WESTIN CHOSUN HOTEL, SEOUL, KOREA
Service really is what you come away remembering after a stay at this posh hotel. Sure, the lobby is immaculate, the restaurants (serving both Asian and Western-style cuisine) are fantastic, and absolutely, the rooms with their high-tech gadgets, Bond-like monitors by the door telling me my newspaper is waiting for me outside, the hypo-allergenic carpets are unique, but the service...
There seem to be helpful employees everywhere, upon exiting your taxi you're dutifully met by several enthusiastic bellman all wearing a sincere smile and ready to converse with you in perfect English which can be such a relief for travelers from this side of the pond! From the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, from the heartfelt welcomes to the proactive assistance, to the graceful touches in your room like flower arrangements, personalized notes about the weather and the day's happenings, it is clear that the staff of the Westin Chosun understands the true meaning of hospitality and is eager to share it with their guests.
EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary room upgrade plus $100 Food & Beverage credit. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!
IL MATTARELLO RESTAURANT, LA BOCA, BUENOS AIRES
In the middle of Buenos Aires, sits a small Italian, tango-and-soccer-crazy neighborhood of La Boca, and in La Boca, lies a most amazing diamond in the rough. Il Mattarello is set just a few blocks from the famous Boca Juniors soccer stadium, quiet and unassuming, yet delivering inside a veritable powerhouse of homemade Italian dishes that would rival any taverna in Rome. You're treated like family from the moment you walk in- whether you speak English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese or even German, someone there is happy to communicate with you and they take the utmost pride in serving these very special dishes. The Carbonara is to die for, and the bread is so fresh it melts in your mouth.
NB** You'll find this just down the street from the real-life Diego Maradona impersonator who proudly works his corner off of the main pedestrian shopping street, so you can't miss it if for some reason you can't find the street signs. Have your hotel arrange for a taxi to take you, much easier and more secure that way! Av. Martin Rodriguez 517, La Boca
Pair this with a stay at the Park Hyatt, pick up some of their signature Celedonio bath amenities, throw in a meat frenzy at Cabana Las Lillas and you've pretty much achieved Buenos Aires bliss
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PARK HYATT PALACIO DUHAU, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Impressive...that's the first word that comes to mind when you first pull up to the driveway on the Palace side of this incredibly beautiful building that clearly resonates classic regal Argentina. Then, you step inside, to find an incredibly modern space, flowing curtains, statuesque flower vases, chic furniture. Ah...there is an aroma in the room that is most comforting...you stop and breathe it in. The attentive bellman escorts you to your beautifully appointed room, replete with all of the modern conveniences you could wish for and...wait, there is that aroma again. What is it? Can't place it? As you move through the property and take the time to enjoy all that it has to offer, including the spectacular Ahin Spa, the trendy Vinoteca restaurant, ideal for indulging in a few different types of Malbec accompanied by the most gorgeous cheeses, to the on-site art gallery (yes, within the property) that rotates its work every two months, and the gardens, it transports you back years, to the old stylish Buenos Aires that we read about. If not for the concierges, we would never have found some of the best restaurants we've ever had the pleasure of eating in (to be reviewed soon!) and here's the answer...the aroma is called Celedonio, it's their own intoxicating fragrance, flowing through every square inch of the property and sadly, can not be purchased. However, their bath products are quite similar so we recommend purchasing an extra bottle of shampoo or shower gel, so you can remind yourself of that peaceful beautiful experience anytime you wish when you get back home. www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com
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ANTICO CASALE DI SCANSANO, ITALY
"Keep going, down the road, straight down the road and there you'll find our little Casale", said the front desk manager through the phone after we called from the car. Take one wrong turn in this part of Tuscany and you could be lost for hours (point proven) but wow is it worth it when you arrive. Set in a beautifully restored farmhouse, and surrounded by impeccably manicured gardens, this piece of heaven is just steps from the charming center of town and offers a fully equipped European spa, equestrian center, Italian cooking classes, and the most charming accommodations. The full breakfast (inlcuded by the way) was laden with the most wonderful fresh breads, cheeses and fruit, and dinner was absolutely gorgeous, with treats like homemade fettuccini, wild boar, and incredible desserts. It certainly feels like Mom is in the kitchen working her magic, and absolultely feels like home. Special spa and wine/culinary packages available now. Note to self- rent GPS along with your rental car to avoid unnecessary directions-related spats with your traveling companions! http://www.anticocasalediscansano.it
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WESTIN CHOSUN HOTEL, SEOUL, KOREA
