San Franscisco – Classy and fabulous way of living

5 Premium Destinations for this January

Georgia Papadon — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 11:35:51 +0000

From Paris to Bali and Salamanca to Lake Como and San Franscisco, these are the five unique destinations to welcome the first month of 2018.

Enjoy…!

Paris

HÔTEL MAISON SOUQUET

Travel back in time to the Belle Époque at Hôtel Maison Souquet – an exclusive Parisian townhouse in buzzing Montmartre.

This new boutique hotel captures the decadent glamour of bohemian Paris – when Montmartre drew artists and aristocrats, socialites and dancers, who would meet and mingle in the district’s theatres, wine bars and private salons.

At the turn of the 20th century, Paris’ pleasure houses played second home to the city’s socialites and aesthetes. Hôtel Maison Souquet has reproduced the sumptuous décor of such a place, just a stone’s throw from Montmartre and its famous Moulin Rouge.

Escape the hubbub of Paris for this atmospheric retreat, where each room exudes opulence. Take in the grand central staircase and study, decorated in Empire and nineteenth-century Orientalist style where intricate panelling and cordova leather furnishings complement eclectic ornaments and original artwork. Sip cocktails in the lounge, stroll around the winter garden or indulge in an afternoon of pampering at the spa.

Hôtel Maison Souquet puts many of Montmartre’s treasures right at your feet. Climb up to the Sacre Coeur for exceptional views across Paris, or while away an afternoon at the nearby Salvador Dali gallery.

• The elegance, exoticism and indulgent luxury of a pleasure house at the turn of 19th century
• Private and intimate spa, including swimming pool, steam-bath and beauty treatments
• French designer, Jacques Garcia, has created an eclectic and authentic collection of furniture, artwork, and paintings

From: EUR 375.00

Lake Como

CASTADIVA RESORT & SPA

Set on the shores of one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, CastaDiva Resort & Spa was once the residence of the 19th century opera singer, Giuditta Pasta. Now an exclusive resort with lavishly decorated rooms and suites housed in nine separate villas, it is the latest hot property on the Italian Lakes.

At the heart of the resort is Villa Roccabruna that houses ten magnificent suites, stunning salons and a tantalising spa.

Staying here is a sublime mix of natural beauty, historic architecture, 18th and 19th century Italian culture and outstanding service. An essential experience at CastaDiva Resort & Spa is to take a treatment in its unique spa.

Chromotherapy showers, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath, vertical Kneipp and a Himalayan salt room are all available for sheer indulgence.

Relax on comfortable chaise longues, suspended on a glass floor over the 19th century dock. Or sit outside in the sun by the floating heated pool.

Discover the romance of Lake Como and explore the pretty villages dotted along its shores. Enjoy a lake tour onboard CastaDiva’s very own boat and visit Villa Carlotta in the town of Tremezzo or Villa del Balbianello at Lenno.

Return to CastaDiva Resort & Spa for drinks on the terrace followed by a gourmet dinner in l’Orangerie restaurant, surrounded by breathtaking Lake Como.

From : EUR 530.00

Bali

SPA VILLAGE RESORT TEMBOK BALI

Situated in Tembok village on the north-eastern edge of Bali

Set amidst a dramatic volcanic landscape on Bali’s north-eastern coast, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is where your restorative journey begins. Dedicated to top-to-toe pampering and personalised spa treatments, this uniquely peaceful and tranquil beachfront spot is surrounded by tropical gardens and provides an al fresco restaurant, a spectacular infinity pool and stunning accommodation.

The atmosphere throughout Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is that of low-key luxury with intricate Balinese woodwork and neutral fabrics that adds to the peacefulness. A blend of Balinese grace and modern comfort, all the rooms and suites are private havens with terraces or balconies that overlook gardens or a clear blue sea.

The villas have their own private entrances, outdoor pavilion and a plunge pool.

Spa programmes offer a holistic integration of healthy, wholefood cuisine, rejuvenating spa treatments, movement, mindfulness, daily scheduled activities, hands-on wellness workshops and natural health practices.

