SEL
  • Travel Luxury
  • intro
  • Contact

the luxury travel blog

A 50th Birthday Year Like No Other, So Many More Dreams Come True in Japan etc - March 2019

13/3/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sorry for the silence but the last few weeks have left me speechless (in the best way).

From a fragrant bath full of orchids, looking out at the Petronas Twin Towers,  in my suite at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur; to seeing a spectacular Kabuki performance in Tokyo with the astonishing friend who produced the English translation you were reading; to staying at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, the smallest city Four Seasons in the world & my 'final promise' to Mr Sharp, where an exquisite specially created kimono wearing teddy bear was presented to me; to travelling on the 200 mile per hour Shinkansen ('Bullet Train'), a dream since my 'Blue Peter days'; to drinking rare Four Seasons sake & being given a bottle of sake from Kyoto's oldest sake maker personally labelled for my 50th birthday; to playing 'Tea House games' with a Maiko (an apprentice Geiko/Geisha) at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, now have Ichihiro's 'calling card sticker' stuck to the back of my iPhone Xs; to eating Peking Duck sushi & drinking 40 year old Glenfraclas Scotch whisky exclusive to Ritz-Carlton Osaka; and drink Veuve Clicquot champagne on the Imperial Floors of the indomitable Imperial Hotel Tokyo.   

This blog, my hotel contacts and my unparalleled friends have made March 2019 one of the best months of my life.  To think I, once, did not want to live past 30! So many photos & video clips to show people and stories to tell.

Must focus on the logistics of my move back to The Barbican in London next and 'restarting' my life there.  

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year culminates on 29/30 March 2019 at my phenomenal parents' historic home in Shrewsbury and then at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square & Le Pont del la Tour overlooking the river Thames. Cannot wait to welcome guests based in Sweden, Uruguay etc


0 Comments

A Valentine's Day Stay at Remarkable Four Seasons Hotel Seoul That Blew Even a Brand Ambassador's Mind - Seoul Special City, Republic of Korea ('South Korea') - February 2019

22/2/2019

6 Comments

 
PictureThink this 'last' photo at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul says it all about my stay. My euphoria and the enthusiastic & sweet Four Seasons staff in South Korea.
Sanctions relating to North Korea's nuclear weapons programme continue to impact my Banking Consultant work and I have wanted to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul since some close friends in London raved about it, after they stayed there shortly after it opened in 2015.

My four night stay around Valentine's Day 2019 far exceeded my expectations. From the astonishing 28th Floor views of the Gyeongbokgung Palace from my suite; to the Taekwondo & gym outfits for Issy & me; a member of Four Seasons staff lending me their own coat to see North Korea in the snow; an outstanding Executive Club Lounge serving champagne; to dinner with GM Alejandro on Valentine's Night, despite the President of Austria & Ban Ki-moon being in the hotel; drinks with charming F&B Director Sebastien; ultra efficient & friendly Director of Guest Relations Yoony; to Guest Relations Officer JK Lee cancelling a dinner with friends in his home town to help me at the airport when I was leaving.  Mr Sharp's Four Seasons' ideals are very much alive and well at exceptional Four Seasons Seoul. 

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues, thanks to an unforgettable stay at phenomenal Four Seasons Hotel Seoul with its remarkable staff. Hope the photos below help you to understand this exuberant praise. 


Read More
6 Comments

A Mandarin Oriental Celebrity Fan is Made to Feel Like a Taipan Staying in a Harbour View Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong for Chinese New Year - Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China - February 2019

19/2/2019

1 Comment

 
PictureWhen I asked hotel Manager Richard where the best place to see the Hong Kong fireworks was he instantaneously replied "the bathroom in your suite". He was so right. If you meet me, ask to see the video, you will be stunned.
Despite my comments when I last stayed at Four Seasons, Hong Kong, I have always dreamt of staying at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Chinese New Year 2019 seemed the perfect time to do this. I spent four unbelievable nights there. 

