Tapas y Vino

I recently returned from a whirlwind family vacation in Spain. What a beautiful country filled with culture, history and fabulous food and wine!
We started off in Madrid, the capital of Spain. The highlights of our stay included visits to the Royal Palace, the Reina Sofia and the Prado. Did you know that there are two Mona Lisa's? A twin of the famous painting in the Louvre was on display at the Prado museum, just before it was transported to Paris for a temporary exhibition. There is a bit of controversy surrounding the painting, sparked when a lush, background landscape was revealed during a painstaking restoration. There are several theories about who really painted it, but it was perhaps painted by one of Leonardo da Vinci's pupils.

Our home for three nights was at the grand hotel Ritz Madrid. The lobby and guest rooms exude European elegance. You feel like standing up a little straighter when entering through the revolving door into the beautiful lobby. The lobby lounge is the place to see and be seen, for both business people and the "ladies who lunch". They serve afternoon tea daily, with 3-tiered tray presentations of sandwiches, scones and pastries.Yum!

We spent a night in Granada at the fabulous Palacio de los Patos. This 40-room hotel was a former palace, and also has served as the Swedish embassy. A hotel for the last six years, the rooms and suites are all individually decorated, using both contemporary and traditional styles. We enjoyed the Virtuoso complimentary amenities of a massage in the spa, and a tapas tasting in their Senzone restaurant. While in Granada we visited the Alhambra, the famous 14th-century Moorish fortress and palace. We also enjoyed strolling the city and wandering through the winding streets of the Albayzin (the old Arab quarter).

We drove on to Seville, with a stop at the white village of Ronda. This is a beautiful city, perched atop a mountain, with a river winding through it in a deep gorge. The views are spectacular and it is a very romantic spot where you could spend a night or two. We visited the oldest bullring in Spain where the sport of bullfighting is still very popular.

Seville is the largest city in the region of Andalucia. It is a very walkable city at its heart, and most tourist sights are easily accessible. You must visit the Alcazar, the residence of many generations of Kings; the Cathedral, housing some of Christopher Colombus' remains (long story) and climb the Giralda (bell tower) where you can get a 360 degree view of the city. Interestingly, the climb to the top is all on ramps, not stairs, because they used to ride horses or mules to the top.

Plaza de Espana, Seville

A visit to the Plaza de Espana is well worthwhile as some consider it one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It was constructed in 1929 as the centerpiece for the Ibero-American Expo. It now is home to government offices, but the plaza has fountains, canals and little rowboats for rent. It's a nice place to spend a sunny afternoon. This city is also the birthplace of flamenco. If there was anyplace to learn or watch flamenco, this would be it! There are informal flamenco bars throughout the city as well as professional performances on most evenings.

Good to know: Spaniards eat dinner very late by American standards. Most restaurants don't even start serving dinner until 9:00pm!

Book your vacation with us and receive extra-value Virtuoso amenities such as complimentary breakfasts, massages, afternoon tea, and upgrades to your room.


Would you like more information on Spain? Contact the travel specialists at Bee Kalt Travel!
 email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258 
http://www.beekalt.com/
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Polar Bear Adventure!

This post is courtesy of guest writer, veteran traveler and Bee Kalt Travel Advisor: Carolyn Greenberg 

She fills us in on her incredible trip to see the Polar Bears in the Great White North!

Carolyn writes:

It’s been on my “bucket list” for a long time and this fall presented the opportunity to finally get to see the Polar Bears!

What an incredible experience. We traveled with Natural Habitat Adventures who truly are the “nature people”. They specialize in small group expeditions in custom–built Polar Rovers that afforded us up-close encounters with the bears.

Our trip began in Winnipeg, the capital and largest city in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Winnipeg is reached easily by two short flights from Detroit through Minneapolis. We stayed at the Fort Garry Hotel , a National Historic Site built in 1913 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. A highlight of the Winnipeg tour was the Manitoba Museum, a unique museum with exhibits that explore the history of man and nature. Their showcase piece is a full sized replica of the Nonsuch, a 17th century sailing vessel that sailed the world and led to the founding of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Our polar adventure began with a charter flight to the icy wild of Churchill, Manitoba. This outpost town was originally a fur-trading post on the Hudson Bay. The town has a population of under 1000 inhabitants. In the late fall, hundreds of bears congregate in the Churchill area waiting for the ice to form on the Hudson Bay so they can begin the winter seal-hunting season.

