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TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN DA NANG

A visit to Vietnam would not be complete if you did not visit Da Nang and all the area has to offer. Da Nang is a coastal city located in central Vietnam. It is a bustling and lively city that has great food and shopping at very reasonable prices along with many nearby attractions. Lastly, the people here are super friendly and engaging. Below are my top things to see and do in the Da Nang area.

1. Visit one of the three amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Hoi An Ancient Town, The Imperial Citadel of Hue, and My Son Sanctuary.  I really enjoyed Hoi An – please see my Top 5 things To Do At Agsana Lăng Cô blog post.

2. Visit Ba Na Hills

Sun World in the Ba Na Hills is a large amusement complex set high in the mountains. You take a cable car to the top or you can hike it if you are feeling more adventurous and you arrive at a French Village. This place has beautiful flowers, gardens, and views and makes for great photo opportunities. Speaking of photo opportunities, there is the Instagram famous Golden Bridge. This is a curved pedestrian bridge that is held up by a pair of large hands. This incredible bridge has a beautiful setting and is definitely a must see.

3. Go Shopping in Da Nang

Shopping is a lot of fun in Da Nang and must be enjoyed! I would recommend starting at the Con Market. Do not let the name fool you, there is pretty much nothing you won’t find here – from clothes to food, it has it all.

4. Check out Dragon Bridge.

This bridge has a large dragon running down the middle of that puts on a light show at night. I will let the pictures do the talking here!

5. Enjoy one of the many street side restaurants

Those little tiny chairs and tables make for a nice place to stop and grab a cold beer. The people are so nice and so much fun and you can definitely linger for bit and watch the bustle of the city go by. There is a great vibe in this lively city that must be enjoyed over a cold beer.

Da Nang is a lively fun city with so many attractions and things to do – I will definitely back!

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MY TOP 5 FOR A VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU

I cannot say enough about Machu Picchu. This is a place that looks so incredible in every picture I see. A place set in the steep mountains that seemingly reaches the heavens. How the Incans discovered and built this city is beyond imagination. So, I finally get my chance to visit here and I am doing this right!

1. Obviously visit Machu Picchu

Plan to spend lots of time here, especially if the world is good. Aside from touring the place, be sure to set aside time to wander around on your own. You will be pleasantly surprised about what is always around the next corner. Machu Picchu is spectacularly beautiful!

2. Take the Hiram Bingham train. It is a classic luxury train that runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu. This is where I am talking about doing it right. My journey starts with a champagne greeting and a traditional ceremony and music before boarding. Very cool! The food and service on the train were outstanding and they are so accommodating in every way. Next, wander back to the bar car for a lively and fun atmosphere. Here I enjoyed fantastic live music and the views through Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. The band was so much fun and they get the passengers into the fun. I cannot say enough about this experience and to me, it is worth every penny!

3. Hike to Sun Gate

This hike takes you on the path that was followed by the Incans to go to and from Machu Picchu. You gain altitude from Machu Picchu and can enjoy more ancient ruins and incredible vistas of the valley below. This is also a good way to get away from the crowds at Machu Picchu. There are other amazing hikes here that I will do on my next visit.

4.Stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Here convenience rules the day as the lodge is situated right next to the entrance of Machu Picchu. You can more easily beat the crowds by either entering early or staying later than the rest of the tourists. The food is good here and I attended a session on to make a Pisco Sour, there national drink. Be sure to wander the grounds and gardens and connect with this beautiful place.

5. Stop and take it all in…

Watch the llamas, some might even do a selfie with you but do not expect much from these not so curious and ever so hungry creatures that are most interested in eating. Take a break, sit and relax, and really take in the views. There are few places in the world where you can enjoy this kind of experience. Enjoy a sunset, a sunrise, and connect spiritually with this beautiful place that seemingly touches the heavens.

I am so impressed with Machu Picchu. I have to go back!

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MY TOP 10 FOR AITUTAKI IN THE COOK ISLANDS

Aitutaki Island in the Cook Islands is a relatively undiscovered place in terms of tourism where you will not find chain hotels, shops, and restaurants. Also, good luck with the internet as it is slow at best when it actually works but that is not why you come to a place like this. You come here for the water and I cannot say enough about the beauty of it surrounding the Cook Islands. Go here!

