travelog - SEL

Christmas is a Magical Time in Mayfair, London - London, UK - December 2018

2/12/2018

Despite a pre-Christmas trip to see my remarkable friend in Punta del Este, Uruguay; the new Sao Paulo Four Seasons; the Belmond hotel at Iguazu Falls ('Cataratas'); Paraquay; and the Buenos Aires Four Seasons again, I had to see the Christmas decorations by the hotels & businesses in Mayfair, London.

Four Seasons at Park Lane helped with this by looking after my luggage for a few hours and I was impressed by the monumental, & stylish, nutcracker toy soldiers in their lobby, my photo does not do justice to the crystal covered one. Christopher Kane's work at Scott's restaurant on Mount Street, the Diane von Furstenberg Christmas tree at Claridge's and The Connaught's Christmas tree by conceptual artist Sir Michael Craig-Martin at night all deserve special mentions. Along with Head of Guest Relations Emily at The Dorchester for her entertaining chat with me.

Hope you enjoy the photos below. A true '7 teddies' effort by the hotels and businesses in Mayfair, London.

The Ultra Luxurious Petra VIP Lounge at the Queen Alia International Airport - Amman, Jordan - November 2018

21/11/2018

My journey back from the Far East to Shropshire included a stop in Amman, Jordan. My Royal Jordanian Business Class ticket did not allow me access to the Petra VIP Lounge but an important Jordanian contact & friend, from my almost 10 years working in Qatar, wanted me to experience this VIP lounge and staff from his bank arranged this.

I was overjoyed I tried this experience. The decor of this lounge reminded me of my suite at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, while the level of service was reminiscent of the BA Concorde Lounge at JFK, with staff asking regular flyers about their university studies etc.

Early in the morning this lounge had a hushed monied feel that was a perfect place to recharge before my London flight. There is a separate dining area with a large selection of hot & cold foods.

This luxurious experience made me even more excited about staying at Four Seasons Amman again next year, once their refurbishment is complete.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(6 out of 5 'teddies') - an ultra luxurious airport lounge but would need to offer champagne, & a waiter service food area, to gain 7 'teddies'. My Tip:- jump at the opportunity to use this lounge, if you are lucky enough to be offered the chance.

Hilton Pattaya: A Dream Second Stay and a Wedding that was the Highlight of my Far East Trip & a Day I will Never Forget - Pattaya, Thailand - November 2018

16/11/2018

When I left Pattaya in 2015 I was unsure if I would ever return there. However, the wedding of some of my best friends meant I did and I am now so glad about this.

I met superb Hilton, Pattaya GM Rudolf for the first time (he welcomed me in person) and his staff could not have treated this Brand Ambassador better. Chilled Veuve Clicquot in my room, a rose petal "welcome back" message on the bed, a life-size teddy bear and ever pre-peeled fruit.

They even now serve sparkling water in the 33rd Floor Executive Lounge, did #travelblog www.sifrew.com previous comments on this lead to this improvement?!

The wedding was the highlight of my Far East trip with a Veuve Clicquot cascade/tower, ice sculptures, entertainment flow in and so many of my extraordinary friends from Qatar present. Days as happy as this one are rare in any life.

It was all a credit to the staff of Hilton, Pattaya and I am so grateful to have been included in such an extraordinary event.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(7 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - a '7 teddy' wedding in a '7 teddy' hotel, despite Pattaya! My Tip: the breakfasts in the Executive Lounge are worth a try.

Only GM Rudolf & his team at the Hilton could make three days in Pattaya this special.

Sofitel So, Bangkok; Christian Lacroix & #travelblog www.sifrew.com - More Dreams Come True!!! - Bangkok, Thailand - November 2018

8/11/2018

Meet Greta, a Christian Lacroix dressed teddy bear specially created for #travelblog www.sifrew.com by Sofitel So, Bangkok.

Pinnpratch at Sofitel So, Bangkok created her and she is a spectacular piece of art.

I have named her Greta, after someone I adore in Puna del Este & she will be accompanying us to 'the wedding' of some of our best friends in Thailand tomorrow.

Feeling so blessed here in Bangkok.

The Louis Roederer Champagne Sunday Brunch at Sukhothai, Bangkok is the Best in the World - Bangkok, Thailand - November 2018

6/11/2018

I have sampled brunches in Qatar, Cayman Islands etc but never anything like the Louis Roederer champagne brunch at Sukhothai, Bangkok.

As soon as I met F&B Manager Botan I knew I was in for an exceptional experience. There was Wagyu beef, Unagi sushi, oysters from Jersey, live music inside and as much Louis Roederer champagne as you could drink.