No sooner had we boarded our vans for our lodging that we had our first polar bear sighting: some bears being released from “polar bear jail”. Hungry bears that stray too close to town and cannot be frightened off are trapped and kept in “jail“ for 30 days. They are fed nothing but water to discourage them from returning. They are then sedated and airlifted by helicopter to the other side of the bay to wait until it freezes. What a spectacular sight!

For the next few days we spent the daylight hours on the arctic tundra at the edge of the bay in a heated, plush Polar Rover, searching for wildlife much as one would on an African safari. Although the vehicles can seat 35 passengers, Natural Habitat only takes 15, which means we had lots of room to roam and everyone gets a window seat. Our wildlife sightings included many polar bears, foxes, snowy owls, and ptarmigan. What a thrill to watch the young males play-fighting! The mesh outdoor observation deck was perfect for close-up viewing and photos. Great dinners and cultural presentations rounded out the days. We even had an opportunity to see the famed Northern Lights which can be quite spectacular.

Tip: Book early as space is limited and these trips are very popular. Polar Bear adventures are only offered in October and November.

To book your next adventure, contact the travel specialists at Bee Kalt Travel!
email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258 
http://www.beekalt.com/
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/beekalt

Where to Bunk in Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and the largest city, with a population of almost 12 million people. It is a city filled with cultural and historic landmarks, upscale shopping malls, traditional markets and exotic nightlife. While in the city a visit to the Grand Palace is a must. You can see the sacred Emerald Buddha (much smaller than I expected) and the famous Reclining Buddha (huge, at 150 feet long!).

There are so many luxury hotels to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to decide on where to stay.
We visited many of them during our short stay in Bangkok and here is a rundown of our favorites.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Traditionalists call this grand dame The Oriental. Steeped in history, this hotel celebrated its 135th anniversary last year. The guests of the 193 room property are serviced by 1300 staff members, and that is what stands out about the Oriental: service, service, service. They have three buildings, and we like to recommend the River Wing. The entry level Superior rooms are quite spacious and have lovely marble baths, but my favorite has to be the Mandarin room. These rooms are corner junior suites, allowing for a terrace with both city and river views. They have a shuttle boat which will take you across the Chao Phraya river to their award-winning spa and fitness center. The famous Le Normandie restaurant is located in the Garden Wing of the Mandarin Oriental. It has long been considered the finest French restaurant in Asia. As befitting its formal atmosphere, reservations and dinner jackets (for gentlemen) are required.

The Peninsula Bangkok

Guests can arrive at the Peninsula, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, by either car, boat or helicopter. The 12-minute helicopter ride from the airport makes for a nice transfer if it's in the budget. All rooms and suites have river views and modern decor. The design is more contemporary than the Mandarin Oriental across the river. Service is a hallmark at the Peninsula and the rooms are fitted with bedside controls for lighting and curtains. Several restaurants, nice fitness center, beautiful spa and an outdoor garden pool area round out the offerings here at the Peninsula.

St. Regis Bangkok
The St. Regis is situated in the business district with many shops and restaurants nearby. It is a newer hotel to the Bangkok scene and it provides a welcome oasis in the big city. All of the beautifully decorated rooms and suites have the added amenity of the St. Regis Butler service. My tea was delivered promptly by my personal butler. I don't usually drink tea or coffee in the morning, but I had to test out the service! If there is such a thing as towels being too plush, this hotel had them. Huge, thick cotton bath towels and the most comfortable beds and bedding made for a great stay. There is a well-equipped fitness center with nice city views, outdoor rooftop pool, and requisite spa. The restaurant Viu serves a beautiful buffet breakfast and is open for lunch and dinner. There are several other dining options and the lobby bar is a great place to meet, relax and have a drink.

The Siam
Coming soon! The Siam is a boutique luxury retreat scheduled to open in June 2012. It will provide a resort atmosphere within the city situated along the banks of the Chao Phraya river, in the historic Dusit area. The 39 rooms and suites are individually furnished with turn of the century oriental antiques and artwork. There are also Villas with private pools and courtyards. Stay tuned because The Siam is one to watch!


 Book your next stay in Bangkok with us and receive VIP amenities such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and spa or food and beverage credits!

Contact Bee Kalt Travel at:
email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/beekalt 

Chiang Rai, Thailand

The drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand is filled with opportunities to experience Thai culture. Our four hour drive was leisurely so we were able to stop and see things along the way. We visited an elephant training center and some hill tribe villages. Many of these are refugee hilltribes that fled the political turmoil of neighboring Myanmar. They make their living by farming, weaving and selling handicrafts and trinkets.

