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Hotel Review: Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa - Best Hotel in the Seychelles
The Seychelles was one of the most relaxing and beautiful islands we’ve ever been to! Where to stay in the Seychelles? You must stay at the Hilton Northolme Resort and Spa and get a pool villa! See why this was the best hotel in the Seychelles!
See why the Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa is the best place to stay in the Seychelles
The Seychelles is a very magical and beautiful place. We’ve traveled the world and have been to many islands and tropical paradises, but this island is special! As soon as we checked-in at the Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa - Seychelles, we were ready for luxury relaxation. We were in need of some R&R after our African Safaris!
Pool Villas
If you’re literally flying halfway around the world, you might as well stay in style. We stayed in Room 305 which was a Pool Villa, meaning we had our own private pool off of our room.
Pool Villa
Pro-tip: if you request the 400s Pool Villas, you can shoot golf balls off your deck into the water. Don’t worry, the balls are made of fish food and feed the fish!
You can also order room service (and dranks) and have it delivered to your pool! We basically tried to figure out a way to never leave our room.
Hilton Northolme Resort - Guest Room
Since we were in a villa the room was quite large! The bed had mosquito netting and every day housekeeping would make a different animal out of towels on the bed.
Room highlights - Coffee maker included a nice Nespresso machine or a kettle for tea. There was a huge walk-in closet with tons of cubby holes and a safe to store all of our things. The living room had a large tv and a couch with a chaise lounge, perfect for relaxing at the end of a day in the sun. Did I mention there was a pool outside our room?
Hilton Northolme Resort - Bathroom
The bathroom was gorgeous! A large tub with jacuzzi jets sat in the middle of the room with a shower on the side. The shower had the option of rain or handheld.
The tub had a view looking outside over the pool. The doors provided easy access after getting in the pool. So one tip, the hot water didn’t quite fill the tub, it cooled off at some point. That said, do not turn on the jets unless the water is well above the spouts. Otherwise, water sprays EVERYWHERE. Again, just a tip, not like it happened to me.
Hilton Northolme Resort - Pool in the Pool Villa
The pool attached to the villa has spectacular views and is very private. The water wasn’t heated but still warm enough to sit in for a long time. I won’t get in a cold pool and I could get in this one just fine.
There is a board with rules that had been washed away so I broke rules instantly since it was hard to read and didn’t see them until afterwards. Oops! Don’t forget to pack your floatie!
There were 3 places to sit on the patio, in the shade on the couch, at the table, or on the chairs in the water. Our favorite was sitting in the water of course. Pro tip.. bring your towels out and unlock the door to the bathroom so you don’t drip all over the place like I did!
Hilton Northolme Resort
Spa
Our room came with a complimentary 15 min back and neck massage and we had to try it out! The tea they served afterward was really good.
Spa
Fitness Center
There was a nice gym overlooking the water and a hammock. I may have only spent time in the hammock, not the gym.
Infinity Pool at the Hilton Northolme
Since we had our own pool we admired the lovely infinity pool and then ran back to our villa infinity pool.
Infinity Pool
Restaurants and Bars
There were a few places to eat on the property. There was a fine dining restaurant, called Les Coutiers, but we just ate at the Ocean View Bar where they had amazing drinks like the Cannonball.
Cannonball drink - rum drink that won an award!
There was an awesome band that played reggae tunes like Bieber’s Despisito and Wrecking Ball as instrumentals. They also served Seybrew on tap which wasn’t bad for a local brew.
Josh had the red snapper and I had a chicken wrap with fries. Josh makes fun of me when I need American food at some point on our trips!
Ocean View Bar - Properly named!
Hilltop
For breakfast, we’d venture to Hilltop, which was at the top of the hill. It’s not a huge hill. Anyway, they had a fantastic breakfast spread with everything you could imagine as well as an egg station to get whatever you were feeling that day. I loved the eggs benedict and the mimosa bar!
Breakfast of champions
They even had all sorts of fun rentals including paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, etc. I liked this swing personally.
You have to treat yourself every once and a while, so next time you’re looking for that island vacation, you must stay at the Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa!
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
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See why we needed some R&R in the Seychelles after our trip to Africa!
Expensive Mistakes When Traveling with a Dog
Traveling with a dog is hard enough physically and emotionally but it can be costly too! Check out these great tips to make traveling with your dog a breeze and avoid expensive mistakes!
Photo Credit: Pexel
Traveling with your pup can be expensive, here are some do’s and don’t’s!
My friends at OurBestDoggo.com assisted me with this great advice to avoid expensive mistakes for traveling with your pup!
Sometimes in life, it’s time to hit the road with your best friend. When that best friend is a dog, however, there are several important things to consider before you head out. Without proper planning, you can wind up spending a boatload on a trip with your pup.
Leaving them behind, however, isn’t always an option. Doggy boarding or hiring a sitter can be expensive. Plus, most people think of their dogs as family members, and you can’t leave family behind when you head out on vacation. Fortunately, a little forethought is all you really need to save money on a holiday you, your family, and your dog will enjoy. Here’s a look at a few of the pricier mistakes you should avoid when traveling with your dog.
Forgetting Feeding Essentials
When you’re on the go, you can pick up snacks and meals at nearly any destination. However, your pup can’t always enjoy the same on-the-fly access that you can. That’s why it’s important to bring along plenty of food and dog-safe treats and cookies so your pup stays satisfied.
Don’t assume you’ll find the food your dog likes wherever you’re going – since animals’ stomachs don’t adjust easily to new foods, grabbing a new brand may be pricey in more ways than one. Besides, no one wants to face that hotel cleaning bill, especially when you’re on a budget. Plus, if you have your pal’s favorite treats on hand, you can give them something fun to chow down on while you sample the great desserts at your destination.
Moreover, you need to have the right gear so your pup can eat on the go. Collapsible food and water dishes are a must-have for the canine traveler. These allow you to give your dog meals at rest stops, hotels, and anywhere else you might otherwise struggle to feed them. You can save money on these items by searching for special online deals and coupons so your best friend can eat in style no matter where you end up.
Leaving Without Vet Clearance
Whenever you take your dog on a trip, it’s important to talk to your vet first to make sure they’re healthy enough to go on the road. Moreover, a veterinarian may be able to prescribe you with anti-nausea meds or sedatives than can save your car from a motion sickness disaster. Keeping your pal comfortable and safe on the road is a responsibility you take on as a pet owner.
However, your responsibilities don’t stop there. Depending on where you’re going and how you’re traveling, you may need a note from your vet ensuring your dog is fit for travel. Some states require that you have evidence with you that your pet is up to date on all shots. Travel without them, even if you’re just passing through, and you risk getting hit with a hefty fine.
Going on a Last-Minute Adventure
Spontaneous vacations can be incredibly fun, but they’re the wrong call with a dog; there are simply too many details to consider when it comes to traveling with a pet. For example, there’s the aforementioned vet visit. Moreover, you need to make sure you’ll be able to find pet-friendly accommodations wherever you end up. Do you know where the nearest emergency vet is to where you’re staying? What about those on the way?
Not only does heading out without this info put your dog in danger, but it also puts your pocketbook at risk, as well. After all, making a last-minute booking in a pet-friendly room is a surefire way to end up with terrible rates. The hotel knows you don’t have an abundance of options, so they have no real incentive to offer you a good deal. Of course, that’s assuming you’re able to get a pet-friendly room at all.
You need to think ahead when traveling with your dog, both to keep your pal safe and to make sure you’re saving money along the way. Keeping these things in mind will allow you to go on the adventure you and your pup deserve.
Looking for the right food for your 4-legged friend? Check out the best dog food here: How to Choose the Right Food For Your Dog
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Best FREE Birthday Treats and Freebies/gifts on your Birthday!
Love freebies? Get free treats on your birthday at these amazing chains! Free stuff is always the best stuff! See where to get free stuff on your birthday.
Where to get free things on your Birthday or during your Bday Month!
I enjoy getting “FREE BIRTHDAY COUPONS” and special offers in my email or in the mail during my birthday month! I mean, who doesn’t like free things, especially on your birthday! Here are the best free treats you can collect for your birthday deals at some of our favorite chains:
PRO-TIP: Some require prior registration, so pay attention!
Applebee's
Free dessert for when you sign up for the EClub.
Arby's
Sign up for Arby's Extras for a free shake coupon! Also, even if they aren’t free, order a side of curly fries, calories don’t count on your birthday.
Baskin-Robbins
Enjoy a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday as a member of the Birthday Club.
Ben & Jerry's
As a Chunk Spelunker (does it surprise you they have a weird fan club name) you can get free ice cream on your birthday!
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Make sure you sign up for the Premier Rewards Plus to get the coveted PIZOOKIE for free on your birthday! I just love the classic chocolate chip with ice cream… YUM!
Bonefish Grill
Free dessert when you become a Bonefish Grill Insider.
Boston Market
Be fancy and become a VIP at Boston Market for a free dessert with a purchase on your birthday.
California Pizza Kitchen
Save your birthday dough as a member of the CPK rewards program and collect a free California dessert during your birthday month.
Carvel
Grab a free cone on Carvel as a Fudgie Fanatic. Tell Fudgie the whale The Sweetest Escapes sent you!
Checkers
Claim one free small milkshake on your birthday if you are a member of Checkers "Flavorhood" email club.
Cheesecake Factory
Tell your server it's your birthday, and you'll get a free bowl of ice cream! I know, I wanted to say a piece of cheesecake too.
Chili's
Chili's email club will send a coupon for a free complimentary dessert, good for two weeks.
Cinnabon
Club Cinnabon gives a free coupon for a birthday treat. Word on the street is the treat varies, and who doesn't love birthday surprises?
Cold Stone
What's better than ice cream with a friend on your birthday? A deal for your ice cream and your friend's ice cream on your birthday -- because you joined the My Cold Stone Club and collected your BOGO offer.
Cracker Barrel
A free dessert and a song? I know where my next birthday dinner will be.
Dairy Queen
Get your birthday dessert served upside down! Register your email with the DQ mobile app to get a BOGO Blizzard offer for your special day.
Del Taco
On my birthday I like to collect a free premium milkshake with my coupon through the Raving Fan eClub. Tacos + Milkshakes = 💗
Dippin' Dots
Members of the Dot Crazy! Email Club can collect free Dippin' Dots on your big day! It is the ice cream of the future, start your new year off right.
GODIVA
Sign up for the GODIVA rewards program and get a free birthday offer that varies month to month. Surprises are fun!
Hard Rock Cafe:
FREE dessert and a song on your birthday. Maybe even Steven Tyler will make a special appearance. Seriously, let us know if that happens.
Jamba Juice
Maybe it’s not quite ice cream, but become an insider so you can sip a free juice or smoothie on your birthday. Sweet and healthy!
Krispy Kreme
As a friend of Krispy Kreme you get a free donut on your birthday.
Marble Slab Creamery
Download the Slab Happy Rewards app to get a $5 reward 7 days prior to your birthday. Get a $5 reward once you sign up and make your first purchase.
Morton's Steakhouse
If you sign up for Landry's Select Club, you can get a free dessert and $25 reward card on your birthday.
Olive Garden
Unlimited breadsticks and a free dessert as a member of the eClub? SIGN ME UP!
Outback Steakhouse
"Let's go Outback tonight," is what you should say if it's your birthday. Not really, but you might want to since it'll give you a free kids-sized vanilla sundae. Get a blooming onion to start, I mean you just have to!
Pinkberry
Sign up for a Pinkcard to get free frozen yogurt on your birthday.
Pizza Hut
Drop your birthday in your ordering account with Pizza Hut to get delivered free hot and fresh cinnamon sticks on your birthday.
Planet Smoothie
Get a sweet free smoothie as a Birthday Club member.
Quiznos
Q-Club members can pick up a free cookie to go with your sub. They have a pepper barrrrrr…
Red Mango
Join Club Mango for $5 off your birthday purchase.
Rita's Italian Ice
Head over to Rita's for a free scoop of ice cream, Italian ice, or custard.
Rori’s Wild Berry Chocolate Crisp
Rori’s Ice Cream
Join their Birthday Club for a free scoop on your birthday. May I highly recommend the Wild Berry Chocolate Crisp!
Sonic
My Sonic rewards will get you a free birthday treat, which is chosen at random, so wish hard for ice cream.
