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BURMA

Notwithstanding the bad press generated by its repressive ruling military hunta, we still feel Burma to be among our favorite places in all of Asia.

100 years ago Rudyard Kipling visited Burma and “thought it quite unlike any land you know about.”

Burma has changed little since colonial times.

Burma is best described as a product of times past. – an endearing, leisurely charm and innocence that was perhaps pervasive throughout S.E. Asia fifty years ago. Unlike the rest of Asia, however, Burma has remained reclusive, especially since military junta imposed its rule over the country in 1988.

Due in part to Burma’s self-imposed isolation, Western influence, particularly the grittier commercial aspects, are not to be found here. You will see few Burmese dressed in Western garb and you will see no Starbucks or McDonalds here.

Despite the widespread adoption of Buddhism, the pre-Buddhist practice of nat (spirit) worship is ubiquitous throughout much of everyday Burma. Traditional beliefs encompass a spirit world inhabited by a cast of supernatural beings, none more important than nats, mischievous little spirits that can wreak havoc if not placated with offerings of flowers, food, and money.

Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, Burma is a land of little smiling faces. We are particularly drawn to the young Burmese women displaying their thanaka applied faces. Thanaka, a type of sandalwood paste, is used as a beauty mark as well as a sun protector for many Burmese children and young women.

CAMBODIA

Based on time constraints, our travels to Cambodia usually entail Phnom Penh and, of course, Angkor Wat (Siem Reap)!

Phnom Penh
Although small by comparison to other Asia capitals, dusty, sleepy, undeveloped Phnom Penh makes us feel that we are visiting a place from time’s past. Ubiquitous French-colonial architecture, genuinely friendly, unpretentious natives, and history – this is a nice place to unwind. We particularly enjoy lunch or dinner at Foreign Correspondents Club/FCC on the banks of the Mekong.

Angkor Wat
We feel the various temples of Angkor represent the most amazing and enduring architectural achievement of any religious site in Asia. The temples, built between the 8th and 13th centuries, when the Khmer civilization was at the height of its development, are spread out over approximately 40 miles around the village of Siem Reap. We particularly love Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei, and, of course, Angkor Wat!

Among our recommended activities in Cambodia: Helicopter fly-over of Angkor Wat, spiritually uplifting sunrise Wat Damnak blessing ceremony in Siem Reap, countless altruistic opportunities to help the strikingly kind Cambodian children, including New Day Cambodia and COSO Orphanage, and visits to Choeung Ek “Killing Fields” and Tuol Sleng Genocide (Prison) Museum. Although somewhat grisly and sobering, both stops drive home the scale of terror perpetrated by the Pol Pot regime.

CHINA

China enjoys over 5,000 years of amazing achievements in technology, art, and philosophy. Chinese culture ranks among the oldest and most complex civilizations in the world.

Among our favorite parts of China are historical Beijing and the Wall at Mutianyu, metaphorical Shanghai – young, dynamic, and super confident, Chengdu and a private panda audience; lush and picturesque Guilin; remote Yunnan with its rich minority culture on the southern edge of the Qinghai – Tibet plateau; a 3-night Yangzi River luxury cruise, and ending in Hong Kong. Although we really love Shanghai, it’s hard to beat Hong Kong. The backdrop of the harbor is among the most striking skylines in the world: an array of sleek, glass and steel buildings (Bank of China building being our favorite!), unmatched by any other city at night. This is a place of hyper-drive commerce, world class luxury hotels/dining and pervasive status-consciousness, where it seems material success is everyone’s ultimate goal.

EGYPT

Similar to China in terms of depth and scope of its ancient history, Egypt is at once enigmatic and mesmerizing. Noisy, chaotic Cairo, one of the world’s largest urban centers and arguably the educational/cultural center of Islam. The Egyptian Museum has no peer and, of course, an excursion to the Pyramids of Ginza is compulsory. A Nile River cruise is a must with stopovers in Luxor, Qena, Edfu, Aswan and later Abu Simbel.

