Myanmar

I had a lot of expectations from my trip to Myanmar and, thankfully, they were met and even exceeded. Spending a week exploring both the large city of Yangon and then the countryside onboard a luxury cruise, it was the ideal first introduction to this somewhat mysterious country. There were many special moments during my adventure, including these which I think are top experiences for any visitor to Myanmar.

The Strand Hotel

For my time in the country’s largest city, I couldn’t have picked a better home base than The Strand Hotel. As a history geek, I always love hotels that have a history and The Strand is arguably one of the most famous hotels in the world. Built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers, who also built a certain hotel in Singapore named Raffles, The Strand has been host to anyone who has been anyone over the last century, from George Orwell to Mick Jagger. I love that, I love the conversations that must have happened in these hallways and I love the modern elegance of the hotel, true to its colonial past but also incredibly up to date.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Standing at an incredible 325 feet, the pagoda dominates the Yangon skyline and its history is inextricably tied to the city itself. According to legend, the pagoda was built more than 2,600 years ago and contains 8 strands of hair from the head of the Buddha. It gradually fell into disrepair until the 14th century and since then successful rulers have made subtle changes to the temple complex creating the massive site we see today. The gold seen is made of genuine gold plates and the crown is tipped with more than 5,000 diamonds and 2,000 rubies. Throughout the centuries Shwedagon has also played a central role in the both the lives of the city and country, making it not only one of the most recognizable sites in Myanmar, but also one of the most important.

Bagan, Myanmar

Many say that the archeological region of Bagan in Myanmar is rivaled only by Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and after having spent the day exploring the beautiful temples of Bagan I couldn’t agree more. Between the 9th and 13th centuries, Bagan was a capital city and the many wealthy elite who lived there erected thousands of temples, more than 10,000 to be exact. Today around 2,000 still exist, survivors of time, earthquakes and neglect. But for many visitors, including myself, visiting Bagan is one of the highlights of any trip to Myanmar. There’s something special about this place, holy and sacred for so very long that the temples inspire a certain kind of introspection. The ultimate though is of course getting up far too early to climb the steps of one of the temples in order to watch the sun rise over the countryside. Like little termite mounds popping up, the sun gradually bathed them in soft morning light, creating one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever had the great privilege to witness.

The Strand Cruise

One of the reasons why I visited Myanmar was to join the luxurious Strand Cruise on the Ayeyarwady River. Arriving into Bagan on an early flight, I was excited to join the cruise not just to relax a little, but to see parts of Myanmar otherwise impossible to see unless you’re on a boat. My first night onboard was the perfect introduction to river life, as I enjoyed this beautiful sunset over the mighty Ayeyarwady.

Ava

One great advantage of cruising in Myanmar was the opportunity to visit smaller and not as touristy areas, like the day we spent one of Myanmar’s ancient cities – Ava. The incredible number of temples and pagodas is what first struck me, it seemed as if everywhere I turned there was another amazing spot to explore. One though in particular clicked with me, with this Buddha image still acting as its sentinel. Yadana Hsimi pagodas may be in ruin today, but they were part of a larger system that, in its time, had few rivals in this part of the world. There’s still beauty to be found of course, you just have to know where to look.

Countryside

There were many special moments on The Strand cruise on the Ayeyarwady River, but a morning visit to the ancient kingdom of Ava was certainly a highlight. Making our way through the marshy terrain, I resisted the urge to pinch myself to make sure the moment was really happening. Passing by golden temples surrounded by rice paddies, this is the Myanmar I had traveled so far to see. This was the country as I imagined it, a rarity in the travel experience. The moody skies and threat of rain only added to the sensation of having entered a dreamland, a place that exists in the ethereal realm of our hopes and desires. Myanmar is a special country for so many reasons, but this, a feeling I can’t even really name, is perhaps what I’ll remember the most.

Mandalay, Myanmar

As a history buff, I had a great time this week exploring many of Myanmar’s most famous temples, monasteries and pagodas, but a fun diversion from those scholarly pursuits was a visit to the U Been Bridge in Mandalay. Dubbed the world’s longest teak footbridge, this 1.2 kilometer bridge spans Taungthaman Lake and is a popular diversion for tourists and locals alike. As an affirmed dog lover though, of course my favorite part was meeting the scores of homeless pups who call the bridge area home. It’s frustrating that I can’t do anything to help them, but I did what I could which was give them a little attention and love.

The post Favorite Moments On a Cruise Through Myanmar appeared first on LandLopers.

Food has become an increasingly important aspect of the travel experience for me, as I think it has for most people. Not only is the modern traveler more educated when it comes to all things delicious, but even the smallest of cities around the world are undergoing what I call a foodie renaissance spurred on by young and energetic chefs. The result is a travel landscape where food and drink play a starring role, so it’s weird that I haven’t written about food lately as much as I normally do. Purely the result of forgetfulness and not from a lack of experiences, today I want to quickly look back at the last 12 months or so and share my favorite travel and food experiences that in many cases were highlights of the journeys themselves.

Eating Around Colombia

What I enjoyed most on my trip to Colombia wasn’t a famous attraction, it was the food. I knew before even leaving home that the culinary side of the trip would be amazing, but even that is a gross understatement. Taking a Bogota food tour, I learned a lot about the culinary traditions of the city and country in general, from its many corn-based meals and snacks to desserts that may seem a little off, but which are all delicious. But it goes well beyond that into fresh and local eating, visiting the neighborhood or citywide markets and buying some of the freshest fruits and vegetables you’ll ever see. Due to the country’s unique sets of climates, they produce fruits so exotic you’d think you were in the middle of Thailand. I couldn’t even name half the fruits I tasted, but they were all delicious. Add in the medium-roasted and full-bodied coffee for which Colombia is so very famous, and the food scene in the country is worth a visit in its own right.

Corsican Picnic

Sailing around the Mediterranean is always a fun experience, especially when I get the opportunity to visit places new to me. Such was the case when I spent the day in sunny Ajaccio, Corsica. One of the best decisions I made during my time on Corsica was to join a cruise excursion into the city, with an emphasis on the daily market. Since food is always the first aspect of a new place I investigate, it was the perfect fit as my first introduction to Corsican culture. The variety of food is what impressed me most, I didn’t expect the island to be as fertile as it clearly is. Tasting my way around the incredible displays of meats and cheeses at the local market though is what I enjoyed the most, in fact, I was so inspired by the quality of the foods on display that I bought some and enjoyed an impromptu picnic lunch after the tour. Sitting there and looking out across the harbor as I ate my self-made baguette sandwich was pure perfection – better than any fancy lunch at an in-town restaurant by a mile.

Pica Pica in Barcelona

The capital of the country’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is one of the great culinary centers of Europe, both in terms of traditional as well as more modern cuisine. There’s a reason why some of the world’s best restaurants call Catalonia home, the unique combination of creative chefs and amazing local products make it ideal for creative food concepts. My focus in Barcelona though wasn’t on what’s new in Spanish cuisine, but what’s at the traditional core of the foodie experience – tapas and pica-pica. For generations, the practice of enjoying some light bites and a glass of wine or vermouth before a meal was common practice. One picked at the bites, which is ultimately where the term comes from. In the local Catalan language, picar means to eat small bites of many different types of foods. Originally including mainstays like olives, tomatoes, cheese and ham, it has evolved over time to include any number of small plates. Usually enjoyed in a local bodega, it still is the ideal way to start an evening out with friends, nights that always begin late and end with a fabulous meal. My meal that evening though was solely focused on tapas and pica-pica, the perfect way to best experience not just the city, but the up and coming neighborhood of Poble Sec.

Luther Dinner

I didn’t know what a Luther Dinner was before traveling to Germany, but while spending the week exploring so-called Luther Country, I enjoyed this rustic meal a couple of times. In general, a Luther Dinner is a meal that is inspired by what was popular to eat and drink in the 16th century. So, imagine lots of meat, stews, gravies and an absence of now-iconic ingredients like potatoes and sugar. At the Wartburg Castle Hotel, the chef took the concept and added a fine dining spin to it, creating one of the best meals I’ve ever enjoyed. Still paying homage to Luther, the locally sourced ingredients were creatively reimagined from baked saddle and belly of pork to an incredible honey ice cream, each course was also paired with regional beers and wines inspired by Luther. Food is an important part of the experience at the Wartburg Castle Hotel and after enjoying a meal I know I’ll never forget, I quickly understood why.

