Category: Travel

Travel

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

by myneutralsLeave a Comment on Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

A 10/10 experience. This vacation was one for the books. With beautiful grounds and exceptional service, my Mom and I were truly able to relax and enjoy our first time at Nobu in Los Cabos, Mexico for a girls trip!

Before arriving at the airport, we found transportation through the hotel. We booked this service a few days in advance so they were aware of our flight times. There were two options: to be driven in a comfortable van for multiple guests or an SUV that can hold about 4-5. On the way there, we were driven in an SUV and then a van on the way back. Both were a great ride and the drivers were very welcoming. We saw amazing views of the desert on the way there and the ocean on the way back!

Reaching the hotel, we were immediately gifted with cleansing towels for our face and hands and cold lemonades from the friendly staff. Then, we were led into the lobby which is essentially both indoors and outdoors. Nobu consists of a fresh, clean, and modern look and holds a few rock-like statues in the entrance. There’s a coffee shop just to the right as you walk in that serves a variety of drinks, pasties, small lunches, and other items. The sweet smiles from the daily staff was constantly a delight every morning. Outside, with a stunning sight of the ocean, we were given an overview of the hotel grounds and restaurants Nobu has to offer. Quickly after, we met our personal Local Ambassador. With their help, we booked all of our restaurant or spa reservations through them and they were on call at all times for any other necessary assistance.

Our hotel room was one of a kind. With many wooden accents and unique, desert landscaping right outside, we were put into another world. The sliding doors came with remote controllable curtains that allowed us to open the blinds from the other side of the room! It definitely made opening the blinds in the morning much more fun! Our TV had live options as well as Google Chromecast – I was able to connect my phone to the TV and play music using Spotify or watch my favorite shows on Netflix. Every night, my Mom and I binged season 5 episodes of Selling Sunset! We couldn’t get enough! Further, the room came with a personal tote bag that you are allowed to use throughout your stay and is available for purchase at the resort store. This made it quite easy for us to keep all of our pool/beach belongings together!

As I am quite the foodie, I can confidently say that the restaurants were all around amazing. Ironically, the restaurant we went to everyday for breakfast was called… The Restaurant! Original right?! Haha. Let me just say, their breakfast sandwich (Everything bagel, with bacon, egg, and cheese) was extremely good. On Taco Tuesday, I tried the scrambled egg tacos and it was delicious! Fun fact: The Restaurant was previously another location of Malibu Farm. There were only a few changes to the menu before switching, but it still kept the healthy aspect to all of their meal options. It was a great place to start off the day as my Mom and I were consistently left smiling from the yummy food and kind people.

Another fan favorite is, of course, Nobu. Known for their tasty Japanese cuisine, this restaurant has been on my bucket list for quite some time and I was thrilled to finally try it! And let me tell you… it’s worth the hype. Walking to our table, we were welcomed by lovely waiters/waitresses and were sat with a gorgeous view of the ocean. My Mom and I loved it so much, we went two days in a row! To be completely transparent, I’m a very picky eater and sushi isn’t my favorite. Crazy right?! However, this restaurant still met my needs and I had one of the best meals! I began with a cup of Miso soup and had Chicken Teriyaki as the main course. My Mom started with Edamame and, for those sushi lovers, she enjoyed the Shrimp Tempura and the Rock Shrimp Tempura. For dessert, we tried the original chocolate brownie (my personal favorite), as well as the Bento Box and Paris-bres. It is by far one of my Top 5 recommended restaurants!

On a more casual end, La Playa Bar is located right next to one of the main pools and was our quick access to chips and guacamole during the day. Their drink menu offered plenty of signature choices, but if you had a classic in mind, they will easily make that for you as well! The Daisy is one of their classics which was delicious and had a unique taste, although, we typically went with the traditional options: a strawberry margarita or piña colada!

Finally, the fourth place we loved was Ardea (An Italian steakhouse). With Italian being my go-to choice, I was excited to see what they offered. As an appetizer, we went for a charcuterie board with three cheese selections. It also featured some honey, strawberry jam, and multiple bread options. For an appetizer to the appetizer, we were first delighted with cheese based croissants, cherry dipped cheese lollipops, hummus, and seasoned crackers. As a main course, we split the Liguroi Rigatoni and Tomato Sauce and Fresh Burrata Pizza. On the other hand, this restaurant is mostly known for their array steak choices. I’ll need to go back and try it one day! An important aspect to highlight, with any restaurant that required a reservation, our wonderful Local Ambassador booked everything for us. This truly made the overall experience stress-free!