Sprinkles
Sprinkles are small symbols of a celebration, so kick off with a free cupcake on your birthday.
Starbucks
Sign up for the Starbucks Rewards program for FREE drink on your birthday. Pro-tip: get a milkshake from a Starbucks Reserve location!
TCBY
Join myTCBY for free frozen yogurt on your birthday. Yum!
Wendy's
Get a free Frosty when you sign up for WendyMail, don’t forget to order fries for the salty-sweet combo!
Yogurtland
When you join Yogurtland's Real Rewards program, you'll get a 3oz frozen yogurt right away, and another one on your birthday. A real double-whammy. But, the good kind.
Feel free to let us know if we’re missing anything. You’re a hero in my book if you can collect all of these freebies for your birthday!
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Hotel Review: Grand Wailea, A Luxury Waldorf Astoria Resort - Maui, Hawaii
Looking for where to stay in Wailea, Maui?! One of the best hotels we recommend is the Grand Wailea for couples, honeymoons, and families! It is a luxury resort with great amenities including an amazing pool and beach! See everything they have to offer and why you must stay here when planning your next trip to Hawaii!
#maui #hawaii #grandwailea #wailea
The Lucky Mermaid Fountain - Grand Wailea
The Grand Wailea is the best hotel on Wailea beach!
Where to Stay in Maui
We typically stay at the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali because it holds a special place in our heart, it’s where we got married! We stayed at the Andaz Wailea once, but we loved our most recent stay at the Grand Wailea a Waldorf Astoria Resort! Sitting atop 40 acres in Wailea, It was the perfect location to walk to other hotels and shops, but also had amazing views with large rooms!
Related Post: Packing Essentials for Hawaii
Getting to Wailea
Wailea is located on the southwest shore of the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii (United States). The Grand Wailea is a quick 35-minute drive from the Kahului Airport and only a 20-minute flight if you’re coming from Honolulu. We took a direct flight from Los Angeles to Maui. We rented a car and had to valet every night, there isn’t any self-parking.
Grand Wailea Ocean View King Rooms
These rooms are 640 sq. ft. with gorgeous pacific ocean and garden views. The private balcony is large, and a wonderful place to have a cup of coffee in the morning or drinks in the afternoon on. You can also see what looks like a little island straight ahead, which is the Molokini crater. It is an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving! Also, if you look closely, you can catch a whale swimming by!
Note: Whale watching season is between November and May in Maui.
Ocean View Room - Private Balcony
The room had a nice plush, comfortable, king-sized bed, a private balcony, and a spacious bathroom with oversized bathtub and separate glass-enclosed shower! It’s large enough that you could do cartwheels in the bathroom (although I wouldn’t recommend it).
Grand Wailea Ocean View Room Bathrooms
In the room, there was also a Kurig with better than average coffee and tea options. There was also an empty mini-fridge, which was perfect to put our water bottles, leis, and Maui Brew Co beers! ;-)
Pro tip: Upgrade to the exclusive Napua Tower, so you can enjoy the best panoramic ocean views available! Napua has a private club lounge and other luxurious benefits.
The Grand Wailea Resort
Just walking around the resort was lovely. There were ocean views everywhere you looked and for being open-air, the resort was spotless.
Other amenities with the Daily Resort Charge: guest internet access; beach umbrellas; admission twice-daily scuba clinics and daily snorkel lessons; 45-minute photography session; beach cruiser bikes; yoga classes; scheduled cultural, garden, and art tours; local/toll-free calls
Pro-tip: Get to Wailea beach around 7a to get a front-row covered beach chair to spend the day by the water. It’s free of charge for guests! We would jump in the water, go for a walk, snorkel, play cards, or even take a nap. It’s a nice way to spend the day! Just make sure you head back to the chairs every hour.
RELATED POST What to do in Maui?: 10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN WAILEA
The Grand Wailea Pool
The Grand Wailea is like a waterpark and is known as Wailea Canyon including four jungle pools, five intertwining slides, a whitewater rapids slide, a Tarzan rope swing, a sand beach, six waterfalls, caves, three Jacuzzis, a water elevator, and a swim-up bar! Good enough for me and great for kids! The pool has the world’s first water elevator that takes you up to the waterslides! It’s technically the only one in the world, built for the owner’s son, who was disabled, this million-dollar elevator keeps you in the water the whole time!
Grand Wailea Maui Pool
There are quite a few water slides that connected smaller pools creating a lazy river feel! There were a few longer slides that went really fast, feeling like you were at a water park. The Tarzan rope swing is great for the kids to swing and jump into the water - big kids can do it too (I did!). The adult-only pool is the best way to keep splashing to a minimum and wade in the pool or spa with a tropical drink.
Grand Wailea Pool
Our favorite part of the pool was the swim-up bar! You can sit at the bar or there were a few booths where you can sit waist-high in the water! The boys liked the Grotto Bar to have a drink and watch sports without getting out of the pool. I liked it for the lava flows and cool pool booths!
Grand Wailea Grotto Swim-up Pool Bar
Grand Wailea Luau - 'Aha'aina Wailea
No trip to Hawaii is complete until you have checked a luau off your list! Enjoy a Hawaiian feast while watching traditional Hawaiian dances and there is an amazing fire dance performance you cannot miss! Get a great deal on the best luau in Wailea with tickets from Activity Authority.
Grand Wailea Luau
Restaurants and Shops
Just off the lobby, there were beautiful shops for resort wear, home goods, art, a market, and more! You wouldn’t need to leave the resort. However, if you like shopping there is a shopping center next door (the Shops at Wailea) with an ABC Store, restaurants, and some of your favorite retail shops.
Breakfast at the Grand Wailea
Since we were Gold Hilton Honors members, we were able to get a free continental breakfast or upgrade to the buffet breakfast for $19 which was totally worth it! The Grand Dining Room offers an omelet bar, fresh fruit, waffles, vegetables, potatoes, parfaits, rotating breakfast dishes including favorites like eggs benedict, pretty much EVERYTHING! Breakfast is my favorite meal, and this spread did not disappoint.
HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A
Easy for you to say! This was our favorite place to get a drink a fancy cocktail in the bar and watch the sunset. Humuhumnukunukuapua’a means triggerfish with a snout like a pig (it’s a reef triggerfish). Make reservations ahead of time for dinner here, the menu is fantastic!
HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A Sunset Drinks Views
VOLCANO BAR & GRILL
Located in the middle of the pool area, we had lunch at their poolside tables one day with sandwiches, quesadillas, and burgers on the menu! They also have a full bar menu.
Bistro Molokini
We had drinks and dinner at Bistro Molokini. Located near the adult pool and above the other pools, there are great ocean views, drinks, and food. We liked their pizzas and sandwiches but I wouldn’t get anything beyond that. Their Mai Tai was good, but see our Favorite Maui Mai Tai list if you’re looking for the best Mai Tai on the island!
Bistro Molokini at Grand Wailea
Botero Lounge
The most beautiful lobby bar surrounded by fountains and garden sculptures, it’s nice to relax and have a drink here.
Spa Grande
Don’t forget to relax! There are 40 treatment rooms in this 50,000 square-foot award-winning spa, which is the largest spa in Hawaii (that’s including all of the islands)! Enjoy services such as the Exclusive Healing Waters of Maui, a Hydrotherapy Circuit, and a unique haven of water therapies featuring a Roman tub, saunas, cascading waterfalls, Swiss jet showers, a Japanese furo, and five specialty baths. AHHHHHH…
New Years in Maui, Hawaii
Directly in front of the hotel on Wailea Beach, fireworks shot off for about 20 minutes from a barge in the ocean at midnight! It was a perfect celebration to ring in the New Year!
New Years in Maui - Wailea
Bring the kids? GREAT!
There is a 20,000-square-foot “Recreation Outlet Center for Kids” for children ages five to twelve. The qualified staff (also offer nighttime supervision so you can have that one on one time), Camp Grande is equipped with a children’s restaurant, craft room, theater, game room, and outside play area. The kids won’t miss you when they are distracted by activities such as hikes, nature walks, special workshops, such as lei making, ukulele lessons, and t-shirt dyeing.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Grand Wailea Maui and would recommend you to stay here! We loved the rooms and the staff was very accommodating. This is a Hilton property so keep that in mind for your points!
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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How to see 40+ lions and the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, Kenya - Africa
When we were in Kenya, we stayed at the Tangulia Lodge in the Maasai Mara and were able to see over 40 lions and the Big Five! See how we did it in our latest post from Africa!
How to find 40+ lions and the Big Five while on safari in the Maasai Mara
Africa was the trip of a lifetime! Seeing all the animals roaming in their natural habitats was so much better than watching animals at a zoo. We found 40+ lions, the Big Five, and more in the Maasai Mara! Here’s how we did it…
Scroll down to watch our video of our trip to the Maasai Mara!
All pictures were taken by us! See our camera gear here: African Safari Packing Essentials
Lion cub found in the Maasai Mara
Where to stay in the Maasai Mara and find the best guides!
We stayed at the Tangulia Mara Camp where we had the best guides to find all the animals we were dying to see! Benjamin and David greeted us at the airport as soon as we landed on the dirt airstrip and were with us on every game drive after that! They were knowledgable about the animals and their behaviors, knowing where to find them or look for them at any point of the day. I still don’t know how they spotted a leopard from miles away! pun intended.
Leopard in the tree
Our guides were so patient and would go out with us for hours. There was only one other couple staying at the camp while we were there, so we lucked out and had a private car all to ourselves! This is a huge benefit when you find an animal you’re interested in and can sit and watch for hours… like we did with the lions and leopard.
Hyena up close!
We’d usually start out early around 6:30a/7a to see the most action from the animals waking up. Breakfast was packed in the car, so we’d make a stop at some point, which one of the other guides called it going to Starbucks! Haha!
Lioness and her cubs
We’d see lions in prides and sometimes on their own, usually a lioness with the cubs. If we drove around after the sun was fairly high in the sky, we’d find lions together taking a cat nap after their morning breakfast.
A lion we woke up from a nap!
Animals to find in the Maasai Mara and the Big Five!
We found the Big Five while we were on our safaris, which were originally called this because they were the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot! We weren’t here to hunt, obviously, just observe. The Big Five include the African elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo.
Scroll down to watch our video of our trip to the Maasai Mara!
Leopard in the tree
There were many other animals to see, including:
Oryx
Spotted hyena
Topi antelope
Thomson Gazelle
Banded mongoose
Maasai sheep
Maasai giraffe
Hippo
Cheetahs
Wildebeest - THOUSANDS of them!
Baboons
Crocodiles
Zebras
Warthogs - they call them Pumbas!
Cheetahs in the Maasai Mara
Our guides were telling us how there are 5 cheetahs that travel together and are rare to see but are considered celebrities if you see them. About an hour later someone spotted them, and we had to find them! We saw a bunch of other safari vehicles and knew there they were. The cheetahs walked right around our vehicle and would call to one another if one of them were out of sight. We were SO CLOSE to them, it was unbelievable.
Tangulia Mara Camp Accommodations
The camp was beautiful, overlooking a saltwater lake from a saltwater spring. There was a river behind it but they aren’t connected. Animals often came through for drink from the waterhole, so it was nice to sit in our room or up at the lodge just to watch them come and go.
Tangulia Mara Camp
We had room 1 at the very end of the camp, which was closest to the water and a great place to watch for animals.
They called the area near our room Hippo Highway because the hippos would come up at night to eat the grass! Sometimes they make odd noises that sounded like evil laughs! Kinda creepy at 2am but also very exciting.
Just watching the giraffes from our room in my Lion King socks.
Meals and Food in the Maasai Mara
Meals were provided in the lodge and the food was wonderful! Dishes would come family style, and they would keep coming even when you thought you had enough! Meals included dishes such as chicken, pork, vegetarian lasagna, avocado salad, green salad, fruit salad, delicious bread with an assortment of spreads, and always ended with dessert!
Sundowner - Doa
We enjoyed having a sundowner, a drink around happy hour as the sun would set. I tried a Doa which had vodka and lemon juice with a sugar rim, both refreshing and sweet!
