The Blog

If you love the idea of an island vacation, Boracay is considered one of the best islands in Asia and well, pretty much the world. It's famous for its blue waters and endless stretches of sandy powder white beaches. Thanks to the efforts of locals and the Philippines government, Boracay’s ocean remains crystal clear and clean. With so many things to eat and do (or not do and just relax), you’ll never run out of reasons to love Boracay.      RELAXING ON WHITE BEACH Beach is a 4 km stretch of soft white sand lapped by turquoise waters and fringed by palm trees. It’s perfect for those who love swimming, snorkeling, and sailing or just getting some much needed R&R thanks to its flat, calm waters. Plus, White Beach is considered the top diving site in the Philippines.       White beach is divided into three stations. If you’ve got cash to burn and want to treat yourself, staying in a fancy and luxury resort, Station 1 is your top choice. Station 2 is bustling to say the least and a convenient area for those who love shopping and partying.   The majority of the water activities are in this area, too! Station 3 is calm and not crowded so if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and affordable prices, this is the place for you. It’s easy enough to walk between these three stations or, if you want to travel in style, you can take one of these colorful Philippines tricycle taxis you’ll find right on the street.  SUNSET PARAW SAILING      Simply taking in a sunset is one of the things you don’t want to miss in Boracay. You can watch the sunset from the beaches, restaurants, or even your hotel room. But the most unforgettable experience in Boracay is watching the stunning sunset on a Paraw Sailing Boat. These are small boats with two sails that look like little kites dancing on the water and a pair of outriggers like large crab-claws, called "katig."     Upon boarding the boat, you will be seated on the outriggers with your bare feet! Sea waves licking your legs, wind blowing across your face, and the yellow-orange sunset coloring the sky. Ahhh, Is there anything more lovely than a relaxing ride on the ocean to watch the sunset go down? Our guess is, no!   TROPICAL FRUITS AND COCONUT WATER   What beach day would be complete without the perfect beach beverage? It doesn’t get more refreshing than sipping out of a coconut. A real coconut! Pair it with a sweet and juicy Mangosteen fruit. These little purple treats are often referred to as the “Queen of Fruit” and can be found throughout Southeast Asia and are known for having lots of antioxidants!     Not everyone knows how to open a mangosteen. Here’s a tip: First, remove the stem end and twist it off. Second, press in on the indentation of the top. Third, gently squeeze from the side to break apart, but don’t push too hard. Finally, you can open it really easily and enjoy the sweet white soft flesh inside!    Wanna try something else special? Get a cup of Philippines Yogurt mixed with papaya, cereal and blueberry jam, and of course, there are a lot more fruity flavors you can choose!   ISLAND HOPPING   The half-day Island hopping trip is the best way to escape the crowds in White Beach. Puka Beach, Crocodile Island, Crystal Cove, Tambisaan Beach, Balinghai Beach and Magic Island are the popular destinations. If you want to explore all the snorkelling hotspots, wander around nature, and enjoy the tranquillity on the beaches, make sure you book a tour in advance! They have the most professional and friendly tour guides, so you won’t miss any must-see spot!   EXPLORE

Rio de Janeiro is a lush paradise in the southeast of Brazil; plentiful in mountains, beaches, and festivities (though not without political connotations). With music alive in the streets and nature hugging every corner of concrete, the city has a certain magic about it. You could easily embrace the Carioca lifestyle for eternity. But when time is of the essence, get the most out of your trip with this shortlist of top experiences to guide you through “The Marvelous City.”     1. Grab a Caipirinha along the Mureta da Urca A walk along the muereta, or small wall, offers impeccable views of the Guanabara Bay and the Sugarloaf summit in the distance. Locals flock to Bar Urca, situated in this prime location to take in a dramatic sunset while quenching their thirst with a delicious Caipirinha (the national cocktail made of lime, sugar, and cachaça).   