The pool scene was one like no other! With more than three pools to choose from, my Mom and I had trouble deciding which one to go to first! Eventually, we created a routine. Primarily, the pool we loved to kick start our day is next to La Playa Bar and had a DJ everyday! It was very fun as music never stopped playing and the drinks kept coming! There was another pool in front of this one with a swim-up bar to the right side and a jacuzzi in the center. This was perfect for windier days where we wanted to just sit in warm, comfortable water. Both of these pools also had great views of the ocean! A quick walk on the beach led you to the other side of the hotel where there were two more! At the very end of the hotel was the iconic (adult only) infinity pool. This will give you the best view of the beach and it is much more relaxing with there being no loud music. Following this idea, there is a “spa-like” pool on the same side that is surrounded with beautiful greenery. Again, there is no music and it truly feels like you’re in another location entirely. Plus, there are a few jacuzzis scattered around with more privacy if wanted. My mom and I would go to this pool towards the end of our day, before the sun went down, to set our mind at ease and be at peace.

Over the past year, I have become a big gym junkie. With that being said, it was important for me to stay on track with my exercise schedule and this hotel let me do just that. With a good size gym located in their spa (Escencia), I was able to do my typical cardio routine and floor workouts. There are multiple treadmills and spin bikes, a stairmaster, weights, and more! In addition, Nobu offers workout classes that range from HIIT to yoga which are taken on their outside deck. Also, just through a small highway, there are complementary water bottles (room temp or cold) and plenty of towels.

One thing that comes with a vacation like this are the exciting outfits! For this trip in particular, I mainly focused on my dinner looks and they were all from the same shop. Tiger Mist has very flattering choices that are perfect for tropical getaways. I felt extremely confident in every outfit, but the Harper Corset and Clem Pant really took me by surprise. It fit like a glove and the color popped very well with my fresh tan! The sweetheart neckline added a more girly aspect to the pant fit. I enjoyed the flared leg with the slit on the ankle as it provided a clean finish to the overall look. Next, the hot pink Chevie Top and Skirt set was a fan favorite. The tie-dye pattern was vibrant and fun and matched perfectly with the floral arrangements of the hotel 😉 Although, the straps on the shoulders did hurt a little as I was very burnt there haha! Other than that, this one is a keeper. And I know… none of these are neutral colors! With these looks, I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone, but don’t worry, I went back to my roots very fast. My last look was the white crochet Braxton Top and Skirt. It was perfect to wear on my last day as I was burnt to the nines and it was super easy to slip on. Simple sets are the best!

If you’re looking for a spot where you can relax and not worry about a single thing, Nobu Los Cabos is it! This is a place where it feels like time has truly stopped.

Travel

Around the World: Singapore

by myneutralsLeave a Comment on Around the World: Singapore

Singapore: a place of beauty and curiosity. This was my first time visiting a country in Asia, and let me tell you, I’m so grateful Singapore gave me my first experience! Here, I’ll go through the must-see attractions, my travel experience, and share some videos from this trip!

As I stayed in Singapore for two weeks, selecting the right hotel was at the top of my list: The Ritz Carlton in Marina Bay. This was one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in! First, the location was perfect; it was just a simple walk through the helicopter bridge and we were at the Marina Bay Sands. I highly recommend walking as much as you can as there is so much to see! Upon entry and everyday moving forward, the staff members were always so delightful and helpful. With a smile on their face, they really made me feel at home. Our room was facing the opposite way of the Marina Bay, but still had a spectacular view. It was extremely spacious with two twin-sized beds, a formal seating area, and a large desk! Further, the bathroom had a marble sink, a large shower, and a tub facing the view. The window was this interesting hexagon shape that gave the bathroom so much natural light and a unique aspect to it. This hotel also had a great selection of dessert options at the bakery and the breakfast was just amazing. There were a variety of foods to choose from! I wish I took some pictures in their beautiful dining room and kitchen!

Now, this country may be small, but there is SO much to see and do! Beginning with the grand Marina Bay Sands, this hotel is an attraction in itself. Not only is it a hotel, but there is an amazing mall attached to it. Although, this isn’t your average shopping mall: there was a small river with a boat that people could ride on, a high-end food court, and the stores were all designer. Louis Vuitton had its own shop just outside of the mall, but you enter through the mall and go under water; it’s very hard to explain – it was like it’s own island 🙂 There were plenty of restaurant options throughout the mall as well. My favorite was this Italian restaurant (I don’t remember the name) that was on the second level, closer to the food court side. I sat at the pizza bar and was able to watch all the tasty pizzas being made. I ordered their margarita pizza and it was the best margarita pizza I’ve ever had, by far. I would solely go back to Singapore just for that pizza!! This hotel also has a great rooftop look-out. One end of it is open to the public which has a viewing deck and a restaurant. You could basically see a 360 degree view – one view is the city and the other is parks and the domes. If you’re a hotel guest, you can enjoy their huge infinity pool!

Just outside of the hotel, there is the famous Supertree Grove. This one of a kind park is known for its magical spirit. At night the trees “perform” a show: there would be music playing and the tree lights would turn on in correspondence to it! Next to the Grove, there is the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Both feature an extravagant nature set up full of waterfalls, flowers, and greenery! Further, the amazing Arts and Science Museum focused abstract pieces and and an intricate walk-through of shimmering lights. All of these are must-see destinations!