Watch our video of our trip to the Maasai Mara:
Overall, we loved our visit to the Maasai Mara! We saw the most animals on our safaris and had amazing guides. I’m glad we spent more time there than our first 2 stops in Saruni.
Warthog - Locals call them pumbas which means Dumb in Swahili!
To book a trip of a lifetime like this, I highly recommend using the travel agency, Scott Dunn! To speak to a safari expert at Scott Dunn, call 858-523-9000 or visit scottdunn.com/us and tell them Kathleen and Josh Cregg sent you. This is not a sponsored post, all thoughts and considerations are my own.
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The Best Christmas Sweets, Ice Cream and Treats at the Disneyland Resort 2019
Merry Christmas Eve! See where to find the best Ice Cream and Sweet Treats at the Disneyland Resort. See the best finds at the Festival of Holidays 2019, only a few more days left, don’t miss out!
Merry Christmas Eve! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year, especially at Disneyland! Although this post is a little late, I imagine there are still many people going to Disneyland the next few weeks! Here’s a rundown of my favorite desserts at Disneyland during Christmas time!
Peppermint Mickey Shake at Schmoozies
Peppermint Mickey Shake
Found at Schmoozies in California Adventure
This adorable Peppermint Mickey Shake is made with Peppermint Chocolate Crème Cookie Shake, Whipped Topping, Christmas Accents, Chocolate Crème-filled Cookie Ears for only $7.99 (AP and Cast member discount available).
Peppermint Ice Cream Bar
Chocolate Peppermint Bar
Found in Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shop
Peppermint and chocolate is my favorite combo, I’m glad there are multiple options this year! Find the seasonal chocolate peppermint ice cream bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream shop in California Adventure!
The Chocolate Peppermint Bar includes your choice of Ice Cream Bar dipped in Chocolate, drizzled in Peppermint Icing, topped with Crushed Peppermint $5.69
Peppermint Soft Serve
Peppermint Soft Serve
Found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your sprinkles!!! This Christmasy peppermint soft serve can be found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure! It’s almost too minty (and I LOVE peppermint ice cream) so be prepared. Can be served in a cup or cone for only $5.49!
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festive Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festival of Holidays - Making Spirits Bright Booth At California Adventure
We always enjoy the Festival of Holidays booths, this year seems to offer the best treats yet! I double fisted with a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron and a Cran-Blackberry Mimosa from the Making Spirits Bright booth.
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron (Gluten-Friendly) for $5.50 - The macaron was better than is looks! So soft and chocolatey with a marshmallow fluff to it.
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa for $15 - both festive and delicious! There was a flight option along with Apple and Pomegranate for $17
See the full menu here: Festival of Holidays Menu
Trolley Treats
Find these wintery sweet treats including themed Cake Pops, Caramel Apples, and Rice Krispie Treats. Something for everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from us to you and may all your Christmases be sweet!
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Features on Lonely Planet and Life Lately!
I wrote a few articles for Lonely Planet! You should check them out and what I’ve been up to lately!
It’s Sunday, my favorite day to relax and blog! I’ve had a busy month writing for Lonely Planet, leaving less time for the blog between my full-time job, personal life, and travels!
We went to Hawaii and celebrated our 5 year anniversary, retuning the Sheraton Maui where we got engaged then married, and have returned every year for our anniversary since! It was also the place where I thought to start a travel blog, 3 years later, here we are!
Maui Sunset at Merriman’s Kapalua
The Sweetest Escapes had it’s first anniversary last month, doing well for the first year! Thanks to all who follow our crazy adventures and sweet finds around the globe!
Ok, so, when we went to Monterey Bay for 4th of July this year and were driving up the coast, I found a few spots to stop along the way. When we returned and I started to map our trip with ice cream stops, I thought this would be a great pitch for another publication. I had enough stops to run from San Francisco to San Diego and couldn’t wait to get started. I pitched to Lonely Planet and was commissioned within a week to write my article and it was a paid gig!
I was pleased with the outcome, please visit Lonely Planet and read my Sights and Sweets Along the California Coast article.
Fall in love with Autumnal Flavors on Lonely Planet
I started to get emails from my favorite ice cream shops with all the different fall flavors they were featuring, and thought it might bode well for another Lonely Planet article! Fall in love with these Autumnal flavors on Lonely Planet!
Anyway, thanks for your support and hope you enjoy our posts!
Stay sweet,
Kathleen
New Year's Eve Celebrations Around the World!
We’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve around the world! My favorite part is seeing how the different cultures come together and the unique traditions to ring in the New Year. Fireworks always ended with a bang for all New Years’ festivities!
We’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve in many different countries! My favorite part is seeing how the different cultures come together and the unique traditions to ring in the New Year. Fireworks always ended with a bang for all New Years’ festivities!
Lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai
Sending Lanterns off New Years Eve in Chiang Mai - Thailand
As soon as the sun went down on the last day of the year, lanterns started to light up the sky. Vendors all over the city sold lanterns and they were released all over the city! The biggest gathering was at the Tha Phae Ancient City gate. On the other side of the gate, there was a street fair on Rachadamnoen Rd full of vendors selling food and other merchant goodies.
At 11:30p, people flooded the area in front of the gate lighting their lanterns. People wrote wishes, hopes, and dreams, on their lanterns, hoping the new year would make them come true. At midnight the sky was completely full of lanterns and fireworks! It was a magical sight and an unforgettable night!
See our full post here New Years in Chiang Mai
New Year’s Eve in Sydney
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in the Sydney Harbor - Australia
We watched the Sydney Harbor light up on New Year’s Eve! The first set off fireworks went off as a family show at 9pm, so kids could go to bed and not have to wait up. In this show, fireworks were launched from 4 barges while they played the songs of the year, which exclusively included "Let it Go." Although some might be sick of hearing Elsa sing, it was PERFECT fireworks music.
At midnight, there were panoramic views of fireworks that shot off on the bridge, the barges and near the Opera House! My favorite part was when they played Sia’s, “Chandelier!”
Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve in Norway
Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve in Norway
It may have been 20 degrees and below but we spent all night outside watching the Northern Lights from our cabin in Norway! The locals shot off fireworks at midnight, and apparently there is a friendly rivalry among the neighborhood as to who will have the best fireworks show! We watched the fireworks light up the sky for a while then went inside. At about 2am, the Aurora Borealis came through with bright green colors dancing across the sky! The northern lights were here and grew stronger and stronger until 6am! Definitely a New Year celebration we won’t forget!
See more in our post: 5 Days in Norway Itinerary
Aruba New Year’s Eve Celebration
Fireworks along the beach on New Year’s Eve in Aruba
Fireworks are legal in Aruba so they were going off all day along on Dec 31st with these giant firecrackers that people would set up randomly in the streets. We sat and watched as people set off sparklers and small fireworks around us.
We asked our cab driver where the place to be is at midnight on New Year’s Eve, to which he said, “right in front of your hotel!” Perfect. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba in Palm Beach and right at midnight, fireworks shot off on barges in the water up and down the coast! It was spectacular, the whole beach was lit up from this amazing display!
See more about Aruba and how we spent Dec 31st here: 6 Day Aruba Itinerary
Las Vegas Strip on new Year’s Eve
The Strip lighting up on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas
I grew up spending a few New Years in Las Vegas! No matter where you go there will be a party! The Las Vegas Strip shuts down in the afternoon and people start celebrating! You can drink in the street and even buy beers from street vendors! At midnight, the Las Vegas Blvd lights up with fireworks shooting off tops of the hotels!
New Year’s Eve in TImes Square
Watching the ball drop in Times Square - New York City
I think everyone has seen the ball drop on New Year’s Eve in Times Square on TV with Ryan Seacrest or Dick Clark, but it is a completely different experience seeing it drop in person! Times Square is filled with people that start lining up early in the day to get a prime spot for midnight!
As soon as the countdown starts, the energy rises and the excitement of the countdown begins! The ball drops, fireworks shoot off and confetti fills the square!
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Fall Ice Cream Flavors in Los Angeles
In LA it’s hard to find the leaves turning, but you can find the ice cream churning! Check out the fall ice cream flavors in Los Angeles!
It’s often hard to find fall leaves around Los Angeles but if you look in local scoop shops, you’ll find all your favorite autumn flavors: pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato. Sweet potato?! Yes, sweet potato.
If you’re feeling spoopy, check out these scoop shops! Info below is copied straight from their site!
Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows at Jeni’s
Jeni’s Ice Creams
Locations: Click HERE for all Locations
PUMPKIN CAKE ROLL PINT - Sweet heirloom pumpkin ice cream swirled with spiced sweet cheese and cake.
Nutty and creamy with lots of warm spices, pumpkin rolls are a fall favorite of Jeni. We’ve infused this ice cream with all the same character as the classic dessert. Part rich, sweet cream cheese ice cream. Part pumpkin ice cream—bursting with the deep roasted flavor of buttercup pumpkins grown just for us by Mike Hirsch in Chillicothe, Ohio. And lots of brown sugar and Jeni’s unique Chinese 5-Spice blend of cinnamon, fennel, star anise, white pepper, and ginger. (No allspice to be found!) It’s said to represent all the elements: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—and it makes a perfect pumpkin spice. The finishing touch? Lots of vanilla-spiced cake pieces.
SWEET POTATO WITH TORCHED MARSHMALLOWS PINT - Roasted sweet potatoes scented with nutmeg and cinnamon. Studded with handmade, hand-torched marshmallows.
When we whip up a batch of this ice cream in our kitchen, we make the marshmallows, cube them, and then spread them on sheet trays and caramelize them with blowtorches. Millions and millions of them (or so it seems). Then we roast cinnamon-scented sweet potatoes, grown for us by our longtime farm partner, Mike Hirsch, on his family farm just an hour from our kitchen. It’s definitely kitschy, but it reminds us of a certain delicious casserole on Midwestern holiday tables, which makes it even better.
Salt and Straw
Locations: Click here for all locations
Salt and Straw’s October flavors in Los Angeles don’t sound too bad!
The Great Candycopia - As darkness falls across the land, the candymaking hour is close at hand. Swarms of housemade trick-or-treat favorites—crisp shortbread and nutty nougat buried in caramel, peanut butter trapped inside walls of chocolate, pecans smothered in BOOrbon vanilla toffee—all get folded into a disgustingly delicious salted butterscotch ice cream, stuck for eternity.
Creepy Crawly Critters - One, two, ten prickles along your skin. Dozens of critters are hiding in the grass by way of this matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets. Don Bugito in Oakland provided the delicious insects, we delivered the creepy.
Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiced Potion (v) - In the middle of our lab, a cauldron boiling. Amber leaves of rooibos flicker, then flakes of pumpkin make the gruel thicker. A fuming broth of caramel sizzles, while a sliver of blackberry shoot fizzles. Three stinging droplets of vanilla smolder. Featuring August Uncommon Tea, this intoxicating, buttery concoction will satiate your deepest, darkest PSL desires.
Dracula’s Blood Pudding - A blood-curdling chocolate-y ice cream. We start with pig’s blood from Portland butcher Nicky USA and cook it with warm spices, like cinnamon and coriander, and brandy. The flavor ultimately is a nod to the Italian dessert sanguinaccio: rich in cocoa with a hint of minerality.
Black Cat Licorice & Lavender - Rounding the corner with a ghastly squeal, a jet-black figure pounces on your shadow. In this ominous, unexpected flavor, we’ve conjured up superstition with a silky, pitch-dark anise and fennel caramel swirled with luminous salted lavender ice cream. We wouldn’t turn our backs if we were you.
Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams
Location: 12550 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Butterscotch Pumpkin Brulee
Ginger Cinnamon
Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Vegan Pickled Strawberry & Boysenberry Pie
Sweet Corn Blueberry & Thyme
Ample Hills
Sweet as Honey at Ample Hills
Location: Los Feliz Scoop Shop - 1824 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Maple Bourbon Barrel - Maple bourbon ice cream made with Widow Jane bourbon and Crown Maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels and sprinkled with chocolate-coated maple-candied pecans
Sweet as Honey - Sweet cream ice cream with homemade honeycomb
Carmela Ice Cream Co.
Locations: Mid-City and Pasadena
Pumpkin Spice - Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Pumpkin mixed with seasonal spices. Just like pumpkin pie!
