Most people probably don’t think about chartering a yacht when embarking on a trip to a seaside locale, assuming such luxuries are only reserved for the super rich. However, considering that many of the world’s most wonderful coast lines can only be accessed by small boat – places that neither cars nor cruise ships can access – numerous economical options exist that are worth exploring. On a recent yachting trip to Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) this summer, some friends and I visited the region’s noteworthy towns – Porto Cervo, Porto Rotundo, Palau, Madelena town, and Baia Sardinia – dropping anchor along the Mediterranean coast in front of picturesque coves and small beaches. The captain knew of particularly nice, secluded places, and nothing was more memorable than enjoying drinks and dinner while watching the sun set over the quiet water and mountains.  Read the rest of this post »

While Damascus (and Syria in general) offers a treasure trove of fascinating cultural sites, it’s fair to say that it is not a party place like nearby Beirut . . . yet. Though its tourism infrastructure is just evolving after years of underinvestment, those in the trade have seen a solid uptick in European visitors. And as the government tries to privatize more sectors of the economy, one can see green shoots of economic liberalization. A KFC and Ford dealership recently opened, and the country launched its own stock exchange earlier this year. I’ve also heard that overseas Syrians are beginning to return home, sensing new business opportunities. Read the rest of this post »

The best way to experience Damascus on one’s first day is to hire a guide. The city can be confusing to navigate and English is not spoken pervasively in town. The Four Seasons arranged an excellent guide for us, and we visited the National Museum (where there are many artifacts from old Damascus, said to be the world’s most ancient surviving city). The museum also boasts an amazing ancient synagogue that was unearthed by Yale University researchers excavating in eastern Syria. We later visited the old train station (it’s getting rebuilt), which was once on the Orient Express line on the way to Baghdad. Read the rest of this post »

After crossing the border from Lebanon, one sees a large Hezbollah billboard (which says something about the “resistance”) with a machine gun image. Don’t be alarmed. Soon enough the landscape shifts to pristine beauty with gorgeous mountains and valleys.  From the border, it is maybe one hour longer to Damascus.

The urban sprawl in Damascus is extensive – this is a very large, very crowded city. We arrived, at long last, at the Four Seasons Damascus, an oasis of luxury. The hotel opened just over a year ago, and I can see why it’s known as the best in town. The lobby and public rooms are tailored beautifully to the local aesthetic, the service is top notch (everyone seemed to know my name), and they boast a couple of superb restaurants. Read the rest of this post »

Most people, when you say you are going to Syria, are more than a little surprised. Some wonder if the country is open to visitors, others wonder if it’s safe, and still others just wonder why you’d go in the first place. I would reply that if you are interested in cultural travel, wish to be on the cutting edge of opening tourist markets, and have more than a little bit of adventure in your blood, this is a great destination. I traveled to Damascus from Beirut and stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. It was a short visit (too short, really) and, though I wish I had more time, it was a great add-on to my Lebanon trip, and I was at least able to get a sense of this exciting and fascinating country. Read the rest of this post »

It’s possible to tour sites such as Jeita, Harissa, downtown Beirut, the National Museum, the Beirut Arts Center (for new artists), and more (see my Week in Lebanon post from earlier this year) – but summer daytime temperatures can be scorching, which is why most folks flock to pools and beaches.

All the beach clubs (see my rundown after the jump) seem to have a mix of families, singles, and couples; usually they consist of several subdivided sections, each with pools and a restaurant, so you can pick one that’s right for you. And keep in mind that many turn into amazing nighttime beach/pool bashes (check the schedules). Read the rest of this post »

Unlike my winter visit to Lebanon, this summer trip is all about fun in the sun. I routed myself through Istanbul on Delta and then onward to Beirut on Middle East Airlines (Lebanon’s national airline). Note that the best connecting cities include Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London.

I barely made my flight out of JFK; thank goodness for online check-in. I recommend it in case you are caught in traffic and arrive after the one-hour cut off (when a flight can get closed out at the main check in counter). Read the rest of this post »

For those visiting New York City, I highly recommend lunch or dinner at Gigino Trattoria, located at the southern part of Battery City (just next to the Holocaust Memorial) in Tribeca. The Italian restaurant, part of Hudson River Park, looks directly out onto the Hudson River and the Statue of Libery (as well as Ellis Island).

Gigino’s is unique because of its impressive views, outdoor terrace, and fine food – some of the best Italian food I’ve had in the city. Prices are upper moderate, and very much worth the splurge.I ate the calamariata (calamari with pasta in a spicy tomato sauce). Outstanding. Read the rest of this post »

For those who haven’t come to Mykonos, I suggest putting this near the top of your list. I’ve been going for 18 years and I always have a good time. I also always hate to leave, and that’s the mark of a great destination.  

Mykonos offers gorgeous beaches (of all sorts – party spots, secluded coves, singles havens, family enclaves, gay/lesbian spots, etc.), a super charming town that’s wonderful for evening promenades, excellent restaurants (Greek, Italian, Continental, Japanese, and more) with a good dose of fresh seafood, boutique shopping (consider well-crafted gold jewelry), and nightlife for everyone from the person wanting a little night cap to heavy club partiers. Read the rest of this post »

We anchored off Porto Cervo, Sardinia, and were on our way to Porto Rotondo by sunset. Porto Cervo is perhaps the swankiest gathering of mega yachts in the world. (The only other contenders might by Monaco, the Cap D’Antibes, or perhaps some ports in the Caribbean). I can’t decide if I love this place or hate it.

There is no understatement here – yacht owners want to be seen and measure themselves against others according to whose boat is bigger, taller, or more stylish. I prefer the sailboats but most here are motorboats.

We took a dinghy to port and passed noteworthy boats including the “A” boat (perhaps the largest ever built) and Lady Moura. These yachts and others cost, I read, over 200 million dollars (basically, one million per foot is the rule of thumb). Read the rest of this post »