Category Archives: one day stay

One Day Stay: Miami, Florida

miami

If you know much about Lola, you certainly know that Miami is one of my favorite places to visit. Why? It is easy to get to from practically anywhere. Certainly from chilly Boston but this visit I actually flew direct from Barcelona. How about that? Then there’s the whole great food, great cocktails, great hotels, great beaches – the list goes on! Finally, since I love international travel, Miami is a perfect place for me with so many people from all over the world visiting and living there. Here’s my ‘One Day Stay’ round up of Lola’s visit this time to Miami.

DROP YOUR BAG

the-james-royal-palm-miami-south-beach_meetings_l

Newcomer on the Miami South Beach scene, The James Royal Palm debuted in November 2012. This luxury boutique hotel originally built in 1939, has 179 guest rooms and 211 studios and suites, most with ocean views. Tres bon! A totally prime location being steps off the beach and world-famous Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, The James Royal Palm has two swimming pools, a poolside bar, a fun lobby lounge and a full-service spa. The hotel serves as a modern tribute to the Royal Palm’s rich history keeping the European-influenced Art Deco style and playing up the style’s vertical elements and horizontal lines meant to denote movement and fluidity. Also, on property are two fabulous signature restaurants – Florida Cookery and CATCH. Yummy! The James brand has 2 other properties – one in New York and one in Chicago. I look forward to checking out these locations as well as this hipster hotel is completely ‘Lola Approved’.

DO

Delano Cabana Day

This isn’t new Lola Miami news. When I get to South Beach, I cannot resist a cabana day at Delano. Everything is always “just right” at this posh destination. It’s the way to chill & play amongst the cool set. You can rent a cabana for the day and enjoy all the perks the guests of Delano have but at a fraction of the cost. How does little hourly treats from the gorgeous staff sound? What about complimentary neck or foot massages? YES…I thought you’d like that. Plus, the crowd is always fun and friendly. I’ve truly been hard pressed to find a better day long pool scene. TRUST ME ON THIS!

DRINK

ultimate gin & tonic at SLS Miami

As you know I’m not one to shy away from a good cocktail. During my most recent visit to Miami, I had a few that I could carry on about. Every drink at Delano during my annual cabana day tasted amazing for starters but, then again, don’t most poolside cocktails?!  Nevertheless, my favorite cocktail of this adventure was the ultimate Gin & Tonic at SLS South Beach. It tastes delicious but the presentation is so pretty, it’s a drink you hope lasts all evening!

DINE

Khong River House

Khong River House is one of the newer hot spots to try in Miami. Serving fabulous Thai-inspired food, the best loved dishes are the Burmese Noodle Wraps, Roast Chicken, Crispy Shrimp and Coconut Cake. Also known for their yummy cocktail list and attentive staff, Khong River House is a hip and trendy place without any of the attitude. HOW DELICIOUS!

PS – an honorable mention goes to Florida Cookery at The James Royal Palm. Your experience here is meant to be innovative and fluid, serving globally influenced seafood. All I can say is my server, Ashley, was one of the most knowledgable I’ve ever had and after describing all her favorite dishes, that is what I promptly ordered. AMAZING!

 

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One Day Stay: Zurich, Switzerland

zurich

Zurich is pretty European city and Switzerland’s largest. You cannot help but fall in love with Zurich with its stunning Lake Zurich and the surrounding Alps. It seems like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Zurich was named one of the “best quality of life” cities in the world and is definitely a destination worth a longer visit with all the fantastic places to stay, eat & drink and shop. This doesn’t even take into account all the culture that is available in Zurich. Here’s my ‘One Day Stay’ round up of Lola’s time in Zurich.

DROP YOUR BAG

baur au lac

I had the opportunity to stay in the gorgeous Baur au Lac hotel for my overnight in Zurich. Dating back to 1844, this historic 5 star Leading Hotel of the World has had a guest line up full of royalty, presidents, artists & actors. And, who couldn’t enjoy the views from this address?! Looking onto Lake Zurich, the Alps & its own private park, Baur au Lac epitomizes luxury, elegance and legendary service. I can vouch, first hand, that the service was extraordinary from the mere fact that even with shift changes, the staff always knew who I was and greeted me by name. Might I add, with a recent multi-million dollar renovation, Baur au Lac has individually designed and decorated rooms with high quality furnishings custom-made for the hotel. Baur au Lac has married the old with the new in a luxurious yet contemporary fashion. PERFECTION that’s definitely Lola Approved.

DO

GLOBUS

Zurich is a lovely city with plenty of culture. In the short time I was there I enjoyed a cocktail at a famous sweets spot, Felix Cafe, and walked the streets of the quaint city. My favorite ‘DO’ of my One Day Stay was stopping into Globus, Switzerland’s premier, high-class department store. The flagship store, which is located in the heart of Zurich, is for those who appreciate quality, aesthetics & innovative products. I particularly liked their food market as well as their own line of Globus clothes for women.

DRINK

barbaur

I can enjoy a cocktail a multitude of places, that’s for sure. Wine with lunch at Globus, an afternoon bellini at Felix Cafe, famous for its chocolate creations, or post-dinner drinks at the lively terrasse restaurant. My favorite ‘DRINK’ was, in fact, at the trendy hot spot, Rive Gauche Restaurant & Bar at Baur au Lac. Right in the city center, you can mingle with the cosmopolitan Zurich set here.

DINE

terrasse-Restaurant-Zurich-Bellevue-Limmatquai-01

I’m quite sure there are many fantastic options for delicious dining in Zurich. Staying overnight on a Sunday, however, presented a bit of a challenge as many restaurants are not open on Sunday or close quite early. Thanks to a tip from an “in-the-know” local, I was directed to terrasse, a hip Italian dining spot with a Lake Zurich view. The food and service were great and the restaurant was quite busy with a handsome crowd.

DANKE to Baur au Lac for hosting my stay in Zurich. You were everything I expected and so much more. As always, if I didn’t ‘Lola Approve’ it, I’d say otherwise. Plus, thank you to Switzerland Tourism for the first class SWISS train pass, which got me safely from Geneva to Zurich & The Dolder Grand for divine lunch. The views here are mine!

photo by Daniel Szelényi

photo by Daniel Szelényi

PS – an honorable mention goes to The Dolder Grand. Your city resort is spectacular and I hope to further explore it on my next visit to Zurich. Between your fine dining options, bar, spa & fitness facilities (I’ve never been so impressed) and sporting activities offered, I can imagine one wouldn’t even feel the need to leave your lovely property.

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Filed under one day stay, swanky luxe stays, switzerland, travel, zurich