One of our favorite activities is a private yacht (dahabreih) cruise down the Nile River. If time restricted, we also very much enjoy the luxurious 4-night Nile River cruise aboard the Sun Boat IV. If possible, plying the Nile River toward the end of the month on full moon dates is a special experience. Traveling with your private Egyptologist makes your entire trip so much more educational and culturally engrossing. A very special, though not inexpensive treat, is a private opening of Queen Nefertari’s tomb. Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Temple of Luxor are all such extraordinary sites. The evening bazaar in Luxor has particularly unique shopping. Back at Cairo, we always love staying at the Four Seasons Nile River Plaza Hotel, and the shopping at El Khalili Bazaar!

FRANCE

Perhaps the most culturally compelling country in all of Europe, France brings together natural beauty, culture and among the most notable museums/art attractions in the world.

Among our favorite stops are Antibes, Provence, and of course, amazingly beautiful Paris. The ancient resort town of Antibes has long been a number one leisure destination for the wealthy and noteworthy. Several of our clients feel the Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc is perhaps the most beautiful hotel/resort in the world. Its private, lush 9-lecture gardens/forest coupled with its spectacular seawater pool and striking architecture, make this property awe-inspiring. A one day private tour of nearby St. Paul de Venice is always a treat.

We feel Provence to be spectacularly beautiful, with its rolling hills, verdant nature, dotted with churches, art galleries, and art-conscious villages. Staying at the Le Couvent des Minemes is a unique experience, well worth at least a two night stay.

All of us feel Paris to be the most romantic and aesthetically pleasing city on the planet. Its overall cultural artistic environment is magical. The quality of Paris museums is unmatched – the Louvre, Versailles, Orsay, Saint Denis Basiclica, et. al. Staying the the Hotel le Bristol or the Four Seasons Hotel George V is special.

INDIA

Perhaps the most enigmatic, diverse and colorful of any country in the world, Bev, Zen and I feel India to be nothing less than spell-binding. Second only to Japan, we feel India is a most compelling destination. With its intoxicating mix of ethnic groups and cultures, wide contrasts in physically beautiful landscapes, as well as wildlife, you really need multiple trips to adequately explore this country of +1 billion people. We are particularly drawn to India’s rich history, including the Moghul rule and the legacy of the British Raj. May we mention that the Taj Mahal is one of the very few monuments in the world where the reality of seeing this place in person actually EXCEEDS all the hyperbole and pictorial reproductions. As Rudyard Kipling expressed, “this place is the embodiment of all things pure.” Notwithstanding the beauty and awe of this vast land, please be pre-warned that poverty in India is stark, pervasive and somewhat disturbing to western eyes.

Our recommended introductory private tour itinerary includes Delhi (the Imperial or the new AMAN), the most interesting Holy City of Varanasi, Agra (Oberoi Amarvilas) and the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore Tiger Preserve (with its luxurious Vanyavilas), Jaipur (Raj Vilas or Rambaugh Palace), and lovely Udaipur (Taj Lake Palace, Udaivilas, or the more remote Devi Garh).

INDONESIA (BALI)

Bali is our favorite island destination in the Pacific Rim (although at the time this was written, we had not yet visited the island nation of Sri Lanka). The beaches here are nice, though not nearly as impressive as the beaches in Hawaii, or many other places. We do not recommend travel to Bali for the beach, but, rather, for its beautiful lush interior, most unique Hindu-animistic culture and for its luxurious world-class, high-touch resorts. During our last Christmas visit to Bali, Bev, Zen and I very much enjoyed walking through the lush green terraced rice fields and villages near the artists’ enclave of Ubud. Religious festivals are held throughout the year and add a special dimension to any stay. The verdant Bali countryside is quite idyllic and surreal, mirroring all of the beautiful images you see in the various travel images.

Based on our last three visits, our favorite luxury resort/spa properties are the Four Seasons Sayan, the Amandari (Ubud) and Amankila (east coast) and the Como Shambala (Begawan Giri). Although these are among the most luxurious properties in Bali, there are many other nice luxury hotels throughout the island.

JAPAN

Bev, Zen and I freely admit Japan is our favorite destination in all the world! Japan is singular among Asian cultures in its amazing ability to assimilate and then synthesize foreign cultures and influences. The contrast between Japan’s orderly, balanced Shinto/Buddhist centered culture and its hyper-innovative technology-driven economy is compelling. One always sees two sides of Japan: Its 21st Century technology as expressed in its auto/electronic industry, sleek designs, and thoroughly modern economy on the one hand seem incongruous to Japan’s structured, conformist set of social norms and religious beliefs. Despite our many travels to Japan, there always seems to be an impenetrable veil in truly understanding this wonderful land.