In the end I watched the 23 minutes of the Hong Kong Chinese New Year fireworks from the bath in my Harbour View Suite surrounded by the intoxicating smell of fresh rose petals; began the 'Year of the Pig' sampling the hotel's truffle menu with an additional course of Beluga caviar; was given a silk & cotton Japanese kimono to visit the hotel's pool; and had coffee. with the hotel's General Manager, Pierre, where he sought my views on how the hotel's 1960s 'historic' lobby could be improved. 

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues, thanks to a sublime stay at the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, that could not have been better. Hope you enjoy the photos below. 


Read More
1 Comment

A Mandarin Oriental Celebrity Fan Has an Exquisite Ruinart Champagne Sunday Roast in the Michelin Starred Sir Terence Conran Designed Mandarin Grill at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong - Hong Kong, SAR of the People's Republic of China - February 2019

18/2/2019

0 Comments

 
PictureThe steak tartare with sourdough; oyster on ice with condiments; & grilled scallop with piquillo chili pepper salsa amuse bouche, with a fan hand-painted with my name behind
On my first day staying at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong I decided to try their Ruinart champagne Sunday Roast.

For Chinese New Year the Sir Terence Conran blue upholstery has been covered in good luck red. Sofia was my brilliant server and it turned out she had worked at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and so we chatted about my friend Mr Simon Casson. A sublime start to lunch.

The entire lunch was divine with a myriad of amuse bouche; attentive & entertaining English Sommelier Lee; succulent chunks of lobster flesh in the lobster cocktail; salmon that had been smoked in-house carved at my table; roast beef carved from a trolley that melted in your mouth; and a chocolate portrait of Issy to end.  

A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues with a lunch using the finest organic ingredients that I will never forget.  Hope the photos below help you appreciate this. 


Read More
0 Comments

Complimentary Innovative Cocktails & Gourmet Hotdogs in the World-Famous PDT ("Please Do Not Tell") Bar's Hong Kong Outpost at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental - Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China - February 2019

12/2/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Christian (the Manager of Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong) invited me to join him for cocktails & hotdogs in the world-famous PDT ("Please Do Not Tell") bar's Hong Kong outpost in his hotel. 

You enter the bar via a mock 'phone booth, where you dial zero and an invisible door opens to the sleek 25 seat bar.  

On the table was a further Mandarin Oriental panda with a staff badge saying 'Si Frew MOHG Fan'; a quarter bottle of Moet Rose; and various Chinese New Year charms. Such sweet thoughtful gifts. 

Pierre (the General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong) recommended the 'Bad Hunter' cocktail & 'Honkie Dog' hotdog to me. The former turned out to be a deliciously innovation cocktail of Chivas Regal 12, Fernet Hunter (aromatic Italian bitters), lemon juice, longan berries & Moet Brut Imperial champagne. I was dubious about mixing whisky & champagne but this was a sophisticated delicate John Collins style cocktail that exhibited the skills of Master Mixologists Jim Meehan & Jeff Bell.

The gourmet  hotdog was a fried pork dog with sakura (cherry blossom) shrimp & XO mayo. I was worried it would be messy to eat but it had been cut in four to prevent any embarrassing accidents. This was a heady mixture of perfect flavours, spiciness & textures.

Even better than the cutting edge food & stylish cocktails was getting 1 1/2 hours to swap luxury hotel stories with Mandarin Oriental star Christian. The young, friendly & knowledgeable staff also made  me a perfect very dry Grey Goose martini with a lime twist. 

A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues, thanks to charming Christian and memorable food & drink in PDT bar Hong Kong. 

0 Comments

An Unforgettable 'Birthday' Breakfast at Four Seasons for a Brand Ambassador with a Magnum of Bollinger & Viewing my Second Four Seasons Executive Club Lounge - Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China - February 2019

9/2/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
I could not visit Hong Kong without returning to Four Seasons, Hong Kong. Director of Guest Experience Phoebe was waiting outside for me & I had to hug this 'ray of sunshine'.  

