 hour “FIT” gym looks like a disco. Whatever it takes to get you there.  (M/S)

 

W Hotel FIT

 

Hotel Triton – Boutique hotel at the gates of Chinatown. Pet friendly, wine hour and a perfect location make this a great choice. Book the Hãagen-Dazs’ “Sweet Suite” or the Jerry Garcia and Kathy Griffin suites! Food and celebrities!  Win -Win    (M/S)

 

Hotel Triton


 

Hotel Des Arts – Imagine staying in an art gallery? All rooms showcase art works of emerging artists. Think graffiti, edgy and hip. At the crossroads of Chinatown, Financial District and Union Sq. Value hotel! (S)

 

Bed Fantasy Hotel des Arts

 

 Diva Hotel– Sexy, modern and absolutely not for everyone. Centrally located in Union Square, guests take advantage of the artist-designed diva lounges, 24-hour fitness center, newly remodeled business center and Starbucks located just off the lobby.  (S)

 

Hotel Drisco  – Quiet oasis in charming Pacific Heights neighborhood. Near great shopping boutiques on Sacramento, Fillmore and Union Streets. Stroll the streets of the “Gold Coast,” explore nearby Golden Gate Park. Complimentary buffet breakfast, wine & cheese, bath products by Agaria. Free WiFi & bicycles. Why leave?   (M) 

 
Where2Dine

Better question – Which country to visit? SF is obsessed w/ food. From farmers markets, food trucks (Off the Grid), taco stands & oyster bars to Michelin Star Restaurants – we have it all! 

Off The Grid

 

Urchin Bistrot– hot Valencia Street corridor. Cal-French restaurant delivers “Classics with a Twist” Hiro Stone does it again!
The Commissary Traci des Jardin newly anticipated Spanish Cal food in the Presidio
Colibri – Mexican, located in Union Square, great margaritas and guacamole! Remember, you need to stay awake to see theater across the street!
Hog Island Oyster Co. – Oysters and champagne – What could be better?
Red Dog Restaurant & Bar – Farmhouse cooking at the Ferry Building (voted best Bloody Mary)
Akiko -Seafood fresh out the ocean. A visit to Tokyo w/out the jet lag

 

Hog Island Oysters Voted Best Bloddy Mary  Crab at Fishermans Wharf

  Nightlife

Cigar Bar and Grill – Eat, dine and dance in this cool cocktail lounge/restaurant. Salsa dancing, live music Thursday – Saturday nights. Great Mexican food
Bimbos 365– live entertainment, private parties – an institution in San Francisco
Local Edition – chic subterranean lounge. No signage – look carefully. A speakeasy style bar w/ newspaper theme.
Underground – The End Up – SF #1 after hours club.

 

The End Up Underground SF

 

*** Travel Tip Secret rendezvous? Forbes Island – Dine on a boat in the middle of the Bay! No one will ever see you!

*** Hot ticket? Cirque du Soleill Kurious coming November 14th

 

 

Co-Authored by Jade Wu