by Editor | Sep 10, 2007 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
Ivory Lodge, a family built owned and managed lodge on the banks of the Sabie River, offered first class Big Five game viewing, luxury accommodations, appetizing meals and the kind of personal service only a small property can provide. Among its many distinctions was fronting the Sabie River for which the Sabi Sand Reserve was named. It offered eco-friendly game viewing following strict policies to protect the land. The Lion Sands Reserve on which the property was located, employed a full-time ecologist to manage and oversee the care of the land. Click here to read about Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands
by Editor | Aug 20, 2007 | New Articles, Restaurants and Food
A precursor of many of today’s French cuisine luminaries, Lasserre was established by entrepreneur Rene Lasserre in 1947 in a derelict warehouse. Today it is situated in the moneyed and desirable 8 arrondissement. A simple sign on the front of the building confirmed we had arrived. Inside, attentive staff members appeared as soon as we passed the threshold of the automatic doors. They took our coats and whisked us to the upstairs dining room.
More about Restaurant Lasserre
by Editor | Jun 4, 2007 | New Articles, Products
Solarveil Sun Hat
Photo: Josette King
Josette King tested the Solarveil Sun Hat recently and liked it. Here’s what she had to say: With its SPF 20+ rating, this lightweight wide-brimmed hat delivered superior sun protection without sacrificing style or comfort. Its generous three-inch brim offered excellent face and neck protection, and featured a navy lining that effectively reduced glare.
The hat was made of patented loose-weaved Solvarveil® fabric, a complex yarn structure touted for its superior breathability, wicking properties and the ability to block UVB and UVA rays. Click here to read the complete article.
Click here to purchase Magellan’s Solarveil Sun Hat 
by Editor | May 14, 2007 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
A shy animal peeked at us from the safety of a tree
One of our teams was in the Sabi Sand Reserve near Kruger National Park recently and discovered several luxury safari lodges worth a visit. In addition to Big Five game viewing, the properties offered extraordinary accommodations, fine meals and wines, and massages in exclusive private lands dedicated to pampering guests and showing off South Africa’s wildlife.
Our team visited popular lodges like the Mala Mala Main Camp. They also went to the River Lodge at Exeter Reserve, Forest Health Spa at Cybele (near Sabi Sand Reserve), Singita Boulders, Rattray’s and Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands. Singita Boulders had two newly built connecting beautiful family suites with private plunge pools. Boulders guests had access to an onsite wine cellar, a well stocked gift shop and an onsite spa.
One of our team’s favorites was Rattray’s, owned by the same family that owns the famous Mala Mala Main Camp. Guests at the exclusive property could take advantage of in suite massages, private plunge pools and game viewing for a maximum of four guests per vehicle. We loved the unexepected surprise laptop computers in suite with WiFi connectivity. Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands stood out for its striking suites with private plunge pools, in suite massages and ecotourism orientation.
by Editor | Apr 2, 2007 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
Dawn over the Nchendeni Hills
Photo: Josette King
Simon & Baker Travel Review Writer and Photographer Josette King visited the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia last fall. The park, according to experts, is home to some of the most intense concentration of game in Africa.
She particularly enjoyed her stay at several of the intimate luxury bush camps such as Chamilandu, Chindeni and Kuyenda, managed by the Bushcamp Company, one of only two companies operating within the 3,500 square mile wilderness of the park.
Each camp was ideally located to take advantage of the breathtaking vistas along the Luangwa River and its tributaries. The camps were the starting point for daily walking safaris and game drives. Click here to read more about Josette’s Luangwa Valley experience.
Elephants abound in the Luangwa Valley
Another property she visited in the park, Mfuwe Lodge, will be hosting a special week of “Animals in Action” November 17-24, 2007. During that week, guests will have an opportunity to join a host of internationally renowned personalities coming together at the lodge. They include Katy Payne, researcher and ground breaking expert in elephant communication from the United States); Jonathan and Angela Scott, wildlife photographers, TV presenters and authors from Kenya; Jonathan Truss, wildlife artist from the United Kingtom; and Phil Berry, world authority on giraffe from Zambia.
Derek Solomon, ornithologist and animal behavior specialist from Zambia; and Manda Chisanga, safari guide and specialist on traditional and medicinal uses of the local plants from Zambia will also be in attendance. Lodge guests that week will be able to participate in bush walks, game drives and lectures with time to interact with the guest speakers at bush breakfasts, lunches and sundowners on the banks of the river.
by Editor | Jan 2, 2007 | New Articles, Restaurants and Food
Ahi tuna dish at Azul in La Jolla
We recently visited La Jolla in the San Diego area and discovered Azul, a sea facing restaurant with tasty and colorful dishes and a stunning view of the Pacific. Pictured above is one of the many dishes served with artistic flair, the California Ahi Tuna Tartare made with sashimi-grade tuna, Napa cabbage, toasted almonds, wasabi tobiko and soy-ginger vinaigrette. Click here to read more about Azul.
