All posts filed under: Review

Hanoi: My Picks for Hair, Nails and Spa

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Finding a good place for haircut or manicure can be daunting in Hanoi when you are only visiting for a few days. During our multiple stays in Hanoi, we tested several locations to find places that have a combination of quality service and fair price. Le Spa Du Metropole (Sofitel) Price: Expensive ($75+) Metropole Website This is one of my favorite spa and hotel in Hanoi. The design highlights the luxurious interiors with French Indochina aesthetics. The spa continues with the same decor but emphasizes more on relaxation as shown in the photo above. I sampled both facial and full body massage here which left me sleeping like a baby. The spa uses high end products including Clarins. The treatment costs approximately $80-$100. This is a splurge for those days when a touch of luxury is needed. Lavender Spa Price: Budget ($20+) 60 minutes massage is VND 520,000 vnd or approximately $23 Address: 28 Nguyễn Du Street Phone: 0433 899 999 (requires a reservation 1 hour in advance) This mid-range spa was recommended by my Hanoi friend.  This no frill spa …

What it is like to travel on Spirit Airlines for the first time.

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For a “well-worn” traveler, I have always looked for the best value in airfare and not simply focusing on the lowest possible price. For that reason, I have not taken a budget airline in the past few years.  I finally had the opportunity when I needed to book a direct flight to Las Vegas for my birthday trip.  I was eyeing Jet Blue but, alas, they did not have a flight that would accommodate my travel schedule so I bit the bullet and booked with Spirit Airlines.  Here is what I discovered when taking Spirit Airlines. Read the fine print before you book your tickets. This is one airline where it’s worth your time to read the fine prints!  If you don’t, you will have sticker shock on what they will charge you.  The “add on fees” will end up costing you more than taking a normal airline flight. Make sure to book, check-in and pay for everything in advance.   Spirit Airlines will charge a premium fee for printing out your boarding pass, paying for your …

Hotel Review: Fusion Maia Resort (Danang, Vietnam)

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Fusion Maia Resort (Danang, Vietnam) Address: Truong Sa, Vietnam (+84 511 3967 999) http://maiadanang.fusion-resorts.com We stumbled onto Fusion Maia accidentally when a friend of mine decided to stay at the resort for a short holiday and invited me to join her. The resort is so well hidden that even the entrance from the main road can easily be missed. Driving through the bamboo lined driveway to the front lobby, you can’t help but feel like you are being transported to a secluded oasis.  Fusion Maia is completely different from other top luxury resorts dotting the beach. It’s a luxury boutique resort that specializes in spa and holistic living. La Vie Partagee would describes the resort as a cross between a five star spa and being on a private island getaway in Vietnam with a dash of Bali thrown in.  The resort is a “villas only” establishment with each villa having its own private pool.  Your one night stay includes 2 days of spa service per person.  There are 2 hours of spa service per day per …

Airline Lounge Review: Japan Airlines Business Class Lounge at Narita Airport (Terminal 2)

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I often take Japan Airlines to my destinations in Asia and I always look forward to freshening up and relaxing at their Business Class Lounge in Narita Airport.  The Japan Airlines Business Class lounge is called the “Sakura Lounge”.  The lounge has a great mixture of western and eastern amenities.  Both Business Class and Premium Economy members have access to the lounge which can prove to be crowded at certain times. Location The Sakura Lounge is located at the T2 Main Building on the second floor after passing through security for connecting flights. For Japan Airlines Premium Economy customers, make sure to go to customer service located right after security to get lounge access pass if it was not given during the initial flight check in. Layout The lounge is split into two floors.  The first floor (same floor as the entrance) is busier and has the main food area of the lounge.  The bottom floor is accessible by descending down the grand staircase.  On the bottom of the staircase are storage lockers for small …

Bugs: A Hidden Sushi Gem In Its Last Week

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New York is transient by nature with people coming and going at all times.  Some people and moments can leave an impact and a lasting impression.  Bugs, a Japanese sushi restaurant that can seat 15 people located in the East Village, is one of those lasting impressions.  I first met Osaka-born Chef Sho Boo in 2013 when she opened her tiny restaurant that can often be described as a hole in the wall.  This is another connotation for a hidden gem and accurately describes this chef and her restaurant. Coming to Bugs feels like you are coming to Chef Sho Boo’s kitchen where she labors away with an assistant in a makeshift kitchen that comprises of two electric burners, a microwave, a toaster oven, and a rice cooker.  Chef Boo, her assistant, and a waitress work together to put on a meal worthy of any noted sushi restaurant in NYC.  Unfortunately, Chef Boo did some soul searching after the death of her mother this year and decided to travel the world volunteering and learning new …

Airline Review: Japan Airlines Premium Economy

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As one of the founders for Orphans’ Futures Alliance, I take several trips each  year to Asia to oversee operations and meet our partner orphanages and government contacts.  I normally dread the 17+ flight from Boston.  In recent years, I have found an affordable option to make these trips less painful and more enjoyable.  Japan Airlines (JAL)) introduced their “Premium Economy” a few years ago and I have become an ardent fan. Disclaimer:  The author paid for the upgrade to premium economy at her own expense.  Value:  Above Average Japan Airlines offers larger Premium Economy seats, above average service, and amazing lounge access for a great value.  The ticket is $200-400 round trip for the upgrade from economy and is cheaper than other airlines. Seat:  Above Average Japan Airlines Premium Economy has “fully recline” seats with much bigger space and leg room.  The plane is divided into first class, business, premium economy, and economy.  The premium economy is sectioned off for the flight.  The bathrooms are shared between the premium economy and economy cabins. Priority Boarding: Average Priority …

Restaurant Review: Townsman (Boston, MA)

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Having been spoiled by the never ending high profile restaurants in NYC, I never thought I would be wowed by a restaurant in Boston. I lived in Boston for 4 years and visited the city a few times each year after I left. I never experienced a restaurant that left a lasting impression. While visiting my sister in Boston one weekend, we all decided to try out a buzzy new restaurant on the outskirts of Chinatown called the Townsman. This is the first time in a long time that I was going to be “that” person photographing all the dishes.  This review was not planned. I had such a memorable time and was inspired by the food that I had to write this review. Decor:  4 out of 5 I was struck by the decor which had a wonderful modern New England style that comprised of Shaker style benches and chairs and a lot of rustic industrial decor.  When we walked in, we were greeted by a large bar that encompasses a large portion of the …

Hotel Review: Mercure Phu Quoc Resort Hotel (Phu Quoc, Vietnam)

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Mercure Phu Quoc Resort Hotel  Editor’s Revision on 7/9/2015:  Mercure Phu Quoc Resort Hotel is part of the Accor Hotels Group.  We originally listed it as part of the Novotel Brand.   Address: To 1 Ap Duong To Xa Duong To, Huyen Phu Quoc, 95000 TINH KIEN GIANG, Vietnam For our weekend trip to Phu Quoc, we decided to stay at the newest resort with a private beach, away from the crowds.  The Mercure Hotel on Phu Quoc Island was the perfect choice.  It just opened in November 2014.  The boutique resort is located 10 minutes from the airport and about 20 minutes away from town. It offers the exclusivity of a boutique luxury resort but goes easier on your wallet.  The resort is even expanding with further construction that will continue through next year. PROS: The breakfast buffet is a great deal!  The breakfast buffet offer an incredible array of food (Phu Quoc’s specialties and the standard Western hot and cold buffets).  Breakfast is served until 10:30am.  We got there at 10am to secure a table in …