Spiced Apple Sorbet - Apple Cider? Say no more! Organic, tart, farmers' market apples with spices and citrus vest.
Yogurtland
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pecans & Pralines NSA - Let the flavors of sweet southern pralines, with freshly toasted pecans, work their charm on you.
Pumpkin Pie - So much to give thanks for in every spoonful. Dip your spoon into the creamy, spiced comforts of home.
Ben & Jerry’s
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pumpkin Cheesecake - Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream with a Graham Cracker Swirl
Disneyland
This might not be Los Angeles, but it is in Southern California!
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies in California Adventure
Dead-Cadent Funnel Cake which is funnel cake topped with a brownie, white chocolate raspberry ice cream, and chocolate pearls! Only $8.99 at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland. AP and employee discount offered.
Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
Create your own boozy Pumpkin Spice Milkshake!
1 graham cracker
1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
2 shots of Kahlua
2 shots of Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
3-4 scoops of ice cream
Mozart Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Liqueur - Boozy Milkshake Recipe
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Experiencing Saruni Samburu and Seeing the Northern 5 in Kenya - Africa
We saw the Northern Five and tons of other animals while on safari in Northern Kenya! Also, see our amazing accommodations at the best lodge in Northern Kenya, Saruni Samburu, making this the trip of a lifetime to Africa. What to wear and packing tips also included!
Our experience at Saruni Samburu was unbelievable! Yes, I know I say this often but I mean it! From the room to the food to the guides, our stay was absolutely perfect and we were sad to leave. We even got up close and personal with the Northern Five native to Northern Kenya!
See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List
Scroll down later in the post to watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu!
Reticulated Giraffe seen while on safari with Saruni Samburu
How to Get to Samburu, Kenya
We stopped in Nairobi and took a smaller plane to Samburu for about an hour's flight. They did weigh our luggage but you give them your bags over a counter so you can kinda hide a camera if you’re worried about the 33 lb weight limit. The coolest part was sitting behind the pilots and landing on a dirt runway!
Our guide met us there and took us to the Saruni Rhino where we spent a few days but the drive from the air strip was about 30-45 minutes from Saruni Samburu.
See more on our trip to Saruni Rhino and how we got up close and personal with a baby rhino here: Rhino Tracking at the Saruni Rhino
Guest Rooms at Saruni Samburu
Guest Room Bed at Saruni Samburu
I wish we had more time to spend in the room! WHO SAYS THAT?! Well, when you have a room with a second floor and a lovely living room overlooking Kenya, why wouldn’t you?!
As we walked into our room, which was not a suite, this is their standard room, we were blown away by the size of the room and the balcony attached to it!
Panorama of our room
View from our room
We then discovered we had another room upstairs! This room was also large in size set up like a living room, complete with a dining table.
Our living room attached to our bedroom
The bathroom was huge and had a bidet next to the toilet. Not only was there a shower inside the bathroom, but there was also a shower outside overlooking the conservation. I did take a shower outside one morning while watching elephants at the waterhole.
Safari Time at Saruni Samburu
How do safaris work?
We weren’t sure exactly what to expect for our safaris, but we were very happy with our experience. Everyday you’ll head out in the morning or afternoon for a safari. Depending on what you see and how great your guide is, you’ll drive around for 5-8 hours which sounds crazy but goes by real quick! Our car was completely open and had panels that came down in case it rained.
Elephant Crossing
What should you wear on a safari?
I read a ton of blogs telling me what to pack and that I needed to purchase $100 safari shirts… Let me tell you, I was just fine in my Gap t-shirt and leggings. We did treat our clothes with permethrin, a bug repellent for your clothes. In the morning and late afternoon, I made sure to have a sweatshirt but there were also blankets in the car. Unless you are getting out of the vehicle, which you aren’t supposed to, there’s no reason not to where something comfortable that you can sit in for long periods of time.
Traffic in the conservancy
Our Safari Experience
Joseph was our guide for the time we were at Saruni Samburu as well as Saruni Rhino. Since he is from the local village, he knew the area (and animals) very well and was phenomenal at finding animals far away. Joseph understood various animal behaviors and explained their actions, teaching us fun facts about each animal.
Scroll down later in the post to watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu!
Reticulated Giraffe having Breakfast
Here are some of the animals we saw over the course of 3 days:
Impalas - we even saw a newborn, birthed seconds before we arrived
Batiat foxes 🦊
Beisa Oryx (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Leopards - mama and cubs
Egyptian geese 🦆
Lions 🦁
Elephants
Dik-diks - little antelopes about a foot tall
Rock hyraxes
Wilds dogs - very rare
Somali ostrich (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Dwarf mongoose
Fotery guinea fowl
Gerenuk
Grant’s Gazelles
Grevy’s Zebras 🦓 (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Nile crocodile 🐊
Cheetah
Reticulated Giraffes (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Warthogs - Even our guide called them pumbaas (which means dumb in Swahili)! Since they have such a short term memory, they are known to walk by a lion and walk back to the same spot 5 minutes later, forgetting they had passed it.
Eastern yellow-billed hornbill - AKA the flying banana or Zazu from the Lion King
Baboons
Monkeys
Cheetah stalking antelope
We went out in the early morning and late afternoon covering all basis to see as many animals as possible. Every day we saw something different and right when one day couldn’t possibly top the day before, it did! Depending on how long we were going out, we either ate before or after the safari, or they packed us breakfast or lunch.
Can you spot the leopard? pun intended
The topography was very dry and looked like the elephant graveyard in the Lion King. There is a river about an hour away and the closer you get, the more animals you see! Keep your eyes peeled and be patient. Sometimes just sitting and watching the animals for a while is fun to observe their behaviors. You never know what they might do!
Baby baboon by the river
Elephant at the water hole at night
One of our nights, we even went out for a night drive. I was nervous going into the dark at night at first and wondered what animals we’d see but there were so many we came across:
Porcupine
Owl 🦉
Hawk
Hare
Jackal
Male and female Ostriches
Striped hyena - very shy, very rare
Family of Elephants
The Northern Five in Kenya
We were lucky to find the Kenyan Northern Five including the Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, and the Reticulated Giraffe!
Here we go…
1. Somali Ostrich
The Somlai Ostrich differs from most ostriches with a bluish color on their neck and legs, instead of a pink color. The males were beautiful with black and white feathers, while the females had grayish brown feathers.
2. Gerenuk
As part of the antelope family, Gerenuks are also known as giraffe gazelles, appropriately named with their long necks and slender limbs. They’ll even stand erect on their hind legs to reach higher branches. I loved the pattern in their ears!
Gerenuk - Kenyan Northern Five
3. Grevy’s Zebra
In comparison to other zebras, Grevy’s unique characteristics include their taller height, large ears, narrower stripes, and white bellies with no stripes. with their stripes being closer together and thinner, it is easier for them to make a good escape and to hide from predators. Foals are born with brown and white striping which darken as they grow older.
Family of Grevy’s Zebras
4. Beisa Oryx
Also known as the East African Oryx, they are recognized by their long horns and striped markings. Yeah, even though they eat grass, I wouldn’t mess with those horns!
Beisa Oryx
5. Reticulated Giraffe
Also known as the Somali Giraffe and most commonly seen in zoos. Their beautiful coats consists of large, polygonal, liver-colored spots outlined by bright-white lines.
Reticulated Giraffe
Our camera gear used to grab these gorgeous photos:
Watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu:
Food at Saruni Samburu
The owner of the Saruni franchise is Italian and all food was also Italian with a Kenyan flair. There were always 3 courses for every meal and we never left feeling hungry! Dessert was always a must! Alcohol was included which we typically had wine and beer. There was a beverage menu with more options that you could pay for.
The Grounds at Saruni Samburu
There were 2 gorgeous infinity pools within a short walking distance fo our room. Although they weren’t heated, it was nice to take a dip then sit and enjoy the view.
The main lodge was a nice place to hang out as well. Sometimes before or after a meal we’d hang out and have a drink by the bonfire, or just lounge on the big couches and enjoy the view.
Wifi was only available near the main lodge and it wasn’t very good. Don’t count on working from there, but a few social media posts will go through… eventually.
Activities to do while at Saruni Samburu
Massages
Our room came with a complimentary massage for 30 mins for one person. After lugging around our heavy bags through airports, I was ready for a back and neck massage!
Bush Walk
We walked around the outskirts of our lodge with our guide and a ranger, and came across a pack of wild dogs! Apparently they are very rare to see. I thought they were hyenas at first, I just loved their big ears!
Wild Dogs - Rare sight!
Star Gazing
At night there was practically no light pollution leaving a sky full of stars! We were able to see the Milky Way and on Josh’s Sony A7, he was able to capture the Milky Way!
Milky Way seen from the balcony of our room
We had a wonderful stay at Saruni Samburu and highly recommend it to anyone booking a future trip to Africa. We booked through Scott Dunn to get the best service and bang for our buck! Please tell them we sent you!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Other posts from Africa (see all Africa posts here)
Virunga Lodge - Most Charming Place to Stay in Rwanda
We stayed at the Virunga Lodge when we ventured to Rwanda to go gorilla tracking, and it was the most charming place to stay in Rwanda! The staff was so nice and accommodating, making us feel at home halfway around the world.
For our first lodging adventure in Africa, we stayed at the Virunga Lodge and couldn’t have been happier! This gorgeous lodge was colorful and the stay went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. We went gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park and spent three wonderful nights at the lodge!
See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List
Views from atop the hill where Virunga Lodge lives
Guest Rooms (also known as Bandas)
Virunga Lodge - Kivu Banda
Our banda was incredible! We stayed in the Kivu banda which had a nice view of the lake and volcanoes. The room was decorated in vibrant colors with a homey design that made us want to move in!
The bed was a little firmer than I like but we were so exhausted we slept just fine!
The bathroom was very large and had what Josh called a Flintstones bathroom, which I definitely agree!
You’re not supposed to drink the tap water or brush your teeth with the sink water, so fresh drinkable bottles were supplied.
The great thing about our Africa trip was that they did our laundry for us complimentary, as part of the room charge. Some lodges won’t wash women’s underwear since the men do the laundry! They’ll provide detergent in most bathrooms to wash your underoos in the sink.
We had a private butler assigned and she gave us a cell phone to call her if we needed anything as there weren’t phones in the rooms. The only time we really called her was to replace the batteries in the safe!
Main Lodge
The main lodge was the place to hang out. There was a bar that you could get drinks at any time during the day. Most importantly, the wifi only worked in the main lodge and was not available in our rooms. It was nice to disconnect, but we also wanted to share our Gorilla Trek experience with our family and friends!
Main Lodge
They had games to play, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.
Food and Meals at Virunga Lodge
All of our meals were held in the dining room or on the veranda. right next to the main lodge. My favorite spot was the corner table of the veranda set for two with a view.
All of the meals were excellent and very “Americanized.” Options like spaghetti or fish and chips for lunch and a hearty choice of meat for dinner - chicken, steak or fish with different sauce/side options. Dessert was different every night with options such as lemon meringue and sweet crepes. My favorite meal was breakfast! I’d get a smoothie, scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, and bacon!
Every morning a wake up service was provided where the staff would come with coffee and biscuits (cookies) and wake you up!
Massages at Virunga Lodge
We each had a complimentary 30-minute massage and after our hike with the gorillas and carrying our bags through the airports, a massage was just what we needed!
Massage Lounge and Reception
We checked in and they gave us a basket with a towel, robe, slippers, and lotion. We were instructed to use the bathrooms in the next rooms over and put all of our things in the basket.
Getting massage ready!
The bathroom was large with a bathroom stall, shower and some cabinets on the side to put your things in.
I had put my phone away for complete relaxation but the room we had massages in had large windows with a fantastic view overlooking the mountains. Since it was only 30 minutes, the focus was on my back, neck, and legs, which was fine by me! After 30 minutes, the male masseuse announced, “the massage is done.” Ahhhh, it was so nice and relaxing.
Gorilla Trekking
The main reason we stayed at the Virunga Lodge was to go track the gorillas and see them up close in their natural habitat! We had the most AMAZING time and highly recommend this experience to all! Just make sure you get out of the silverbacks way when they come through!
Please see more in our post: How we got pushed by a gorilla when we went Gorilla Trekking
Read all about our Gorilla Trek when we tracked gorillas up close and personal by clicking the photo above!