A big part of Japan’s uniqueness is its wabi-sabi aesthetic. Wabi-sabi represents the Japanese worldview/style-of-mind emphasizing simplicity and purity. You may think of wabi-sabi as a spiritual longing, the beauty and awe of all things humble, unpretentious ephemeral and imperfect. Our daughter, Zen, says wabi-sabi is “peace” and “everything that is natural and beautiful.” In contrast to our Western celebration of perfection, permanence, symmetry and bravado, wabi-sabi exalts imperfection, impermanence, asymmetry and humility. Many in Japan refer to wabi-sabi as a feeling of hopeful sadness – nothing lasts; nothing is perfect, nothing is ever finished.

Based on our many visits to Japan we feel this place to be perhaps the most scrupulously clean place on the planet—simply amazing! One is most impressed with the precise speed and efficiency of the transport shinkansen/transit system, the lovely and subtle Japan aesthetic, and finally, the democratic egalitarianism of the Japanese. Unlike nearly all other major advanced countries, Japan has a balanced, fairly evenly-spread distribution of income – you see very few spectacular estates or outward, pretentious displays of wealth.

Please enjoy this wonderfully, inscrutable land.

LAOS

The ancient royal city of Luang Prabang is a place where time seems to stand still. The New York Times mentioned Luang Prabang as one of the 43 most interesting places to visit! My family and I have always felt Luang Prabang to be among our favorite hidden treasures in Southeast Asia. It’s a slow, sleepy town nestled on the Mekong River and rich in Buddhist culture. This former royal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fusion of monasteries, traditional Laotian dwellings and French colonial architecture. We just love the small, genuinely gentle and friendly Buddhist environment of Luang Prabang. Although many more tourists are now descending upon this tranquil place, Luang Prabang still retains its uniquely peaceful serenity.

Among the special experiences in Luang Prabang are the Baci Ceremony and the early morning “alms” rice offering/Buddhist monk procession. The Baci ceremony pre-dates the arrival of Buddhism in Laos (8th century) and is considered the most respectful form of welcome. During the ceremony the selected individuals tie strings around their wrists believing the strings will protect the wearer. It is suggested the strings must not be removed for at least three days. The ceremony is highlighted by the accompaniment of music and traditional dance. It’s a very moving personal ceremony.

The “alms” rice offering/Buddhist monk procession is most interesting. As the sun rises every morning in Luang Prabang, citizens line the roads to make rice offering to the procession of monks. The splendor of saffron colored robes amidst lush, jade green trees is quite a spectacle to behold, and the amount of meaning infused into this beautiful ceremony is beyond almost anything one is familiar with. The sincerity of the people making their offerings and the humility of the monks walking down the roads in their bare feet make this precious experience unlike any other, yet for them, it is simply a morning routine.

Our favorite luxury hotels, in order of preference, are the new Amantaka, the La Residence, and the very friendly, boutique Maison Souvannaphoum. Other than a visit to American designer Carol Cassidy’s high-end contemporary Lao fabric factory/home, we feel there is no real compelling reason for a stopover in the Laos capital, Vientiane.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

KC New Zealand 6 Night – 7 Day Tour

NEW ZEALAND

We absolutely love New Zealand! In addition to the stunning landscapes, unique wildlife and colorful history, the people of this land are among the most friendly, engaging in all the world – Bev and I feel New Zealand to be almost a throw-back to what America may have been like in the 1950’s.

We very much enjoy private touring of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand in the North Island. Think of Wellington as a mini-San Francisco. A short, private helicopter ride brings you to Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate. This is a spectacular 5,000 acre working sheep station/country estate that is a big favorite of clients seeking a private idyllic setting with many optional activities (including world-class dining!)

South Island may be our favorite area of New Zealand, particularly the areas of and around Christchurch and the Milford Track. Christchurch has a wonderful English feel with its ubiquitous, colorful gardens and tranquil Avon River running through the city. Continuing the English theme, a stay in nearby Otahuna Lodge is a relaxing, special experience. In contrast to the sprawling 5,000 acre Wharekauhau estate, Otahuna evokes the charm of an intimate, old English manor, with only 7 suites/rooms. This place was once the largest private residence in all of New Zealand. Apart from the luxurious accommodations, Otahuna is most noteworthy due to its gardens and food. In fact, Bev and I feel the Christchurch area in general has among the most colorful, lush gardens we have seen anywhere – so beautiful!