One of my favourite Four Seasons GMs, the legendary Christoph, had left to deal with the opening of Four Seasons, Madrid but Manager Yonatan had come in specially on a Sunday to meet me. Assistant F&B Director Luis was also on hand to chat with me about Four Seasons, Toronto etc

On the table was Siberian chipmunk Max, the hotel's new mascot. I love the fact he has the Four Seasons logo on the sole of his foot, like my teddy bear from Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi. Brilliant 'Four Seasons Elite Contact' Dior had also arranged for a copy of the Weekend Financial Times. 

Breakfast was in the hotel's 'Blue Bar' and buffet style with eggs cooked to order. Getting dim sum reminded me of my 10 years of breakfasts at Four Seasons, Doha. When breakfast was over I was brought a birthday waffle and poured Bollinger from a Magnum.  After this unexpected treat, I was taken to view their Executive Club Lounge on the 45th Floor, which confirmed I was right about the range of alcohol in the Sao Paulo Four Seasons before Christmas.

Before leaving the hotel in my Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong Mercedes. Phoebe presented me with a good luck charm of Caishen ('God of Wealth'), his smile will always remind me of her warmth. She also answered my question about the 'Earth Pig Year' by explaining it was meant to create a distinction from the 'Golden Pig Year' that only occurs each 60 years. 

​​​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues, thanks to a Hong Kong Four Seasons that goes from strength to strength. 

  

0 Comments

The First Class/Business Class Cathay Pacific Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.  An Oasis of Calm During the Chinese New Year Exodus - Bangkok, Thailand - February 2019

1/2/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
It was pandemonium in Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok the Friday before Chinese New Year 2019. However, the Cathay Pacific First Class/Business Class Lounge was an oasis of sophisticated calm. 

The dim sum, phad thai etc from their Noddle Bar made me remember why I like flying with Cathay Pacific.  I once undertook a 16 hour flight with them from Hong Kong to Toronto, before returning home to Bermuda!

​​​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues.

0 Comments

Spending Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, Another Dream Comes True - 'Year of the Earth Pig' - February 2019

31/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
This LVMH Brand Ambassador will be spending Chinese New Year 2019 in Hong Kong, finally staying at the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. 

I will also have breakfast in the Blue Bar at Four Seasons, Hong Kong. That Four Seasons has a very special place in my heart.

​I will be flying Business Class with Cathy Pacific and so am looking forward to eating at the Noodle Bar in The Wing again.

Toasting the 'Year of the Earth Pig' with Veuve Clicquot in Hong Kong will be another '7 teddy' experience & dream come true!

0 Comments

My 50th Birthday Year Celebrations Continue with an Unbelievable Kaviari Caviar & Louis Roederer Champagne Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok - Bangkok, Thailand - January 2019

24/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok continue to blow my mind.  It really is one of the best hotels in the world.

​This week I had an unbelievable Kaviari caviar & Louis Roederer champagne afternoon tea there.  They even produced a separate miniature afternoon tea for my teddy bear Issy. 

​​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues.

0 Comments

Emirates First Class; a Suite at Four Seasons Seoul Overlooking the Gyeongbokgung Palace; an Iranian Kaviari Caviar Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental; a Louis Roederer Brunch at Sukhothai & My 50th Birthday - Bangkok, Thailand - January 2019

18/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
My year could not have started better.  

Emirates First Class

On my Emirates A380 (double-deck) First Class flight here I was given a double portion of caviar & had another shower on a plane.

Four Seasons Seoul 

My trip to South Korea next month has been confirmed.  At Four Seasons Seoul I will stay in a suite overlooking the Gyeongbokgung Palace & be able step into North Korea. Also intend to visit the Lotte Hotel re: my Lotte New York Palace bag. 

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok want me to try their new Iranian Kaviari caviar afternoon tea & I am meeting a friend from my Shrewsbury School days there tonight.

Sukhothai, Bangkok

I am going to the Sukhothai on Sunday for their Louis Roederer champagne brunch again and cannot wait to see Botan to talk about Seoul, while reading the Weekend Financial Times.

My 50th Birthday 

Friends from Uruguay, Sweden, Qatar etc have confirmed they will be flying in for my 50th birthday celebrations in the UK at the end of March.  

