Curving up the road up to Areias Do Seixo from Lisbon, the intense suburbia is disorienting. The row upon column of beige single-family homes is not inspiring. Keep going. Pass Santa Cruz. Pass the Noah Guest House. Duck behind the cookie cutters. Then enter Areias Do Seixo’s natural ecological and farming reserve. Approach the ornate wooden entrance doors. Their magical scrollwork is reminiscent of elven carvings or druidical scrawlings and imposing heft. And step into the magical realm that is Areias Do Seixo.
We hope you enjoy our Guide to the best of Kanazawa, Japan!
Kanazawa is a tourist destination for the Japanese. International tourism usually heads south to Kyoto and its plethora of temples. For a slightly different experience, head west and enjoy Kanazawa. This intimate city is home to the edo era beauty of the Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District, the superbly maintained Kanazawa Castle, the award winning Kenroku-en gardens and the mesmerizing 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
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Pujol is one of our all-time favorite restaurants. Chef Enrique Olivera is one of the most humble people we have ever met, and Criollo is the embodiment of his soul. We were overjoyed to experience a one-on-one culinary class at Criollo in Oaxaca.
As with everything in Mexican cooking, it all starts with corn. First the corn is left to dry on the cob. Then is harvested and let to dry under the sun. After 3 days baking, the grains are removed.
Carolina greeted us at the door with a bounce and a smile that is the embodiment of the 1872 River House. A converted mansion that is filled with light, joy, and life!
Portugal is a lovely sun-drenched country that has recently seen its international stature sky-rocket. Ever since Madonna purchased her house outside Lisbon; that city has been top-scroll news! Porto is Portugal’s second city. A smaller city that encourages strolls along the Douro river and to take time for oneself.
If you are looking for a charming hotel in Porto, the 1872 River House should be top of your list. Perfectly located in the geographical center of exploration and intimate and tucked away.
There are 8 doll-house rooms. 4 Facing an ancient alley (1-3-5-7) and 4 facing the River (2-4-6-8). We highly recommend confirming yourself in rooms 2, 4, or 6. They offer the best river views with large windows. Rooms 2 & 4 having a terrace as well!
Any of the rooms will grant you easy access to all of Porto. Both banks of the waterfront, and the central area an easy walk. Breakfast was lovely and like everything, served with joy :)
If you are looking for a destination from Porto, consider a night at the Pedras Salgadas nature park. With their mesmerizing tree houses!
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The Fundación Casa Wabi, in Puerto Escondido, is an exciting complex. It is a home for artists, a sustainable farm, and a botanical garden – all housed in a stunning creation by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando. (Andō Tadao)
The Grounds
Take a stroll a few meters down the beach from the Hotel Escondido, and you encounter a complex that is both a massive concrete block and lighter than air. An oasis of creativity melting into the Mexican sun.
Cleaving the main palapa in two, we find a massive concrete wall over 100m long x 3.6m high. Running parallel to the pacific coast, it is dividing the property into two zones.
On the ocean-side, a grand reception and dining room find shade under a giant palapa. Elevated to have a perfect view of the elongated swimming pool streaming to the sea. The roof palms shimmering reflected in the water.
On the inland side, we find the core of the Fundación. Artists residences and studios on the southern half. Galleries and performance spaces in the north. Note the staff is very protective of this part, leading one to imagine the secrets it may hold! So if you wander – prepare for a confrontation.