For the intrepid hikers among us, we enthusiastically recommend the Milford Track, commonly known as the “finest walk in the world.” Beginning at the head of Lake TeAnau and finishing at Milford Sound, this 33.2 mile trek traverses rainforests, wetlands and an alpine pass. Part of the fun is meeting your fellow hikers while staying at the most accommodating lodges enroute. Bev and I fully agree that the Milford Track is truly the most wonderful trek we have ever experienced.

MOROCCO

The kingdom of Morocco has quickly developed into the new “in” chic destination of North Africa. With a rich native culture and civilization, Morocco boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient Roman city of Volubilis and the Medina of Fez, the most amazing walled city dating back to the 13th Century.

Perhaps our favorite stopover point is the enigmatic, romantic city of Marrakech, beautifully set in the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. A stay at nearby Amanjena is a must – a high-touch resort of 32 sunset-red colored private pavilions overlooking the Atlas range and adjacent to nearby Berber villages. A highlight of any Morocco private tour is a Desert Camp/Bivoac tent in Merzouga – rest assured this is a very pampered experience!

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

South Africa 2010-2011 Private Tour: 9-Days

SOUTH AFRICA

Although we prefer the vast migration herds in Kenya and Tanzania, no other area in Africa can compare with South Africa’s combination of wildlife/native culture, with a European sense of sophistication. We feel an ideal South African private tour itinerary includes the physical beauty and refinement of Cape Town with a private safari adventure in Londolozi. Cape Town offers the natural beauty of Table Mountain, Cape Point, the 22,000 acre Cape of God Hope Nature Preserve, and beloved by all, Boulders Beach and Penguin Colony. Complimenting Cape Town’s physical beauty is a 2-3 night stay in the picturesque Winelands region. Blessed with a climate that enables this area to produce world class wine, a stay at LeQuartier Francais in the heart of South Africa’s gourmet capital, Franschoek, is an idyllic, culinary experience.

We recommend ending your South Africa private tour with a 3-4 night stay at Pioneer Camp, the most secluded of Londolozi’s luxury game lodge camps. The three private suites here have superb river views with private game drivers to see lions, leopards, wild dogs, (somewhat rare) giraffe, rhino, and elephants. This is where wildlife meets luxury!

THAILAND

In essence we feel Thailand represents Buddhism and kindness. Buddhism and its intrinsic service culture fully embraces the concepts of kindness/empathy and service to others. We think of Buddhism as the Golden Rule…squared! It is no coincidence that the Buddhist-based cultures of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Sri Lanka, represent the highest levels of high-touch service/hospitality you will find anywhere. It follows that many of the world’s most noteworthy luxury hotel properties have found their home in Thailand.

Our favorite areas of Thailand include Bangkok, the cooler northern areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle) and the beach resort areas of, Phuket, Krabi and the various remote islands of the southwest. We freely admit the Amanpuri/Phuket is our preferred!

Sultry, sensual Bangkok is the home of the kingdoms most impressive temples, museums, and sights. As Bangkok’s waterways have long been a central part of the Thai lifestyle, a half-day klongs (canals) private tour is most stimulating (notwithstanding the increasingly polluted Chao Phraya River!). Yes, these are several noteworthy 5 star luxury hotels in Bangkok, but we feel the Oriental is the ultimate standard – the service is legendary. The Riverview State Rooms and Author Suites are our favorites.

The northern areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offer cool, diverse contrasts from Bangkok. Here you may discover the hill tribes and some touristy, yet fun bamboo river rafting! Just down the rode from the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, we enthusiastically recommend a half-day visit to the Maesa Elephant Camp. What the Four Seasons, Oriental, and the Peninsula are to 5 star luxury hotels, Maesa is to private, hands-on elephant training. Here you feed, ride, bathe, and even draw pictures with the elephants. Bev, Zen, and I rate the Four Seasons and the sprawling Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai and the Anantara and boutique ultra-luxurious 15 tent Four Seasons, Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai.

VIETNAM

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