Body treatments, massage therapies, skin, hair and nail treatments are all designed to honour the healing cultures of the region.

Premium LUXURY IN BALI

Jamu Drinks at the Spa Village Resort in Tembok, Bali, Indonesia

Rejuvenating spa resort celebrating the natural surroundings and traditional culture of Bali
Exclusive spa with treatments incorporating local healing rituals and natural ingredients
Wholesome, healthy cuisine with a menu that changes daily with the fresh catch of the day

from :

SAVE 30%

USD 220.22

Sausalito, San Franscisco

CASA MADRONA HOTEL & SPA

Heritage on the hill – a fresh-faced bay-side boutique in Sausalito near San Francisco

Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa seems made for California dreaming. Once the home of a San Francisco Gas and Electric Company executive, it became a WWII military retreat, then a hotel graced by Hollywood and rock royalty in the 50s and 60s.

Today this grand 19th-century residence is an airy boutique getaway with levels of luxury to rival the yachts moored in the harbour nearby.

Victorian features and modern touches, polished chrome and fresh colours mark out the accommodation at Casa Madrona. In fact, whether you opt for a Hillside Cottage or Mansion Suite, it’ll feel a little like stepping aboard an elegant ocean liner.

And that maritime feel extends to the spa – with sea salt scrubs and micro-algae facials reminding you that the swell of the ocean is never far away.

Casa Madrona is intrinsically linked to its Sausalito setting. Ask the hotel staff about private painting lessons to capture some of that San Francisco seascape. Learn to sail, zipping from Richardson Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.

Or relish the finer things in life with wine tasting. There’s a delicious selection of restaurants within walking distance to suit every palate too – from spaghetti to sushi.

From : USD 392.16

Salamanca

HACIENDA ZORITA WINE HOTEL & SPA

A blissful retreat encircled by vineyards in the Duero Valley

A former monastery overlooking the River Tormes, Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa is a magnificent wine resort with an impressive history that dates back to the 14th century.

Guests experience true hacienda hospitality together with the high comfort factor of two gourmet restaurants, a vinotherapy spa, wine tasting in the cellars and an ancient chapel with 16th-century works of art.

Original thick stone walls and magnificent oak beams contrast beautifully with contemporary design in the 40 rooms and suites. A number of rooms have balconies overlooking the river.

Be sure to indulge in some of Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa’s specialities including extra virgin olive oil, local cheese and pata negra produced on the estate.

Enjoy some wine tasting and a tour of the Marqués de la Concordia wine cellar with its 1366 oak barrels. Then take a trip to the historic quarter of Salamanca which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Or take a 10 minute trip from Hacienda Zorita to their Organic Farm, enjoy a four-wheel ride through the farm, cheese tasting and a country meal, perfect for families.

UNESCO World Heritage Site.Or take a 10 minute trip from Hacienda Zorita to their Organic Farm, enjoy a four-wheel ride through the farm, cheese tasting and a country meal, perfect for families. Return to Hacienda Return to Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa for dinner in the Restaurant Zorita’s Kitchen for superb cuisine accompanied by more fine local wines, then take a drink and relax in the wine bar.

Premium luxury in SALAMANCA

River Tormes flows beneath this 700-year old restored monastery
Private tours of the Marqués de la Concordia wine cellar with its 1450 barrels, and ‘Vinotherapy’ sessions in the spa
Organic farm producing olive oil, cheese and cured ham on the estate

From : Euro 199

The 12 Legendary San Franscisco Restaurants & Bars you can still celebrate the Summer of Love

Georgia Papadon — Thu, 18 May 2017 00:32:54 +0000

What is the Summer of Love actually ? The Summer of Love was a revolutionary time. It started in Haight-Ashbury and spread throughout the rest of the city of San Franscisco–and eventually, the world. Although the Summer of Love was 50 years ago, there are many restaurants from that era that are still open today. Who knows? You could be dining today where like the likes of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix or the Grateful Dead once ate.