I will certainly be returning to try this brunch again after the Thai wedding I am attending and before I leave the Far East later this month.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(6 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - a brunch that is the manifestation of luxury with the quality of the food. My Tip:- speak to Botan. I am going to Four Seasons Seoul after speaking to her!

A Mandarin Oriental 'Celebrity Fan' has a Stay at Mandarin Oriental Taipei that Blew My Mind - Taipei, Taiwan - November 2018

6/11/2018

A Michelin Star Chef from Mandarin Oriental Milan cooked for me; I was served vintage Veuve Clicquot wherever I wanted it; the hotel is an architectural masterpiece & this Brand Ambassador has never been treated better.

Issy's new Taiwanese outfit is a masterstroke, my 'I'm a FAN' business cards with a QR code taking you straight to the #travelblog www.sifrew.com site are winners and Manager Frances & her team are all exceptional.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(7 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - a '7 teddy' experience without any doubt that has left me speechless. People must stay at Mandarin Oriental Taipei!

Business Class Flights to Taipei with Eva Air that Felt Like First Class - Taiwan - November 2018

6/11/2018

The Eva Air Business Class seats reminded me of British Airways First Class.

Taiwanese people are some of the most avid readers of #travelblog www.sifrew.com.

I only became aware of Eva Air recently but, as soon as I booked Mandarin Oriental Taipei, I knew I had to fly with this Taiwan airline that partners with Hello Kitty.

A '6 teddy', 'First Class', friendly experience I will never forget.

Restaurant Suhring - Michelin Starred German Food Exquisitely Reinvented in Bangkok - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2018

5/11/2018

I met my Old Salopian friend at Shrewsbury School but we reconnected at Four Seasons in Chicago and now regularly meet in Bangkok. We always have an epic meal there and Restaurant Suhring did not disappoint.

Restaurant Suhring

There seems to be a trend for German food in Bangkok at present and Suhring is the Michelin Starred pinnacle.

It is ironic that our last epic Bangkok meal was at Gaggan and Gaggan Anand helped to finance the Suhring twins in this new venture.

It is based in a stylish villa and services there could not be faulted.

It was unfortunate they messed up my very dry martini. The miniature food at Suhring looks like a gimmick but was impeccably executed & the duck main course was divine.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(6 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - the bill at this restaurant will take your breath away but it is a temple to fine dining. They messed up my very dry martini but so did Eleven Madison Park in New York. The Suhring Twins personally saying goodbye meant that did not 'drop a teddy' for this. My tip:- leave lots of time for your Bangkok driver to find this place in the bad traffic. I ended up being 40 minutes late.

We met at Shrewsbury School but now meet in Bangkok. Shrewsbury International School is now in Bangkok too.

It was unfortunate they messed up my very dry martini. The miniature food looks like a gimmick but was impeccably executed & the duck main course was divine.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok: An Unbelievable Stay, Even for a Mandarin Oriental Celebrity Fan, in Their Dame Barbara Cartland Suite - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2018

25/10/2018

My 'last' night at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. My face says it all about an evening with senior staff from Mandarin Oriental's Head Office in Hong Kong, having spent the previous evening with a senior member of staff from Jardine Matheson.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is one of the world's legendary great hotels. It has been open for more than 140 years & is known as the 'Grand Dame' of Bangkok. I get nervous before each stay at this iconic hotel that it will not be possible to match my last experience but my stays keep getting better, which is truly unbelievable.

This time 'new' GM Greg & legendary Guest Relations Director Mayuree waiting outside for me in the steamy Bangkok heat; I was given the Dame Barbara Cartland suite; lunch with GM Greg; the pool staff welcome me back as an old friend & even presently me with a teddy bear of their own; and a final evening drinking with senior staff from Mandarin Oriental's Head Office in Hong Kong, having spent the previous evening with a senior member of staff from Jardine Matheson, blew my stay out of the water.

Strongly Recommend Flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok via Amman with Royal Jordanian in Business Class on Their 787-8 Dreamliner Planes - October 2018

23/10/2018

This view of the Business Class cabin on the Royal Jordanian 787 Dreamliner illustrates the spacious, light & airy feel to these new cabins.

When I was looking for flights to Bangkok and saw that Royal Jordanian Business Class was a viable option, I knew I had to fly with this airline for the first time.

I am friends with the owners of the Four Seasons in Amman & am due to stay there again next year, once their refurbishment is complete, and have some astonishing Jordanian friends.

A friend at Boeing told me to pick the flights where 787 Dreamliners were used and sitting next to the charming young son of the Chairman of the airline on the flight to Amman made my day. I cannot recommend the flights I took strongly enough.

