As the sun set, and a hush descended on Bandar Kong, the women in their rose-colored dresses made last minute preparations for Hana Bandan. It was “Henna Night,” and each decoration marking this festive “new beginning,” the bliss of marriage,…
Creatures in the French Woods By Marie Guegain
My hall of death was a daily assault of pressures. I had to console the grieving, arrange various bereavement ceremonies, and also ensure the fire was working properly. Fire is very capricious. Some days it is predictable. Other days it…
The Hunt for Anchovies and Inspiration
Rogoznica is a small, inviting village on the Dalmatian Coast that attracts the rich and famous from all over the world. They shelter their large yachts in gloriously-blue bays, and either retreat to hillside villas or to small restaurants lining…
Cavorting with Rhinoceros and Elephants
Angelina Jolie was charmed. Exploring Namibia, particularly the Namib savanna with its cavorting rhinoceros, leopards and elephant herds, the intensely-committed environmentalist and actress spoke to the founder of Zannier Hotels about establishing a safe animal conservancy. It ultimately was. Now…
Living on the Edge
Engaging with an ominous, wide-eyed Hanuman Monkey performer in Assam, India, the “mighty ape” that clashes against evil forces.Ascending the Himalayas, braving its crevasses, sudden, whipsawing winds, and threats of whiteout snows. Or securing safe passage from a band of…
An Andalusian Dreamer
It’s the bounteous “land of pomegranates.” Nestled amid golden beaches and the Sierra Nevadas, Andalusia spawned a kingdom known for its Moorish architecture and ceramics. There are still revered Golden Age vestiges of Sephardic culture here, and palatial, fairy tale…
Paradise Found
Take a mud bath. Go deep sea fishing for blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. Saunter through verdant, volcanic hillsides teeming with banana, pineapple and hibiscus trees. It will then be time for relaxation and renewal, unparalleled views of the…
The Temptress of Lastovo Island By Anita Palada
As the small ferry boat wound its way through the Adriatic Sea, a burst of laughter swept across the deck.“He jumped on her back, and they swam off together…it’s true…it really happened,” cried the burly, bearded man, looking towards the…
ESCAPING INTO THE ATLAS by Edward Kiersh
As the Berber men hover clay, conical-shaped tagine pots, the fragrant aromas of lamb, garlic and lemons waft through the sun-drenched air. The smoke from the charcoal fire creates a haze, a hint of mystery accentuated by the shadows cast…
A Room of One’s Own by Edward Kiersh
Amid the thousands of original, hand-painted “Azulejos,” art exhibitions celebrating the whimsical poetry of Light, and centuries-old furnishings, hospitality, harmony, and intimacy take on new meaning. Here there is such a luxurious emphasis on Lao Tse inspired values and respect…