Studio M Hotel Singapore

By StanleySobari

FOR the buoyant at heart, this hip lifestyle hotel is as fit for the young adult traveler as it is for business people. Those who need their space will love the lofty rooms with ceilings that soar three metres high, which reminds one of New York lofts with modern design elements. The suites, which feature expansive views for the city fringe, are tastefully furnished for an urban look, enhanced with the latest massage shower jets and Jacuzzis for optimal comfort. The hotel’s crowning glory is its open air tropical deck, which has a lap pool, a sheltered gym and three multi-purpose, nine-metre-high private cabanas.

CAPITAL TIMES in Santa Fe

By Stanley Sobari

#Let go of stress and take in our spirit. Visit santafe.org to plan your adventure |World-class shopping | Rich History | Legendary Cuisine | Diverse Visual Arts

The chief custodian of New Mexico’s beloved multicultural heritage, Santa Fe perches at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The heart of this art struck town is the historic Plaza, where Native American artisans spread blankets to display silver-and-turquoise jewelry and other handicrafts. The surrounding shops, restaurants, museums, and churches provide a complete package of indoor New Mexico.

You could spend a week on museums: the New Mexico History Museum and Palace of the Governors, which dates from the early 1600s; the New Mexico Museum of Art, holding works by Georgia O’Keefe and stars of the state’s art colonies; the museum of international folk art, one of the world’s top showcases of folk art, with over 130,000 artifacts; and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. The intimate San Miguel Mission, started in 1610, ranks as the country’s oldest church structure.

Events paying tribute to Santa Fe’s storied past include Battlefield New Mexico, a reenactment of the most important Civil War engagement in the Southwest; the Santa Fe Century Ride, a hundred-mile bike trek through old mining towns; the Elodrado Studio Tour ,featuring some 90 artists of stained glass, digital art, fiber arts, photography, and more; and the Santa Fe Opera, a festival of popular and new opera productions. Santafe.org

A Famous Hotel

By Stanley Sobari

#what’s the difference between trendy and forever? | Authenticity. Each newly renovated guest room has original art, tile murals and painted headboards – all crafted by local artists. Located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. 505.982.5511 lafondasantafe.com

A cherished landmark of Southwest hospitality, La Fonda on the Plaza has been welcoming travelers since 1929. The distinctive influence of architects  John Gaw Meem and Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter meet the eye at every turn. The hotel’s marriage of Old World charm and contemporary luxury make it the quintessential base for Santa Fe vacations, wedding, and meetings.

La Fonda recently completed an extensive multimillion dollar renovation. Each sumptuously appointed room features a one-of-kind headboard, hand-painted by a local artist, as well as handcrafted furnishings and original artwork. Many rooms offer cozy fireplaces and spectacular views of the city. After settling in, relax-outside or in-at the Bell Tower Bar, a romantic retreat serving up breathtaking sunsets. Lafondasantafe.com

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

By Stanley Sobari

EVERY October, a flotilla of hot-air and gas balloons ascends from 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Thrill to the roar of hundreds of burners, as the giant teardrops and special shape balloons come to life before liftoff. Come at dawn or dusk, when a velvet blue sky and soft “jewel box” light make for a photographer’s dream. The “Albuquerque Box”, a combination of October weather patterns and local geography, often lets balloons make round-trips.

Started in 1972 with a mere 13 balloons, the world’s premier balloon event now draws more than 600 balloonists and over 750,000 guests. North America’s largest annual international event is also considered the world’s most photographed. The mass flights of these colorful giants create lasting memories. Concessions, arts and crafts, and musical entertainment complement this nine-day festival, which will be held on October 4-12, 2014. For more detail about this balloons festival please check out this website : balloonfiesta.com

Loch Lomond, Scotland

Loch pick

By Stanley Sobari

Contrary to the received wisdom, the best road to reach Loch Lomond is neither the high road nor the low road, but the A82-a spectacular route which serves its way between heather-strewn slopes and pebbly bays along the lake’s western shore. Take a spin along the road as the Scottish winter begins to relent – but with majestic bens still dusted with snow. Halfway along the road you’d be advised to stop a the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, an 18^th-century coaching inn, refurbished in recent times. Interior are study in Highland style: raging log fires to banish the draft , tartan fabrics to snuggle up in and an abundance of stuffed wildlife staring down from the walls. Scottish wildlife also makes an appearance in the hotel’s accomplished restaurant expect Highland venison, rock oysters and freshly reeled (smoked) salmon. Afterwards, walk off your dinner with a bracing climb up Conic Hill – a craggy summit at the southeast shore of Loch Lomond, with views over its mini archipelago. Squint and you might jut spot the hotel on the opposite bank.

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel’s winter offer includes one night’s accommodation full Scottish breakfast (lochlomondarmshotel.com).

The hotel is in the village of Luss. It’s best visited by private transport, about an hour’s drive north from Glasgow on the A82.

Conic Hill can be climbed from the village of Balmaha. Visit the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park website for more : lochlomond-trossachs.org