Alsatian Wine Route

Within the last year I’ve had the good fortune to visit the Alsace region of France twice, and it’s those visits that have convinced me that it is not only one of the best regions in France, but in all of Europe. One of the most contested areas of Europe, this sliver of land has passed hands between France and Germany probably more times than anyone can count. The result is the very unique Alsatian culture, which is a mix of German and French customs and traditions. Strasbourg is the largest city in the region, and a few days exploring are well spent. But the many towns and villages of Alsace are just as important and best seen along the Alsatian Wine Route. Whether you spend 2 days or a week exploring it, you won’t be disappointed, especially ending in the picture perfect city of Colmar. Colmar is the quaint town of our collective dreams and even after a couple of visits I still yearn to return and explore even more of the city.

Karakol Food Tour (Kyrgyzstan)

Thanks in large part to its unique position along the Silk Road, traders from around the known world passed through Kyrgyzstan over the centuries, bringing with them different spices and ingredients, recipes and techniques and infusing the region with a new way to enjoy food. The food tour in the city of Karakol is led by a local and takes guests through the successive waves of immigration to the region, from those early traders to the 19th century Russians. Dishes such as Lagman and Ashlyan-Fu are enjoyed but, more importantly, we learned why these dishes are so important to daily life in Karakol. Why people choose to eat them so regularly and, of course, the best places in town to find them. The Karakol food crawl was my favorite experience in Karakol not just because everything was so delicious, but because it was a truly immersive way to learn more about this fascinating part of the country.

Eating on the Ocean Floor

Burntcoat Head Park is an unlikely pilgrimage spot in Nova Scotia. Not really located close to anything, the entrance is quietly set amongst rolling farmland and pastoral landscapes. But it’s here where the most extreme tidal difference on the Bay was recorded, it’s here where its entry into the records books was secured and it’s here where those extremes happen every single day. It’s also the location for one of the most extraordinary dining experiences I’ve ever had the great pleasure to enjoy. A few years ago, the creative minds at the Flying Apron Inn came up with an audacious idea, to take advantage of those tidal extremes and to offer a fine-dining experience on the ocean floor. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, it’s so much more than just a dinner, it’s an experience. With pre-dinner snacks and drinks, guided tours of the Bay and local experts providing an insight into the region, it’s a robust experience with Fundy at its center. Naturally though, the highlight was the incredible meal itself, created by the Flying Apron’s Chef Velden and paired with local wines and beers. The afternoon and evening was fun in every meaning of the word, but it was much more than that. It was an immersive way to learn more about Fundy and to experience it in a very personal way. This is without a doubt one of the most creative meals I’ve ever enjoyed and one that I know I’ll never forget.

Lounging by the Finger Lakes

At the heart of the Finger Lakes experience in New York for many are the wineries, breweries and distilleries found all around the lakes. For decades, Finger Lakes wines were produced using native grapes and, for the most part, the results were mixed. But then in the 1960s, mimicking global wine trends, vinifera grapes were introduced and the wineries in the region started producing everything from stellar Rieslings to full bodied reds. Today the results speak for themselves and with more than 140 wineries in the Finger Lakes, visitors can try as many of these vintages for themselves as they want. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing wineries to visit, but for a fun and immersive experience stop by Wagner’s on Seneca Lake. Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery produces a wide selection of amazing wines, but they also have a brewery on site that creates just as tasty ales, porters and IPAs. With a large deck overlooking the vines and lake, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and relax.

Yangon Food Tour

Not surprisingly, one of the highlights of my time in Yangon was learning about the city’s very unique cuisine, in which I received a fun crash course while on a Yangon Food Tour. While I could have clumsily eaten my way around the city, I wanted to take a food tour for a more organized immersion into Myanmar’s foodie scene. I did some research and didn’t find many options, but then I discovered Yangon Food Tours. In operation for just a few months, this is very much a business with passion and I was excited not just to enjoy a food tour dinner, but also to support a truly local startup. The Yangon Food Tour is a good mix of stall and restaurant food, which, honestly perfectly reflects the style of eating in Yangon. And eating is serious business in the city, I marveled at how many restaurants and other opportunities to eat there were everywhere around town. Not unlike other countries in the region, food is at the heart of the experience and to truly start to understand the culture and people, you have to understand what they eat and how they enjoy food. Yes, the Yangon Food Tour was the ideal introduction to the cuisine of Yangon and Myanmar, but it did more than that. It was also the perfect way for me to get used to the city, to shed any concerns or fears I may have had in a new place and to learn to enjoy Yangon for everything that makes it so great. It was one of the highlights of my time in Myanmar, well worth the investment of $35 and a few hours of my time.

Cooking in Sorrento

Perched high on a hill overlooking the city of Sorrento and the bay on which it sits, I couldn’t help but fall in love. This is the promise, this is what the coastline of Italy should be and living there, even if only for a few days, was a travel experience I won’t soon forget. A slower pace of life, kind people and delicious food; add in amazing scenery and you have a recipe for success. While I loved learning more about the city, one of my favorite experiences there had nothing to do with the views or long history, it was instead an experience I booked to learn more about the culture through food. Chef Carmen has long been a fixture in Sorrento and has led cooking classes for years. She’s famous not only for her stellar cooking skills, but for a personality that lights up a room. Spending several hours with her, along with a small group of other students, I laughed more than I have in a long time as I learned the intricacies of making such classics as pizza, gnocchi and eggplant parmesan. While I’m not sure I can replicate the recipes at home exactly, there’s no doubt I had a fun afternoon and a delicious meal as a result of my time with Carmen.

Rural Fine Dining in Ireland

I normally don’t consider myself a fine-dining kind of guy and yet, whenever I experience a great restaurant, I almost always walk away impressed. That was definitely the case after an incredible 11-course tasting menu at the organic Strawberry Tree Restaurant at Macreddin Village. The BrookLodge and attached restaurant are a relaxing country retreat where pastoral luxury reigns supreme. I love great properties like the BrookLodge, tucked away deep in the rolling hills and a place where people go to do little more than relax. But it’s also home to Ireland’s only entirely organic restaurant, the Strawberry Tree. Led by a chef with a fierce obsession with seasonality, they even have a full-time forager on staff who treks every day to find the freshest ingredients in the pastures and paths surrounding Macreddin. The results speak for themselves; after a leisurely dinner I was as impressed as I’ve ever been by a food experience. Each course was more surprising than the last and when combined with great service and hospitality, it was the perfect evening.

Roman Holiday

Following my Viking cruise I was in Rome jut a few days before Christmas and so decided to join a very special walking tour with Context Travel. Famous for offering thoughtful and offbeat walking tours around the world, in Rome I decided to hop on their seasonal holiday food tour. Led by a local chef and food writer, she spent the morning taking us to some of Rome’s best kept foodie secrets to sample those delicacies most important around the holidays. Cakes and chocolates, sandwiches and pizza and of course gelato all played a role but, more importantly, I learned a lot about the holiday traditions of the city and how local Romans celebrate the season. No matter what you decide to eat in Rome, be sure to get out there and be adventurous, exploring new neighborhoods and finding your own perfect bites.

The post Traveling Foodie: My 12 Favorite Experiences From the Last 12 Months appeared first on LandLopers.

I was excited for my first trip to Myanmar for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was spending some time in the nation’s largest city, Yangon. My mental image of Yangon was that it would look like Bangkok 50 years ago. I imagined dirty open spaces, streets clogged with motorbikes and tuk-tuks and who knows what else. So imagine my surprise when on the drive into the city I saw none of those things. No, instead I was met with broad boulevards, oddly clean streets and not a single motorbike in sight. I could’ve been anywhere in the world, the massive golden temples the only clue I was in a slightly exotic locale. Later during my visit I did find some of that chaos I’d been looking for, but not nearly as extreme as even Bangkok is today. To help you navigate your time in the city, I thought I’d share how I spent my time in this colorful city, one I’m eager to revisit and explore even more.