Other Fun Activities
There are many hikes you can take around the lodge and even hike down to the lake (the only problem with that is you have to hike back up).
There were also bird trails and the locals came by one afternoon to perform a traditional dance for us!
Traditional Dance from the locals
I can’t recommend this trip more! We booked through our favorite travel agency, Scott Dunn! Let them know we sent you!
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Disneyland Resort Halloween Time 2019 - Decorations, Events, and Food Guide
Fall is finally here and so is Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! See our decoration, events, and food guide for your next trip to the happiest place on earth! #Disneyland #halloweentime #fall
Main Entrance Mickey and Friends Pumpkins
HAPPY FALL! Even though it’s supposed to be really hot outside today, it is officially fall in California and the Disneyland Resort is ready to go with their Halloween decorations! Even Downtown Disney and California Adventure are in full spirit too.
Full Food Guide here: Halloween Time Food Guide at the Disneyland Resort
SO MANY PUMPKINS! Downtown Disney's planters were filled with colorful fun pumpkins! You can enjoy the spookiness of Halloween Time from September 6th through October 31st, 2019.
What started out as a "Mickey's not so Scary Halloween" at Disneyland with pumpkins here and there, Disney has added more of a scary element to California Adventure with headless horsemen and ghoulish echoing laughs throughout the park. I think it could be a little scarier to compete with Six Flags and Universal Studios, but maybe they need a few more years.
Also, don't forget to check out the Halloween decor at Disneyland Paris.
HALLOWEEN TIME AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Every year it seems like California Adventure is adding more and more Halloween decorations each year. The highlight for me is always food-related and they nailed it with the Minnie Witch Shake this year! Ok, let’s start with the front of the park, here is the main entrance:
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time Oogie Boogie MAIN ENTRANCE DAYTIME
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time MAIN ENTRANCE NIGHTTIME
After entering the gates, Buena Vista Street had lots of bats and purple banners and lights, which I liked because it differentiated from Main Street at Disneyland that is filled with pumpkins and orange harvest decor.
Bats along Buena Vista Street
Last year, Carthay Circle was so cool with the bats flying out! They didn’t do that this year or put the banners up.
Mickey Mouse in his Halloween Costume
Even Mickey Mouse himself was dressed up in costume!
My favorite Halloween decoration is the Headless Horseman, who greets you just before you enter Hollywood. He laughs about it too. Muahahahhaa... Might be too scary for Disneyland, but perfect for California Adventure.
The highlight of my day was getting this Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies! A perfectly blended mint chocolate chip shake with a Halloween Minnie flair!
Disneyland Halloween Food - Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Schmoozies Halloween Treat Menu
Minnie Witch Shake - Mint Chocolate Chip Shake with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Cream-filled Cookie ears $7.49
Mummy Donut - filled with Peanut Butter and Jelly $8.99
Caramel Apple Smoothie - Apples, Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce and a Caramel Apple Lollipop $6.99
Also, across the way at Award Weiners try Oogie's Worms & Dirt Funnel Cake Fries - dusted in Crushed Chocolate Cream-filled Cookies with Cream Cheese Sauce, Cookie Pieces, Gummy Candies, Chocolate-coated Candies, and Whipped Cream $8.99
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark 2019
After we got our milkshakes, we went over to get in line for Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark! The Collector’s Fortress cages had been opened releasing all the monsters. We joined Rocket in a thrilling race to rescue Groot during this daring Halloween adventure! As we were waiting in line there were employees looking for the monsters that had been released and it was pretty funny.
CARS LAND at Halloween Time
Cars Land Halloween time - I don’t know this kid, but he’s cute
The next area haunted was Cars Land, where Halloween decorations covered every inch of it.
I LOVE these posters! They literally made me LOL, especially Hocus Spokus because Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie out there.
So I started to think that I hadn't paid enough attention to detail without the halloween decorations, because have they always had these tire planters? So clever!:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CARS LAND
I loved how they lit everything at night with green and purple lighting. I'm really glad I took a picture of this because I did not spend nearly enough time absorbing everything that was happening on this building.
Trunk or Treat… Get it?
Trick-or-treat! Speaking of, let's talk treats. In the Cozy Cone Motel, according to the Disney Parks Blog there were the best Halloween food options at the various cones:
· Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone – Fresh-cooked pasta with spicy red pepper cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs, served in a Black Cauldron Cone
· Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn
· Junkyard JamBOOree Mix – Choice of flavored popcorn with optional “nuts and bolts” (e.g., green M&M’s, candy corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, Boston baked beans, etc.)
We had to try the Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone and got lemonades with pomegranate limeade on top! Review: Mac & Cheese = good, edible cone = bad. It definitely had a nice spice to it but for $9 I was expecting more both palate wise and by size. The crushed chile-cheese puffs were a nice touch. As for the lemonade, you had the option to add vodka to it!
This year we also tried the Haul-O-Ween Churro, which is a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies!
Haul-O-Ween Churro, a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies
Cozy Cone Motel Halloween Treat Menu 2019
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies $5.99
Slow Burnin' Mac 'n' Cheese Cone - Pasta with Spicy Red Pepper Cheese Sauce topped with crushed Chile-Cheese Puffs served in a Bread Cone $8.99
"Spoke-y" Cone Macaron - filled with Marshmallow Buttercream and Candy Corn $5.99
Cozy Corn - Buttered Corn on the Cob, brushed with spicy Lime Mayo, rolled in choice of Cotija, Cheese Puffs or spicy Cheese Puffs $6.49
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies
Halloween Time ICE CREAM
Last year, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream was scooping up the Bat Wing Raspberry Sundae which had white chocolate-raspberry swirl ice cream with raspberry splatter, blood-red sprinkles, whipped cream, and Bat Wing cookies.
This year they have changed the menu and the closest thing sounded like the Boogie Man Sundae, a Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl.
Here is the Halloween Menu this year:
Last Year’s BAT WING RASPBERRY SUNDAE at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream
Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream Halloween Menu 2019
Arendelle Aqua Macaron - Mickey-shaped Arendelle Aqua sparkly Macaron with Buttercream and Blueberries and Cream filling $5.99
Spider Silk Macaron Sandwich - Black Macaron with Charcoal-Tart Cherry Ice Cream topped with Popping Candy and drops of Raspberry Sauce $6.49
Minnie Witch Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate, with Chocolate accents and Sprinkles $5.69
Vampire Mickey Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate and Shortbread Cookie $6.49
Boogie Man Sundae - Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl $7.49
Poison Apple Premium Mug with Sundae - choice of Sundae served in a Purple Poison Apple Premium Mug $17.99
COCO
There was a special section that was loco with Coco!
We started to trek our way over to Disneyland and kept finding cute decorations!
DISNEYLAND HALLOWEEN TIME DECORATIONS
Disneyland was all decked out with pumpkins and fall foliage!
As we were walking around before the fireworks started, we walked right by the Walt and Mickey statue that had carved pumpkins that were carved from the front and back (they weren't real, but they looked like they were)!
Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Holiday
I loved Nightmare Before Christmas as a kid and love that they decorate the Haunted Mansion every year for the holidays. I can’t believe this movie has been out for over 25 years now!
THIS IS HALLOWEEN, THIS IS HALLOWEEN.....
Try and catch the Electrical Parade before it goes away again before Sept 30, 2019!
Electrical Parade Alice in Wonderland
FRONTIERLAND Halloween Time
Dias de los Muertros took over Frontierland!
Halloween Fireworks
Stay for the Halloween Screams fireworks shows at 9:30p on selected nights!
What a great day! I can't wait to go back! Hurry baaacccckkkk, hurrry baaaaaaaaaccccckkkk!
Reference: For more info on the special Halloween treats served at Disneyland and California Adventure, check out the Disney Parks Blog.
Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:
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How to Spend 5 AMAZING Days in Sydney, Australia
How to spend 5 days in Sydney - Australia - Full itinerary! See all the things to do and where to stay in Sydney! See our tips in this great Travel Guide! This was our honeymoon and it was perfect!
Sydney Opera House
What to do for 5 Days in Sydney, Australia
While we were on our 3-week honeymoon, we spent a large chunk of it in Sydney! We had spent New Years in Sydney but left to let the crowds die down a bit and came back on the 3rd of January. Overall, we enjoyed our visit and would definitely go back. Making the long trek from California, we wanted to see all Sydney had to offer and spent about 5 days there.
Where to Stay in Sydney
We used our Hyatt reward nights, a perk from our Hyatt Credit Card, along with some points, and stayed at the beautiful 5-star Park Hyatt Sydney. It was the perfect location - across from the Opera House, near Circular Quay (where you can jump on a train or ferry and get anywhere in a matter of minutes), and under the Harbor Bridge.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Here was our 5-day itinerary for Sydney:
Day 1
Pancakes on the Rocks
MORNING
We started with breakfast at Pancakes on the Rocks. We love pancakes, figured it couldn't be bad with so many great Yelp reviews. The service was a little slow but the food made up for it. I had chocolate chips pancakes, of course, because everything is better with chocolate!
We went down to Circular Quay (pronounced "key") and took the ferry across the harbor to the Taronga Zoo.
There were Koalas, giraffes, kangaroos, everything that can kill you, and my favorite, the penguin exhibit that had Fairy Penguins!
Top of Taronga Zoo
The zoo is located on a hill with spectacular views of Sydney from all over, so we recommend you start at the top and work your way down.
Penguins in the Taronga Zoo
We took a few animal selfies too! We liked the zoo, but the Featherdale Wild Park was even better (see day 2 below).
AFTERNOON - Olympic Park
In the afternoon we took the ferry back to Circular Quay and boarded a train taking us out to the Sydney Olympic Park. Josh loves to visit Olympic Parks and this one had a lot to see and it was all outdoors!
The park was built to host the Summer Olympics in 2000. They had the torch, the Olympic Cauldron that looks like a spaceship which was where the flame was lit the duration of the games, markers that noted how high someone jumped, who won each sport, and name of everyone who participated.
Day 2
Morning - Blue Mountains
We booked a tour with Blue Diamond Tours, which conveniently picked us up from the hotel, and took us to the Blue Mountains National Park. The mountains look blue because the eucalyptus forest disperses droplets of Eucalypt oil into the atmosphere which combines with dust particles and water vapor, scattering refracted rays of light which are largely blue in color. #funfacts
The rock formation located in the Blue Mountains is known as the 3 Sisters, which aboriginals legend told, the 3 daughters from the Katoomba tribe fell in love with 3 brothers from a neighboring tribe, but they were forbidden to get married by tribal laws. The brothers didn't agree with this law and captured the 3 sisters, causing a war outbreak between the tribes and the sisters were turned into stone by a witch doctor to protect them. Unfortunately, the witch doctor died in the war and no one was able to turn them back.
From Scenic World’s Website
We took the Scenic World Skyway cable car suspended across the Jamison Valley to a park called Scenic World where they had attractions and the best views. You could look through the floor of the car and see the rain forest below.
looking through the floor of the skyway cable car
We also road the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest incline railway, which travels down a cliffside through tunnel and ancient rain forest at a gradient of 62 degrees. At the bottom, you can walk around the rainforest and check out the site of the old coal mine.
Afternoon - Featherdale Wildlife Park
ARCHER, THE KOALA, at Featherdale Wildlife Park
My favorite part of the day was when we went to see Australia's native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park. I love animals and this was probably my favorite thing to do in Sydney.
You can get up close and personal with the animals - touch them, hold them, feed them. The ever so adorable Archer, the koala, is best-loved as he is the popular koala. I even had my Mom paint him from a picture I took because I needed to see him every day.
There are many other animals throughout the park such as kangaroos that are literally hanging out and let you pet them! We also saw more fairy penguins, wombats, wallabies, a Cassowary, and a Tasmanian Devil, OH MY!
Evening in Sydney
We came back to the hotel, freshened up and walked around the harbor over to the Opera Bar for dinner. The Opera Bar is located directly under the Opera House. They had a great food selection, we loved their burgers. The restaurant is set up with open seating and you order by the kitchen, get a number and they deliver to your table.
We also enjoyed their dessert (of course) having a crepe with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. I was a perfect ending to our perfect day with a gorgeous pink sunset.