Here is my top 10 for Aitutaki in the Cook Islands

1.Take a boat tour! Take two or three!

I recommend going on a private tour with the Black Pearl Charters. The water, the sand bars, the snorkeling, the fish, all were so amazing. During this trip I stopped at Honeymoon Island where the white sand and beautiful azul, turquoise, and ever so blue waters where just outstanding – breathtaking! While snorkeling I saw amazing reefs and fish with great visibility. During a couple of stops, I saw enormous clams with a couple closing in on one meter in width (3 ft.) with all sorts of interesting colors. I have never seen anything like this. This trip was outstanding!

2. Like I said, take another boat trip – visit One Foot Island.

The second trip I took was a group trip with Bishops Cruises. During this trip, I visited One Foot Island. Here you can get a really cool stamp on your passport. I snorkeled and again saw gigantic clams. You can see them opening and closing – keep your hands and feet out! At one of the smaller islands to see white terns nesting in a beautiful tree in the middle of the island. I visited Heaven Sand Bar and the name could not be more fitting as this place is incredibly beautiful. It was from here that I walked across a sand bar to One Foot Island. This was definitely my kind of day with beautiful white sand beaches, awesome clouds, and stunning waters. The clouds made it that much more dramatic.

3. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets day after day.

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I love sunsets! The skies, clouds, and beautiful waters make for spectacular sunsets nearly every day during my stay.

4. Visit the Pacific Resort. I enjoyed a great dinner here, a traditional dance and drum show, and a couple of stunning sunsets. This hotel is well maintained and the food is great.

5. Go for a bike ride and explore a bit

I rode a bike from Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island resort to town one day. On this trip, it poured rain and there really isn’t much to see or do in town. However, on the next trip, I rode to the Pacific Resort.  During my ride, I saw tons of chickens running around everywhere, lush vegetation and green everywhere, and it was interesting seeing how the locals lived. The ride was beautiful and I was rewarded with an amazing sunset. After sunset, I rode back in the dark. There are few lights here and also little to no traffic so it is relatively safe. I had a blast dodging the crabs and seeing stars from horizon to horizon with the Milky Way Galaxy clearly visible. I will never ever forget this bike ride. What an amazing experience!

6. Check out the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

I had to readjust my expectations for this resort as it is not your typical hotel chain. The food is so-so, the internet is terrible and expensive but that is an opportunity to disconnect, and the place is a little back in time and quirky. In order to reach the resort, you have to take a small barge like boat and cross a channel. This is where I first saw how beautiful the water is here.

I arrived and was treated to a hermit crab race. They paint numbers on the back of the crabs, draw a circle in the sand and put them in the center, place your bets and they are off to the races. The suspense was palpable and unfortunately my crab did not win but I had fun none the less. The big plus here is the island is situated on one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Beautiful waters and sunsets can be found here but do not expect beautiful beaches – you have to take a boat to reach those.

7. Paddle board and kayak

From my resort, I kayaked and paddle boarded around the island, to the edge of the atoll, and to the island across the lagoon. The waters are crystal clear and beautiful. I saw large rays, fish, reefs, and enjoyed exploring. Tip – be sure to have mosquito repellent when exploring islands and especially when there is no wind.

8. Enjoy a traditional dance and drum show

The locals put on a traditional dance and drum show that is very entertaining. Here you can get a taste of local culture and even join in on the fun.

9. Enjoy the flight in and out of Aitutaki – get a window seat!

This is a small island but you see many other islands on the way in and out. I saw beautiful waters, clouds, sand bars, and a sunset during. My flights to and from Aitutaki were beautiful.

10. Check out the Koru Café

I had a nice lunch across from Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. This is also where I found my private tour on Black Pearl Charters. The food is good and the people here are super friendly. Tip – be sure to have cash, New Zealand dollars accepted here but credit cards are not widely accepted.