Where to Stay

When talking about not only the world’s great hotels but also the most remarkable travel experiences, they fall into a variety of different camps. Among the standouts though are those who have not only proven the test of time, but whose service and refinement has become the stuff of legends. The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Raffles in Singapore and yes, The Strand Hotel in Yangon are all members of this exclusive group of leading hotels. While in Yangon, I had the great pleasure of calling The Strand my temporary, and luxurious, home and it couldn’t have been a better experience. Its fantastic location made walking to what I wanted to see and do easy and of course the hotel itself became a highlight of my time in the city. Recently undergoing a massive refurbishment, the bright and elegant interiors match the hotel’s lengthy history. Everything is stately but modern, elegant but comfortable. That’s a hard line to walk, but The Strand does it with ease. Add in amazing service, fantastic suites and delicious food, and staying at The Strand is about so much more than patronizing a hotel, it’s an experience unto itself.

What to Do

I knew that my time in the city was limited, so in advance I hired a guide and driver to spend a few hours with me as orientation and to show my the highlights of the city. Costing less than $100 for 6 hours for two people, it was a fantastic investment and helped me maximize my enjoyment of the city. I had planned out what I wanted to see and do in advance, and the experiences were just as amazing as I had hoped.

Circular Train

It’s not every destination that has a form of public transportation that is also a tourist attraction, but Yangon isn’t your typical city either. Originally built by the British in the colonial era, today the Yangon Circular Railway features a 29-mile, 39-station loop system connecting nearly all parts of the city, as well as satellite towns. It’s by far the cheapest way to get around town (about $.20 per ride) but for a first time visitor, it’s also one of the best ways to experience real life in the city. Thanks to the low price, the train is heavily used by all types of people, allowing visitors like me to be a voyeur for a little while and to, hopefully, learn more about the city and country in the process.

Shwedagon Pagoda

As I learned during my week in Myanmar, the country is a nation of temples and pagodas, all paying homage to Buddha in any number of ways. Yangon has many worth visiting, but of course the most important is the Shwedagon Pagoda. Standing at an incredible 325 feet, the pagoda dominates the Yangon skyline and its history is inextricably tied to the city itself. According to legend, the pagoda was built more than 2,600 years ago and contains 8 strands of hair from the head of the Buddha. It gradually fell into disrepair until the 14th century and since then successful rulers have made subtle changes to the temple complex creating the massive site we see today. The gold seen is made of genuine gold plates and the crown is tipped with more than 5,000 diamonds and 2,000 rubies. Throughout the centuries Shwedagon has also played a central role in the both the lives of the city and country, making it not only one of the most recognizable sites in Myanmar, but also one of the most important. The temple complex is very large, so be sure to allow plenty of time to explore. I also recommend a guide who can point out some of the finer points that one would otherwise miss.

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha

I have spent a disproportionate amount of time around the world visiting religious structures, from cathedrals in Europe to the many temples and relics of Asia. One though in Yangon impressed me deeply, the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha. This reclining Buddha image is one of the largest in the country, laying down at an impressive 217 feet long. Notice I said “one of” and not “the largest.” As immense as the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha is, there are larger ones, but if you’re just in Yangon then be sure not to miss visiting. There’s even a viewing point where you can better admire the image itself.

Bogyoke Market

I enjoy visiting markets when I travel, but they tend to be food markets or halls. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed my brief visit to Bogyoke Market in downtown Yangon. Also called by its original colonial name, Scott Market, it really is more bazaar than market. Almost anything you could image is for sale here, from gold and silver to clothes and everything in between. It’s also a good place to pick up some souvenirs to take home, as long as you don’t mind a little haggling. The building though is also deeply impressive, a classic colonial-style structure and inner cobblestone streets, it’s a fun place to explore and wander, especially during a hot and/or rainy Burmese afternoon.

Wanderings

As with most cities I visit though, one of my favorite experiences was just walking around. This is where the incredibly well located Strand Hotel helped immensely. Many areas of town were an easy walk, which really shouldn’t have surprised me since, in many ways, the modern city grew up around this historic property. Yangon is a curious mix of people, styles and eras, all thrown together in a way that at first may seem a little confusing, but ultimately makes sense. It’s also a much more orderly city than I had anticipated, motorcycles aren’t allowed downtown so there’s not the same madness and crush of vehicles as is common in cities like Bangkok. No, Yangon seemed more polite, more dignified and even easier to explore. My guide, along with the advice from The Strand’s local staff, helped me experience the best of Yangon in just a couple of days.

What to Eat

Not surprisingly, one of the highlights of my time in Yangon was learning about the city’s very unique cuisine, in which I received a fun crash course while on a Yangon Food Tour. While I could have clumsily eaten my way around the city, I wanted to take a food tour for a more organized immersion into Myanmar’s foodie scene. I did some research and didn’t find many options, but then I discovered Yangon Food Tours. In operation for just a few months, this is very much a business with passion and I was excited not just to enjoy a food tour dinner, but also to support a truly local startup. The Yangon Food Tour is a good mix of stall and restaurant food, which, honestly perfectly reflects the style of eating in Yangon. And eating is serious business in the city, I marveled at how many restaurants and other opportunities to eat there were everywhere around town. Not unlike other countries in the region, food is at the heart of the experience and to truly start to understand the culture and people, you have to understand what they eat and how they enjoy food. Yes, the Yangon Food Tour was the ideal introduction to the cuisine of Yangon and Myanmar, but it did more than that. It was also the perfect way for me to get used to the city, to shed any concerns or fears I may have had in a new place and to learn to enjoy Yangon for everything that makes it so great. It was one of the highlights of my time in Myanmar, well worth the investment of $35 and a few hours of my time.

Have you been to Yangon? What were your favorite experiences?

The post 48-Hours in Yangon – How I Experienced the Best of This Myanmar City appeared first on LandLopers.

The term “experiential luxury travel” has actually been around for a long time; in fact one of the companies mentioned in this post first made the term popular. Lately though this style has taken on a new life of its own and it’s not just popular, it has quickly became the de facto way in which many luxury travelers prefer to see the world. For me personally though the definition has two different aspects. There are some travel experiences, some entire trips even, that are so exceptional they become luxury travel experiences. These run the gamut, from African safaris to a cruise around Antarctica, but their commonality is that they are remarkable activities that do more than just take you to a new place, they transform who you are as a person. The second definition is more mainstream, which is luxury travel but luxury that doesn’t cut the traveler off from the places they visit. Thankfully, this has been the norm lately and all of the luxury travel experts have been quoted saying that experiential travel is the new luxury, and I couldn’t agree more. Sure, spending some time at a nice tropical resort where you do nothing but rest by the pool can be fine, but many people want more than that. They want to get out and explore, experience local communities and cultures and feel like they’ve actually traveled somewhere. Nice pools exist everywhere, but those cultural connections, those are unique. Since it is how I almost always experience the world, I thought I would take stock and share my favorite experiential luxury travel moments from 2017, amazing adventures that I know I’ll always remember.

Hiking Through Colombia’s Cocora Valley
Believe it or not but it’s not everyday I’m completely surprised by a new place I visit, but that’s exactly what happened to me while exploring Colombia’s coffee growing region. Massive coffee plantations abound along with mountains and cloud forests that seem as if they were plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel. It’s a beautiful part of Colombia, but this national park is definitely in a class all of its own. The Cocora Valley comes from the indigenous word for “star of water” and it’s certainly a cloudy, wet part of the country. It’s also home to Colombia’s national tree, the gigantic wax palm. It was this tree more than anything that transformed a simple hike into something extraordinary. The last place I’d ever expect to see these massive palms is high up in the Colombian Andes, a world of impossibly diverse shades of green and clouds that envelop you as you walk along. It’s a surreal almost magical place, which in large part defines Colombia. Arguably Colombia’s greatest author, Gabriel García Márquez is famous for his use of magical realism, which is a realistic view of the world that adds in magical elements. I couldn’t think of a better way to describe my morning tramping through the grasses and damp fields of the valley. It was real, but there was something else there too, something I could almost grasp but it kept eluding me. No doubt there’s magic in these hills, a special kind of effect that surely makes this one of the most extraordinary spots on the planet.