According to the SF Heritage Legacy Project, here are some of the San Francisco restaurants that were cooking up love back in 1967.

After detailed ispection We chose the12 Best for you.

1. Top of the Mark , 999 California St.

The legendary Top of the Mark, a San Francisco landmark since 1939, is known for breathtaking, wraparound views of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

In 1910, engineer George D. Smith walked past the eventual site of the hotel and declared he would one day build a hotel there, on the corner of Mason and California Streets.

The Mark Hopkins Hotel quickly became a social center of post-earthquake San Francisco. Smith created a San Francisco institution when he converted the 11-room penthouse on the 19th floor of the hotel into a cocktail lounge walled only by glass, with unparalleled views of the city. Designed by architect Timothy Pflueger, the penthouse became known as the Top of the Mark. The lounge was an immediate hit upon its opening on May 11, 1939.

B M-Sa 630-11am, L M-Sa noon-5pm, light dining nightly 5-10pm, Br Su 10am-1pm, M-Sa afternoon tea 230-5pm. Cocktails nightly from 5pm. Live entertainment Tu-Sa. $$. AE, CB, DC, JCB, MC, V.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins

One Nob Hill

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 616-6916

http://www.topofthemark.com

2. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

(950 Mason St.) , Nob Hill

Located at the Fairmont San Francisco, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar has delighted guests with its tropical décor, decadent libations and Asian cuisine since 1945. Having reigned as a swanky outpost of South Seas style for much of its storied history, the Tonga Room more recently gained a following as an icon of tiki’s pop culture heyday of the 1940s and 1950s.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights our Happy Hour includes an extensive buffet of Pacific Rim delicacies with items such as spicy chicken wings, fried rice, edamame, daily composed salad, chow mien & spring rolls.The all-you-can-eat buffet is a ‘steal’ at only $15 per person with an additional one drink minimum.

To complement this feast fit for kings and queens, the tropical restaurant and bar serves tantalizing cocktails at Happy Hour prices.

www.tongaroom.com

The Fairmont

950 Mason Street

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 772-5278 http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco

3. Cliff House , Richmont

Breathtaking views from the cliffs overlooking Seal Rocks, the Pacific and Marin coastline with two restaurants, serving seafood, omelettes, sandwiches, California cuisine style menu for Sutro’s and a Sunday champagne buffet brunch.

The Cliff House (1090 Point Lobos)

If you know anything at all about San Francisco — or even if you don’t — chances are that you’ve heard of the historic Cliff House. Since 1863, this fabled restaurant has been a favorite for generations of locals, tourists, foodies, history buffs and lovers of the fine art of good living. It has hosted some of the most famous people in the country, including Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and William McKinley, and a who’s who of Gilded Age millionaires. However, in spite of its grand history, it retains its original warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made it a favorite restaurant for people from all over the world for more than 150 years.

Whether you are in the mood for a casual fun afternoon, an elegant evening out, or a play day with the family, there is always something to enjoy at the Cliff House.

Dine in the casual Bistro Restaurant on the main level with a classic San Francisco menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner with amazing views of Ocean Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a seasonal California coastal menu for lunch or dinner in the elegant Sutro’s at the Cliff House where two-story windows offer panoramic views of Seal Rocks and the Marin headlands.

Treat yourself to a San Francisco tradition with the Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet in the Terrace Room on the lower level. Enjoy live harp music and free-flowing champagne as you choose from a wide selection of seasonal fresh brunch items.

1090 Point Lobos Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94121

(415) 386-3330 www.cliffhouse.com

4. The Old Clam House (299 Bayshore Ave.)

The Old Clam House was established in 1861, making it the oldest restaurant in San Francisco. Initially named “The Oakdale Bar & Clam House,” the restaurant served seafood to neighbors and locals. When the restaurant first opened, its immediate setting included Islais Creek.

In the wake of the 1906 earthquake and subsequent construction, the creek was filled in, with nearly 100 buildings built throughout the neighborhood. Even as its surroundings have evolved, the Old Clam House has maintained its unique historical identity.