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BORA BORA – NOT SO BORING

What can be said about Bora Bora that has not already been said. We have all seen the advertisements and Instagram photos of a place that does not even look real. Bora Bora defies imagination and until you see it in person, you will never believe it is true. This is a place with dramatic landscapes, beautiful white sand, and water in colors you cannot even imagine with so many shades and contrasts, it looks like it cannot be true. Throw in amazing activities like snorkeling with fish, rays, and even sharks in beautiful tropical waters, beautiful tropical weather and sunsets, and you know have arrived at utopia…

I did a little research prior to my visit to ensure I stayed at a hotel with an epic view of Mount Otemanu and the incredibly beautiful colors of the lagoon and I ended up at Le Meridien Bora Bora. This resort had everything I was looking for, great food, pools with spectacular views, over water bungalows with a glass floor for fish viewing, plenty of activities, and most importantly, that view that everyone talks about. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth for sure. For dining, I ate at Le Tipanie Restaurant and Le Te Ava.

For activities, I went for water sports of course. To get my feet wet, I started with paddle boarding. You cannot find a better place to do this than Bora Bora. To be a little more adventurous, I took a platoon boat from the resort all the way to Coral Gardens from my resort to do a little snorkeling. This was a great relaxing experience that I really enjoyed. The water was so beautiful and clear and there were so many tropical fish. Another cool activity is taking out the sea kayaks and exploring the area around the resort. The resort also offers a 30-minute outrigger sailing canoe ride. This is a great way to get an introduction to the lagoon.

Le Meridien has a turtle center at the resort. They have a beautiful setting for the turtles, offer an educational presentation about the turtles, and finish it off with a turtle feeding. The center is dedicated to helping injured turtles recover so they can be returned to the ocean. This is a great cause and I really enjoyed the experience.

My favorite activity for sure was swimming and snorkeling with the sharks. The boat picked me up from the hotel and then just outside the atoll, the adventure started. The water had amazing visibility and was a beautiful bright blue color. Although I was a little nervous jumping into the water with sharks, this quickly became something that I will never forget. There were two types of sharks here, Black Tipped Reef Sharks and Lemon Sharks. The Lemon sharks were fairly large, maybe 2+ meters with the reef sharks being smaller. There were dozens of these beautiful creatures swimming about along with lots of tropical fish.

We also stopped in an area known as coral gardens where many tropical fish can be found in beautiful water near reefs. This is where you can find “I love Bora Bora” written with stones at the sea bottom. This experience included enjoying some time at a beautiful sandy island with spectacular water and views of the main island, Bora Bora Beach Club, fresh fruit, and wine. I enjoyed this experience so much that I repeated it again with sharks and rays in a shallower location with amazing visibility. I was the only one at this beautiful spot and that made it ever more special. This was definitely my favorite activity and one I would highly recommend. You can either book this through the hotel or directly through one of the many providers.

Well everything cannot be in the water so I took a break from the sun and decided to rent a car and check out the main island. I stopped at Bloody Mary’s for lunch. This is a place that is visited by many celebrities. This food was great but I am guessing this is a better place for night life. There are many roadside merchants selling fresh fruit around the island. Here you can enjoy fresh pineapple or mango. It does not take long to explore this island, you can probably drive all the way around it in maybe 45 minutes but I am glad I checked it out. I will probably take a tour next time to see what else this beautiful island has to offer.

During my stay, I visited the St. Regis for dinner one night. This is an epic and all so beautiful resort with food to match and only 5 minutes away from Le Meridien. Both the Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges and Far Niente Ristorante restaurants are amazing dining experiences with Lagoon being exceptional.

Bora Bora was truly a dream come true. This has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. From the epic landscape of the mountains and islands to that all so beautiful water, this place has it all for me. I enjoyed gorgeous views, dramatic skies and sunsets, and so many great experiences. This place should be on everyone’s bucket list for sure. I was truly blessed to be here!

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TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ARUBA

Aruba is one of the prettier and more developed islands in the “ABC” chain (Aruba, Bon Aire, Curacao) located just north of Venezuela in the Caribbean. The island is mostly known for its pretty beaches, stunning water, and ship wreck diving. It is relatively dry here and also helpful that it lies outside of the hurricane belt so your trip is less likely to get ruined. As they say here, Bonbini or Welcome to Aruba!

Here is my top 10 for Aruba

1. Stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.

This is a large property and seems to have it all located in heart of Oranjestad. There is shopping, dining, a casino, and they even have their very own private beach island with flamingos just off shore.

