My fascination with the Middle East continues with Qatar. It has been trying hard to become a tourist destination over the last few years. It hosted the World Cup recently and has Formula 1 racing among many other things to draw tourists. They have a stopover program like Dubai had years ago when it was trying to bring in tourism. So on my way to South Africa I decided to spend some time here.
The flight from LAX to Doha is about 15 hours nonstop on Qatar Airways. They codeshare with American so I easily used points for the flights.
A decade ago, few had heard of the sleepy desert capitol of Qatar an unassuming peninsula that juts out into the Persian Gulf. A city that’s only been in existence since the 1820s now boasts outlandish high-rises, lavish hotels and extravagant malls. It is an up-and-coming rival to the desert glamour of Dubai.
Here are two maps showing where Qatar is on the map.
I stayed at the Intercontinental Doha Beach Resort and it was very nice. It’s right on the beach with beautiful views of the city. Too bad the gulf was way too warm to swim!
I enjoyed every minute of wandering the labyrinth of Souq Waqif. The energy, the smells, the haggling, the unknown around every corner. I had an amazing local Qatari dinner, it didn’t look good in picture but tasted great! People watching was very enjoyable. The souq is built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb. It almost feels out of place with the backdrop of Doha’s modern skyline. The mud and limestone buildings keep it cool, winding alleys bring you back to what traditional street life must have been like at the time of the Bedouins. It’s still a bustling center of activity, commerce and so much fun.
Good night Doha
I explored more of Doha this morning and then relaxed on the beach back at my hotel. The heat is oppressive so it was nice to relax on the beach and swim in the pool, the gulf was too warm to swim. One of the coolest things I saw today was the outdoor air conditioning around the city!
At Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital مستشفى سوق واقف للصقور — I really enjoyed a visit to the Falcon Souq in Doha. Falcons are the national bird of Qatar and have always been a huge part of the country’s rich heritage and culture. The souq has trained birds and all the equipment they need. There also is a Falcon Hospital that is the largest of its kind on the world. In the same area of the souq, I visited camels and Arabian horses that belong to the police for their use and patrols.
Some interesting facts I learned about Falcons:
They are the fastest animal in the world with diving speeds of over 200mph.
They helped during WWII, they were used to intercept carrier pigeons.
They commit to one partner for the duration of their reproductive life.
They have amazing eyesight and use each eye independently to focus on up to three objects simultaneously. So they can focus on more than one prey item at a time.
La Mar Doha by Gastón Acurio is right here at my hotel so I had to take advantage of this and have a nice meal, even if it’s not local! It is contemporary Peruvian cuisine, known for its rich flavours and diverse influences. The menu has cebiches, fresh seafood, and charcoal-grilled meats paired with signature handcrafted cocktails. Situated right on the beach, it has stunning and panoramic views of the Doha skyline.
I have been looking forward to seeing this airport! I’ll spend more time here at the end of my trip and see how it compares to my favorites, Singapore and Beijing Capital. The airport is crazy, it has a mosque, two hotels, 12 lounges, so many duty free shopping areas, health club, two squash courts, a gym, a spa and a swimming pool. Perfect for long layovers but you really do need to see the city!
Next stop is a 9 hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa!
After my layover and rest in Qatar, I am on my way to Johannesburg, South Africa. The flight is another 9 hours from Doha.
In Johannesburg, South Africa — What a change from Qatar! I flew into Johannesburg and walked out to a temperature of 61° from 101°, felt refreshing! Met two new friends and looking forward to this week in South Africa.
In Dullstroom, South Africa — We had lunch in this adorable little town. It’s known for its fly fishing so I had to have the smoked trout pancakes and the local town beer for lunch.
At Blyde River Canyon, South Africa — Today we set out for Kruger and drove the Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga province. It is one of the Africa’s great natural wonders and one of the world’s most beautiful driving routes. We stopped at Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon, and the Three Rondavels for some beautiful views!
At God’s Windows — More along the Panorama Route, these highlands in Mpumalanga are famed for some of the province’s most spectacular scenery. There are lush mountain peaks, magnificent waterfalls, and raging rivers. We hiked up to a view called God’s Window and Rainforest with views to Mozambique.
Off to Kruger! Biltong is like our beef jerky but so much better. We snacked on it all the time, buying it whenever we saw it. All different types like beef, impala, wildebeest, steenbock and lots more. I also loved the dried mango with it 🥭
At Ndula Lodge – Our lodge is located in Mpumalanga Lowveld region of South Africa near the town of White River. Close to Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon and the scenic Panorama Route we drove to get here. The name “Ndhula” means “Giraffe” in the local Zulu language. They are all over the property!