An Unforgettable Stay in a Park Suite at The Dorchester - London, UK - October 2018

21/10/2018

My Park Suite. Note the red lacquer cabinet & wait to hear more about that when I post about my Dame Barbara Cartland suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Before I left for the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok & the Far East I decided to spend one more night at The Dorchester. I had intend this to be a 'low-key event'. However, nothing The Dorchester does is unexceptional and on this trip they gave me an updated version of the Park Suite I spent my 40th birthday in. I almost cried when I saw its beauty & recalled that 'historic' dinner in The Dorchester's Penthouse & Pavilion.

This, along with a private viewing of 'Mono Scripto', the Bob Dylan exhibition at the Halcyon Gallery on Bond Street and dinner with some exceptional friends at Dishoom made it a '7 teddies' 24 hours I will never forget.

Spending Quality Time with my Exceptional Parents in Shrewsbury - Shropshire, UK - October 2018

19/10/2018

The 'Shropshire Frews' at a dinner I hosted while in Shrewsbury. You would smile like me if you were seated opposite my niece.

Completing my 18 months in Cayman Islands gave me a chance to spend some quality time with my incredible parents, before another big adventure in. the Far East.

During my time in Shropshire my brother hosted an impressive family birthday Sunday lunch; I got to have lunch with my awe-inspiring godmother; went on a Tanners Cellar Tour with dad; visited Chester with mum & day, including lunch at The Chester Grosvenor; had lunch with a special family friend who got me thinking about Bank of Bermuda (now part of HSBC) etc; squeezed in a day in London to see the Bank of England & Annabel Shaw (Four Seasons Director of Residences Twenty Grosvenor Square - the former US Navy building) and I had drinks with friends from my Prestfelde & Shrewsbury School days. Hope the photos below help you understand what an unforgettable time I had.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(7 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - spending time with my unbelievable parents is always a '7 teddy experience' but so much else during my time in Shrewsbury & London could not have been better (eg lunch with my indomitable godmother). What UK memories to take to the Far East with me.

An Epic Return to the UK - September 2018

16/9/2018

Finding a Rolls-Royce on my return from Cayman Islands turned what could have been a fraught experience into a pleasure.

Flying American Airlines First Class, & staying at The Dorchester, meant I had to return from Cayman Islands to find a Rolls-Royce.

The Dorchester helped me celebrate by giving me one of their gorgeous Dorchester suites again, hotel legend Amanda Hyndman met with me, I (finally) met Four Seasons' Lynn Brutman, Dorchester butlers repacked my luggage beautifully and some of my best friends from my 10 years in Qatar joined me for drinks.

🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(7 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - no return to the UK could have been better. I must thank Robert, Janice & Emily at The Dorchester, John at 45 Park Lane, Lynn & Irene at Four Seasons at Park Lane & Amanda Hyndman at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for all they did to make my welcome back to the UK so special.

An Awesome End to an Unforgettable 18 Months in Cayman Islands - September 2018

15/9/2018

My last day in Cayman Islands started with Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman serving this Brand Ambassador Veuve Clicquot champagne & truffles at breakfast.

I have too many people to thank for my 18 unforgettable months in Cayman Islands. My parents, & so many special friends, for visiting me, and there are too many incredible people in Cayman Islands I hope I never lose contact with.

There are a few photos below from my last two days in Cayman Islands but they do not do it any justice!

Four Seasons Midtown New York - a Manhattan Icon Returns to Its Glory Days - New York - September 2018

13/9/2018

I almost cried when I found these thoughtful gifts had been left for us.

News of a US$120MN refurbishment, and a new Swiss/German GM who is very well known to a number of my hotel contacts, meant I had to give Four Seasons Midtown New York another chance. This Manhattan icon has such a special place in my heart I could not give up on it.

This hotel is back to cutting edge Four Seasons perfection with a reinvigorated staff and a new light & airy look in the 366 guest rooms/suites.

An awesome '7 teddy' stay and so good to leave the region with such incredible memories.

Four Seasons New York Downtown: A Martini with the New GM - Mr Sharp's Four Seasons Spirit is Truly Alive in New York - August 2018

4/9/2018

I was so thrilled that new GM Thomas was able to meet me. Note my www.sifrew.com shirt & his casual chic look.

Thomas, the Four Seasons New York Downtown Manager, was recently promoted to their GM. He was helping with The Ocean Club in Bahamas' change to a A Four Seasons Resort when I was in New York at New Year.

