Finding hotel accommodation in Tokyo that meets a traveller’s requirements and budget can be a challenge. Tales of ‘shoe box’ sized hotel rooms abound along with soaring costs in what is considered as one of the world’s expensive cities. Our friends in Tokyo booked a hotel for us close to their apartment. But when last [...]

Arriving at the Hotel Metropole Suisse in Lake Como, we could not be happier with our choice. The waterfront location along the shores of the lake is prettier than the photographs. Hotel Metropole Suisse Situated on Piazza Cavour across the road from the Como ferry stop and a two minute walk to Ferrovie Nord train [...]

We start our prologue in Nice, our point of entry into France via the overnight sleeper train from Rome. Our Tour de France is about to begin but before we set off en route, we have a date with the Mediterranean. At Nice Gare train station, we unload our luggage then proceeded to the bureau [...]

If you’re travelling to Moorea or Bora Bora, or any of Tahiti’s islands, you’re likely to face the obligatory overnight stay in Papeete. International flights often land at Tahiti Faaa International Airport late in the night and since Air Tahiti does not operate any night time transfer flights to the islands, there is no choice [...]

If paradise has a name, it is Bora Bora. Tahiti and her islands hold a special place for us. Not only did we get married in a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony in Moorea, the island in French Polynesia marks the spot where I made the decision to accept Mr G’s marriage proposal. This romantic paradise [...]

Milestones are meant to be celebrated. Whether they come in the form of an Indulgent Afternoon Tea at Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel to celebrate a special anniversary, or this tribute post to commemorate the 100th article on Gourmantic, reaching a round number is cause to pop the Champagne and toast the occasion. At Burj [...]

The outdoor swimming pool at the Mir Amin Palace hotel is famous for its unique mosaic carpet. Located just a few minutes drive from the historic Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon’s Chouf mountains, the hotel dates back to the 19th century when it was the residence of the Emirs. Renovated into a five star hotel, it [...]