Safari Day One, Part 1, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Up at 4am to leave for the park at 5am, we were all so excited! While the weather is nice, high sixties to low seventies, it is very chilly that early, about fifty degrees, so we were all bundled up in the open air vehicle. We saw two of the Big Five already, a lion and a water Buffalo. The lion was resting behind a tree and we kept a good distance away, would have liked a closer picture but I was comfortable at this distance! The second was the water Buffalo and it was just a fierce looking!! We also saw zebras, impalas, a hippo, crocodiles and a wart hog.
A boma dinner is a quintessential part of an authentic African safari. Boma is a Swahili word for an enclosure and refers to the wall or fence that surrounds the area where people are dining – to protect them from any surprise visits from wildlife. There is always a fire and the thrill of being outside in the bush at night and under the twinkling African stars. There is storytelling, dancing, drumming and delicious food and drinks.
At Kruger National Park — Safari Day One and Two, Kruger National Park, South Africa
The game drives we were on start at 6am and last until 3pm. We take about 3 breaks during this time to stretch and eat since we sit in the vehicle for hours looking for wildlife. We also stay pretty quiet as to not disturb the animals. This increases our chances of seeing more and also keeps them from getting aggressive towards us. When you are inside the vehicle they really don’t notice you much as they are used to the vehicles and don’t see them as a threat. It’s when you make noise or stick your body out that can cause problems. We saw the third and fourth Big Five animal, the elephant and the rhino! We saw so many elephants, they are huge and also cute, especially the babies. It was great to see the rhinos because there aren’t too many left due to poaching. We also saw so many giraffes, baboons and vultures. It was a great day!
At Kruger National Park — So excited to see the last of the Big Five, the leopard!! They are usually hard to find and when in trees with their spots, it acts as a camouflage. Right at the base of that tree is a hyena waiting for scraps to fall from the kill that was in the tree with the leopard.
We were also lucky to see two cheetah, they are not Big Five but not seen often either, so it was a good day!
Today I am so happy, checking off another bucket list experience….an African Safari and seeing all of the Big Five! 🦁🦏🐘🐆🐃
We left Kruger this morning with a stop in Pretoria before getting to the airport in Johannesburg. The Union Buildings are named for the Union of South Africa, which was formed in 1910, while the buildings were being planned. In 1961 the country changed its name to the Republic of South Africa, but the Union Buildings kept their original name. There is a 9 meter tall Nelson Mandela statue there as well where there were a lot of school kids who wanted to take photos with us.
From there we flew from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg south to Cape Town. Romney Park is where I am staying in Greenpoint, my room is large and very cozy, a big change from the tented camp!
A great start to a Cape Town visit is to go to wine country. We started at A beautiful wine estate overlooking False Bay! We had a gorgeous day for wine & cheese and beautiful views in Cape Town.
The Victoria & Albert Waterfront is the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s so picturesque and we were here as the sun was setting so it had a nice glow.
It’s impossible to find a spot that’s not in the shadow of Table Mountain, it dominates the city’s skyline and is Cape Town’s most prominent landmark. It’s hard to plan when to visit because the clouds roll in and out so quickly but I was lucky and had gorgeous views over the city and the ocean.
We woke up to a chilly and drizzly morning in Cape Town but it cleared it very nicely for our trip to wine country. Our first stop was a winery in Paarl called Fairview. We had a tasting paired with local cheeses and wandered around the beautiful grounds. Paarl is located north of both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and the third oldest settlement in South Africa.
After our first wine tasting in Paarl, we stopped in the town of Franschhoek. It means “French Corner” because of the French settlers who lived there. It is known for having some of the top restaurants in the country, a strong wine culture, pristine natural and architectural beauty. This is what has made Franschhoek into what many describe as the “food and wine capital” of South Africa. It is absolutely beautiful, we walked around, stopped for a bite to eat and shopped before going to Stellenbosch. The weather was really nice now and we loved the town.
Moving on from Franschhoek in wine country, we made our way to Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is like the Napa Valley of South African wine. The Cape Winelands is such a stunning part of SA, made up of three main wine areas. We started in Paarl, then moved on to Franschhoek and now Stellenbosch. These valleys produce some of the world’s finest wines, and Stellenbosch dominates this wine scene in terms of quality. We did a wine tasting and lunch in a beautiful wine cellar at Lanzerac. It was so beautiful in the cellar and of course the wine was amazing.