I have known Thomas since his Four Seasons at Park Lane days and so had to meet his to congratulate him on this richly deserved appointment.

I was so glad I did. Thomas will be a '7 teddy' GM and has created a service culture at Four Seasons New York Downtown that exemplifies the essence of why Four Seasons is such a special brand. Our meeting further evidenced he will be one of the Four Seasons' legendary GMs.

Breakfast & Then Coffee with the MD & COO of Baccarat Hotel New York: Exquisite French Uber Luxury in Manhattan - New York - August 2018

3/9/2018

Marc & Issy in the 'Petit Salon' of the hotel. The Baccarat chandelier, & crystal on display, in that room took your breath away.

Having had dinner in Cristal (sic) Room Baccarat in Paris, when I lived in Qatar, as part of a Four Seasons themed trip to Paris, New York & London, and having bought Baccarat glass when I lived in Bermuda & Qatar, I was fascinated to see Baccarat Hotel New York.

Dealings with 'We Are Shadow', a New York based third-party who the hotel outsources social media relations to, left this Social Media Influencer confused and angry. However, just before my New York trip a breakfast & meeting with the hotel MD & COO (a form of GM) was arranged and it was too good a chance to pass up.

I was so glad I went. Hermann, the MD & COO, is a polished New York hotel professional who is a joy to spend time with and the hotel has a luxury/monied/stylish feel that I adored.

Havana, Cuba - Kempinski, Bacardi, Cuban Cigars & Hemingway - another dream comes true! - August 2018

31/7/2018

My face says it all about how thrilled I was to finally be in Cuba & find Ramses' impossibly perfect car waiting for me, along with a Cuban cigar & Havana hat.

Ever since I saw the New Year's Eve scene in 'The Godfather Part II' I have been fascinated by Havana, meeting members of the Bacardi family, when I lived in Bermuda, & being given Cuban cigars by a member of the Qatari Royal Family, who I mentored while living in Doha, meant I had to see Cuba.

Living in the Caribbean for the last 18 months gave me this chance and the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinsk La Habana opening in 2017, with its infinity rooftop pool with views of the Art Deco Bacardi tower, "sealed the deal", another www.sifrew.com dream came true!!!!

The 19th Century shopping mall Manzana (Spanish for city block) de Gomez, formerly owned by a sugar baron, has been through a 5 year transformation. The statue of Fidel Castro has been removed from the grounds & the glamorous Kempinski 'Ladies in Red' have taken his place. This hotel faces Ernest Hemingway's 'daiquiri haunt' the 200 year old El Floridita and is right in the centre of Havana.

However, the Cuban regime's red tape, and related US restrictions, mean there were lows, as well as incredible highs on this trip. It was an unforgettable trip, I do not regret, but Cuban is not geared for trouble-free luxury tourism yet.

A Privilege to be Invited to Celebrate 4th of July in River Oaks, Houston & on a Family Ranch - Texas, USA - July 2018

10/7/2018

This brand ambassador wore a Stetson for the first time on this Texas trip. This photo was taken in my friend's Maserati on our way to the ranch.

I had a memorable 4th of July celebrating it at the home of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon in Bermuda and loved 4th of July dinners with American friends in Qatar. However, I knew celebrating 4th of July in Texas would be in another league and I was not disappointed.

Seeing my friend's new River Oaks home in Houston took my breath away, a party that was held in my honour there was sensational, and the party on a family ranch blew my mind.

I never expected to see Zebra in Texas; did not even know Ankole-Watusi existed, with horns with the biggest circumference of any cattle; met a guy who knew the Bermuda based billionaire who I had lunch on his stunning 196ft three master schooner Fleurtje and watched spectacular fireworks by a lake, as children floated on inflatables.

Remarkable 7 'teddy' 🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻 experience money cannot simply 'buy'. Love my friends in Texas so much. Hope the photos below do some justice to a long weekend I will never forget.

Another James Bond Moment at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort - Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas - June 2018

14/6/2018

I got to meet GM John, & his unbelievable team, when I arrived. It was such a thrill.

It was more than 15 years since I last visited Bahamas, when I came on a business trip from Bermuda, and I was keen to see the place again. It was around that time that I also started visiting Cayman Islands, also on business trips. In many ways Cayman Islands is a different place and so I was keen to see Bahamas again.

The One & Only in Bahamas becoming a Four Seasons in 2017 was the perfect excuse and learning the 2006 remake of Casino Royale was filmed there made me even more excited.

John Kentish-Barnes from Four Seasons at Park Lane was now the hotel Manager, while John Conway is still the General Manager, and so I knew I was going to have a memorable stay. However, the genuine warmth of the Bahamian staff blew me away. The word 'paradise' is sometimes overused but I think The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort - Bahamas, and their extraordinary staff, truly deserve this description.