​It is going to be a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year.

0 Comments

Four Seasons, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Royal Mega Private Yachts & 'Sunday Lunch' on the QE2: Dubai, a City of Superlatives - Dubai, UAE - January 2019

14/1/2019

0 Comments

 
I decided to 'break' my London to Bangkok flights with a stop to see my Australian lawyer friend in Dubai. Little was I to know what a memorable three nights it would be.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach; A Pre-Opening Guest Returns 

It started taking the Emirates First Class limo straight to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach for breakfast with Resort Manager Bob, who I know from when I stayed at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, when I was their 'First Customer' (and twice again after that).
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

A 50th Birthday YEAR Celebration Starts with a Sublime Stay at The Dorchester in a Mayfair Suite - London - January 2019

10/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
My 29 March 2019 50th birthday, & the related Brexit date, are fast approaching.  I had to make my first hotel stay of 2019 The Dorchester and my stay there could not have been better. 

I was given an elegant Mayfair suite, with a spare shower room; balloons in the shape of 50; my first birthday cake & champagne. 

​I visited Four Seasons at Park Lane and 45 Park Lane during me stay.  At the former I finished writing the invited to my 50th birthday parties and then staff brought me dinner (tempura shrimp from heaven) without me even asking, just as at the Four Seasons George V in Paris, they can 'read my mind' and at the latter their genial GM John came for a cheerful chat.

​I should also mention a fantastic chat with Janice at The Dorchester, I had perfect chats with so many of their unbelievable staff.  I should finally mention the guitar player in The Bar at The Dorchester.  Love the live music on Wednesdays in that bar. 

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) start to my 50th birthday YEAR.  My Tip:- make the most of Mayfair, London, the luxury hotels there, & their staff, blow my mind. 



​

0 Comments

Madonna & Now This Brand Ambassador Stays in La Mansion at Four Seasons, Buenos Aires - What a Last Hotel Stay in 2018 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - December 2018

31/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mandarin Oriental Taipei told me as much preparation & thought went into my visit as when Katy Perry stayed with them in Taiwan. 

It was, therefore, almost 'appropriate' that I should follow Madonna's lead and stay in Suite 100 in La Mansion at Four Seasons Buenos Aires as my last hotel stay of 2019.

From a Mercedes ride from the airport with Sam that was full of giggles; to a sublime complimentary Sothy facial; to a Diego Maradona/ Lionel Messi Number 10 Argentina 'Simon' football shirt; cocktails outside with Lisa & then my wise Uruguayan friend; to the best bathroom of the year, a '7 teddy" stay that only Veuve Clicquot could have improved!

Happy New Year to all the readers of #travelblog www.sifrew.com, on 29 March 2019 I hit 50!

0 Comments

A Brand Ambassador Stays at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas on the Day LVMH Announced Details of Their Acquisition of Belmond. This was Toasted with Veuve Clicquot Champagne with a View of the Awe-Inspiring Iguazu Falls - Brazil - December 2018

29/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
We decided Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, was the place to stay on our visit there.

On the day when we were flying from Rio, LVMH announced details of its US$3.2 Billion acquisition of Belmond. An auspicious night for this Brand Ambassador to be staying at a Belmond in such a jaw-dropping location, surround by 700,000 acres of National Park & in a prime location next to the Iguazu Falls. We were able to watch Iguazu Falls while toasting this with Veuve Clicquot. 

Eduardo Bressane, the GM, had given me a special rate and Fabio (Front Office Manager) and his team could not have looked after us better.  The thoughtful welcome amenities left for Issy & me (eg a capoeira outfit for Issy edged with jaguar print to mark the birth of jaguar cubs in rainforest; Veuve Clicquot on ice for me etc) put Four Seasons Hotel Sao Paulo at Nacoes Unidas to shame. It was a memorable stay in what is clearly a quality hotel, which will only get better under LVMH's ownership.  


Read More
0 Comments

The Iguazu Falls - a MUST DO Experience - Brazil & Argentina - December 2018

28/12/2018

2 Comments

 
Many people try to decide whether to view the Iguazu Falls (Spanish spelling) or Iguassu Falls (Portuguese spelling) from the Argentina or Brazil sides. We did both and you really have to.  