On our way to see the penguins we took Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives. It runs along the Atlantic south of Cape Town towards the Cape of Good Hope with 114 curves. The road is amazing, it was hacked into the near vertical face of the mountain! While I enjoyed the scenic drive, our destination was to Boulders in Table Mountain National Park to see the African Penguins. These African Penguins are endemic to South Africa and closely related to the Humboldt, Magellanic and Galapagos Penguins. Penguin fact – penguins are only found in the southern hemisphere except for the Galapagos Penguin which is found north of the equator. They were fascinating to watch and of course, so adorable!!
One of the southernmost points of the African Continent, the Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula. It is narrow and juts out into the ocean with lots of wind. It is beautiful but has unpredictable weather, baboons that will raid your car, and adorable penguins playing in the water. With a love of geography, it was amazing to see a place that I have wanted to see since I was young. 🇿🇦
We started our evening with a Djembe drumming session in a huge restaurant decorated on every open space with African artifacts, puppets, beautiful beadwork, and wooden carvings. It’s definitely touristy but really enjoyable. The 14 course “Taste Safari” had dishes from all over Africa and the servers were dressed in beautiful local dress, so everyone was different and such gorgeous colors and patterns. Throughout dinner performers sing, drum, and dance. It was the perfect way to end a trip to South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤️🖤 🤍 💚💙💛🇿🇦
Leon is a beautiful historic city not far from San Miguel de Allende. It is lively, has a great arts scene and gorgeous architecture.
Leon
Next stop was a gorgeous Hacienda for an Al fresco lunch and a Mexican cleansing ceremony
Yet another beautiful Hacienda but this is where we are staying!
This is my huge room at the Hacienda.
My room
Dinner tonight was in a really cool large room. This Hacienda is owned by the former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox.
A highlight of my visit to Hacienda San Cristobal was this show with these talented horses!
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Time for some wine tasting on the way to San Miguel 🍷
Wine Tasting in Guanajuato
Guanajuato is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, with gorgeous colorful streets and colonial architecture everywhere you look. It is not just a city of cobblestone alleyways but a city with underground streets!
Excited to spend the day at the University of Guanajuato, founded in 1732. After a brisk run up the stairs, I was energized for the work day. The best part about it is the view over the city, just beautiful!!
Guanajuato
A beautiful boutique hotel in Guanajuato and an amazing party at Mina de Guadalupe. I must come back to Guanajuato and spend more time in this gorgeous city! Tonight is the big event and it was so much fun.
Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende may just be the most charming town in Mexico. I have always wanted to visit and I’m so excited to finally be here! Located in the central highlands of Mexico, in the small state of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is iconic and recognized worldwide for its Baroque architecture, vibrant atmosphere, colorful streets, and friendly locals.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a colorful, colonial style city with markets, artisans and the iconic pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel towering above Spanish style buildings sprawled out around the square. Built in the late 17th century, this spectacular 17th-century gothic structure is one of the most photo. It’s a dreamy and colorful city that I love!
Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel De Allende captures the historical richness and cultural charm of one of most beautiful cities in Mexico and the rooms are so gorgeous and comfortable!
Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel De Allende
One the most authentic San Miguel experiences, a callejoneada. It is a wedding party parade through the cobblestoned streets, with tequila in hand, huge smiles and voices singing. It starts with giant mojigangas (10 feet tall papier-mâché puppets) that dance wildly as the mariachi music starts. An adorable burro is decorated with colorful paper flowers and pulls a tequila cart – the spirit is contagious!
Callejoneada
Dia de Los Muertes fiesta at Instituto Allende. What a great place for an event, besides being beautiful, when you walk in from the courtyard you have a direct view of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the iconic San Miguel view!
Dia de Los Muertes fiesta
Our next stop is a stately restored hacienda from the 16th century. Beautiful colonial architecture and acres of beautiful gardens plus they have their own vineyard on property!
We had a beautiful dinner in the vineyard tonight! It was a little chilly but the food and wine were delicious.
Breakfast in the courtyard of the Hacienda .
Querétaro is a lovely historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site in the central highlands of Mexico. It is sophisticated and genuinely Mexican with one of the highest qualities of life in Mexico and considered one of the safest cities in the country.
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Querétaro
We came back to the hotel to such a nice Carnival themed farewell dinner!
Off to Tahiti to explore the islands in French Polynesian. An 11pm flight for 8 hours and we landed at 5am local time. I slept most of the way in Air Tahiti Nui’s Moana Premium Economy because it was so comfortable. We were warmly welcomed to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort at 5:45am with fresh pineapple juice and our rooms ready. Back to sleep for a little while then time to explore the beautiful resort and have an al fresco lunch.