2. Reach New Heights on Corcovado Mountain  With tram rides, bus tours, and your own two feet there’s plenty of ways to get to the pinnacle of this “top" pick--though if you’re able, a hike through the Tijuca Forest National Park is a peaceful albeit challenging route to reach the 100 foot Christ the Redeemer Statue. The massive soapstone art deco Jesus is an almost surreal sight to behold as is the endless view of Rio down below.       3. Catch a Wave and some Rays  Not surprisingly, Rio is famed for its stretches of sandy beaches including household names like Copacabana and Ipanema as well as the slightly less lyrical Leblon. Most beaches are in close proximity to tile-laden promenades and high class restaurants and shops.       4. Take it One Step at a Time in Santa Teresa The artist village of Santa Teresa not only throws the best blocos (street parties) during Carnaval season but isn’t bad on the eyes either. Escadaria Selarón is just one photo-worthy example. A gift to Brazil from Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón, the 215 stairs of the world famous Escadaria Selarón is a labor of love and features thousands of scavenged tiles from over 60 countries across the globe.     5. Get your Antioxidants at Takaka Sucos Despite its unassuming diner-like appearance, Takaka notably serves up the best açaí in town. Less syrupy sweet than most açaí abroad and topped with mounds of self-serve granola and tapioca, you’ll be surprised how much of this refreshing treat you can put away in a sitting.     6. Flamengo Park at your Leisure One’s trash is truly another’s treasure at this landfill-project-turned-popular-park. Stretching 1.2 square KM, Flamengo Park, or, officially, Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, is the innovation of famed Brazilian landscaper Burle Marx and features 300 species of trees, not to mention recreation areas, museum, and monuments.    7. Go Green at the Botanic Gardens  The aptly named Jardim Botânico district is home to the Jardim Botânico or Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Nearly 150 species of birds and over 6.500 species of plants can be found within the square mile of the gardens which also includes a museum, research center, art collection, and cultural centers as well as a darling little cafe. Meander through Amazon jungle greenery, cacti, bonsais, and even some plants of the carnivorous variety! And don’t miss the splendid Avenue of Royal Palms lined with 134 specimens, all descendants of a single palm tree once known as the Palma Mater.     8. Sample some Samba If you’re lucky enough to be in Rio during Carnaval, the week-long celebration that begins the Friday before Ash Wednesday (but in reality lasts months!)  you’ll want to grab tickets to the Sambadrone Parades that take place in the Marquês de Sapucai Sambadrome. Here, the top schools in the nation compete; showing off their music and dance skills, spectacular costumes, elaborate floats, and oftentimes biting political commentary. If big crowds aren’t your thing, the parades are just as fun to watch on TV at a local bar.      9. Gain Perspective atop the Sugarloaf Named for its likeness to refined sugar before the introduction of today’s sugar cube, this peak offers amazing panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Just take a glass-walled cable car from Praia Vermelha to the Sugarloaf Mountain, stopping at the tourist center atop Morro da Urca along the way.      10. Hit the Town in Botafogo Once led by Lapa, the quirky neighborhood of Botafogo is now where it’s at for nightlife in Rio. Here you’ll find samba circles, outdoor cafes, pubs, wine bars, dance clubs, karaoke, and even what was voted the best craft brewery in Rio: Hocus Pocus. EXPLORE  

The bacalhau (dried and salted cod) and pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts) are enough to satisfy your appetite when visiting Portugal’s capital city. But if you’re looking for something thirst-quenching; Lisbon’s libations are both varied and mouth watering.       From the heights of the 11th century hilltop São Jorge Castle, along the vintage trolley railways, down to the Cais das Colunas pillars that once welcomed ships into this port city, there is no shortage of exciting locations to explore and delightful drinks to taste once you’re there.     Here’s a refresher on some liquid refreshments you should be sure not to miss during your visit.     