5. Alfred’s Steakhouse (659 Merchant St.) Embarcadero

Alfred’s is a classic San Francisco steakhouse, offering a modern spin on steakhouse fare in a glamorous setting. Open since 1928 and recently restored to its vintage glory, Alfred’s features dry-aged steaks cooked over a mesquite grill, along with sides, appetizers and even vegetarian entrees inspired by the Bay Area’s fresh produce.

The bar offers a more casual experience, where locals gather for deviled eggs or the Alfred’s burger and steak fries while they watch the game.

Lunch is served on Thursdays and Fridays, while dinner is served nightly.

Open since 1928 and recently restored to its vintage glory, Alfred’s features dry-aged steaks cooked over a mesquite grill, along with sides, appetizers and even vegetarian entrees inspired by the Bay Area’s fresh produce.

Martinis and Manhattans are served with a refill in the shaker, and Bananas Foster are flambéed table-side, in a nod to steakhouse traditions.

Alfred’s SF

659 Merchant Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

(415) 781-7058 http://www.alfredssf.com

6. Alioto’s #8 , 8 Fisherman’s Wharf

Honored as a San Francisco legacy business for being open since 1925, Alioto’s was started as a fresh fish stall by Nunzio Alioto, a Sicilian immigrant. To this day, it is still serving Sicilian-influenced seafood with an incredible view.

The oldest restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf serves the freshest seafood and Sicilian specialties complemented by spectacular views. Still operated by the original Alioto family. For casual dining, visit Alioto’s Waterside Cafe, located downstairs or grab fresh steamed crab at the crab stand. Free parking.

360A Jefferson St

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 673-0183 http://www.aliotos.com

7. Original Joe’s , North Beach – Telegraph Hill

Original Joe’s is located in the heart of the historic North Beach District, overlooking Washington Square Park, a mecca for natives, tourists and culinary aficionados alike, serving the purest in Italian-American fare. The North Beach location is the quintessential San Francisco dining experience.

This unique Restaurant’s history runs deep, beginning in 1937 as a 14-stool counter on a sawdust covered floor, at 144 Taylor Street in San Francisco’s Tenderloin. A fabric of the city for over 80 years, it boasts an ambiance of deep-rooted history and sense of tradition – an inherently obvious feeling upon first walking through the majestic doors.

With three unique and dynamic private and semi-private spaces Parkside Cafe (65 people), Salesian Room (30 people) and Tony Bennett (35 people) Room, Original Joe’s serves as the idyllic backdrop for an intimate gathering of 10, to a grand celebration of 280 (Buy out), offering plated, cocktail or reception-style service. Let our experienced events team bring your vision to life.

This veteran Italian-American restaurant is a classic San Francisco dining experience. With dark wood interior, red leather booths, and smooth cocktails, it’s like you jumped into a scene from “Mad Men.” Don’t forget the awesome fireplace.

601 Union Street

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 775-4877 http://www.originaljoessf.com

8. Little Shamrock (807 Lincoln Way) Sunset

As the Sunset District’s oldest business, the Little Shamrock has been serving drinks on Lincoln Way since the late nineteenth century. So the legend goes, Antone J. Herzo (born in Austria) and his wife, Julia Herzo (born in Ireland) opened the doors in 1893 to serve workers at the Midwinter Fair in Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco city directories, however, indicate that the Herzos resided in the Richmond District and operated a saloon at Seventh Avenue and Fulton Street. Following her husband’s death in 1893, Julia Herzo moved the Richmond bar to 733 Fifth Avenue and established the Little Shamrock around 1896, as well as another bar at Ocean Avenue and Arlington Street the following year.

Around 1900, she married Jason P. Quigley, and the couple resided in the same building as the Little Shamrock. Since the 1930s, the Little Shamrock has attracted athletes and sports fans due to its proximity to Kezar Stadium.

9 .Schroeder’s (240 Front St.)

Originally founded in 1893, Schroeder’s longstanding history has made the Bavarian inspired beer hall a favorite of San Francisco residents and business professionals for the past 120 years.