Cocktails at the Intercontinental Tahiti while we wait for sunset. One of the most beautiful sunsets greeted me on this first night in Tahiti, no filter, just pure nature.
Next was dinner with the most delicious Poisson cru, the national dish of Tahiti. It is made with fresh, raw fish, crunchy raw vegetables, lime juice and coconut milk – it’s heavenly!
Off to Moorea next, then back here before we go to Tetiaroa.
Middle of Trip
The ferry brought us back here after 2 days in Moorea then we flew to Tetiaroa. When we returned from Tetiaroa after 2 nights, we spent some time exploring the island.
We had the most delicious French lunch at Le Soufflé!
End of Trip
Our last day was back here for some shopping at the International Marketplace and a day room at the Hilton Tahiti until after dinner.
The Hilton Tahiti was next to relax, have a nice dinner and regroup for the flight home. I’m sad to say goodbye, it was a beautiful time in French Polynesia.
Arrived safely in Bora Bora and was whisked off quickly to the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. My beach villas is absolutely gorgeous! 🌴
Welcome sunset cocktails with our Four Seasons friends at Viamiti. It is set over the water with great views and Asian cuisine. The crispy roasted Maitake mushroom was amazing.
Our 2 bedroom villa at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is gorgeous, pictures don’t do it justice!
Overwater Villas are gorgeous too!
The Four Seasons Resort is so pretty, truly a tropical paradise that I don’t want to leave.
ST. REGIS BORA BORA
We arrived at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and loved the sprawling grounds and the most spacious overwater villas in the South Pacific!
For all the foodies, we had the most amazing dinner at Jean-Georges Lagoon Bora Bora!! The 5 Course Signature Menu with the Wine Pairing was outstanding. Thank you for the great company and fabulous dinner The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort!
The St. Regis Bora Bora has the most spacious overwater bungalows in Bora Bora!
The most beautiful day in Bora Bora. We had a local guide who shared everything about the culture, music, food and wildlife. His pride for his culture and willingness to share it made the whole day for me. This is just the first part…more to come!
Swimming with the sharks in Bora Bora. We went out past the reef to swim in deeper water. So amazing! 🦈
The most perfect day in Bora Bora is a motu picnic 💙 🐠
We had a fun photo shoot with one of the best photographers in Bora Bora, thank you for the great pictures Bora Bora Photographer & Videographer Sadry Ghacir!
LE BORA BORA
We had a nice afternoon and delicious lunch the Le Bora Bora. The resort had a renovation and it looks gorgeous. Le Bora Bora has a beautiful white sand beach.
CONRAD BORA BORA NUI
Next stop in Bora Bora is the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort. My overwater villa is beautiful and the bathroom is heavenly!
Our last night in Tahiti was a great sushi dinner at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort. Sad to leave but I will be back 💙
We took the ferry today from Papeete to Moorea and arrived at the Kia Ora Moorea Sofitel The property is so green and lush with sparkling blue water and a beautiful white sand beach.
A great evening of cocktails at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort then dinner and champagne at the Moorea Beach Cafe By Bruno Jamais under a gorgeous sky. 🥂
What fun it was to explore Moorea today. Beautiful bays, scenic outlooks and local snack food
More fun in Moorea, botanical gardens, pineapple plantation and a distillery! I know all the fun things to do and places to send you when you’re ready to go.
Off to the exclusive private island of Tetiaroa on their own tiny plane, so excited! ✈️
Flight to paradise 💙
You know you’ve left your real life behind when your resort has its own airline! The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa, it is where the rich and famous live out their own desert island fantasy. The resort was the legendary actor Marlon Brando’s tropical island hideaway. There are 35 beach villas each with its own separate media room and study, outdoor bath and infinity plunge pool that overlooks the most beautiful sugary white sand beach.
Exclusive and private villas on a private island paradise. Each private villa is nestled amidst the palms. Secluded from everything in your private pool, the beach and ocean are a backdrop, my own little piece of Heaven.
Sunset at the The Brando with dinner at the fine dining Les Mutinés, the tasting menu was delicious! It is a Polynesian fine dining experience, sophisticated, yet completely laid back. Ingredients sourced from local seas, ranches and farms are perfectly paired with wine from top chateaus in France, this is my kind of fine dining.
After dinner it was time for an outdoor bath in my villa. I love the outdoor bathtub, perfect for late night stargazing at the southern hemisphere constellations that the Polynesian navigators used to find these islands. It’s a challenge for me to find and identify this whole new set of constellations but I’m in the perfect place.