Escaping to Florida
I always flee Washington during Inauguration week, no matter who is elected President. It’s just nice to get away from the madness for a few days, preferably somewhere warm as January in D.C. is often cruel. This year I picked Florida and the gorgeous Diplomat Beach Resort. Originally built in the 1950s, the Diplomat at one time was the only resort between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Given what the area looks like today, that’s amazing, and it was the start of a long and storied history at one of the country’s great resort hotels. Over the decades, the Diplomat wined and dined everyone from the Kennedy’s to the Rat Pack but then in the late 1980s it began to fall on hard times. Eventually, the original hotel was completely demolished and a new one built in its place; evoking the memory of the original but with the modern flourishes everyone expects. Then just a couple of years ago, the resort once again started to reinvent itself and launched a $100 million renovation project which just finished and that has made it one of the top properties in South Florida yet again. It was also the ideal place to relax and decompress, something I don’t do often enough.

Mallorca with Azamara
One reason I was so excited for my Azamara Club Cruises trip around the Mediterranean was that the ports of call aren’t ones typically visited by much larger ships. Thanks to not just the size of the Azamara Quest, but also the cruise line’s commitment to providing engaging local experiences, destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Spain were on the itinerary and I couldn’t wait to visit. I did a lot during my day of exploration, but as always just wandering around the city of Palma was a highlight. I have long said that it’s impossible to look at a palm tree and not smile, and in Palma that meant a silly smile was plastered to my face for the entire day. Palm trees line the entire historical downtown core, from the ancient cathedral to the little side streets that kept drawing me in to explore and wander. It’s a wonderful feeling, to be warm and happy even at a time of the year when many parts of Europe are still grey and cool.

Spending Time in Granada
There were many highlights on my week long tour of Southern Spain with luxury tour provider Abercrombie & Kent, but one that quickly rose to a place of prominence for me personally was the day spent exploring the massive and undeniably beautiful Alhambra in Granada. Originally built as a fortress on the remains of Roman ruins in the 9th century, it wasn’t until the 13th century when the Moorish emir of Granada renovated and rebuilt the palace that it took on the incredible appearance it enjoys today. While it’s been changed and added to many times over the centuries, the Alhambra remains one of the best preserved Islamic palaces from when the Moors controlled this region of Spain. I thought I knew what to expect but, of course, nothing really prepared me for the experience itself. Everything was so much grander than I had anticipated and the subtle beauty of Moorish design is hard to resist.

Rural Fine Dining in Ireland
I normally don’t consider myself a fine-dining kind of guy and yet, whenever I experience a great restaurant, I almost always walk away impressed. That was definitely the case after an incredible 11-course tasting menu at the organic Strawberry Tree Restaurant at Macreddin Village. The BrookLodge and attached restaurant are a relaxing country retreat where pastoral luxury reigns supreme. I love great properties like the BrookLodge, tucked away deep in the rolling hills and a place where people go to do little more than relax. But it’s also home to Ireland’s only entirely organic restaurant, the Strawberry Tree. Led by a chef with a fierce obsession with seasonality, they even have a full-time forager on staff who treks every day to find the freshest ingredients in the pastures and paths surrounding Macreddin. The results speak for themselves; after a leisurely dinner I was as impressed as I’ve ever been by a food experience. Each course was more surprising than the last and when combined with great service and hospitality, it was the perfect evening.

Driving the Alsatian Wine Route
Although the weather was picture-perfect as I drove into Ribeauvillé, the weatherman had already let me know storms weren’t far away. I was in a race against those dark skies as I tried to see and do as much as I could, while paying attention to the time. But if any village deserves some time, it’s this one. One of the oldest towns in Alsace, its wine history goes back centuries and clues to its importance can be found everywhere, but especially from the incredible ruins of the Three Castles that still overlook the village today. The great thing about visiting the various settlements along the route is their size. They aren’t big and most have a similar layout, with one main street running through them. That’s the path I took through Ribeauvillé as I gawked at the ancient buildings; not for the first time overwhelmed by the vibrant colors surrounding me. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and the town was packed with locals and visitors alike, everyone stopping by the morning market to see what was available and pausing to enjoy coffee at the corner cafe. It was my first real introduction to the Alsatian Wine Route and set the perfect stage for a day of exploration.

All of Kyrgyzstan
At the beginning of the year I couldn’t even place Kyrgyzstan on a map, much less imagine traveling there. And yet, my couple of weeks spent in this Central Asian country now counts as one of my favorite experiences of 2017. When planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan it’s important not to approach the country as a voyeur. Instead, do everything you can to know and understand the wonderful people who call Kyrgyzstan home. You can accomplish this in any number of ways, from engaging food tours in Osh and Karakol, to attending special festivals highlighting the traditional culture of the country. Everyone has a story to tell and as travelers, it’s up to us to find out what they are. I had honestly never considered traveling to Kyrgyzstan as something viable until I was approached by USAID. However, the trip opened my eyes to a new region of the world, one I had some strong misconceptions about. I never knew how beautiful it was, how friendly the people are, how delicious the food can be and just how fun traveling there is. It felt like an adventure and in 2017, that’s a difficult sensation to recapture but in Kyrgyzstan you can embrace everything great about the spirit of pure exploration.

First Class on Cathay Pacific
Getting there is more than half the fun for me; the in-flight experience is a big part of any trip I take. Over the last few years, I have gotten to know the premium airline Cathay Pacific very well, flying in almost every class of travel except for one – First Class. So when it came time to cash out miles for my vacation to Southeast Asia I decided to go for it and enjoyed the legendary service in Cathay Pacific’s First Class Cabin for the first time. From the massive personal space to the extraordinary service, everything was perfect, just as I had expected. Add in amazing food and lots of little perks, and I’m afraid that my First Class experience with Cathay Pacific has forever spoiled me.

Strand Cruise in Myanmar
We all have our own unique ways in which we like to travel. Mine is called experiential luxury and while not every trip matches the style, when possible it is how I prefer to see the world. Visiting Myanmar was equal parts work and vacation, which means I wanted a luxurious but immersive first introduction to Myanmar. I say first because, even before leaving home, I knew that Myanmar is a country that would require multiple visits, a fact reaffirmed now that I’m home. To help introduce me to the wonders of Myanmar, I joined The Strand Cruise along the Ayeyarwady River from Bagan to Mandalay. Now in its third season on the water, this luxury river cruise experience is an extension of the elegant Strand Hotel in Yangon, a beautiful property with an incredible history in the region. The cruise is an extension of that luxury experience, from the accommodations to the service and everything else onboard, it was the ideal place to call home for a few days. Even better though were the immersive experiences offered on the cruise. The passengers onboard The Strand Cruise were there for one reason, to experience Myanmar and the tours, lectures and activities offered provided us all with that remarkable opportunity. Whether it was learning about the temples of Bagan from the head of Myanmar’s archeological efforts or getting up at dawn to see the sun rise over the marshy landscape, I left the ship at the end of the week satisfied with my first introduction to the country, learning about both the country’s history and the wonderful people who call it home.

Rome with Flair
Before my recent return to Rome with untour company Monograms Travel, my only other experience with the Eternal City had been for 36 hours several years ago. Needless to say, that first time I didn’t even give the city a chance really which is why I’m so thankful for this second attempt. As it turns out, I fell in love with Rome which is certainly something I never expected. Yes, I enjoyed hanging out in the Piazza Navona with gelato in hand, but I equally enjoyed walking around neighborhoods that remain nameless to me, just admiring the atmosphere and what it was like to be present in the moment. Sitting outside with friends enjoying a meal, lifting a glass of Prosecco in a silent cheer to a golden sunset, getting delightfully lost down a seemingly endless array of side streets; these are my favorite moments in Rome, much more than seeing the Sistine Chapel or trekking up the Spanish steps. Those private, independent moments are what endear us to new places, it’s why we travel and my trip with Monograms facilitated this in a way no one else could have.

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Instagram is one of my favorite social media platforms and it’s one I always use when I travel. It enables me to share stories and images in a way I don’t do anywhere else, so today I thought I’d highlight the 10 photos that were the most popular in 2017. It’s important to note though that since Instagram decided to tweak their algorithms and limit who sees what, my engagement has been all over the place. So, I personally don’t think that these were the best photos I took in 2017 but, for whatever reason, they had the most engagement out of the more than 160 images I posted to Instagram this year. I’ve also included the narrative that accompanied each one, so please pardon me if the comments may be dated in some cases. Photos are also in chronological order and not listed by their popularity.