1. Galão   Coffee comes in all shapes and sizes in Lisbon from the long, dark abatanado to the refreshing, café pingado. Lisbon’s favorite way to start the day is with a glass of galão. Light brown and hot, this breakfast accompaniment is made from a shot of espresso and served in a tall glass filled ¾ of the way with milk. Pastelarias (pastry shops) and snack bars nestled throughout the labyrinth-like streets of the Alfama district, the cobbled streets of Barrio Alto, or in the bustling downtown area of Baixa provide a delightful backdrop for the most important drink of the day.     If your sweet tooth calls, pastéis de nata do pair quite nicely with galão. Just ask any local. The most famed of these custard treats can be found at Pastéis de Belém, the world famous monastery-turned-bakery that’s been selling its ancient natas recipe since 1837.      Looking to lower your lactose? A bica, or shot of black espresso, is a midday pick-me-up best sipped on the terrace of the famed, and ever popular, art-deco café, A Brasileira. Conveniently located between the Elevador de Santa Justa and the bank of Tagus river, you can drain your joe then board the lift to get an aerial view of the city. Then saunter down to relax along the water overlooking the Golden Gate-style Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.           2. Fresh Orange Juice    What’s better than a cup of galão to wake you up in the AM? A cup of galão in one hand and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the other. Sumo de laranja is served at room temperature and preppy pulpy; prepared behind café counters overflowing with mountains of vivid and freshly-picked fruit. The popularity and prized sweetness of oranges in Portugal dates back to the 17th century. Back in the day, most oranges across Europe were rather bitter but sweet orange trees from India and China were imported to Portugal. Soon in high demand, oranges were sold at staggering prices and often only accessible to society’s upper crust.     Now ubiquitous throughout Portugal and Lisbon alike, finding a decently priced OJ is no problem. Fábrica Lisboa along Rua da Madalena is worth a visit for your dose of Vitamin C in addition to a great photo op. The caf é's interior is embellished with tons of vintage collectibles. Or try Sama Sama, a health-conscious creperie where the smoothies and pressed juice just scream "fresh." Here, the menu simply refers to orange juice as “The Portuguese.   3. Port     Drinking port wine in the beverage’s very own birthplace is a must! Enjoyed as a digestif after dinner, and usually with dessert, port wine is a sweet red wine, fortified with a grape brandy, not dissimilar from Italy’s grappa. Port is aged in barrels or bottles anywhere from two to 50 years, changing its color, complexity, and flavor. You can join the ranks of port experts, or come close to it, with a visit to the Port Wine Institute’s Solar do Vinho do Porto.     A fancy sort of place, patrons have access to the best selection of over 150 different ports. The menu is thick and instructive, offering lots of educational details on what you’re sipping. Servers are there to share their vast knowledge as well. You’ll be surprised at port’s approachability and range, dispelling its sometimes stuffy image.     Feel like taking a post-port stroll? Located just 5 minutes south, the Carmo Convent is a gothic church, roofless and in ruins following the infamous earthquake of 1755. Today, it is home to tours and a small archeological museum by day and amazing performances by night.      4. Ginjinha     Good things come in small packages. And A Ginjinha is no exception! A Ginjinha is a teeny, tiny open front bar near Rossio plaza selling equally petite shot glasses of its namesake Portuguese liqueur: Ginjinha (or Ginja for simplicity). The drink is made with alcohol infused with sour cherries, or ginjas. If you so choose, you’ll find one sitting at the bottom of your glass priced at less than two Euro. Ginjinha is strong and tart and was first commercialized at this historic location in 1840. “Saude” to that!      5. Vinho Verde     As the name might imply to those with a knowledge of Portuguese, this is known as a green wine but not because of its color (which is actually white or even golden). The wine itself is very young or “green" meaning its alvarinho grapes are picked, processed into vinho verde, and then consumed all within a year’s time! No again for this fizzy and refreshing delight. While no trick to track down, pairing vinho verde with the perfect experience is key. The family-owned fado restaurant, A Baiuca, provides an evening of good wine, hearty meals, and moving serenades.     Fado music originated in Lisbon and truly comes from deep within the soul; expressing what is known as saudade--a profound nostalgia and sense of loss and yearning. There isn’t a dry eye in the house at this intimate gem as amateur fado singers, many of whom double as cooks in the kitchen, step up to the mic and fill the night with song.    EXPLORE