Great morning with the Tetiaroa Society exploring the motus and the crystal clear blue water that looks unreal! We stopped to swim at the Queen’s Bath, as the name suggests, it is where Tahitian royalty used to bathe due to its mineral rich sands and pure waters!
Coconut crabs, kaveu in Tahitian, are the largest terrestrial crabs in the world, and in my opinion, the most beautiful! Look at all the colors!
Time for a sundowner at The Brando 🍸
Bob’s Bar was around long before the Brando existed. It was where Marlon would come at the end of each day and order his favorite cocktail – a Dirty Old Bob. Put your feet in the sand, order a Dirty Old Bob, then raise your glass, and give a toast to Tetiaroa.
The Polynesian Show at The Brando was one of the best I have seen in all of the South Pacific. The performers weren’t playing a part but truly sharing their culture with us, it was beautiful.
I am sad to leave the Brando, Air Tetiaroa is taking us away from paradise. We will land in Papeete and Air Tahiti will then take us to another island….can you guess which one??
Landed in Honolulu with a beautiful rainbow in the sky. Ready to have fun in Waikiki! 🌺
You know that image in your mind of Waikiki Beach, the one with Diamond Head in the distance and outrigger canoes in a turquoise bay of warm water? That’s what you have at Duke’s plus great music and fun! Our Outrigger Advisory Board definitely had fun and laughs – Thank you Outrigger Resorts!
With two of the only seven true beachfront resorts in Waikiki, Outrigger is a great option for your vacation. Between the Reef and Waikiki Beach, there are so many choices, the suites are beautiful! This is the Coral Reef Suite and the Voyager 47 Club.
Excited for our Outrigger Advisory Council meetings in Hawaii. Tonight’s dinner brought together all the councils from the US.
Swimming with the Mantas on the Kona Coast!
Swimming with manta rays is listed as one of the most thrilling experiences on earth, with an incredible adrenaline rush! Known as gentle giants of the sea, many reside in front of our hotel right on the Kona Coast. These magnificent mantas can weigh more than 1,000 lbs and span more than 15 feet! This only happens in a few locations on earth – one of them is here on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s so hard to not gasp when they swim up and are less than an inch from your body! Such a humbling and awe-inspiring experience I will never forget! Thank you Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa and Eka Canoe Adventures!
Great morning at Kealakekua Bay, a paradise on land and under water. With one of the most abundant coral reefs on the island and the lush, tropical Kona coast. It also is an important historic location because it is where Captain James Cook landed for the first time on the island of Hawaii and ultimately was killed here on his third visit.
The Feast and Fire Luau is a signature experience that tells the story of the cultures of the islands. I love how it is a plated dinner and smaller tables of just your group. It was a beautiful evening and a great show!
A great spot for our Outrigger Advisory Council meeting. Perched above the lava-rock cliffs of Keauhou Bay on the lush southern end of the Kona coast, the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, where graceful manta rays swim right up to the shoreline and I was able to see them from my lanai! This resort is great for those looking for some adventure and culture on the Big Island, mantas, snorkeling, volcanoes and much more. Mahalo for a wonderful experience Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa!
ESPACIO is the ultimate oceanfront sanctuary that can only be described as The Jewel of Waikiki and ranked as one of the finest properties in the world. Each of the nine suites has a private entry and occupies an entire floor with Italian marble, Moroccan metalwork, a designer kitchen, bathrooms furnished with TOTO Washlets, and an expansive balcony with a Jacuzzi and daybeds. I am looking forward to a few days of opulence, tranquility, and rejuvenation at this exclusive retreat. Follow along for the next few days and I’m sure you will want me to book your experience here on your next trip to Hawaii.
Evening in Waikiki 🌙
While a bathroom might not be a big consideration for some, the bathrooms at Espacio Waikiki are like a trip to the spa – tranquility, and rejuvenation for an exclusive retreat!
The private rooftop infinity swimming pool, whirlpool, and sundeck at Espacio Waikiki is GORGEOUS and one of the best spots in Waikiki Beach 🌺
It’s a beautiful morning at Espacio Waikiki! Breakfast and a walk on the beach.
Sunset BBQ in Waikiki, Chris made the most delicious BBQ on the rooftop!
My son and I had the most exceptional fine dining experience at Mugen Waikiki! Now I know why it’s so hard to get a reservation. Executive Chef Jason Yamaguchi offers a 7-course seasonal tasting menu that combines French and Japanese influences, utilizing local ingredients and specialty items from around the world. It is located in Espacio Waikiki so just a quick ride down the elevator. Next time I book your Hawaiian vacation let’s make a reservation for Mugen too, you won’t be disappointed!
