Hotel Agua Barú: Beach Life Near Cartagena
If you read yesterday’s post about our stay at the Hotel Agua, then you really missed something! Arthur practically had to pry my hands off the front door to get me to leave. The lovely, 17th century boutique hotel felt like home – only bigger, with “servants” and a pool. Read More…
Hotel Agua, Down Cartagena Way
My family took some time off last February to enjoy some much-needed time in the sunshine. Our destination was Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, which lies on the Caribbean coast. We stayed in the old, walled part of the city – a World Heritage Site. That means, the city has been preserved much as it has been, for 500 years. It was a spectacular trip.I thought I’d share some photos of our hotel, Agua. This is probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. A private home was redesigned by the owner into an exquisite hotel with only 6 rooms. The staff were so kind and wonderful that I wanted to stay forever. I really felt like this was my home. Let’s take a peek.
Inside the entrance you’re welcomed by antique baskets and wooden bowls – and staff with cold cloths and lime-flavored water.
The living room (above) and the breakfast area (below) made up the public space. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before heading out to dinner. Need a dining suggestion? The staff knows just what you want and will make the reservations for you.
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The breakfasts were so delicious, we’ve started eating in the same style now that we’re home. That means fresh, tropical fruit, eggs, bread and jam. I haven’t figured out how to make those wonderful tortilla things stuffed with cheese. On my “to-do” list.
Follow the jump to see the rooms and rooftop pool!
MarieBelle Chocolate
I’m taking a quick break from vacation (in New York and New Hampshire) to share this treat I found via my friend, Minnie. Thanks, Minnie! (I think)
MarieBelle Sweets, on Broome Street, in SoHo, is both a chocolatier, and a tiny restaurant that serves very dangerous hot chocolate. It’s like drinking a cup of the gooey insides of a lava cake. Just thought you’d like to know.
I’ll be back on Tuesday with lots of great decorating ideas for summer. Stay tuned!
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Forget the food, at Buddakan great lighting makes the meal
I spent a wonderful evening at Buddakan, an Asian fusion restuarant on 9th Avenue. The food was delicious. The evening was spectacular. Why? Well, first I was with some amazing friends. That aside, Buddakan’s designer did such an amazing job that I felt I had been transported to an Asian palace far away.
Before you start rolling your eyes, take a look at the photos (not so great, but they suffice I think). The incredibly tall ceilings are brilliant, but for me it was all about the lighting.
The use of tightly focused spots emphasized the height of the ceilings.
Large chandeliers, hung along the length of one enormous table, give the illusion of a different place and time. A ball at Versailles perhaps?
The touch of red was highlighted by more spots.
Floor lamps and candles on the table serve as task lighting -so you can read the menu. The layers of light give an overall look of drama and romance.
A large canvas, hung like a curtain behind the entrance counter is spotted. All around is mysterious darkness.
Buddakan is an enormous restaurant, with lots of rooms – each with its own sort of design. But they all work together. To find out more about the restaurant, visit their website by following this link.
Bah! To the Grosse Pointe Blues
Yesterday the New York Times ran an article in the Style section about Grosse Pointe, entitled Grosse Pointe Blues.
The good ‘ole days
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The article detailed how far my neighborhood has fallen since the good ‘ole days when Muffy and her husband, Biff spent their days tossing back highballs at the club and ordering the servants about. Sigh.
Now our houses are worthless and the clubs will let anyone in – even the riff-raff (I guess that’s me).
Grosse Pointe sits on Lake St. Clair. Squint and you’ll see Canada.
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While it’s true that we’re all suffering from lower housing values, we still live in a beautiful neck of the woods. It’s a real, old-fashioned community where kids ride their bikes to the public schools, which are actually good.
Let’s take a peek at Grosse Pointe. Maybe we’ll see Muffy slumming it at Farm’s Pier (the local, free swimming pool).
Enjoy the free pool and clubhouse!
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Got a boat? Park it here at The Farms’ Pier. There are five Grosse Pointes – each with their own swim & tennis club.
Three car garage!
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There are plenty of large piles to decorate in Grosse Pointe. But no one ever buys anything here. I guess that includes houses. Get these while they’re hot.
More Grosse Pointe loveliness after the jump. Read More…