You get the grand perspective from the Brazil side and can get wet & close on the Argentina side. 

I cannot stress how magnificent these 100s of independent falls are and how fun it was taking a boat under them was from the Argentina side. Devil's Throat is the highest point and must be viewed from the Argentina side. 

We stayed at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas on the Brazil side & had lunch at the hotel Melia on the Argentina side. 

A true '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) awe-inspiring/ jaw-dropping experience. My Tip:- enjoy all this with someone as fun & knowledgeable as my Uruguayan friend. 








PictureThe grand perspective from the Brazil side.

PictureGetting wet & close on the Argentina side.

PictureLots of interesting things to see walking around the Argentina side in the rainforest.

2 Comments

I Have Been to Paraguay - December 2018

27/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
​We visited Paraguay to 'Duty Free' shop and also crossed the Brazil/ Argentina border for the day to see the Iguazu Falls.

The main issue I observed during these visits was the lack of rigorous border controls in this border region. Not only was my Yellow Fever certificate not checked but my passport was also not asked for during some of the crossings. I also noted that there is a large Arabic speaking population living in this border area. 

In my role as a Banking Consultant, most recently focusing on Anti-Money Laundering & Countering Terrorism Financing in Cyprus & Cayman Islands, this raised red flags for me. We associate this area with the proceeds of Nazi crimes but there are clearly more current issues people should be concerned about when dealing with clients from this region.  

0 Comments

Rio de Janeiro, a Legend of a City - Rio, Brazil - December 2018

27/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
We could not visit Brazil without a two night stay in Rio. The rooftop pool at the Fasano features in the logo of #travelblog www.sifrew.com and I have stayed at the Belmond Copacabana Palace on a number of occasions. 

This time I got to walk on Ipanema Beach as the sun was coming up and shop at Shopping Leblon for the most exotic socks of my life.

Another stay in Rio, with my phenomenal friend from Uruguay, that I will never forget!



0 Comments

Complimentary Stay in a Four Seasons Executive Suite at the 'Very New' Four Seasons Hotel Sao Paulo at Nacoes Unidas: The First Four Seasons in Brazil & my First Four Seasons Executive Club Lounge - Sao Paulo, Brazil - December 2018

13/12/2018

0 Comments

 
PictureBarcelona-based Ignasi Monreal's book of paintings 'Four Seasons: The Art of Hospitality' in the 12th floor Four Seasons Executive Lounge and my first negative edged indoor/outdoor swimming pool
I stayed at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach & Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay before they opened to the public and wanted to stay at the first Four Seasons in Brazil, when I heard about Four Seasons Hotel Sao Paulo at Nacoes Unidas while staying at Mandarin Oriental Taipei a few months ago.

When I went to Mr Sharp's private home in Toronto, when I lived in Qatar, we discussed a Rio Four Seasons.  However, Sao Paulo was the choice for the first Brazil Four Seasons in the end and GM Michael Schmid kindly offered me a complimentary stay, when I asked to try it. 

I travelled overnight from Punta del Este, Uruguay to experience my first Four Seasons Executive Club Lounge; take a look at Barcelona-based Ignasi Monreal's book of paintings 'Four Seasons: The Art of Hospitality'; swim in my first negative edged indoor/outdoor swimming pool and encounter Four Seasons in Brazil.  

​It was a bit of a disappointed that, despite the effort I made to do this, Four Seasons Hotel Sao Paulo at Nacoes Unidas did not put much thought into the welcome amenities in my suite but the Brazilian owners of the property were visiting the hotel at the same time as me, so I guess the hotel was caught a little off guard. 

Just as with Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, I have decided it is unfair to 'teddy score' the Sao Paulo Four Seasons at this early stage of its development.  It is impressive that the 'spirit of Four Seasons' is firmly established in Brazil, after only two months, and the issues I encountered are just a feature of any new luxury hotel.  I am confident they will be addressed very quickly. 