Day 3
Morning in Manly Beach
We started our day going to Manly Beach! For food, we found this spot called Hemingway's which looked like a library but served food and alcohol. It was early, so we had coffee and breakfast with a slight breeze and gorgeous view of the crystal blue ocean.
We walked around and did a little shopping, buying souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
Afternoon - Sea life Sydney Aquarium
PLATYPUS at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
We took the bus back and decided it was time for more animals so we paid a visit to the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and found Nemo, Dory, and lots of sharks.
We walked through the aquarium and after scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, it felt like we had seen a lot of these fish before. However, they do have unique creatures that are hard to find in the deep blue and were glad to see them here (love the platypus). If you have kids (or act like a big kid like me) there are interactive pools where you can touch sea cucumbers and starfish.
Also, the high point was the underground glass tunnels where fish and sharks swim around you on all sides and it feels like you're underwater with them.
Happy Hour in Sydney at a Secret Whiskey bar!
BAXTER INN - WHISKEY BAR
It was happy hour and we found a hidden gem! We went to a whiskey speak-easy called the Baxter Inn. It was a little challenging to find but worth it when we got there. You have to head down a nondescript alley on Clarence Street and walk through an unmarked door on your right, down a dark staircase to the basement level. The dim lighting and waiters outfits felt like we had walked into another dimension. They had 360 different whiskeys from around the globe and make their own apple juice for their fine crafted cocktail!
Baxter Inn Speakeasy Bar - Sydney
Afterward, we went to a casino in The Star hotel. Walking in, there was signage in front explaining the signs which show you might have a gambling problem because of Australia's gambling issue. It was kind of sad, but kind of funny. We played roulette and won! No gambling problem here.
Day 4
MORNING - Beach Walk
We took the bus over to Bondi Beach. We then did a 5 mile hike along the coast from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. Along the way, we walked through the Tamarama and Bronte beaches. This wasn't an easy hike, there were steep inclines, stairs and sun. Lots of sun. The sun was intense and even after re-applying sunscreen a few times, we burned. It hurt.
AFTERNOON - Luna Park
Luna Park Entrance
We came back cleaned up and took the ferry over to Luna Park, a carnival-like amusement park with a scary entrance. and did a couple of rides, but the highlight was playing on the slides in the funhouse. Josh and I raced for at least 30 minutes. This was definitely made for kids.
Luna Park Slides
EVENING
Afterward, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant right next to Luna Park, called Ripples Milsons Point. It was right on the water overlooking the harbor and I had the most amazing pumpkin ravioli.
We came back to the hotel and wanted to grab a few pictures on our last night:
Harbor Bridge at Night
Opera House at Night
Day 5
MORNING - Opera House Tour
Our last day in Australia started with breakfast at the Park Hyatt Sydney. We overlooked the harbor directly at the Opera House and started to feel a little sad we were leaving.
Opera House Tiles Close-up - Chevron Design
We walked over and took a tour of the Opera House. As an iconic staple to the city, We were excited to see this gorgeous building and learn the history behind it. Up close you can see the shaped tiles that are shell-like making a chevron type pattern across the roof. The inside is just as stunning, as there are several venues within the house. The 2 largest concert hall is the largest and has the largest organ with over 10,000 pipes!
THIS IS KNOWN AS THE OPERA HOUSE CLEAVAGE
AFTERNOON
Since we were leaving that night, we had some time to kill but couldn't go too far. We decided to explore "The Rocks" which was the area right above our hotel. It's great for shopping and restaurants.
We went to Fortune of War (claims it is Sydney's oldest pub, which a lot of bars do) which wasn't anything special but nice to stop for a good cold brew.
Fortune of War - Sydney’s Oldest Pub
It was time to hop in a cab and head to the airport. We were sad to leave Sydney, but we weren't done with our Honeymoon yet, New Zealand and French Polynesia were next!
We would love to go back to Sydney and check off anything we missed! Let us know in the comments below if there is something you recommend!
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A gorilla pushed us out of the way while Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda!
Our gorilla trek in Rwanda was amazing! Read all about our adventure and how Josh was pushed by a silverback during our visit! Plus, see our guide to everything you need to know about gorilla trekking including what to pack, what to wear, and helpful tips.
To kick off our trip to Africa, our first excursion was a trip into the jungles of Rwanda to visit the gorillas! When we booked our trip, I was most excited for this portion of the trip and I was not disappointed. We got so close, we could touch them… well one of them pushed Josh (see full story and video below)! To see them live in their natural habitat was so much better than seeing them behind bars at a zoo! Here’s everything you need to know when venturing on a gorilla trek and helpful packing tips (see the end of the post).
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Getting There and Gorilla Family Assignment
Planning in advance: We booked our trip through the travel agency, Scott Dunn, about 15 months in advance and it is $1500 per person to go trekking. Save your money, it’s totally worth it!
Day of Adventure: We started our morning bright and early at the Virunga Lodge with a 5:30a wakeup and 6am breakfast. By 6:30a we were in the car and on our way to the base camp to get our gorilla family assignment. Bring a copy of your passport or make sure the hotel/lodge can make a copy for you. You need this for the rangers.
There was an option of an easy, medium, or hard hike and we requested an easy to medium hike. There are 16 families in the Virunga Mountains - Volcanoes National Park and 10 families are visited once per day by 8 people max for one hour. Our driver/guide helped arrange which family we would see and introduced us to the ranger that we would be with for the day. We met with our group and our ranger gave the details of our gorilla family and laid out how our adventure would play out. We lucked out and only had a group of 6 people, which was better to see and gather around the gorillas.
At basecamp getting our gorilla family assignment
We were assigned Titus the silverback and his gorilla family. A group of gorillas is called a band or a troop, or the less common is a “whoop” of gorillas. I like whoop the best so that’s what I’m going with… Within the whoop there were 3 other Silverbacks in which two of them were Titus’ children who were known as the troublemakers.
We learned a lot about the dynamic and behaviors of gorillas. Most whoops have one silverback since their competitive nature for females keep them separated to their own family. Silverbacks keep many females in their groups but don’t like other males doing the “jiggy jiggy” (as our guide put it) with their females. Once male children reach a certain maturity they may run off from the group with one of the females to start their own family or they meet a female from another family.
After we had our briefing, we all jumped in our cars and drove about 30 minutes to our stop closest to where the gorilla family was located.
Hiking to the Gorillas
We parked in a lot amongst some rural farms. We hired a porter there to help carry our bag while we were trekking through the jungle. It was worth the $10 USD for the porter to carry our bag with cameras and water. He would even help me climb up and down areas that were harder to climb. I’m fairly fit but can be very clumsy, so I was happy with having a helping hand.
The jungle front was a few miles away at a slight incline. We were given some walking sticks carved with intricate gorilla designs and set out on our trek to find the gorillas.
Hand carved hiking sticks
We had heard some stories from others at the lodge saying it took 3 hours to hike and find the gorillas the day before, so we were prepared to hike for anywhere from an hour to 3 hours.
Rwanda Rural Farm
We walked about an hour through a farm (in the sun) along a trail up to the gate that led into the jungle. Our ranger told us the family had climbed into the crater and that if we sit and wait, hopefully they’ll come out closer to us. We just sat at the jungle front looking over the valley. After, about 45-60 minutes the gorillas climbed out of the crater and were “close.” We didn’t know what “close” meant but we were excited and entered through the gate to the jungle. Literally, there was a gate to the jungle with a man guarding it.
Gate to the jungle and GORILLAS!
Trekking and Finding the Gorillas
After about 15 minutes, we met with the trackers that were following the family and we were instructed to leave our bags and walking sticks as they are threatening to the gorillas. We took a few steps and instantly saw a sleeping silverback and female right next to him, which we were probably 15 feet from!
We kept walking and found another gorilla enjoying some lunch. We watched him eat for about 5 minutes and couldn’t believe he was right in front of us. We moved on and could hear some gorillas grunting in the bushes but couldn’t see them very well.
Close up with the gorillas
We eventually found Titus, the main silverback of the whoop, and took a picture with him.
Picture with Titus the silverback gorilla
Now this is where it gets crazy. Titus decided he wanted to move but were all in his way. The ranger separated our group to get out of his way but there wasn’t a lot of room to move. Titus then pushed Josh out of the way (gently not forcefully), and leapt onto some trees taking them down so he could go on his way! It was intense and awesome all at the same time!
We moved on and found a few others eating and a 3 month old baby with the craziest hair (or fur). He was so cute, he just wanted to check out what was going on and while people were interrupting his meal.
Gorilla family with 3 month old baby gorilla
As we were walking along, one of the silverbacks was on the move. Again, the rangers tried to move us out of the way and as he pulled me back, I was basically leaning against the hill and Titus came right between Josh and I! He stopped and took a look at Josh, then wandered off. It was exciting, exhilarating, intimidating, and terrifying - all at the same time!
We carried on and came upon a few more gorillas eating and climbing around. At this point, it had been an hour and our time was up. We met back up with the trackers and our porter, reloaded our bags and made our way back to the car.
3 month old baby gorilla hanging on
Once we returned, there was a man selling hand carved walking sticks and little gorilla figurines. I have a collection of animal figurines from around the world and this souvenir was the perfect addition to my collection to commemorate our wonderful day with the gorillas!
my souvenir Gorilla Figurine
What to Pack and Bring on your Gorilla Trek
You don’t need to bring too much on your trip because you don’t want to carry too many things and most of them won’t be necessary. Plus we were limited to 33 pounds for our smaller flights.
See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List
What to Wear while Gorilla Trekking
Everything I researched before we left suggested to wear layers which wasn’t helpful because what kind of layers? How many layers are really necessary? I now have those answers! In the morning it is chilly. I wore a short-sleeved t-shirt, a long-sleeved cotton pullover that was treated with bug repellant, along with my lightweight rain jacket on top and it was a perfect temperature. Josh runs a little warmer so he had one of his long sleeved safari Columbia shirts on and was fine. As we started walking and the sun rose a little higher, I peeled off the rain jacket. Wear more neutral colors to blend in and not scare the gorillas away. Do not wear camouflage, it’s illegal.
You’ll want to bring gardening gloves and wear a long sleeved shirt so you don’t get sliced by the branches or long grass like needles. You’ll want to wear good hiking shoes as the jungle floor can be slippery, muddy, thorny, etc. I brought my hat and left it in the car since we were going to be under the jungle canopy most of the time.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking:
T-shirt
Long sleeved shirt - not too heavy, I recommend the Exofficio bug repellant pullover
Rain Jacket - lightweight and packs into a little pouch
Hiking Pants - convertible ones are great if its really hot
Garden Gloves - just to protect your hands, nothing fancy
Hiking shoes - high tops are better for your ankle but not necessary
Gaiters - so fire ants don’t climb up your pants (our lodge provided them - check with your accommodations beforehand)
Sunglasses
Water - we brought 4 bottles for the 2 of us
Snacks & lunch
Copy of your passport for the rangers
Camera Gear
Sony a7rii with a 70-300mm lens on it to get close shots
Sony 6500 with a 10-18mm lens for wider shots
We are obsessed with the DJI Osmo Pocket Camera that has a stabilizing gimbal for amazing 4K footage, panorama shots, and the ability to track what you are shooting! It’s replacing our GoPro. This captured Josh being pushed by a gorilla as Josh was falling and the gorilla was jumping!
Before you leave your lodge/hotel/camp:
Apply bug repellent - Ultrathon is a lotion and lasts 12 hours
Apply sunscreen to your face and chest - ThinkSport is our fave
Pack snacks, water, and a lunch - our lodge provided sandwiches and fruit, we packed those along with some granola bars. You never know how long you’ll be out there!
When you return from your Gorilla Adventure:
Return your gaiters
Give the lodge your hiking boots to clean them - they can be muddy or dusty
Give the lodge your clothes to wash
Take a shower, relax and look at your pictures
Where to Stay in Rwanda - Virunga Lodge
We fell in love with the Virunga Lodge instantly and didn’t want to leave! Located at the top of a mountain, our room (also called a banda) was huge, decorated with vibrant colors, and had spectacular views. The staff was amazing, waiting on you hand and foot. The meals were incredible and included a great variety of food. The rooms didn’t have Wifi but the main lodge did.
Full review on the Virunga Lodge coming soon!