We stopped at an overlook at the Golden Triangle, the area where three countries: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers.   If the border is open, you can take a day trip over the bridge to the town of Tachilek in Myanmar. Here you will see the market filled with a huge variety of stalls selling everything from fruits and vegetables to "designer" jeans and purses. You can also observe the local village life, and visit a golden pagoda reminiscent of the famous pagodas you would see in Bagan. It's easy to cross the border, you just need your passport and 500 baht for a tourist visa.

Elephant polo, visits to temples, gardens and the unique Hall of Opium museum round out the activities available in and around Chiang Rai.

Our top choices of where to stay in the Chiang Rai/Golden Triangle area:

The Four Seasons Tented Camp is a unique resort made for the adventure-seeker who also has a requirement of luxury comforts. With only 15 tents, this is a very intimate lodge with each tent built into the hillside. The tents are exquisite and remind me of the luxury lodging I've seen in Southern Africa. They are beautifully furnished with leather furniture, hardwood floors, king beds and free-standing copper bathtubs. Some units have huge whirlpool tubs on the platform deck just outside the bedroom area. They are all set in the bamboo forest with fantastic views.

The experience starts as you are dropped off at the arrival area with a dock. You climb into a small, long-tailed boat and are ferried to the property on a scenic 10 minute ride. There is a lovely open-air restaurant where you take your meals, along with a bar at the opposite end of the resort used for pre-dinner and late evening cocktails. The spa is comprised of two massage pavilions, perched precariously off the side of the mountain. The rooms are beautiful with decks open to unobstructed views of the nature surrounding you.
A word of caution: you must be in fairly good physical condition and be able to navigate the many stairs involved in getting around this resort.

The Anantara resort is another great choice in the Golden Triangle. Set amongst jungle foliage, the rooms are housed in three-story buildings with lovely views of the valley below. In the morning I could hear the sound of elephants trumpeting as they took their morning baths! Amenities include a beautiful pool area, fitness room, and a full-service spa offering a huge variety of treatments.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Meridien Chiang Rai Resort. This hotel is located within the city of Chiang Rai along the banks of the Kok river. The rooms are very modern and comfortable. There are several dining venues to choose from - we enjoyed Favola, with its rustic Italian cuisine. The breakfast buffet is terrific with a huge variety of offerings. The resort pool is lovely and is a perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Book any of these fine resorts with Bee Kalt Travel and receive complimentary amenities during your stay. Please contact us for more information or to book your next stay in Thailand!

Bee Kalt Travel
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
Email: travel@beekalt.com
Website: http://www.beekalt.com/
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Traveling through Thailand

Steven Kalt, Shari Kalt and the Wanna Tours Team

Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles". I found this to be a fitting phrase, as the people I met were so gracious and welcoming. The traditional greeting of "sawatdee" is usually accompanied by the greeter placing his or her hands in prayer position and giving a slight bow. It immediately puts you at ease makes you feel welcome.


Our adventure in Thailand started in Chiang Mai. This northern Thai city was founded in the late 13th century. Today is has a bustling downtown with a few high rise hotels and shops. The city really comes alive each evening with the night market. Here, vendors open their stalls lining the main street, selling everything from T-shirts to local handicrafts. I had heard about spas which offer Thai massages for the equivalent of $6.00. I did try a reflexology foot massage and my experience was "you get what you pay for", but I think it really depends on the individual therapist you end up with.

We had a terrific time just walking around, shopping and people watching. In and around Chiang Mai, we found beautiful silk scarves, silver jewelry, and all types of handicrafts.

During the day, you can spend your time visiting famous temples in the area. You can also visit factories and see how they make paper umbrellas, ceramics and woodcarvings.
A very popular activity is riding an elephant. There are several different elephant camps which offer elephant interactions, and we really enjoyed our morning at the Elephant Life Experience (ELE). Here, you can have a private day or half day with the elephants and their trainers (called mahouts). We were able to participate in bathing the elephants, feeding them sugarcane, riding them and watching them paint a picture. It was fabulous! You can also enjoy a serene bamboo raft ride down the river and have a delicious lunch as part of your day there.

The Chiang Mai area has no dearth of luxury lodgings. We recommend:

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai

The Four Seasons resort is located about 30 minutes outside of town, in a spectacular hillside setting. It offers a variety of room and residences ranging from one to four-bedroom villas. The newer pool villas were my favorite: open floor plan, one bedroom with contemporary decor. All of these rooms have a beautiful private pool and garden. Great for celebrating a special occasion!