Read More
0 Comments

Christmas Came Early With My Lufthansa Business Class Flight From Frankfurt to Buenos Aires - December 2018

6/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
A series of mistakes/problems (eg bad journey advice from a black cab driver in London over the time it takes to get to Gatwick; my Lufthansa plane from Heathrow, London to Frankfurt was late & the connection time at Frankfurt being too short etc) led to a fraught start to my South American trip.

However, in the end the 14 hour flight from Frankfurt to Buenos Aires, upstairs on a Boeing 747, literally 'flew by'.  The crew were friendly & helpful; the roast goose 'Christmas dinner' with red cabbage and potato dumplings excellent; the entertainment system with Bose noise cancelling headphones; good; the fully flat bed with a good quality pillow, large blanket & mattress topper had a quality feel; Van Laack sleep shirt was a nice touch; and L'Occitane products in the wash bags are still being appreciated here in Punta del Este, Uruguay. 

​🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(6​ out of 5  'teddies') - a high quality Business Class service but no champagne in the Lufthansa Lounge at Heathrow; too short a connection time in Frankfurt, combined with lack of privacy with the Business Class seats, prevented  a higher 'teddy score'. My Tip:- run at Frankfurt!


0 Comments

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

2/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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. 


Read More
0 Comments

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

21/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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. 



​

​


Read More
0 Comments

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

0 Comments

 
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.  

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

0 Comments

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

8/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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. 

0 Comments

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

6/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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!


0 Comments

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

6/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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!


0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    The Authors

    Si Frew has lived in the UK, Bermuda, Qatar, Cyprus & the Cayman Islands. During this time he met Whoopi Goldberg (in Claridge's), Mike Tyson (in the Concorde Lounge at JFK) , Gordon Ramsay (in the Doha Four Seasons), Chris Eubanks (in The Dorchester), Cherie Blair (in Bermuda & again in the Doha Four Seasons) etc.  There are funny stories attached to all these interactions, feel free to ask Si about them when you meet him.

    Simon is a banking regulator who was trained by the Bank of England and is currently working as a Banking  Consultant, living in The Barbican in London.  

    He loves Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, The Dorchester and Veuve Clicquot.

    Issy
    Issy is a Beanie Baby who was a gift from the Founder of Four Seasons' office.  He  is Simon's regular travelling companion & confidant.  
    ​
    He experiences luxury in life and little else.  It is Issy who guides Si through some of his more entertaining adventures.

    Issy dictates and never types.