Away from this common area, there is still so much more to see! Fort Canning is a beautiful park in the center of Singapore’s busy city. It’s only a few steps in and you’re transported to a gorgeous area full of nature and peace. Now, Clarke Quay is probably one of the most colorful places I’ve ever seen! It lights up at night with colorful lights and is filled with many restaurants to choose from. This is a place to go on a Friday or Saturday and have some fun with friends or family! In another part of town, Haji Lane is a simple street full of small boutiques and large murals on every corner. You’ll definitely find the more local side of Singapore here. Further. Peranakan houses are one of the most “instagramable” spots in Singapore. There are houses on both sides of the streets so it’s easy to take pictures with no one in them! Sentosa is also a very high attraction outside of the city. It’s perfect for younger kids who love to play on the beach or go on some roller coasters, as it’s just a walk away from Universal Singapore!

If you’re looking for a vacation full of culture, adventure, and exploration, I highly recommend visiting Singapore – you won’t be disappointed 🙂

Travel

Around the World: Paris

by myneutrals1 Comment on Around the World: Paris

Back in December of 2019, I went to Paris, France for 24 hours. My amazing uncles surprised me with this day trip for my 17th birthday! From all of the places that I have been, Paris is (by far) my favorite. This was my second time in the beautiful city and the architecture, people, and environment have always made me feel at home in an odd way 🙂 I could go on and on about my love for this city, but I wanted to share how to get the full Paris experience in only a couple of hours! We’ll talk about transportation, attractions, food, and of course, fashion!

Let’s begin with transportation: My uncles live in London, England, so taking the train was the most practical option. We used Eurostar and left around 8am. The train ride was fast and smooth. Luckily, the seats were wide and comfortable since it took about two hours to get there. Plus, the tables came with accessible outlets to charge electronics and plenty of room to store your belongings! When we arrived in Paris, our main way of getting around was either walking or using scooters. During this time, most of the metro workers were on strike, so only a few trains were functioning. Fortunately, we improvised and decided to take a Bird or Lime scooter! On the negative side, it was a bit cold and windy (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit), so our hands and face were freezing while riding, but we made the best of it and it was such a fun experience! We were able to see hidden streets and beautiful buildings that we wouldn’t have seen if we transported underground. Truly, it felt like I was living in a movie! I did wish it was a little warmer though haha!

Now, where do I even start with attractions! If you’re only going for a day or even a weekend, I would pick a couple of your most-wanted places to visit. On this trip, our first stop was the Sacré Coeur Basilica. It’s at the highest point in Paris, so the views are spectacular! You can see the entire city skyline! It would probably be magnificent to see the sunrise or sunset there. Not only that, there is a beautiful town right beside the basilica! There are many small boutiques, restaurants, and bakeries with every step you take. Also, the cobblestone ground brings the whole place together. My favorite part was passing a local who was playing the accordion! The music in the background was just beautiful and created a perfect moment. We took a quick stroll through the area, had some lunch in a quaint Italian restaurant, and then hopped on a scooter to head to Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. On our way there, we passed the iconic Moulin Rouge!

Once we zoomed through the city, we made it to Place Charles de Gaulle. The Arc de Triomphe is right in the center. We walked around the large circle, took some amazing pictures, and then went down Champs-Élysées. I was in awe of the amazing Christmas decorations that some stores still had up (especially Dior). The streets were busy with people just as amazed as I was. For a quick break, we stopped for tea and dessert at Ladurée. Their macaroons and earl grey hot tea are fantastic! I usually have the raspberry and lemon flavored macaroons. Afterwards, we went a few blocks towards the Eiffel Tower. We walked along the river and the sun was beginning to set, so the sky was gorgeous. Once we crossed over the bridge, we jumped on some more scooters and rode down to the Hôtel de Ville. Honestly, the cold breeze felt so good and we passed some more famous buildings, such as the Louvre Museum.

To top off the night, we walked through the small town of Le Marais. It’s now one of my favorite spots in Paris. The streets are more compact which gave the town a comfy and cozy feel to it. Not many tourists were there, so you could tell it was a local and authentic area. Boutiques and restaurants surrounded us and we gladly ate dinner in one of the quaint, French places. My uncles and I shared a tasty cheese board!

As for my outfit, I went with a more edgy and chic look. I’m wearing flared, plaid pants from Urban Outfitters, a cropped, black tank top from Kith, a cropped, black jacket from Boohoo, and black, platform booties from Zara (I got these boots the first time I went to Paris!). Also, my earmuffs are from Ugg Australia. I loved having my hair in a top bun because it was always out of my face (especially riding the scooters) and it highlighted my jacket and earmuffs more!

All in all, this trip was unforgettable! In just one day, I was able to experience so many different parts of Paris. One of the best memories I’ll take away from this will be riding the scooters through the city. I would love to do that in the Summer one day! I’m beyond grateful for my time there and I would, very much, suggest visiting… even for just 24 hours 🙂