A True Friend Comes to Visit You in Cayman Islands for a Second Time - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - May 2018

22/5/2018

We drank Veuve Clicquot Rich poured over ice and grapefruit zest, with my signature canapés, while watching sunset,

My friend from Uruguay, who let me stay at his places in Punta del Este for two months (after I left Qatar), came to stay with me in Cayman Islands for a second time.

We had such an unbelievable time again, drinking Veuve Clicquot Rich, which I first drank at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, while watching sunset; going to the Moet brunch at the Ritz-Carlton; me showing off my notable BBQing skills on my Weber Grills again; dinner at the Royal Palms watching sunset and finally eating fish gumbo at Da Fish Shack.

However, it was spending time with this special friend, and his offer that I can stay with him again, when I leave Cayman Islands, that was so exceptional.

Hope the photos below give you some idea of the phenomenal week we enjoyed together.

'Last' Night in London in an Exquisite Westminster Suite at Four Seasons at Park Lane - London, UK - April 2018

1/5/2018

The sitting room of my Westminster Suite with the Veuve Clicquot chilling and afternoon tea in the background.

I was nervous about staying at Four Seasons at Park Lane so soon after legendary GM John had left. However, Manager Mali ensured it was another memorable stay in opulent surroundings with exemplary Four Seasons staff.

It was just a pity I did not get to meet new GM Lynn, as she was not yet in place. However, I did leave a #travelblog www.sifrew.com. baseball cap for her.

Four Seasons at Park Lane remains one of the best Four Seasons in the group and a hotel Mr Sharp can still be justly proud of.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London: Class You Cannot Buy - London, UK - April 2018

30/4/2018

Gwyn from The Going, Issy and Robert (named after the new Dorchester GM I had met that morning) in The Rosebery Lounge.

This 'Celebrity Fan' stayed at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London before its recent refurbishment and was eager to see what the over GBP85MN spent had achieved.

Marie (the hotel's PR Director) and Ines were kind enough to give me a tour and even arranged a complimentary lunch in Bar Boulud. I have eaten there before & also in Daniel Boulud's New York places.

The refurbishment is stunning, with all the attention to detail and additional light but it was my fellow dinners in Bar Boulud that evidenced the class/caliber of this London institution of a 5 star hotel. The 'great & the good' of Bermuda always stayed there during the 6 years when I lived, and worked, in Bermuda.

Stay in a Sumptuous Dorchester Suite at The Dorchester & Meet Their New GM - London, UK - April 2018

29/4/2018

Issy & Gwyn from The Goring in the sitting room of my lavish Dorchester suite. There were balloons, as well as Veuve Clicquot, to celebrate this Brand Ambassador's return.

Problems with emails from my iPhone X to Dorchester Collection email addresses in London & Paris meant I had not stayed with them since my big Far East trip.

I was so glad I did stay at The Dorchester on my last London stay. Emily (Director of Guest Relations) welcomed me back with such warmth; my Dorchester suite brought me near tears with its luxurious, but comfortable, beauty; and I was able to discuss my connections with the Qatari Royal Family with their ex-Four Seasons GM Robert.

The warmth of my welcome back; prints by HRH Prince Charles, the Japanese remote controlled toilet in the suite etc; and meeting new GM Robert, and talking to his brilliant PA Janice again, made this a 🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(7 out of 5 ‘teddies’) stay at this iconic London hotel.

An Invitation to Try Scarfes Bar at Rosewood, London - London, UK - April 2018

29/4/2018

The 'Doha dream team' in Scarfes Bar in Rosewood, London. Note my new www.sifrew.com polo shirt!

After seeing three 5 star London hotels already that afternoon, I almost cancelled Rosewood, London. However, my friend was making a special effort to see me, despite a flight to Sao Paulo the next day, and I love charismatic ex-Four Seasons Michael Bonsor and Rosewood, London.

I was so glad I tried Scarfes Bar. Gerald Scarfe CBE's iconic illustrations/ cartoons/ caricatures were a major part of my childhood (eg Pink Floyd's 'The Wall', 'Yes, Minister' etc) and this cosy but lively 'real bar' is a place people must try. The only venue where you can "get Scarfed".

Champagne to start, Marie (their Director of Communications) coming to say hello at 8:30pm, my fascinating guest, the tartan trousers of the waiters and Mr Scarfe CBE donating his earning from the venture to Parkinson's UK definitely make this a 🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(6 out of 5 ‘teddies’) experience.