2. Visit Renaissance Island

One of the nice perks of staying at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is that you have water taxi access to Renaissance Island. The island has nice white sand beaches, beautiful water for swimming or snorkeling, tropical fish, iguanas, and flamingos. It is the flamingos that I came for but I enjoyed the other amenities as well. I suggest getting here early to avoid the crowds.

3. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets day after day

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I love sunsets! The skies, clouds, and beautiful waters make for spectacular sunsets nearly every day during my stay.

4. Visit Eagle Beach.

This is the nicest beach in Aruba. With its sparkling azure waters and white sand, I came back several times. Definitely worth a visit!

5. Dine at Atardi, Marriott’s beach front restaurant

This might be one of the best kept secrets on the island. I do not normally think about hotel restaurants too much but this one is perfectly situated on a beautiful Palm Beach for amazing sunsets night after night. The seafood is great, the ambiance is more on the romantic side, and the service was friendly. Here you can get a table right on the beach for an amazing evening.

6. Visit Natural Pool

There are many other pretty beaches and things to see in Aruba. One place I recommend is Natural Pool. The pool is formed by volcanic stone and creates a stunning natural pool. The weather did not work out for me but it is well worth a visit.

7. Explore the island and check out Aruba’s other beautiful beaches.

Many claim Arashi Beach is the best place to go snorkeling in Aruba due to its abundant underwater life and gentle currents.  They might be right! Explore the island!

8. Visit downtown Oranjestad

Here you will find brightly colored Dutch architecture, shopping, and dining.

9. Check out Pinchos Grill and Bar

This restaurant is located in downtown Oranjestad and offers sunset and ocean views in a casual atmosphere. The food here was delicious.

10. Get a window seat and enjoy the sunset on your flight out

I received an unbelievable goodbye from beautiful Aruba with an amazing sunset. Always try to do this if you can. I really enjoyed my visit to Aruba!

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MY TOP 10 FOR CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia, meaning “land of beautiful horses,” has surreal landscapes and beauty that is unimaginable. The location, known for its fairy chimneys and hot air balloons should be on everyone’s bucket list. Cappadocia can be reached with a 1.5-hour flight from Istanbul or a much longer drive for the more adventurous. On this trip, I am joined by one of my best friends, Urska – we had so much fun here together!

Here is my top 10 for Cappadocia!

1. Balloon Ride

If you do nothing else when visiting Turkey, take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. This is an experience of a lifetime and should not be missed. From the start, seeing 100 balloons glowing at dawn and launching into the sky is incredible. We floated high into the sky and reached an altitude of 2000 meters at sunrise (~6500 feet) and enjoyed spectacular views. From here we drifted into the valleys below feeling like you could reach out and touch the top of the unique fairy chimney structures and floating right above a ridge where hundreds of spectators and even a bride and groom were watching. This trip was stunning, spectacular, and in every sense of the word, absolutely beautiful!  Finally, our amazing pilot landed us on the balloon trailer with absolute perfection. I recommend Butterfly Balloons. This adventure is a must!

2. Museum Hotel

The museum hotel is set high on a hill with great views of the valley below with all but two rooms in caves. This hotel lives up to its name with lots of historical antiquities in and out of the rooms. There are multiple terraces and an infinity pool to enjoy with peacocks, pigeons, and turtles in an ever so relaxing environment. Innovative hotel in restored ruins, caves & ancient houses offering high-end dining & a pool. My room had a small pool and fountain with gold fish swimming about and great views. Enjoy the grounds, the pool, relaxing, and breakfast here. Thank you to the staff for their kindness and generosity. You will feel very welcome here and you will not be disappointed.

3. Goreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should be near the top of your list for places to visit in Cappadocia. There are really cool structures carved right into the rocks including churches and a monastery with beautiful murals as old as 900 AD.

4. Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Passabag is one of the great places to visit and see the mushroom shaped fairy chimneys up close. Here you will also find structures carved right into the rocks. During the summer months, bring lots of water as it can be hot in the sun when you are not checking out the cave dwellings.

5. Wake Up at 4am and Watch the Balloons at Sunrise

I myself and not usually a morning person but I made an exception to watch the spectacle of 150 balloons being launched across Cappadocia. Who knew a sunrise could be so spectacular? Don’t let the word desert fool you, it is pretty cold early in the morning so bring a jacket but definitely worth the amazing views.

