all the dish that’s fit to print
ampr fyi: abu dhabi state of mind
This week’s rendition of AMPR FYI comes from Dena DiOrio. Hailing from the great state of Ohio, Dena has been with AMPR for two years.
Waiting for my flight to board at the Etihad gate at JFK felt like waiting for any other flight, although it was most definitely not. I was on my way to Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East. First time for me to the region, so I was extra psyched. The 13-hour flight was long, but bearable, with all the on-demand movies, music and games one could possibly want while cruising at 36,000 feet above cities like Trabzon, Erzurum, and Shiraz. (more…)
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getting away
In today’s busy jetsetter world, arriving to your hotel on vacation can sometimes seem like just another business trip. Instead, why not ease yourself into the mindset of relaxation and the realization that you are away. Put down the iPhone and forget about email, you have arrived. And while arriving… why not do it in style.
disco fever
Grand Hyatt Tokyo always listens to their guests, so when they heard complaints that the city offered “no night spots for adults” – the hotel sprung into action creating a popular semiannual tradition.
This year’s party will pay homage to the classics… the 1970’s classics that is. Club Chic 2010 Summer will be a night of dancing featuring the crowd-pleasing tunes of the Commodores, Gloria Gaynor and the Village People to name-drop a few.
yoga > j.crew
National Yoga Month is only 19 days away… and we at AMPR couldn’t be more ready! We were very surprised to learn, however, just how popular yoga has become across the country.
About 16 million adults practice yoga and spend $5.6 billion a year on classes and products. That’s a lot of classes (or mats and spandex?) given that the average class only costs $12.
If you haven’t joined the yoga bandwagon yet, don’t be shy! Three-out-of-four yoga practitioners have only been practicing themselves for five years or less.
So jump on and see just what the hype is all about. With lululemon stores generating an average of $1,800 in sales per square foot – three times as much as J-Crew! – looks like yoga is set to become the new classic Americana.
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family time by the pool doesn’t have to be local
Indagare.com just released their list of favorite indoor and outdoor pools for travelling families. Three of our Park Hyatt properties topped the list! Take a look at their fabulous details, and a few more of our personal favorite pools from around the world.
Indgare.com’s Picks:
Boasting the best pool area in the city, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires features a large, indoor pool that is available to guests all year. The pool, which is 82 feet long and surrounded by soothing natural toned marble, is a great way to keep kids entertained or for couples to unwind after a busy day in the capital. (more…)
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promenade à paris
Paris is the ideal place for a stroll. About.com has just put out a list of the best parks in Paris which has us aching to amble through the Bois de Bologne and picnic in the Parc Montsouris. New York may have The Highline, but Paris has the Promenade Plantée. This narrow park also inhabits a forgotten railway track and is covered in cherry blossoms, bamboo, and vibrant flowers. La Coulée Verte, as it’s called by locals, runs from the Bastille all the way to the Bois de Vincennes. Lucky guests at the très chic Paris hotel Pavillon de la Reine are just minutes from this sprawling railway garden.
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solo adventures for the exploratory traveler
Take a chance, maybe step outside your comfort zone and depart on a journey of self-discovery. Although it can be scary to deal with all of those little problems that always seem to arise, like a lost passport or mortifyingly funny language barriers, solo travel is our favorite way to experience the world. Skip the inevitable fight over dinner or directions and treat yourself to an individual adventure. Of course you will want to make sure where you are going is safe, and that the people are friendly and helpful. Travel + Leisure have put together a helpful guide of the best countries to travel solo in.
Number 9 on the list is Switzerland, a beautiful and tranquil place for a vacation. The Swiss Rail allows for easy traveling around the country, especially if you are in the mood for a picturesque hike in the mountains. Interlaken is the perfect base for a weekend trip to the countryside with its beautiful lakes and mountain ranges. A really great hiking root is an easy one hour hike from Grütschalp to Mürren that follows the railway and offers stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen valley. It is the perfect way to see the country without breaking a sweat!
Coming in at number 3 on the list is Bhutan. This is one of the most peaceful destinations in the world, and also one of the most expensive due to its policy of charging visitors a minimum of $200 a day to stay. However this means that there are far less of those pesky tourists! Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan also offers scenic and dramatic views that are perfect for a day of hiking. One particularly intriguing hike is the Tiger’s Nest High Pass Day Trek. Experience the ancient beauty of Bhutan and the Tiger’s Nest monastery on this 7-8 hours day hike through the Himalayas! Or just walking around the charming villages is also perfectly acceptable for those who are less inclined to long hikes on vacation.
So… pack your bags, and get ready to conquer the world!
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live every week like it’s shark week
This adage has been floating around the internet and boy lingo for a week or so in anticipation of the Discovery Channel’s famed Shark Week. Once a year, tons of shark footage is played every night for a week, terrifying and fascinating its many fans. Ever since Jaws came out, we’ve been scared of the water and mesmerized by this big, savage fish. While Shark Week might cut it for some, others may just want to dive into a cage and see the bad boys in action. Instead of the usual spots – Cape Town, Southern Australia, etc – take a trip to paradise. Felix Yeo, General Manager of Cocoa Island in the Maldives, takes guests into the sea to swim by Grey Reef Sharks and White Tip Sharks. Grab an underwater camera and you can have your own shark footage.
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party hardy
The Metropolitan London was named one of the top 10 party hotels by Sherman’s Travel. As a guest at the hotel, you get access to the members-only Met Bar and can rub elbows with the regular celebrity guests. Unleash your inner rock star with “rockaoke” (karaoke with a live band) or fill up on Michelin-starred sushi at Nobu.
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tea ceremony in the garden
If you are looking for a peaceful afternoon outing after experiencing the energized excitement of Tokyo, a visit to Happoen Gardens is the perfect way to clear your mind. “Happoen” translates from Japanese to mean “the garden of eight views”, and was named so because its beauty is visible from every angle. Stroll along the ancient paths and take in the ever changing beauty of these meticulously maintained gardens. No matter which season you visit, the unique splendor of the trees and ground coverings will enchant you. There are cherry blossoms in the spring, azaleas in the summer, brightly colored leaves in fall, and an ethereal covering of snow in the winter. These gardens are well known for the authentic tea ceremony that is performed at the teahouse located along the garden walk. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens and participate in the tea ceremony, immersing yourself in the magnificence of Japan. Don’t forget to make a reservation, you cannot visit the gardens without one!
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