You’re invited to Afternoon Tea with Jet Set Candy. London is known for their afternoon tea and we want to share with you some of our favorite places to sit, relax and enjoy a cup of tea and wonderful treats while visiting this incredible city. SKETCH What: Modern High Tea with plush pink couches and an Instagram worthy bathroomWhere: 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG, UKWhen: Daily from 11:30 am to 4:30 pmCost: Starting from £59 per person  CLARIDGE'S What: Traditional Afternoon Tea Where: Brook St, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR, UK When: Daily sittings at 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm Cost: Starting from £65 per person   THE RITZ What: Traditional Afternoon TeaWhere: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, UKWhen: Daily from 11:30 am to 7:30 pmCost: Starting from £58 per person   CUT What: Modern Afternoon Tea with American classic inspired treatsWhere: 45 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN, UKWhen: Sittings on Monday through Saturday at 2:30 pm and 3 pm and Sundays at 3 pmCost: Starting from £55 per person   PRÊT-À-PORTEA What: Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by a current fashion trend Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL, United KingdomWhen: Daily from 1 pm to 5:30 pmCost: Starting from £45 per person  THE SAVOY What: Traditional Afternoon TeaWhere: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United KingdomWhen: Daily from 1 pm to 5:45 pmCost: Starting From £65 per person   DOMINIQUE ANSEL What: Modern Afternoon TeaWhere: 17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP, UKWhen: Sittings on Thursday through Sunday 2 pm and 4:15 pmCost: Starting from £42 per person    MIRROR ROOM What: Modern Afternoon Tea with an artist inspired menu that includes hand-painted treatsWhere: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, UKWhen: Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 5:30 pm, and weekends from 12 pm to 5:30 pmCost: £58 per person MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY What: Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by Alice and WonderlandWhere: 50 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG, UKWhen: Monday through Saturday 12:30pm to 4pm, Sunday 1pm-5pmCost: Starting from £48 per person   B BAKERY AFTERNOON TEA BUS What: Modern Afternoon Tea on a bus as you get a tour of the cityWhen & Where: 12:30 pm and 3 pm tours depart from 8 Northumberland Avenue12pm, 2:30pm & 5pm tours depart daily from Victoria Coach StationCost: £45 per adult *Cost does not include champagne* RELATED PRODUCTS  

AMBOS MUNDOS HOTEL Photo by Travels in Cuba Stop by Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hotel in Havana and enjoy both a drink and the view from the roof of this historic hotel. 153 Obispo, La Habana, Cuba HABANA VIEJA Photo by Patrik Bergstr Wander the streets to find endless stunning architecture and brightly colored vintage cars on every corner. CASA MIGLIS Photo by Havana Insider Don’t miss enjoying a meal at Casa Miglis, the Swedish-Cuban restaurant in the central Havana home of Swedish filmmaker Michael Miglis. Lealtad, La Habana, Cuba MUSEO NACIONAL BELLAS ARTES DE LA HABANA  Photo by Bencito the Traveller Be sure to visit Museo Nacional Bellas Artes de la Habana to see how massively the island of Cuba has contributed to th arts. Havana, Cuba PARTAGRÁS Photo by Joao Eduardo Figueiredo Cubans are known for their cigars. Take a tour of Partagrás, one of the largest cigar factories to learn more about them. y, Penalver, La Habana, Cuba RIDE IN A CONVERTIBLE TAXI  Photo by Lonely Planet Take a ride in an antique convertible to get yourself from point A to point B.  THE MALECÓN   Take a walk down the Malecón for a beautiful view of the water. The path runs for about 5 miles down the coast.   RELATED PRODUCTS

Stay at Dean Dublin for a luxurious and on-trend experience and throw back a pint of Guinness or two at the Temple Bar...