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Rhino Trekking in Kenya, Africa and Lodging with Saruni Rhino
Rhinos are rare to find in Africa and the best way to see them is by foot! The Saruni Rhino will give you the best experience both in lodging, food, and getting up close with the rhinos. Where to stay and go in Kenya, Africa.
When we were researching where to stay in Kenya, our travel agent from Scott Dunn highly recommended staying at Saruni Rhino and I’m so glad she did. I didn’t realize how the Rhino is hunted for it’s horn and poaching is a severe problem. These magnificent creatures look like dinosaurs and are so exhilarating to see in person.
Scroll down later in the post to watch our video of our trip to Saruni Rhino!
Is there something behind me?
Where to Stay in Kenya
The Saruni Rhino is an intimate place to stay! There are only 3 rooms (also called Bandas) available, and with the location right along the river bed, you are sure to see animals visit the waterhole at all times during the day or at night. There is even a light by the waterhole at night to see who is visiting while you’re eating dinner in the main lodge.
Our Banda had a bed on a swing out front, which was perfect to relax and watch the animals approach the waterhole.
Tracking the Rhino in Kenya, Africa
Rhinos would look like rocks with eyes - Moseku the Rhino
Our guide would take us out in the morning or afternoon to go Rhino trekking. The rangers in the conservatory would keep an eye on where the Rhinos are located, knowing their habits and behaviors after years of observation. We’d hop in the car and drive about 30 minutes to the Sera Conservatory front gate, then typically another 30 minutes to the rhinos.
After we’d meet up with the ranger trackers, we’d hop out of the car and walk with them by foot to see the rhino. Typically we would stay pretty far away so that the rhino wouldn’t feel threatened and charge at us. The rhinos seemed more scared of us anyway and would run away if they heard us coming too close. We first found Moseku, a 7-10 year old rhino.
Rhinos can hear and smell very well, but they can’t see very far. Our guide would see which way the wind was blowing by kicking up dirt to see which way it would blow so we could make sure that the rhino(s) couldn’t smell us. As we would get closer, we’d tread carefully and as quietly as possible, which can be very hard when walking on gravel and branches.
Baby Rhino at 3 years old
Our guides would find the rhinos by sound, following footprints, or finding their poop! We walked around for an hour one morning and barely saw a rhino through the bushes. We were lucky enough to find the baby named Lojipu, the 3 year old “baby” rhino. His mother left him after he was a few days old, so the rangers bottle fed him and are hoping to release him back into the wild. He was very playful and acted almost like a dog running around. We weren’t allowed to touch him, but it took everything in me not to run up and hug him.
Scroll down to watch our video of Lojipu!
Watch our video of our trip to Saruni Rhino:
What to Pack, Wear and Bring for Rhino Trekking
You never know when you’ll run into elephants,
What to Wear
Since you might be sitting in a vehicle for a while, wear something comfortable. I wore a t-shirt (sprayed with permethrin), bug repellent pants, hiking shoes, a hat, and brought a fleece sweater for the cool mornings and evenings. I am not an outdoorsy girl by any means, and would rather be in a dress and flip flops.
If I had skin showing I wore bug repellent, and I didn’t get one bite! Bugs love to bite me wherever we go and I was deathly afraid I was going to be eaten alive in Africa. I used Ultrathon insect repellent and it worked so well! We sprayed our clothes with Permethrin which lasts for about 7 washes. Some of our clothes were already treated and brands like Exofficio will last for up to 70 washes!
Safari Essentials:
Don’t forget to bring these with you:
Camera - have batteries and extra memory cards on hand just in case
Binoculars
Water (your guide might already have some)
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Hat
Snack - granola bars are easy to bring with you
I highly recommend this excursion if you’re on your way to Africa! Don’t miss out! We booked our trip with Scott Dunn, tell them you were recommended by Kathleen at the Sweetest Escapes!
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How to prepare and what to pack for your African Safari from clothes to cameras!
We were challenged to pack 33 pounds for our 2-week safari trip to Africa! See our packing list for what to wear and what we needed to bring each day on the safari. Check out the camera gear we brought, you may need less than you think!
Safari Clothes while Rhino Tracking
Everything you’ll need for your Safari adventures in Africa
I was born and raised in Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley and definitely consider myself a Valley Girl. I’m not quite the outdoorsy, sleep under the stars, go camping type. When we booked our Africa trip, I guess I didn’t realize how much of this trip would be like camping… ok… glamping!
Make fun of me all that you want as to what I wore, but just know that I was comfortable and didn’t get one bug bite in 2 weeks!
Regardless here are the items that were essential for this trip for those of you who don’t typically have adventurous clothes in your closets (and don’t want to break the bank)!
See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List
Packing Essentials for Safaris in Africa
Packing Clothes for 2 Weeks in East Africa for Safaris
Everything I researched before we left suggested to wear layers which wasn’t helpful because that led me to all kinds of questions: What kind of layers? How many layers are really necessary? I now have those answers! In the morning it is chilly. I wore a short-sleeved t-shirt, a long-sleeved cotton pullover that was treated with bug repellant. Josh runs a little warmer so he had one of his long-sleeved safari Columbia shirts on and was fine.
More neutral, camouflage like colors are recommended but camouflage itself is not allowed as it is military wear only! We stuck to more beige, greens, and grays as you want to blend in to not scare away the animals. Also, they say blue and black attract the Tsetse fly, which is a disgusting fly that can bite you and give you some terrible disease. Bring bug repellent and treat your clothes with permethrin.
We treated our clothes with permethrin by spraying them before we left. Some clothing brands sell permethrin-treated shirts and pants, like Exofficio. Check the label, but most pre-treated clothes will last up to 70 washes. If you treat them yourself, the permethrin should last at least 7 washes.
All of our lodges did our laundry once a day, which was included with our booking. Make sure your lodge will do laundry for you in advance. The only thing they didn’t wash was women’s underwear since men were doing the laundry. I heard they don’t always have the cleanest water at times, but we didn’t have a problem. Most lodges will wash in the morning and hang dry so you don’t have to worry about anything shrinking.
Safari Clothes to Pack
My clothing packing list for 2 weeks in Africa (Josh packed very similar):
5 T-shirts (treated with permethrin) - Josh packed 4 quick-dry T-shirts and 2 safari Columbia shirts
2 Long-sleeved shirts - not too heavy, I recommend the Exofficio bug repellant pullover, I also had a fleece pullover because I get cold easily
5 pairs of pants/leggings - I packed one pair of Hiking Pants - convertible ones are great if its really hot
4 pairs of socks - including 2 pairs of Hiking socks
5 pairs of underwear
3 bras
Hiking shoes - high tops are better for your ankle but not necessary
Rain Jacket - lightweight and packs into a little pouch
Sun hat or baseball cap - get something snug so it doesn’t fly off when on safari
safari clothes
Tips for Toiletries
I recommend packing lightly as we took about 2 showers a day, I definitely did not go full make-up every day.
Sunscreen - ThinkSport is our fave
Bug repellent - Ultrathon is a lotion and lasts 12 hours
Don’t bring manicure scissors. They were confiscated at the airport :(
All the lodges had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, so I left mine at home
Hairdryer - some lodges had a hairdryer and others didn’t. They usually had restrictions to use them at a certain time too, check with your lodge if you can’t live without one.
Everything listed above fit into my $20 Eddie Bauer duffle bag! Why did I pack a duffle bag? This bag is very lightweight and according to our small plane’s regulations, we couldn’t have anything with wheels.
Pack Safari clothes and Cameras. You never know when you’ll see elephants!
What to Pack for a day on a Safari
Since you might be sitting in a vehicle for a while, wear something comfortable. I wore a t-shirt (sprayed with permethrin), bug repellent pants, hiking shoes, a hat, and brought a fleece pullover for the cool mornings and evenings. I am not an outdoorsy girl by any means, and would rather be in a dress and flip flops.
Binoculars
Phones
Cameras
Hat
Sunglasses - protect from wind, dirt, and sun!
Apply sunscreen to your face and chest - ThinkSport is our fave
Bug repellent - Ultrathon is a lotion and lasts 12 hours
Wear something comfortable - I’d wear a t-shirt and safari pants or leggings
Sweater for cool mornings or late afternoons
Some vehicles will have chargers with USB and international plug - bring cables for charging
A blanket is usually in the vehicle
Pack snacks and water - our lodge provided a meal most of the time. We packed some granola bars, you never know how long you’ll be out there!
If I had skin showing I wore bug repellent, and I didn’t get one bite! Bugs love to bite me wherever we go and I was deathly afraid I was going to be eaten alive in Africa. I used Ultrathon insect repellent and it worked so well! We sprayed our clothes with Permethrin which lasts for about 7 washes. Some of our clothes were already treated and brands like Exofficio will last for up to 70 washes!
Camera Gear for Safaris
My favorite part! We took our camera gear seriously and came back with some amazing photos and high-quality videos that we will have forever and ever.
Sony a7rii with a 70-300mm lens on it to get close shots of animals further away
Sony 6500 with a 10-18mm lens for wider shots
We are obsessed with the DJI Osmo Pocket Camera that has a stabilizing gimbal for amazing 4K footage, panorama shots, and the ability to track what you are shooting! It’s replacing our GoPro. This captured Josh being pushed by a gorilla as Josh was falling and the gorilla was jumping!
iPhone for animals up close and for social media quick posts. I liked recording a couple of videos on my phone then uploading to my social media stories later at the lodge.
See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List
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Before Summer Ends, You MUST Visit Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA
Giving you the who, what, when, where details of Smorgasburg LA’s Ice Cream Alley and why you must visit this summer! Best thing to do in LA on a Summer Sunday!
We kicked off the Ice Cream Alley season at Smorgasburg LA on National Ice Cream Day, make sure you stop by for a scoop before Labor Day! Let me give you the who, what, where, and when!
*******THIS SUNDAY, Aug 11, 2019 - APPLE PAY x ICE CREAM ALLEY TAKEOVER THIS SUNDAY********
This Sunday, Apple Pay is taking over Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA to bring you 40% off at select vendors featuring sweets & treats! Stroll on down to find discounts from all sorts of vendors like:
Plus, more TBA! Just like the rest of Smorgasburg LA, Ice Cream Alley is completely free to enter. Just pay for the sweets and treats once inside. See you in Ice Cream Alley!
WHO IS AT ICE CREAM ALLEY?
Ice Cream Alley typically includes the Smorgasburg veterans: Wanderlust Creamery, Sweet Rose Creamery, Buddy Pops (vegan), Donut Friend, Afters Ice Cream, Smoreology and more!
McConnell’s visits often as well!
We loved trying vendors we haven’t tried before like Blast and Sweet ‘N Hollow. Their chimney cakes are SO GOOD!
Oreo for Real? Chimney cake from Sweet ‘n Hollow
Total Recall sundae from Blast
Ice Cream Alley entrance
WHEN IS ICE CREAM ALLEY OPEN?
Ice Cream Alley typically opens starting on National Ice Cream Day and runs through Labor Day.
Smorgasburg is open every Sunday year round from 10AM-4PM and some of the ice cream vendors are regulars!
It’s ALWAYS free to get in, you just have to pay the vendors for your items!
What a typical Sunday looks like at Smorgasburg LA
WHERE IS ICE CREAM ALLEY (AND WHERE CAN YOU PARK)?
Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Located in Downtown LA, you can park at ROW DTLA and free parking for an hour! Yes, it’s true, easy and parking in Downtown Los Angeles! There is a giant structure if you enter off of S Alameda and Center St, I recommend going to a higher floor so you don’t run into those waiting for someone to pull out.
Don’t forget your ice cream purse!
WHAT IS SMORGASBURG LA?
Smorgasburg LA is a great place to eat, really! SO MANY vendors selling anything you could think of: BBQ, burgers, fish, french fry station, grilled cheese, pizza, tacos, Indian food, Korean food, falafels, churros, donuts, ice cream, popsicles… literally everything!
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in New York and Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors.
See which vendors are attending next weeks Smorgasburg here: Vendors
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7 Best Kept Secret Wineries to Visit in Napa, California - with map!