The Diplomat Beach Resort, Florida

No filters or edits needed for this perfect sunrise. Every 4 years I use the inauguration as an excuse to get out of town and enjoy a few days of R&R and this go-around I thought some Vitamin Sea would be perfect, which is how I found myself in beautiful (and warm) South Florida. A few months ago I stayed at the Logan Hotel in Philadelphia and was first introduced to the Curio Collection by Hilton, a line of luxury boutique hotels around the world. I loved everything about it and that’s why I didn’t hesitate to book a room at another Curio property – the historic Diplomat Resort in sunny Hollywood, Florida. I didn’t know it at the time, but they just finished a massive remodel which means everything is fresh, new and gorgeous and I immediately wished I’d booked more than a couple of days here. The Diplomat though is one of the country’s great iconic hotels, opening in the 1950s it has hosted everyone from the Kennedy’s to the Rat Pack and more than one President. Travel can be a lot of things but sometimes it should just be fun and relaxing and after a stressful couple of weeks, it is exactly what I need. Now if you’ll excuse me, my cabana is calling.

Barcelona, Spain

Today the unthinkable happened in Barcelona happened – it rained! It actually wasn’t bad for what I wanted to see and do and it even added a nice moody touch to a planned lunch along the beach with my other Abercrombie & Kent tour participants. Funny thing about Barcelona’s long sandy shorefront; it didn’t exist before the 1992 Olympic Games. Those Games were actually a turning point for the city, forcing it into long overdo improvements including moving the massive industries once located along the water and turning it into the sunny beachside residents never thought they’d see. So that’s why, sun or not, spending time along Barcelona’s beaches isn’t just fun, it’s a big part of the overall city experience.

The Alhambra, Spain

This morning we explored a site I’d long wanted to visit, the extraordinary Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Moorish poets once described this massive palace and fortress complex as a “pearl set in emeralds,” and during the Middle Ages it was the center of power for the Emirate of Granada. The Moors controlled southern Spain for centuries and this incredible bastion was one of the last great palaces constructed in Europe. Walking around with my Abercrombie & Kent group for several hours, there were dozens upon dozens of moments that deeply impressed me, but perhaps none more so than this, the Court of the Lions. Walking in it’s hard not to be immediately awed by the 124 white marble columns, each adorned with stunning Islamic art. At the center though is the famous fountain with 12 white marble lions that would each spout water at different times of the day. Sure it’s an aesthetically beautiful place but it’s also a powerful one, meant to impress then as it surely does today.

Wittenberg, Germany

I started Germany’s Martin Luther Route here, in Wittenberg, which is also where the story of the Reformation began as well. It was here on that church in the background where Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door, starting a chain of events that would give birth to Protestantism and change the world in the process. It’s always so humbling to visit places like these, where you can feel the weight of history as you walk in the footsteps of revolutionary figures. Wittenberg is also just a naturally beautiful city, making my time spent there a real pleasure.

Finger Lakes Region of New York

At the heart of the Finger Lakes experience for many are the wineries, breweries and distilleries found all around the lakes. For decades, Finger Lakes wines were produced using native grapes and, for the most part, the results were mixed. But then in the 1960s, mimicking global wine trends, vinifera grapes were introduced and the wineries in the region started producing everything from stellar Rieslings to full bodied reds. Today the results speak for themselves and with more than 140 wineries in the Finger Lakes, visitors can try as many of these vintages for themselves as they want. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing wineries to visit, but one of my favorite experiences was at the Wagner Vineyards. Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery produces a wide selection of amazing wines, but they also have a brewery on site that creates just as tasty ales, porters and IPAs. With a large deck overlooking the vines and lake, it’s was the perfect spot to sit back and relax.

Yangon, Myanmar

It’s simply not possible to capture the size and the essence of what it’s like to visit Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda in a single photo. It’d be like trying to capture the essence of Vatican City in just one snap of the camera. But I can try. Believed to have been built originally more than 2,500 years ago, the Pagoda itself is just part of a larger religious complex on the 114-acre Singuttara Hill in Yangon. It’s also Myanmar’s holiest temple, believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas. At the center though is of course the Pagoda itself, standing more than 360 feet tall and covered with gold plates and encrusted with thousands of diamonds and other precious jewels. Arriving midweek in the morning, I found the complex still packed with people, all there to pray and offer their respect before continuing on with their day. In Myanmar, one’s shoes must be removed before entering temples or other sacred sites, which meant my exploration of this enormous complex was done barefoot, made easier though by the miles of marble flooring covering the entire site. I spent a fair amount of time at the Pagoda, walking the circuit around Shwedagon joined by thousands of worshipers doing the same thing. The morning was about so much more though than just admiring a world wonder in person, it was about getting to know Myanmar a little bit better. The Pagoda represents so many important hallmarks of Myanmar heritage – art, architecture, religion, values and so on. It forms the focus of religious and community activities for a reason, and spending the morning immersing myself in those traditions wasn’t just fun as a tourist, but important for me to do as a traveler.

U Bein’s Bridge, Amarapura Myanmar

As a history buff, I had a great time exploring many of Myanmar’s most famous temples, monasteries and pagodas, but this morning was a fun diversion from those scholarly pursuits as we visited the U Been Bridge in Mandalay. Dubbed the world’s longest teak footbridge, this 1.2 kilometer bridge spans Taungthaman Lake and is a popular diversion for tourists and locals alike. As an affirmed dog lover though, of course my favorite part was meeting the scores of homeless pups who call the bridge area home. It’s frustrating that I can’t do anything to help them, but I did what I could which was give them a little attention and love. It’s hard to believe that this is my last day in Myanmar, but I’m leaving with more stories and memories than I had ever imagined and I can’t wait to start sharing them all in earnest.

Myanmar

There were many special moments on The Strand cruise along the Ayeyarwady River, but a morning visit to the ancient kingdom of Ava was certainly a highlight. Making our way through the marshy terrain, I resisted the urge to pinch myself to make sure the moment was really happening. Passing by golden temples surrounded by rice paddies, this is the Myanmar I had traveled so far to see. This was the country as I imagined it, a rarity in the travel experience. The moody skies and threat of rain only added to the sensation of having entered a dreamland, a place that exists in the ethereal realm of our hopes and desires. Myanmar is a special country for so many reasons, but this, a feeling I can’t even really name, is perhaps what I’ll remember the most.

Innsbruck, Austria

One of the coolest things I’ve done in a long time happened on my last day in Innsbruck, when I went on a very unconventional helicopter ride. While I’ve been in helicopters before, they all had something the one in Innsbruck did not – doors. The first of its kind in Europe, the folks over at My Snap Air offer guests the very unique opportunity to hang out of a helicopter as they fly over the Austrian Alps. While swinging my legs around mid-air was definitely a rush, the real highlight were those incredible views. Nestled in a valley, the city of Innsbruck quickly looked like a model playset against the massive mountains. Flying a lot closer than I would have ever guessed, it’s a unique way to experience the beauty of the Alps in as close and personal a way as you can get without undertaking a massive trek.

Piazza Navona, Rome

I can’t believe that my Italy trip came to a close so quickly. Time flew by as I spent more than a week exploring Southern Italy, my second trip with independent travel pros Monograms Travel. There are many highlights, but I think Rome will always be a special place for me. There’s nothing quite like it and although my experience with it in the past had been brief and cursory, I now feel like I understand the city a little better and appreciate why millions around the world love it so very much. Thanks for following along on this trip, new adventures await of course but first I need some time at home to recharge and hang out with my awesome dogs.