    Archives

    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015

    Categories

    All
    1 Lombard Street
    45 Jermyn Street
    45 Park Lane
    4th Of July
    50th Birthday
    A380
    Abacus
    Aberdeen Social
    Abu Dhabi
    Afternoon Tea
    American Airlines
    Amman
    Angkor Wat
    Annabel's
    Anne-Sophie Pic
    Argentina
    Arles
    Aromatherapy Associates
    Avignon
    Baccarat
    Baccarat Hotel New York
    Bahamas
    Bahrain
    Bali
    Bangkok
    Bangkok Airways
    Banking
    Banking Consultant
    Bank Of England
    Barbary
    Battery Park
    Beirut
    BelleRive Boutique Hotel
    Belmond
    Belmond Copacabana Palace
    Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
    Birthday
    Bloom For Budding Artists
    Bob Dylan
    Bo.lan
    Bollinger
    Brazil
    Breakfast
    Breakfast At Tiffany's
    Brighton
    British Airways
    Brown Lloyd James
    Brunch
    Buenos Aires
    Bullet Train
    Burger Joint
    Burgundy
    Burj Khalifa
    Business Class
    Calypso Grill Cayman Islands
    Camana Bay Flavour Tour
    Cambodia
    Cambodia Angkor Air
    Campbell Apartment
    Captain Marvin's
    Caravelle Hotel
    Cartier
    Casa Cavia
    Catch
    Cathay Pacific
    Cavalry & Guards Club
    Cayman Airways
    Cayman International Film Festival
    Cayman Islands
    Chanel
    Chef Paul Walsh
    Chiang Mai
    Chichester
    Chinese New Year
    Christian Lacroix
    Christian Louboutin
    Christmas
    Cimboco A Caribbean Cafe
    Claridge's
    Concert
    Coq D'Argent
    Coronavirus
    COT
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    Creed
    C Sons
    Cuba
    Cyprus
    Dachshunds
    Da Fish Shack
    Daniel Humm
    Darwin's Kitchen
    Davies And Brook
    Diane Von Furstenberg
    DIFC
    Dirty French
    Dishoom
    Doha
    Dorchester Collection
    Dubai
    Easter
    Eating Tarantulas
    Eat Out To Help Out
    Edinburgh
    Edinburgh Fringe
    Elbow Beach Bermuda
    Eleven Madison Park
    Emirates
    Energie Fitness
    Eric Ripert
    Etihad Airways
    Eva Air
    Everyman Cinema
    Executive Floors
    Face Mask
    Fasano
    First Class
    Flagship First Dining
    Flashpacker
    Foam Party
    Fortnum And Mason
    Fortune Teller
    Four Seasons
    Four Seasons Amman
    Four Seasons At Park Lane
    Four Seasons At Ten Trinity Square
    Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
    Four Seasons Buenos Aires
    Four Seasons Downtown
    Four Seasons George V
    Four Seasons Hong Kong
    Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
    Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
    Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi
    Four Seasons Midtown New York
    Four Seasons New York
    Four Seasons New York Downtown
    Four Seasons Private Members' Club
    Four Seasons Resort Dubai At Jumeirah Beach
    Four Seasons Sao Paulo
    Four Seasons Seoul
    Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square
    Four Seasons; The Surf Club. Miami
    Frette
    Geisha
    Gin
    GMH Hotels
    Godson
    Golden Cross
    Gordon Ramsay
    Grand Cayman
    Grand Central Terminal
    Grant Achatz
    Gray's Inn
    Gucci
    Guy's Hospital
    Hakkasan
    Ha Long Bay
    Hampshire
    Hanoi
    Harrods
    Harvey Nichols
    Havana
    Hawksmoor
    Heal's
    Heathrow
    Helix Restaurant
    Hello Kitty
    Hencote
    Hilton
    Hilton Pattaya
    HIX Oyster & Chop House
    HM The Queen
    Ho Chi Minh City
    Hoi An
    Hong Kong
    Hotel Plaza Athenee
    Hotel Threadneedles
    Houston
    Icon Klub
    Iguassu Falls
    Iguazu Falls
    Imperial Hotel Tokyo
    InterContinental
    IPhone 8
    James Bond
    Jardine Matheson
    Jason Atherton
    Jet Blue
    Jimbaran Bay
    Johns Hopkins Medicine International
    Jordan
    Kaviari Caviar
    Kempinski
    Kimono
    Kimpton Seafire Resort
    Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa
    Koh Samui
    Kuala Lumpur
    La Dame De Pic London
    La Grande Dame
    Landmark Mandarin Oriental
    Laos
    La Prairie
    Lebanon
    Lego
    Le Pont De La Tour
    Le Sirenuse
    Ligne Roset
    London
    Louis Roederer
    Luang Prabang
    Luca
    Ludlow Hotel
    Lufthansa
    Lung King Heen
    Luxury Business Emporium
    LVMH
    Lyon