We love wine which makes it hard to decide where to go in Napa! See our favorite places to go and best kept secret wineries to visit in Napa, CA. See the most instagrammable spots in Napa! #wine #napa
Updated January 21, 2026
Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery - Prettiest Winery in Napa Valley
7 Most Beautiful Wineries to go Wine Tasting in Napa, California
If you’re looking for the most beautiful wineries in Napa Valley, this guide focuses on wineries that stand out for their scenic vineyard views, unique architecture, and unforgettable settings. These are the wineries that feel just as special as they look—perfect for photos, relaxed tastings, and memorable Napa Valley experiences.
*Updated January 2026 to reflect current winery experiences and reservation policies.*
Napa Valley is my FAVORITE place for wine tasting and there are so many wineries to visit! Napa is located about 2 hours North of San Francisco and is considered part of wine country in Northern California. I LOVE WINE which makes it very difficult to figure out where to go in Napa since there are so many great options!
These Napa Valley wineries were selected not only for their great wine but also for their picture-perfect settings and scenic vineyard views — ideal for travelers who want more than just a tasting flight, but Instagram-worthy experiences and unforgettable landscapes.
I've not only done my own extensive research in personal tastings, so I have made this awesome map so you can see how close the vineyards are:
Are you wondering where to stay in Napa and Sonoma? See our full reviews and how much we loved staying at the Cabernet House and ANDAZ NAPA in Downtown Napa, as well as the Hyatt Regency in Sonoma! My absolute favorite was the Alila in St Helena, they had bath tubs and fire pits on their guest room balconies!
Please see our related posts: HOW TO SPEND A WEEKEND WINE TASTING IN NAPA and THE BEST WINERIES IN SONOMA COUNTY which also coincides with this map!
Don’t leave for Napa without these essentials (see more in our Napa Winter Essentials Post or our Napa Packing Checklist post):
What Makes a Winery Worth Visiting in Napa Valley
Vineyard views & landscape
Unique architecture & tasting rooms
Outdoor spaces & gardens
Photogenic features (arches, fountains, vineyards)
Now, onto the best wineries for first timers in Napa!
Chappellet's vineyard on Pritchard Hill from the midst of Molly Chappellet's garden! Photo Courtesy of Chappellet
CHAPPELLET WINERY - Best Winery with Views in Napa
Addresses: Pritchard Hill Location 1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St Helena, CA 94574 (in the mountains with breath taking views) or their Sonoma Location 27 East Napa St, Suite A, Sonoma, CA 95476 (wine tasting room)
Reservations Required?: Yes, book your wine tasting/tour here: Chappellet.com - Ask for Theo, she’s the best!
Cost?: $$$ Tour and tastings start at $125 per person, the wine is worth every penny
Food?: Cheese & Crackers
I like to look for wineries that aren’t as mainstream, that might have a nice view, and great wine. My research this year found Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! And I love my reds! I loved the history of the land and learning about the Chappellet family, owners of this breathtaking winery. We had such an amazing experience, I can’t wait to go back!
See our full review here: Chappellet Winery Review
Mumm Napa Best Vineyard Views
MUMM NAPA - Best Vineyard Views in Napa Valley
Address: 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Reservations Required?: Reservations are recommended but not required for fewer than six guests. Limited walk-in seating is available on a first-come first-served basis. Visit this link to book you reservation https://www.mummnapa.com/wine-tastings-and-tours/
Cost?: $$ Tastings start around $48 on the patio/salon; Tours are $125
Food?: Cheese/Crackers and snacks
Mumm Champagne is one of my favorites and the winery with vineyard views didn’t disappoint. I loved my visit and tasting so much, I even joined their wine club. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is very friendly. I can't wait to come back again and again!
We walked up around 11a without a reservation and were seated immediately. Since it was December and on the cooler side, we opted to sit in the salon for our tasting.
Although this is more of a popular brand name, I had to include it because it’s my favorite!
Bunny Foo Foo at Hall Wines Vineyard
HALL WINES Napa Valley modern winery with vineyard views
Address: 401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574 (St Helena Location)
Reservations Required?: Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome. Groups 7+ please contact in advance.
Cost?: $$$ Tastings: $40, Tours starting at $60
Food?: Not really
I was excited for Hall since they specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon, winning many awards for their 100 point cabs! Also, not going to lie, I love bunny foo foo, especially when he is holding a light saber (Star Wars was released in theaters that weekend). Speaking of, they had amazing art throughout the winery, in the gardens, in the tasting room, everywhere!
This vineyard had more of a modern flair with an artistic eye, making it more unique. Their tasting bar was setup on the second floor near floor to ceiling windows with spectacular vineyard views. And we witnessed another beautiful sunset..
Related: See more St Helena Vineyards in our Curated Christmas in Napa: A Luxury 3-Day Guide to St. Helena & Yountville Post!
LARKMEAD VINEYARDS WINERY - Unique Winery in Napa Valley
Larkmead Winery - patio vineyard views
Address: 1100 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Reservations Required?: Yes, https://www.larkmead.com/visit/ Book in advance!
Cost?: $$$ About $90 for a tasting; Bottles start at $75
Food?: Not that I could see, just lots of wine!
Their website says it best: "Surrounded by the serenity of our beautiful vineyard, each visit to Larkmead is personal and unique. Guests enjoy a private guided tour of the winery followed by an in-depth tasting with a dedicated member of our team. Our cellar library holds over 2,000 bottles spanning two centuries." Their cabernets were smooth and rich (and perfect).
Wine is served in fancy Zalto glasses which run about $75 a pop!
CASTELLO Di AMOROSA - Scenic Winery Castle in Napa
CASTELLO Di AMOROSA Wins Scenic Winery in Napa Valley and Kid Friendly
Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Reservations Required?: Yes, you must have a reservation in advance.
Cost?: $$$ Starts at $45 just to get into the castle and comes with a tasting. Designated Drivers also need to pay an entrance fee, even if they aren't drinking! There are guided tours and food pairings as well.
Food?: Yes, see the Royal Pairings Menu
Kid Friendly! It is $25 for kids to join but they will be entertained!
This 13th Century Tuscan inspired castle is picture perfect scenery for a winery! You can visit the knight’s hall and their flagship cabernet sauvignon is a must-try. Animals from goats to chickens surround the castle, including some gorgeous peacocks! Not something you see every day in Napa.
Domaine Carneros looks like an elegant French Chateau
DOMAINE CARNEROS is the most Elegant Winery in Napa Valley
Address: 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Reservations Required?: Yes, Reserve or call 707.257.0101 ext 150, daily 9-5 PST
Cost?: $$ Daily tastings start at $45, Tours are $125 see more info here: Visit Domaine Carneros
Food?: Snacks are available, food pairing is an option here.
The French Chateau esthetic at Domaine Carneros is utterly breathtaking! Walking up through the garden among the waterfalls feels like you galavanted across the world to a European vineyard! We made a reservation in advance and were seated right away. I love Champagne and the sparkling wine here was to die for. Since it was my birthday, the waiter was so kind to bring out a bottle of their best reserve wine, Le Reve, and give us a taste!
Del Dotto Wine Caves
Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery - Prettiest Winery in Napa Valley
Address: 1445 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
Reservations Required?: Yes, Reserve here or call: (707) 963-2134
Cost?: $$$ Bar Tasting – $75 or Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting (90 min) $120 per person
Food?: From house-cured salumi and slow braised meats to vegetables from their garden and Grandma Dee’s handmade ravioli, Chef Joshua and the entire culinary team collaborate on a unique menu that embodies the season and pairs perfectly with the wines.
The tasting was more expensive than other vineyards, but it included cheese, bread and olive oil! I highly recommend venturing into their gorgeous Venetian caves known as the tour with barrel tasting. Check out that chandelier! The tasting room is beautiful decked out with venetian paintings, tiling, marble pillars and expensive wines making it the prettiest winery in Napa!
Do you have any wineries that we need to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!
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How to Make Your Apple Watch Stylish with JORD! Enter our FREE giveaway!
Looking for a new band for your Apple Watch? I found my favorite Apple Watch band that is not only stylish, but a durable, great quality band from JORD watches! Also, for a limited time (July-Aug 2019), enter our giveaway for your chance to win a free band from JORD!
JORD WATCHBAND
This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!
***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***
ENTER OUR CONTEST FOR A FREE BAND FROM OUR PARTNER, JORD! Contest runs July 21st-Aug 21st 2019!
Click here to enter to WIN your own FREE JORD Apple Watch Band:
www.jordwatches.com/g/thesweetestescapes
I am a huge fan of technology and always want the latest gadgets and tech accessories! I’m constantly on my computer, iPad, and iPhone when it comes to planning trips or finding the nearest ice-cream spots to my location!
One gadget I never thought I needed was an Apple Watch... until I got one from Josh for my birthday! Not only does it *attempt* to keep me on time with reminders and notifications, but we love tracking our steps on trips to see how many miles we walked whether it’s walking around with elephants in Thailand or walking the beach with the flamingos in Aruba!
I guess my initial turn-off to the Apple Watch was the appearance of how they looked on your wrist, the Apple Watch Bands aren’t very attractive.
Luckily, I found my favorite new accessory via JORD - they have an amazing collection of wooden and leather bands for the Apple Watch! Hallelujah! These bands are handcrafted and have a variety of unique designs for men and women. I ordered the Speckled Rose Leather Band so I had something that looked nice for the office or everyday use like traveling and eating ice cream! The color is perfect so that it never looks dirty and it is super durable!
Even though this band was gifted to me, all thoughts are sincere and my own!
Don’t have an Apple Watch? No sweat! JORD also offers a fantastic selection of beautiful wrist watches made from all kinds of different woods and colors as well as metal or leather bands. Some are fancy with Swarovski crystals! I love a good sparkle. Check out their Instagram for more inspiration!
Does the don’t judge a book by its cover apply to this? Not quite.
Fun fact: JORD is pronounced "yode"; it is a Norse word which means "earth". You are now cultured for today.
FREE GIVEAWAY
Since I’m such a fangirl, my friends at JORD have offered to give one of my friends (I consider all readers my friends 😃) the opportunity to WIN a FREE band!
***GIVEAWAY ALERT! ENTER OUR CONTEST FOR A FREE BAND FROM OUR PARTNER, JORD! Contest runs July 21st-Aug 21st 2019!
Click here to enter to WIN a FREE band: www.jordwatches.com/g/thesweetestescapes***
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Ice Cream Review: Ice Love You Ice Cream in Chiang Mai, Thailand
We had superhero vegan ice cream in Thailand which was quite the adventure. Check out their 270 flavors and our review on the blog! Things to do in Thaliand | Where to eat in Chiang Mai | Ice Cream in Thailand #thailand #chiangmai #icecream
Ice Love You Ice Cream
Location: 5"N Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 7, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Website/Menu: Ice Love You Facebook
Price/Value: Best value is to get the tower - 3 scoops!
Vegan Options: Lots of vegan options
When we were in Thailand, we made a trek across Chiang Mai (literally 3 miles) to try out this superhero ice cream themed cafe and it was tasty!
"Make all things with love," was their motto and they meant it.
The theme of this place seemed to be anything that is trendy and popular goes. There were superheroes and minions everywhere. I work for Marvel, so I'm used to seeing Marvel characters but this place was interesting. Spiderman and Captain America seemed to be the most popular.
Their menu was large and confusing with 270 different flavors. It took me 20 minutes to figure out what I wanted! I had never seen so many flavors in my life! The man who owned the shop made all the flavors. I asked which ones were the best or most popular but they all had a tea or weird flavor. I just wanted regular ice cream today, however, all of their ice cream was vegan. Josh is still convinced this is not real ice cream.
Josh and I both went for the Ice love you tower - 3 scoops of ice cream with cereal at the bottom! In the picture below, on the right: Spider-Man (sorbet), mint chip, Chocolate almond. Tower on the left: Vanilla cookies and cream and milo chocolate.
The mint chocolate ice cream was a blue color instead of a mint color, regardless, it was still delicious! I have to admit, I was nervous when I found out it was vegan but it all worked out! :-)
If you're in Thailand, check out the Ice Love You Café in Chiang Mai before or after going to the Doi Suthep!
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The Seychelles was one of the most relaxing and beautiful islands we’ve ever been to! Where to stay in the Seychelles? You must stay at the Hilton Northolme Resort and Spa and get a pool villa! See why this was the best hotel in the Seychelles!