Rome, Italy

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans and happy Thursday to the rest of the world! Today I want to share something I’m incredibly thankful for, and that’s this amazing life I’m living today in 2017. it’s been almost 8 years since I started my travel blog and nearly 6 years since I made it my full time career, facts that frankly stun me. Many of you probably aren’t familiar with my back-story, so I’ve included a link to my blog post in the bio explaining who I am and how I ended up in this admittedly strange career of professional travel blogger. It’s certainly not a place I ever saw myself, but there’s no doubt that I couldn’t be happier. Another blogger recently wrote a post saying that leaving one’s job to travel isn’t brave, it’s lucky. That’s true. But I didn’t leave my job to travel, I left my job in order to save my life. After 12 years of working a job I didn’t particularly like I was miserable in every way possible. It’s amazing how being unhappy in one area of your life can affect all other aspects, but it does. Since that defining moment when my traditional 9-5 job and I parted ways, I’ve never worked harder but I’ve also never been happier. My passion in life is learning all I can about the world around me, from foreign cultures to new foods and of course seeing some of the many wonders found all over the globe. Since I was very young that’s always been my passion, I just forgot it for a while. Being reconnected to what my soul sings for is a joy unlike any other. No matter what your passion in life is, whether it’s being a doctor, a firefighter or whatever, just make sure you’re doing it. Do what your soul needs in order to thrive because life’s too short and if you don’t then you’ll never see the positive changes you’re looking for in your own life. Thank you all for your kind support over the years, it means the world to me and without it I’d never be able to follow my passions like I do today.

Nice, France

“This is not an ice cream,” as a twist on that famous Magritte quote and image. Hello from the always gorgeous French Riviera as I cruise the Mediterranean with Viking cruises. We’ve been in France for a couple of days but today was a special one as I visited one of the truly great cities in this part of the world, Nice. I also decided to have a little fun with a photo prop as you can tell and I’m curious to hear what you think. Personally, I love the twist on those now common ice cream cone shots we see all the time here on Instagram and hopefully it adds a little beauty to your day. Wandering the streets of Nice decked out for the holidays made for a very special day and while there’s certainly no snow down here, I found a city just as festive as any other. I love visiting different parts of Europe around the holidays to see how various regions celebrate and today was a highlight of those Yuletide wanderings.

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My Strand Cruise through Myanmar had many highlights, but none perhaps as special as the first couple of days onboard when we explored some of the more than 2,000 temples in and around Bagan.

Many say that the archeological region of Bagan in Myanmar is rivaled only by Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and after having spent time exploring the beautiful temples of Bagan I couldn’t agree more. Between the 9th and 13th centuries, Bagan was a capital city and the many wealthy elite who lived there erected thousands of temples, more than 10,000 to be exact. Today around 2,000 still exist, survivors of time, earthquakes and neglect. But for many visitors, including myself, visiting Bagan is one of the highlights of any trip to Myanmar. There’s something special about this place, holy and sacred for so very long that the temples inspire a certain kind of introspection. The ultimate though is of course getting up far too early to climb the steps of one of the temples in order to watch the sun rise over the countryside. Like little termite mounds popping up, the sun gradually bathed them in soft morning light, creating one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever had the great privilege to witness.

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When considering how best to visit the somewhat mysterious country of Myanmar for the first time, a river cruise had honestly not occurred to me. But then, thanks almost entirely to social media, I saw more and more mentions of various luxury river cruises that sail on the mighty Ayeyarwady River, either from Bagan to Mandalay or the reverse. The trips looked amazing and seemed to highlight some of the country’s most iconic cities and experiences. So when it came time to plan a much needed vacation, I leapt at the opportunity to experience life on the Strand Cruise.

Legacy of The Strand

First opening its doors in 1901, The Strand in Yangon is one of the world’s great historic luxury hotels. Throughout the decades, The Strand has been the place to stay in this part of the world, attracting luminaries throughout the ages from Orwell to Bowie. It was, and still is really, at the geographic center of cultural life in Yangon, and although it’s changed hands many times over the years, it still stands. Through wars, neglect and political upheaval, The Strand Hotel has always remained at 92 Strand Road and now, thanks to a massive remodel last year, it’s been returned to its former glory but with all the modern conveniences. A couple of years ago the owners decided to bring that same level of luxury, service and comfort to the water and launched The Strand luxury cruise.

The Ship and Onboard Life

Now in its third season, The Strand Cruise is the latest luxury cruise to hit the river, taking a maximum of just 56 passengers in 28 cabin suites to some of the most remote and beautiful areas of Myanmar. The Strand Cruise truly is an extension of the hotel in nearly every way. That beautifully designed lobby of the hotel is reflected in the teaks and colors of the boat and even the cabins felt more like hotel rooms than cramped cruise ship berths. Walking into my bedroom for the first time I couldn’t believe I was on a boat, every amenity and special luxury touch I loved about the hotel was there onboard the ship as well. This isn’t an easy achievement, but The Strand has turned a nice hotel stay in Yangon into an all-encompassing travel experience in Myanmar.

But that was purposeful. The ship was built to order by The Strand, every design detail and embellishment carefully selected to represent the best of Burmese luxury and refinement, while also being a cozy place for guests to relax. Within a few minutes it was easy to forget that I was on a river cruise ship. The room was spacious, well designed with warm teak wood floors and floor to ceiling windows allowing the landscapes to be the showcase, as they should be. The bathroom was the largest I’ve seen on a river cruise ship with amenities that mirrored my experience at The Strand Hotel in Yangon. Add in conveniences like air conditioning that actually kept up with the temperatures and onboard WiFi, and it’s a modern experience as well as a classically designed one.

My only wish is that the itinerary had been longer than 4 days, but that’s the norm for the ship – trips are either 3 or 4 days depending on which direction along the river you’re traveling. But it was more than enough time to get to know the ship and all of its incredible little touches. By designing the ship themselves, The Strand guaranteed a certain level of sophistication but also of ease for the traveler. Nothing seemed out of place or forced, from the stunning pool deck to the lounge with specially made board games with a Burmese twist, all of the spaces and features coexist in perfect harmony. Aside from the public spaces, the food was of course one of the highlights of the experience, just as it is at The Strand Hotel in Yangon. Employing different themes for lunches and dinners throughout the voyage, each dish is individually prepared, creating a restaurant experience on the water, which many times does not occur on some river cruise ships. It felt as if I were enjoying a fine dining experience at every meal because, well, I was. Even breakfasts became an important occasion, choosing between a myriad of choices and, after just the first day, servers remembered my preferences and insatiable need for coffee.

That level of service is what is most impressive though, and transforms the experience into something truly special. Being met with a smile by every staff member, those same individuals remembering all of my likes and dislikes, which I think is noteworthy for such a short cruise. That’s no small effort and has been missing on some other cruises I’ve taken. Ultimately, remembering that I like Diet Coke at dinner doesn’t make or break a trip, but it’s a welcome embellishment, it made me feel special and valued and that, that is ultimately what luxury travel is all about.

Exceptional Experiences

I wasn’t sailing on the Ayeyarwady though to enjoy perfectly cooked eggs. I was there to experience Myanmar for the first time, to see and learn as much as I could and The Strand became an integral partner in the adventure. Immediately after landing in Bagan the experience started and just as quickly I knew that I would be well looked after throughout the week. The Strand not only uses local guides and experts at every stop along the river, but the groups are never more than 5 or 6 people. They want to keep everything intimate and special, ensuring everyone enjoys what really is a bucket list adventure for most travelers.

The excursions include some of the country’s most famous sights such as the main temples in Bagan, the highlights of Mandalay and other important sites along the way like Mingun and Amarapura. But The Strand also includes special experiences during the trip like horse drawn cart rides to major sights and special embellishments I don’t want to spoil.

More than that though, The Strand Cruise enabled me to see and experience Myanmar in a way that was perfect for me and my travel style. Since it was my first trip to the country I wanted to see some of the most important sights, while also learning as much as I could along the way. I also just wanted to BE, to enjoy the moment and the incredible otherness that traveling in Myanmar can be like at times. The Strand enabled this in ways I could never have duplicated on my own, all with flair, comfort and ease. It was the ideal way for me to experience Myanmar and I know I’m well prepared to further that education the next time I visit.

Immersive Luxury

The Strand Cruise exemplifies everything that luxury travel should be in the 21^st century. During the cruise I had the opportunity to chat with most of the other folks sailing with me that week. We all came from a variety of backgrounds, but we also had a lot in common. Most of us were between 35-50 years old, came from professional backgrounds but, more importantly, we all had a fierce love of travel and a strong, unabiding desire to see the world. None of us would have elected to sail with The Strand had we not believed the experience to be immersive and personal while, simultaneously, creating special moments and offering certain luxuries that are impossible to find elsewhere. It’s a special combination and, from my experience, not easy to execute, but The Strand accomplishes this lofty goal of immersive luxury with ease.