7. Derinkuyu Underground City

There are multiple levels of an underground city carved right into the rock. This is a great place to cool off as the temperature is very consistent and comfortable here and learn about history of the area and how people lived in this unique setting. With its ultimate thermal efficiency setting, this was an ingenious way to live at a time when air conditioners and heaters were not around.

8. Dine at Seki

A short walk from the museum hotel, I dined at Seki located in the heart of Uçhisar Village. This restaurant has great views of Pigeon Valley and Mount Erciyes in the distance. There are multiple terraces and great food to match. I have not had a bad meal in Turkey and this place is no exception. Great food with fresh ingredients, service, and atmosphere await anyone dining here.

9. Seyyah Han Restaurant & Cafe

During my tour of Cappadocia, I stopped at Seyyah Han Restaurant for lunch. The food is excellent and the service was just as good. Stop here for great hospitality and delicious food!

10. Shopping

One of the activities I enjoyed in Turkey is shopping. Just down the road from the Museum Hotel is a panoramic view point of one of the many valleys in Cappadocia. Here you will find inexpensive and high-quality hand-crafted souvenirs and gifts for your friends back home.

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MY TOP 10 FOR PETRA

4. Go horseback ridingYou can take a horse from the park entrance to the beginning of the canyon. The ride is reasonably priced and worth the experience. You save some time getting to the main sites and I had a blast.3. Visit the Treasury at nightVisit the Treasury for the night presentation that includes hundreds of luminary candles, lights, and music. The path from the visitor center to the Treasury is candlelit and you get a whole different experience during the night visit. Check for times and further information at the visitor center.I set a goal to see the Seven Wonder of the World and I would say I completed this in a beautiful and surreal way by visiting Petra in Jordan.

Here is my top 10 for Petra

1. Visit Petra

Petra is famous for its large structures carved directly in the sandstone cliffs. Its most known structure is known as the Treasury. It is 45 meters high and has a Greek-style façade and should be seen during the day and during a separate night presentation that includes hundreds of luminary candles, lights, and music. To reach the Treasury, you hike past ancient tombs and other carvings, and then through a narrow canyon. The hike is not strenuous and takes about 40 minutes. You have several other transportation options including donkeys, horses, and horse and carriage. Once you reach the Treasury, there is a small café where you can purchase water and other beverages. Read on for other tips and things to do here.

2. Hike from the back of the park to the Monastery.

The Monastery takes a little effort to reach as it is hidden high in the hills. It looks similar to the Treasury but is larger in scale. If you hike from the visitor center, it is fairly strenuous hike that I have been told includes 900-steps. Along the way you will find a few places that sell souvenirs, water, and drinks. I think the hike from the back of the park to the Monastery is more scenic and interesting. From my hotel, I took 30 minutes to reach the point where I am dropped off. The drive requires a 4-wheel drive and is a bit rough in spots. When I asked how long it takes to hike from the drop-off point to the Monastery, I was told 30 to 35 minutes. This is simply not true and you cannot even jog it that fast. The hike was at least one hour but it is well worth the journey as you traverse beautiful landscapes and mountains. You are pretty much on your own here so wear good walking or hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and there are only a few people selling handy crafts along the way. You could take a donkey from here but I think it is better to walk and take in the beautiful scenery. Once you reach the Monastery, there is the Cave Tea Shop where you can recharge and take in the views.

3. Visit the Treasury at night

Visit the Treasury for the night presentation that includes hundreds of luminary candles, lights, and music. The path from the visitor center to the Treasury is candlelit and you get a whole different experience during the night visit. Check for times and further information at the visitor center.

4. Go horseback riding

You can take a horse from the park entrance to the beginning of the canyon. The ride is reasonably priced and worth the experience. You save some time getting to the main sites and I had a blast.

5. Walk from the visitor center to the Treasury

The Treasury was named this because it was rumored to hide the Pharos treasures. This structure, built around the 1st century BC and carved out of sandstone, is magnificent. The structure is almost 40 meters tall and should be visited in both daytime, and nighttime. View the structure from multiple angles and heights. There are tables where you can enjoy food and drink and relax for a bit as well.

