Va THAILAND 24 NJSL | AUGUST 2008
Va THAILAND 24 NJSL | AUGUST 2008
> Travel
BY JUDI ROTHENBERG
ELEPHANT CAMP THAILAND An elephant never forgets—and it’s unlikely you’ll forget meeting these gentle giants up close and personal. Mahout (elephant caretaking) training, at the Anantara Golden Triangle, is offered for as little as an hour or as long as three days. Training includes feeding, bathing, and ‘driving’ the elephants. Guests participating in the extended program trek to the Ruak River and stay perched atop their elephants as they enter the water. The program is more than a novel tourist attraction; it’s a concerted conservation effort to provide income and homes for mahouts and their families. The sanctuary cares for nearly 30 elephants. If a day spent riding elephants proves taxing to your body, there is welcome relief at the Golden Triangle’s spa. Calm sore muscles in an herbal steam bath or slip into a private al fresco terrazzo soaking tub with views of the verdant Mekong Valley countryside. www.anantara.com/elephantcamp
Global Positioning: acation Destinations With A Unique Point of View
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Global Positioning: Vacation Destinations With A Unique Point of View–continued LIVING WITH MODERN ART MOSCOW Is that a horse in my room? Why, yes it is, if you’re in the Chairman’s Suite at the MaMaison Pokrovka Hotel. The fullfledged party animal (note lamp shade on head) is just one of the quirky art surprises you’ll find at this cheeky hotel. The pod-like lobby is home to “Pianophant” by acclaimed French sculptor Guillaume Picchaud and the elevator banks are wrapped with murals by famed Czech photographer, Stépán Hon. Rooms are bold, spacious, and luxurious, featuring furnishings from the innovative Dutch design team Moooi (the brains behind the aforementioned horse and the iconic pig table in the President’s Suite.) It’s a sleek counterpoint to days spent steeped in history. Moscow is full of impressive architecture, statues, churches and landmarks. Spend the day at the State Armoury examining artifacts, jewels, clothing, and coaches of the Tzars. Visit the Kremlin, Red Square, and the Bolshoy to observe Moscow’s past, then leap forward to the present by rejuvenating at the ultra luxurious Spa by Algotherm housed within MaMaison. Take to the steam, swim a few laps or try an underwater massage. Dine in-house at the trés chic Numbers restaurant and sample Chef Said Faddlie’s fusion of French, Mediterranean, and Russian cuisines. (It works!). The way to go: Delta’s non-stop service (about 10 hours) offers a new wine pairing program by Delta’s Sommelier, Andrea Robinson, in the BusinessElite cabin. www.mamaison.com/moscow www.moooi.com
ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO The dawn ascension of over 700 hot-air balloons is a riot of vivid colors against the gorgeous desert sky. This awe-inspiring event is just one of many scheduled viewings during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 4-12. Favorite events include the Special Shape Rodeo which showcases balloons in whimsical shapes, at night it becomes the “Glowdeo” when the display is lit from within. Entrance to the 365 acre park is by general admission. The best way to enjoy the day is by joining the Gondola Club. Members will receive preferential parking tickets and entrance to a hospitality tent with a private seating area, food and bathrooms. Extensive information on the festival, the Gondola Club and travel to Albuquerque is available at www.balloonfiesta.com.
26 NJSL | AUGUST 2008
MaMaison Pokrovka Hotel in Moscow
NEW MEXICO
MaMaison Pokrovka Hotel in Moscow
PHOTO BY DANIEL AUBRY
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PARIS
VENICE
28 NJSL | AUGUST 2008
PARIS
PARIS
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TREASURE HUNTING PARIS If you want to shop Paris like an expert, you’ll need the book—or even better the woman who wrote the book. Jersey girl turned Francophile, Claudia Strasser, author of ''The Paris Apartment, Romantic Decor on a Flea Market Budget,” will be your guide on a magical shopping experience for lovers of French design. Whether it’s a designer piece or antique, Strasser will help you negotiate the price and steer you through the red tape of shipping your new found treasure home. She will be in Paris the month of September and can arrange everything from a half day shopping trip to a weeks stay with lodging. Accommodations are charming boutique hotels and private apartment rentals. www.theparisapartment.com
THE GONDOLIER WORK-OUT VENICE Pasta, pasta and well, more pasta. Salami. Gelato. Tiramisu. Gelato. Who can resist the culinary high of eating in Italy? And why should you? Don’t worry if your clothes are starting to feel a bit snug, The Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice has a novel way for you to burn off some extra calories– Gondolier Training. You can connect to Venetian culture while getting an intense full body workout. The training session also includes a visit to the Venice ‘Squero’ (the old factory where gondolas are produced) and a fitted black-and-white striped shirt to dress the part. www.Molinostuckyhilton.com
21-25 Central Ave., Flemington, NJ Open Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30 Thurs. 10-7 • Sun. 1-5:30 Private parking available
908.782.5883 Rosemarieetc@aol.com
SRDS S
Saddle River Day School S School Learning z Challenging z Exploring z Achieving
1957-2007 Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence Saddle River Day School z K – 12, College Preparatory Day School 147 Chestnut Ridge Road z Saddle River, NJ 07458 Admissions: 201.327.4050 ext. 1105 z www.saddleriverday.org NJSL 29