The modern traveler does not want to be removed from the places they visit, they want to get up close and personal and to really and truly experience special places around the world. That’s especially true I think for the luxury traveler who understands the inherent value of experiences over things, of memories over mementos. The Strand is the ideal embodiment of these ideals, offering up incredible experiences in a dreamlike setting with ease and comfort. I can honestly think of no better way to experience Myanmar and I hope, very sincerely, to return and further my own education into the culture of this wonderful country.

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Until just a few years ago, Myanmar, or Burma if you prefer, was as mysterious as North Korea. People just didn’t go there and the average person knew little to nothing about it. But with the change from military to civilian rule many changes have occurred, including the opening of the country to the rest of the world and the rest of the world has responded in kind. Tourists have begun to descend on Myanmar in huge numbers, curious about the country but also eager to experience a region of Southeast Asia that hasn’t seen the same tourism infrastructure development as some of its neighbors. My own education started where it normally does, with the food. I knew absolutely nothing about Burmese food or even what I’d expect to find in Yangon, the country’s largest city. While I could have clumsily eaten my way around the city, I wanted to take a food tour for a more organized immersion into Myanmar’s foodie scene. I did some research and didn’t find many options, but then I discovered Yangon Food Tours. In operation for just a few months, this is very much a business with passion and I was excited not just to enjoy a food tour dinner, but also to support a truly local startup.

I met the owner Phone at the tour gathering point along with a few other tourists, all there for the same reason – to eat themselves silly. I purposefully joined the tour on my first day in the city, really wanting to understand the food before heading out on my own. What followed was not only one of the best food tours I’ve ever been on, but one of the most fun as well. It was an eclectic group, Brits and Americans mostly and none of us knew a lot about Myanmar in general, much less the food culture. Phone understood that and at each of the seven stops made sure to explain not only what we were eating, but why it’s popular and why it’s important to Burmese culture.

Staying at The Strand Hotel, the meeting location in front of Maha Bandula Park couldn’t have been more convenient, yet another perk to staying at this iconic property. Another was that I was able to follow the advice of the kind staff at The Strand, which was to enjoy some of Yangon’s street food. The Yangon Food Tour is a good mix of stall and restaurant food, which, honestly perfectly reflects the style of eating in Yangon. And eating is serious business in the city, I marveled at how many restaurants and other opportunities to eat there were everywhere around town. Not unlike other countries in the region, food is at the heart of the experience and to truly start to understand the culture and people, you have to understand what they eat and how they enjoy food.

Moving from stall to stall, enjoying local delicacies such as samosa salad, fried chicken wontons and something mysteriously named a Gangster Snack was fun, informative and of course delicious. Almost more important than the food though was spending the evening walking around the streets of Yangon with a local. Instead of guessing where to go and what to eat, Phone was there to guide us every step of the way, introducing me to areas of the city I know I would’ve missed on my own. Ultimately, that’s the great benefit of any well-executed food tour. Sure, the food is usually amazing but what we learn about the culture and the city itself is almost more important. For most societies, food and how it is consumed is at the center of daily life and to be brought into that secret world is something special and memorable.

Before the tour I was slightly worried though. As a picky eater, I had no idea whether or not I’d be able to eat everything on the tour, even though I had emailed Phone in advance about my concerns. While he’s new to the business, he handled my needs with ease, offering me alternatives when needed or avoiding certain stalls altogether. That’s a certain level of professionalism I don’t always see in even seasoned veterans of the industry and exemplifies, I think, a level of true care and concern that will ensure his business thrives well into the future.

After the stall snacks, we sampled more robust plates at neighborhood restaurants. Places I would’ve walked by without a second glance but which are home to some of the best food in the city. Tasty Burmese tea, Shan noodles and a table full of small plates that could’ve fed an army. There was no walking away hungry that night, Phone wouldn’t allow it. At our last stop this unlikely group of new friends laughed over bowls of ice cream and custard, taking photos with one another and reveling in an evening well spent. It was the ideal first night out on the town, but not necessarily for the reasons I thought before arriving. Yes, the Yangon Food Tour was the ideal introduction to the cuisine of Yangon and Myanmar, but it did more than that. It was also the perfect way for me to get used to the city, to shed any concerns or fears I may have had in a new city and to learn to enjoy Yangon for everything that makes it so great. It was one of the highlights of my time in Myanmar, well worth the investment of $35 and a few hours of my time.

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When talking about not only the world’s great hotels but also the most remarkable travel experiences, they fall into a variety of different camps. Among the standouts though are those who have not only proven the test of time, but whose service and refinement has become the stuff of legends. The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Raffles in Singapore and yes, The Strand Hotel in Yangon are all members of this exclusive group of leading hotels. I had the great opportunity to be the guest of The Strand Hotel in Yangon recently, as well as sail aboard their new luxury cruise ship on the Ayeyarwady River. My time in Myanmar was phenomenal in no small part due to the service and standards of The Strand Hotel, all the way from Yangon to Bagan and onwards to Mandalay. At the bedrock of those experiences though is the original hotel itself, and today I want to share the unique qualities that make it so much more than just a hotel, but an integral aspect of an immersive travel experience in Yangon.

History

I think why I love the Grande Dame luxury hotels so much is that they provide not only a window to the past, but an opportunity to step into a different way of life. They allow us to pretend we’re on that epic tour of the world with six-months of steamer trunks and valets tagging along. The Strand Hotel certainly belongs to that era, a time when the customs of Downton Abbey were still alive and well. The Strand first opened its doors in 1901 and was later acquired by the Sarkies brothers, famous for their luxury hotels around Asia, like the Raffles in Singapore. It was, and still is really, at the geographic center of cultural life in Yangon, and although it’s changed hands many times over the years, it sill stands. Through wars, neglect and political upheaval, The Strand has always remained at 92 Strand Road and now, thanks to a massive remodel last year, it’s been returned to its former glory but with all the modern conveniences.

New Renovations

In 2016, The Strand closed for six-months to undergo some much needed renovations. Not from a structural aspect, but inside the property itself, from the airy public spaces to those near-perfect rooms and suites. The remodel thankfully preserved the colonial era elegance for which it’s so well known, adding in modern conveniences and styles that appeal to the 21st century traveler. The hotel’s 31 rooms and suites have been painstakingly remodeled, keeping that gorgeous teak paneling but combining it with textiles and colors that seem elegant and not stuffy, relaxed but dignified. Local artisans meticulously restored every original architectural detail of The Strand Yangon, from the antique bedsteads to traditional Myanmar lacquer ware and marble flooring, while giving the hotel a complete upgrade and contemporary twist through the latest technology, a refreshed color palette and subtle decorative details.

Service

For me, service is at the heart of any outstanding luxury travel experience. Thankfully, at legendary properties such as The Strand, service is the foundation on which the property is built. It is a part of the hotel’s DNA; something so basic and critical to their functioning that they couldn’t imagine life without it. Service is not just a word here, it is a way of life, and as a guest I felt that at every step of the way, from beginning to end. As a very picky traveler I usually can find some fault with just about any hotel I visit, even the best in the world, but not so with The Strand. Over two days the service, the amenities, the comfort, everything was absolutely perfect and formed the ideal introduction to both Myanmar and the city of Yangon. That’s important because, for as nice as The Strand is, I wasn’t only there to stay in a nice hotel, I was there to explore Myanmar for the first time and The Strand helped me along the way in a number of important ways.

Immersive Travel

With only a few exceptions around the world, we travel to see and experience new places and hotels are not usually the first step in this decision making process. However, they quickly become important actors in our travel experiences. It matters a great deal where one decides to spend the night, where to place the trust of a fun and engaging getaway. Great hotels aren’t silent partners, they will facilitate our greater understanding of the locales, helping us get closer to the destination in a way that would be hard if not difficult to replicate on our own. The location of The Strand Hotel in Yangon is ideal; no surprise really since it’s been at the core of Yangon cultural life for generations. That prime location also provided me with many opportunities to get out and explore the city.