    Manama
    Mandarin Grill
    Mandarin Oriental
    Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
    Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
    Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
    Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
    Mandarin Oriental New York
    Mandarin Oriental Taipei
    Manicure
    Manolo Blahnik
    Marco Pierre White
    Marriott Autograph Collection
    Martini
    McQueens
    Mekong Delta
    Mekong-eyes
    Melia
    Merrythought-teddy-bears
    Miami
    Miami International Airport
    Michelin Stars
    Miss
    Miss Ly Cafe 22
    Moet
    Morgan's
    Morgans Hotel Group
    Nahm
    Nam Hai
    Negroni
    New York
    NHS
    Nicosia
    Noble Isle
    Nobu
    Noir
    North Face
    North Korea
    Nuffield Health
    Number Four
    Nurture Landscapes
    Okura Hotels
    Okura Prestige
    Osaka
    Oz Clarke
    Paraguay
    Paris
    Parker New York
    Park Hyatt
    Parkinson's
    Parsons
    Paternoster Chop House
    Pattaya
    Paul Smith
    PDT Bar Hong Kong
    Pedicure
    Perth
    Petra VIP Lounge
    Phnom Penh
    Photos
    Piazzolla Tango
    Plaza Athenee
    Pollen Street Social
    Polo Club
    Pont Du Gard
    Porsche
    Prestfelde Prep School
    Preview
    Provence
    Punta Del Este
    Qatar
    Qatar Airways
    Q Bar
    QE2
    Raffles
    Railway
    Republic Of Korea
    Restaurant
    Rhone River
    RHS Chelsea Flower Show
    Rio
    Rio De Janeiro
    Ritz
    Ritz Carlton
    Ritz-Carlton
    Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman
    Ritz-Carlton New York
    Ritz-Carlton Osaka
    River Oaks
    Riviera Travel
    Rolls-Royce
    Rosewood
    Royal Jordanian
    Ruinart Champagne
    Rules Restaurant
    Saigon
    Sake
    Salvatore Ferragamo
    Sanderson
    San Pellegrino List
    Sao Paulo
    Scarfes Bar
    School
    Scott's Restaurant
    Searcys
    Seoul
    Seven Mile Beach
    Shangri-La
    Shopping Leblon
    Shoreditch
    Shrewsbury
    Shrewsbury School
    Shropshire
    Siem Reap
    Si Frew Consultancy Services Limited
    SihanoukVille
    Silent Pool
    Simon Frew Interview
    Singapore Airlines
    Sir Terence Conran
    Smith & Sinclair
    Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
    Sofitel London St James
    Sofitel So
    Sofitel So Bangkok
    Song Saa Private Island
    Sothy
    South Korea
    Spa
    Steiff
    Stingray City
    St Martins Lane
    St Paul's Cathedral
    St Regis
    Suhring
    Sukhothai
    Sunday Lunch
    Sunday Times Wine Club
    Swiss Army Knife
    Taipei
    Taiwan
    Tanners Wine Merchants
    Tan Son Nhat Airport
    Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls
    Teddy Bear
    Temple & Sons
    Terrorism Financing
    Texas
    Texas Family Ranch
    Thailand
    The Admiral Benbow
    The Aviary NYC
    The Balmoral
    The Barbican
    The Berkeley
    The Betterment
    The Blue Box Cafe
    The Brooklyn
    The Chedi
    The Connaught
    The Dorchester
    The Farmers Club
    The Gherkin
    The Glenlivet
    The Global Steakhouse
    The Golden Cross
    The Goring
    The Libertine
    The Lighthouse Cayman Islands
    The Mark
    The Market Hall Shrewsbury
    The Ned
    The Ocean Club
    The Peninsula
    The Plaza
    The Reverie
    The Savoy
    The Savoy Grill
    The Shard
    The Sunday Times
    The Sunday Times Wine Club
    The-three-fishes
    The-westin
    The White Company
    The Wolseley
    Threadneedles-hotel
    Thums Up Cola
    Tiffany-co
    Tiger Cub
    Tokyo
    Tower 42
    Truffles
    Turnbull & Asser
    Turtle Farm
    UAE
    Ubud
    UK
    Uruguay
    Veuve Clicquot
    Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old
    Veuve Clicquot Rich
    Vietnam
    Vietnam Airlines
    Vilebrequin
    Vina Eden
    Vineyard
    Virgin Active
    Virgin Active Barbican
    Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
    Virgin Australia
    VIROFORMULA
    Wallace Collection
    Western Australia
    West Indies Wine Company
    Westin Grand Cayman
    Westminister Attack
    Wheeler's Of St James Oyster Bar & Grill Room
    Will Lyons
    Wine
    Wolfgang Puck
    Worldwide Readership
    Yara
    Yayoi Kusama
    Year Of The Earth Pig

    RSS Feed

  • Travel Luxury
  • intro
  • Contact