The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi 

This is a self-contained resort in Chiang Mai, spreading over 60 acres. It opened in 2004 and the architecture encompasses many styles of the historic Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand. The property is composed of suites and villas, set about the resort amidst tropical foilage and greenery. They have one of the best destination spas, offering a variety of Ayurvedic treatments and wellness programs. I loved my Colonial suite during my stay here. This entry level room was over 900 square feet, had a separate living area, and a huge bathroom! These rooms are beside the main pool, and they all have terraces or patios for easy access. The morning breakfast buffet did not disappoint. There were stations for Asian food, Western food, and juicers for making fresh fruit juice to order. It is a great way to start the day!

A great hotel located right next to where the Night Market takes place is Le Meridien Chiang Mai. This new high rise hotel has very comfortable rooms and suites. It is a perfect location for the shoppers in the family. The junior suites are spacious and have all of the amenities you would expect from a 5 star hotel, and a deep-soaking tub with a view!


Book any of these preferred hotels with us and receive complimentary amenities such as upgrades and free breakfast!

Call the Travel Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
Email: travel@beekalt.com
www.beekalt.com

Exploring Laos

Luxury travel experts have predicted that Laos and Thailand will be among the top must-see destinations for 2012. Lucky for our readers, we have just come back from this fabulous part of the world and are happy to report our findings!

 

Mekong River

Laos is a mountainous, landlocked country, sharing borders with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China and Myanmar. It has the unfortunate distinction of being the most bombed country in the world per capita. None of this is evident when visiting the historic city of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is the former Royal capital of Laos and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is set on the banks of the Mekong river, surrounded by green mountains, and filled with temples and monasteries. The town has quaint hotels and restaurants, combining traditional Lao with European colonial architecture. The French did leave their imprint on the city, with many restaurants specializing in French cuisine and bakeries serving up delicious, crusty french bread and pastries.

   I traveled here with my colleague and uncle, Steven Kalt, VP of Bee Kalt Travel. We flew to Luang Prabang direct from Bangkok, and spent our time exploring the city and surrounding area. There are many sights to keep one busy and three nights would be our recommended length of stay. We took a stroll through the morning market, with its stalls teeming with fresh vegetables, fish, and assorted local delicacies. We visited several Buddhist temples and were awed by the intricate mosaics made with colored glass. A cruise up the Mekong river in our own private long-tailed boat was a special treat. We visited the Pak Ou caves, filled with thousands of buddha statues, mostly left by locals over the years. A visit to the Kuang Si waterfalls gave us the opportunity to see more of the countryside and sadly, the poverty of the local village life.

One of the highlights of our visit to Luang Prabang was the merit-making ceremony of giving alms to the local monks. Each morning the saffron-robed monks walk through the city at dawn and accept food and offerings from the kneeling villagers. Our tour guide provided us with sticky rice prepared by his wife, so that we could participate in this moving and solemn event.

Where to stay in Luang Prabang? We stayed at La Residence Phou Vao, an Orient-Express hotel. It has a spectacular setting on a hillside, with serene gardens and a view of the golden stupa atop Mount Phou Si. My junior suite had beautiful, dark hardwood floors and cabinetry, a lovely stone bath/shower area and an outdoor sitting area with upholstered lounge chairs.  The complimentary wifi came in handy to stay connected with home and office. The restaurant served a variety of Lao and Western cuisine, all prepared to perfection. The breakfast buffet was seemingly endless: you could start with a lao noodle or rice soup, or have your morning omelette. It was hard to pass up the assortment of breads and croissants. OK, I didn't. I also didn't pass up the fresh, hot, made-to-order crepes each morning! I figured I walked the 350 steps up to the top of Phou Si hill, I could have the nutella and banana crepe.

La Residence Phou Vao has the beautiful Mekong spa, with individual treatment rooms surrounding a lotus pond. I wanted to try something new and typical to the region so I booked the Mo Hom herbal massage. It was a relaxing and healing treatment, where an herbal compress was used to massage warm oils into my skin. Perfect for jet lag!

This was a wonderful adventure, perfect to combine with a visit to the neighboring countries. We chose to follow our Laos visit with a whirlwind tour of Thailand - details coming up next!

Good to know: U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a visa for entering Laos. A tourist visa may be obtained upon arrival. Just present a signed visa form, a passport size photo and pay the current fee of $36.00.

If you would like more information on Laos or Indochina, contact the travel experts at Bee Kalt Travel!

Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
email: travel@beekalt.com
www.beekalt.com