The walk is very scenic. You can see multiple ancient structures and carvings along the way and an incredible narrow canyon. This canyon is very scenic with shades of sand and rose throughout. Take your time on this fairly easy walk and enjoy the moment as this is a rare treat to see.

6. Dine at the Mövenpick Resort Al Ghadeer Roof Garden

The Mövenpick is located right across the street from the entrance to Petra. This is likely the nicest hotel in Petra and they have a gorgeous rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar. I had and amazing dinner here and enjoyed great service and a beautiful sunset.

7. Stay at the Marriott Petra

The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from the entrance of Petra and it is almost half the price of the hotels that are much closer. The hotel has beautiful views of the mountains I enjoyed the spa.

8. Ride a donkey

Why not? You will see them everywhere and many are decoratively adorned. I would suggest riding them either to and from the Treasury. Do not ride them from the Monastery to the Treasury as this is a steep and uncomfortable ride.

9. Go to the highest viewpoint of at the Treasury

You will be offered at least a dozen times to be taken to the infamous viewpoint across from the Treasury for a fee. This is a bit of a scam and there is no need to pay anyone to do this, you can do it on your own and the walk up is nice. At the top, someone has set out carpets and pillows for you to enjoy, it is probably a good idea to tip them if you use them. The drop off is steep so do not get too close to the edge.

10. Tips – Do not pay to have someone lead you to the vista point at the Treasury. You can easily do this yourself if you are somewhat healthy. As you face the Treasury, look to your right and follow the path. It is a tad rough but you’ll make it! If hiking to the Monastery from the back of the park, bring plenty of water and wear good shoes. Take in the entire park, not just the Treasury. The canyons, mountains, and sights are all pretty spectacular here. Some of the people can be a bit pushy here but stand your ground and enjoy the experience.

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Top 10 Things to See and Do in Ronda | Ines Lifestyle

Ronda, located in southern Spain, is a beautiful little city located in a very unique place. It is a dramatic mountain city set over a deep gorge. making this a place that you will want to explore from many angles and elevations.

Here is my top 10 for Ronda!

1. Drive from Malaga to Ronda

I began this journey in Malaga which is about a 40 minute drive through the mountains. The scenery is spectacular with beautiful views.

2. Stay at The Catalonia Ronda

I stayed at this hotel that is located right across from Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the historic bullfighting ring. The rooms were perfect and very comfortable and I had an amazing view of the bullring. There is also a very nice rooftop with a pool and bar so you can soak up some of that beautiful sunshine that southern Spain is so famous for. I really enjoyed the views and sunset from the terrace overlooking the bullring and valley below, the views from this hotel are really outstanding! I very much enjoyed the hotel and would definitely stay here again.

3. See New Bridge from many angles

One of the most famous attractions is called New Bridge but it is not all that new being completed in 1793. The bridge took over 40 years to complete and separates the newer part of the city from the older part.

4. See the other bridges and gardens

There are also two other bridges that are older and also dramatic. The gorge is over 120 meters deep and can be accessed from a number of places. On one side, you can stroll through beautiful gardens along the way. From the other, you have views of New Bridge and the cliffs and onto the valley below where you can find some old ruins.

5. Hike the El Tajo Gorge

I highly recommend hiking into El Tajo gorge to the valley bellow and explore the dramatic landscapes along the way but be sure to bring water. The views are worth the hike.

6. Visit Plaza de Toros de Ronda

Another site worth visiting is Plaza de Toros de Ronda. This is the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain and also holds a museum dedicated to this spectacle that has been historically romanticized throughout history. I really enjoyed exploring this cultural icon walking in and around the bullring. I am pretty sure I could teach any bull a lesson or two! Olé! Olé!

7. See the views form Coño

To the rear of the bullring is a park that has great views of the valley below. There is one point where you can stand on a balcony over 100 meters above the valley below, it is called “Coño!”

8. Dine at Albacara Restaurant

This Michelin Star rated restaurant features Mediterranean, European, and Spanish cuisine and overlooks the Tajo gorge, New Bridge, and has outstanding views. The food and service are also exceptional! Very nice people here! Be sure to book ahead of time for a table with the best views.

9. Dine at Azahar.

This restaurant features local cuisine and has spectacular views of the mountains and valley below. This is a great place to catch the sunset and the food is good. If you walk here from New Bridge, you can stroll through the nearby park that sits on the edge of a cliff and enjoy the views.