Yangon is a curious mix of people, styles and eras, all thrown together in a way that at first may seem a little confusing, but ultimately makes sense. It’s also a much more orderly city than I had anticipated, motorcycles aren’t allowed downtown so there’s not the same madness and crush of vehicles as is common in cities like Bangkok. No, Yangon seemed more polite, more dignified and even easier to explore. Since I was short on time, I hired a guide for a few hours who, along with the advice from The Strand’s local staff, helped me experience the best of Yangon in just a couple of days. But it’s also important to note that in many ways The Strand is Yangon. From the colonial era through to today, it has mirrored the ups and downs of the country in a way no other business has. Over those generations, it has woven itself into the fabric of the city, an unlikely outsider welcomed with open arms.

Visiting Myanmar for the first time was important personally. I was excited in a way I haven’t been for a very long time, not just for the promise of some much needed time off, but also to explore what still is one of the most mysterious countries in the world. I couldn’t have hoped for a better hospitality partner than The Strand Hotel, not just in Yangon but also as I sailed along the Ayeyarwady River into the heart of the country. Given their incredible history in the country, they are perhaps best positioned to help visitors learn and experience Myanmar in a way no one else can do. It’s a unique position and when added to the incomparable luxury and service offered both on land and water, makes The Strand experience just that, an experience. They’ve transcended being a simple hotel and have launched themselves into being something so much more, something so much more impactful for their guests creating not only nice trips in the process, but travel experiences that surely will never be forgotten.

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Everyone travels differently; it’s one of the things I love most about the experience. It’s equal opportunity and anyone can benefit from it whether they’re rich or poor, adventurous or not. When it came time for me to think about how I first wanted to experience Myanmar though, there was little question in my mind. For nearly a century, The Strand Hotel in Yangon has been one of the most luxurious and famous hotels not only in Asia, but the world, and their recent addition of a river cruise along the Ayeyarwady River from Bagan to Mandalay has made this formally city-based luxury experience something that can now travel the country. From my first arrival into Yangon to many special moments in more rural areas of Myanmar, The Strand was my experience curator and for me, and my travel style, it was the best way to first experience this at times mysterious country. Here’s what I think everyone should know what The Strand experience in Myanmar and why I honestly think it’s one of the best ways to see this remarkable country.

The Strand Hotel in Yangon

The Strand first opened its doors in 1901 and was later acquired by the Sarkies brothers, famous for their luxury hotels around Asia, like the Raffles in Singapore. It was, and still is really, at the geographic center of cultural life in Yangon, and although it’s changed hands many times over the years, it still stands. Through wars, neglect and political upheaval, The Strand has always remained at 92 Strand Road and now, thanks to a massive remodel last year, it’s been returned to its former glory but with all the modern conveniences.

Great hotels aren’t just places to lay your head, they’re complete experiences, and mine started at the airport when our longyi-clad driver picked us up to take us to the famous hotel. Walking through those front doors for the first time though was something I’ll never forget. I felt like an adventurer from a long-gone era, part of a Downton Abbey type of elite that simply doesn’t exist anymore.

The remodel thankfully preserved the colonial era elegance for which it’s so well known, adding in modern conveniences and styles that appeal to the 21st century traveler. The hotel’s 31 rooms and suites have been painstakingly remodeled, keeping that gorgeous teak and paneling but combining it with textiles and colors that seem elegant and not stuffy, relaxed but dignified. It’s a tightrope to walk in turns of design, but The Strand pulled it off with ease.

The Strand was also the ideal home from which to launch my own first time exploration of remarkable Yangon. The first thing I do whenever I visit a new place is to walk around the neighborhood and Yangon was no exception. Yangon is a curious mix of people, styles and eras, all thrown together in a way that at first may seem a little confusing, but ultimately makes sense. It’s also a much more orderly city than I had anticipated, motorcycles aren’t allowed downtown so there’s not the same madness and crush of vehicles as is common in cities like Bangkok. No, Yangon seemed more polite, more dignified and even easier to explore. Since I was short on time, I hired a guide for a few hours who, along with the advice from The Strand’s local staff, helped me experience the best of Yangon in just a couple of days.

But it’s also important to note that in many ways The Strand is Yangon. From the colonial era through to today, it has mirrored the ups and downs of the country in a way no other business has. Over those generations, it has woven itself into the fabric of the city, an unlikely outsider welcomed with open arms. But that wasn’t the end of my time with The Strand or Myanmar; it was just the beginning of what was a grand adventure.

The Strand Cruise

For a name as iconic as The Strand, it sometimes can be hard to expand its name and image, especially in new areas of hospitality. That’s just one of many reasons why I was so curious for my luxury cruise along the Ayeyarwady River, starting in Bagan and ending in Mandalay.

Now in its third season, The Strand Cruise is the latest luxury cruise to hit the river, taking a maximum of just 56 passengers in 28 cabin suites to some of the most remote and beautiful areas of Myanmar. The Strand Cruise truly is an extension of the hotel in nearly every way. That beautifully designed lobby of the hotel is reflected in the teaks and colors of the boat and even the cabins felt more like hotel rooms than cramped cruise ship berths. Walking into my bedroom for the first time I couldn’t believe I was on a boat, every amenity and special luxury touch I loved about the hotel was there onboard the ship as well. This isn’t an easy achievement, but The Strand has turned a nice hotel stay in Yangon into an all-encompassing travel experience in Myanmar.

More importantly though are the experiences offered throughout the cruise. With stops along the river to some of the country’s most famous, and remote, temples, villages and sights, it was the perfect way for me to first experience the mysterious country of Myanmar. The messy logistics of traveling in Myanmar weren’t my concern; I was able to only focus on the destination, which, for me, is priceless. I will soon write about the cruise in more detail, but their emphasis on the destination and the passenger experience transformed the journey into a truly special life experience. Keeping tour groups limited to just 5 or 6 people, everything we did felt bespoke and individual because, well, it was. Sailing along the brown waters of the river without a care in the world, a broad smile on my face and drink in hand is a memory I know I’ll treasure for a very long time.

Trip Curation and Why The Strand Experience is Special

I’ve written about this subject before, but I feel the need to once again address it in this case because it may be the most perfect example of the phenomenon I’ve experienced to date. Truly great hotels and resorts are so much more than a simple place to sleep. If they are doing their jobs properly, they become trip curators. They help us design experiences and memories that are exceptional in nearly every way. At the heart of this curation is the not so simple act of hospitality.

I think most of us who travel frequently all have stories of individuals who have gone out of their way to help us or to show us unique aspects of their cultures. It’s an organic sort of hospitality that can be never be planned, but when it does occur has the power to change us in ways we may not be fully aware of at the time. These moments of grand hospitality have also taught me that almost everyone, in every country is basically good. They all care about the same things as we do in life and when they see visitors, they want them to understand their culture in ways a guidebook can never provide. When combined with a world-class hotel or resort, they can transform the journey.

That was a recurring theme of my time in the capable hands of The Strand, be it on land or on water. Everyone seemed to care, genuinely care about me and my wellbeing. They wanted my trip to be amazing, they wanted me to see their country, and they wanted to help me achieve all of this. It was manifested in the smallest of details, remembering my great love of Diet Coke for example. But it also presented itself in more meaningful ways, from making sure I was in the archeologist’s tour group because the director knew that I love history or mapping out which food stands were worth my time and which ones weren’t. This is local knowledge, normally kept hidden from visitors but, with the aid of people who actually cared about my trip, was made known to me, if only briefly.

How we choose to travel is just as important as where we go. I reject the notion that any part of the travel experience is without worth. It DOES matter which airline I take just as it most certainly DOES matter which hotel or cruise ship I patronize. They are at the heart of my travel experience, they can make or break the trip and in many cases I have experienced both sides to that coin. Thankfully I chose well in Myanmar with The Strand. There is no one better in the country to provide a holistic travel experience around Myanmar, from Yangon to Bagan and well beyond. From arrival to departure, they create memories and experiences that are unparalleled which comes in part from their long history and deep knowledge, but also because of a particular institutional personality quirk. They care. They care a lot actually and that affection can’t be purchased. It’s not hiding in amazing cuisine or teak wood floors. No, it’s part of the DNA of The Strand and that, more than anything else, is what sets it far apart from the rest of the hospitality pack.

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