The original structure was opened at 545 Market Street and was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire. After relocating to 16th and Mission for a period of time, Henry Schroeder, who was actively involved in downtown San Francisco’s reconstruction, reopened the restaurant at 240 Front Street. It was famous among downtown male clientele until the 1970’s when they started welcoming women.

With a new page beginning in Schroeder’s history, the restaurant is reinventing the way San Francisco views German Fare. Chef Manfred Wrembel’s passion for the cuisine of his ancestry and love of California’s seasonal styling is embodied in the dishes he creates.

The restaurant’s decor pays homage to its Bavarian Heritage with Herman Richter murals, Historical Wall of Steins, and the Original Mill Work throughout. A rosewood bar stretching the length of the beer hall with 22 German influenced beers on tap is sure to captivate the thirsty.

www.schroederssf.com

10. The Garden Court and the Pied Piper Bar (2 New Montgomery St.) SoMa

Both housed inside the Palace Hotel, the palm-filled Garden Court debuted in 1909 with the reopening of the hotel after the 1906 Earthquake.

Known for its magnificent stained-glass atrium, elegant Austrian crystal chandeliers, and lush tropical flowers, the Garden Court has been one of San Francisco’s most prestigious dining halls since its inception.

The Pied Piper Bar & Grill also dates back to 1909. The establishment is named after the Maxfield Parrish painting that was commissioned for the opening of the bar. The painting, “The Pied Piper of Hamelin,” is one of only two Parrish barroom artworks in the country, and the only one to remain in its original location.

11. Tadich Grill (240 California St.)

Tadich Grill first opened as a coffee stand on Clay Street in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. Croatian immigrants Nikola Budrovich, Frano Kosta and Antonio Gasparich set up a tent and served fresh fish grilled over charcoal to the merchants, sailors and argonauts that populated the waterfront.

In 1887, John Tadich, an immigrant from the Dalmatian region of Croatia and a bartender at the saloon, purchased the establishment and renamed it the “Cold Day Restaurant” in 1882. Following the destruction of the restaurant’s home in the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, John Tadich reopened his business in a series of locations, settling at 545 Clay St. in 1912 with the name “Tadich Grill.”

Tadich sold the restaurant in 1928 to the Buich family, who continue to own and operate the establishment that is best known for serving traditional seafood today.

In 1967, the restaurant moved to its current location on California Street after the building on Clay Street was purchased for redevelopment.

The old-school, storied atmosphere—mahogany walls, 20-foot ceilings, and efficient waiters clad in white coats—attracts singles in suits during the week and born-and-bred die-hard locals on the weekends. Make the trip to Tadich Grill for its house special—it’s a classic cioppino brimming with crab, clams, whitefish, scallops, and bay shrimp.

Renowned for its interior details, including distinctive Art Deco lighting fixtures, the owners took great care to preserve the original atmosphere and design, including relocating the original Clay Street bar to the new location. www.tadichgrill.com

12. Sam’s Grill (374 Bush St.)

The story of Sam’s Grill begins in 1867, when Irish merchant Michael Molan Moraghan began selling fresh Bay Oysters out of a vendor stall in the California Market, which was located in the neighborhood that later became the Financial District. He quickly became the area’s leading seafood and shellfish merchant, giving him the title “The Oyster King.”

Though the California Market was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, the Moraghan business continued operating at various spots around the city. By 1919, the California Market had been rebuilt between California and Pine Streets, and Moraghan’s business was renamed Burlingame Oyster Company.

Bought in 1922 by businessman Samuel Zenovitch, Burlingame Oyster Company became Bay Point Oyster Co. and Zenovitch & Zenovitch before arriving at Sam’s Seafood Grotto.

In 1936, under the ownership of Frank Seput, the seafood establishment became Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant, and the name has endured ever since.

The business relocated to 374 Bush St. in 1946, and Seput’s sons joined the business after the end of the war. www.samsgrillsf.com

Source : San Franscisco Travel ,

http://www.sftravel.com

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