10. Explore the city and enjoy the views.

I probably used the word “views” or “view” a few dozen times here because this is such a beautiful place to visit with such great views everywhere you look.  Whether it is the historic buildings, bridges, bullring, cliffs, mountains, or sunsets, there is a great view here everywhere you look.

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TOP 15 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is a clean, modern, and amazing multi-cultural city to visit that has so much to offer. There are great accommodations, restaurants and bars, parks, and of course one of my favorite things… shopping.

Top 15 Things to See and Do in Singapore

1. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

A trip to Singapore would not be complete without a visit to the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands.  Start with the world’s largest Infinity pool that captures stunning views of the skyline. Sure, it is overcrowded for sure. Yes, you are in Selfie land here but if you cannot beat them, this is the place to join them! I have seen beautiful days, clouds, and sunsets all from this amazing infinity pool. A must see at last once!

2. Ce La Vi

This is one of my go to places to have some snacks, drinks, and to especially enjoy the sunset over the captivating skyline of Singapore.

3. Watch the laser show and have snacks at restaurant Lantern

Facing Marina Bay Sands is the Lantern Rooftop Bar. From here you have exceptional views of the laser show taking place at Marina Bay Sands across the water. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and even dinner at this great location at the Fullerton Hotel on the water.

4. Go Shopping in Singapore

Singapore is a shopper’s paradise as long as you have lots of buying power. Go shopping at Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, everything you can ever imagine can be found here… From the mall, you can access Louis Vuitton’s flagship floating store. Head up to the second floor and check out the views from the outdoor deck.  Another great shopping area is Orchard Road. This metropolis has it all and is a shopper’s paradise.

5. Gardens by The Bay

Visit the ever so gorgeous Gardens by the Bay. You can walk some of it for free but it is worth visiting the paid attractions here as well. Check out the waterfalls in the Cloud Forest Conservatory, the lighting of the Super Tree Grove structures at night, and the Flower Pavilion. It can be crowded but is worth visiting,

6. Visit Chinatown

I enjoy exploring a city by foot and Singapore is no exception. One area worth walking around is Singapore’s Chinatown. Do some shopping here and enjoy delicious Dim Sum and a beer while people watching. The Tanjong Pagar Temple is a great place for photos.

7. Staying at Ritz Carlton Millenia

This luxury hotel is located in Marina Bay. The spacious lobby area has a nice bar and live music. The bay side rooms offer great views of Singapore’s beautiful skyline. Everything here is first class!

8. Stay and dine at the Four Seasons

Another hotel I have stayed at is the Four Seasons located near Orchard Road Shopping district. The service here is outstanding and the rates are better than what you pay near Marina Bay. Dine at Jiang-Nan Chun. This is an exceptional Cantonese restaurant and I go here every time I visit Singapore.

9. Dine and Party at Lavo

Enjoy dinner or drinks at LAVO located on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands. When they stop serving Italian food, the music takes over, and the 180 degree views of the skyline here are amazing.

10. Visit Sentosa Aquarium

This is one of the largest and best aquariums in the world, SEA Aquarium. The aquarium boasts over 100,000 sea creatures and I am not disappointed with the exhibits. One of my favorite exhibits features majestic manta rays. They are so graceful as they glide through the water.  Save yourself some time and buy your tickets online before going.

11. Great Option for seeing the sunset, 1-Altitude

They claim to be the “highest alfresco bar in the world.” This is one of my spots to watch the sunset. Here you can enjoy food, drinks, and music while taking in their 360 degree views Singapore’s skyline.

12. Have breakfast at My Awesome Café

This is a great spot to eat breakfast with lots of healthy options.

13. Merlion Park

This waterfront park is known for its mythical Half-fish and half-lion statue that shoots water from its mouth. Check out the bay from the park.

14. Visit the ArtScience Museum on Marina Bay

Just look for the lotus-inspired building on Marina Bay and you have arrived. There are lots of cool Art and Science themed exhibits here to explore and expand your mind.

15. Explore the city by foot

Whenever I can, I always enjoy walking in a city and Singapore is no exception. Explore the bay, the neighborhoods, and discover new places. Singapore is a beautiful city with lots of green spaces to enjoy.