Tag Archives: Amsterdam

Travel |

|

5 Hotels That Have Adapted Well to Covid-19

Hotel pool view

With the majority of people choosing to forgo travel in order to stay at home, hotels have really struggled to draw in guests over the past few months.

However, times are changing once again…

While some hotels are having a tough time keeping up with constantly-changing requirements, others have truly been exemplary when it comes to ensuring the safety of their guests.

If you plan on booking yourself into a hotel anytime soon, these five hotels are the ones to choose from.

The Hilton

One of the most famous hotel chains in the world, it should come as no surprise that the Hilton has really outdone itself when it comes to its Covid-19 policy.

For starters, the hotel chain has partnered with RB, the creator of Dettol and Lysol, to create the Hilton CleanStay program. It basically means that all areas are cleaned extra-vigorously, with staff undergoing special training to ensure that they are knowledgable about these new cleaning methods.

Hilton are also consulting with the Mayo Clinic to make sure that the health standards at their hotels are always on-point.

They are offering all of their guests flexible booking options, meaning that any last-minute changes or cancellations can happen free of charge, and face coverings are mandatory in the public spaces of many of their hotels.

As an added bonus, the Hilton Honors App allows guests to digitally check in to their rooms, complete with a digital key. You can use the app to message staff, check out, and review your receipt, making all of these services completely contactless.

Which Hilton Hotel is the Best?

This depends on what you’re looking for – some are good for wellness and relaxation, others are known for their skiing, and several have exquisite beaches.

However, one of the best Hilton hotels all-round is the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. Set in 17th and 18th century palaces, this five star hotel, which boasts a luxury spa, personal concierge services, and Michelin-starred restaurants, is in a prime location, just two blocks from the heart of the city.

While you’re there, don’t forget to stop off at the OROGOLD Amsterdam store to treat your skin to complimentary product demonstrations, customized skin consultations, and a VIP gold facial.

The Hyatt

The Hyatt is another international hotel chain that is loved by so many.

In a recent Covid-19 survey, the Hyatt beat out its competitors when it came to its customers-first policy. Their enhanced levels of cleanliness puts guests at immediate ease, with the chain consulting with the Cleveland Clinic to put together its new safety protocols.

Many public spaces are sanitized hourly with hospital-quality disinfectants, and the chain is also testing out electrostatic sprayers to make their disinfecting even more effective.

All staff undergo temperature checks before they enter the hotel each time, and guests may also need to do this depending on the local requirements of the hotel that they are staying at.

The Hyatt strongly encourages social distancing, and has made this easier with protective shields strategically placed around their hotels.

Just like the Hilton, the Hyatt also offers up super-flexible booking and cancellation policies.

Are you a frontline worker?

If so, you could be eligible for a complimentary vacation at a Hyatt hotel; a scheme that they are running in collaboration with American Airlines. Healthcare workers from around the world are also able to enjoy the hotel’s Friends & Family rate until June 2021, as a way for the hotel to thank those who are caring for society.

Which Hyatt Hotel is the Best?

Well, according to US News, the best Hyatt Hotel is the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour in St. Kitts & Nevis.

This almost-untouched Caribbean island is truly a piece of paradise. The hotel spans the Banana Bay, meaning that every room boasts a panoramic sea view. If you treat yourself to a suite, you’ll be able to enjoy private terraces, lounge areas, and a plunge pool too.

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is another hotel that has really committed to changing the way they do things during this pandemic. Their Lead With Care program consists of highly stringent health and safety measures, with consultants at John Hopkins Medicine International providing advice.

In addition to the extra cleaning, along with numerous sanitizer stations dotted throughout hotels, all Four Seasons staff will have undergone special training, both in-person and virtually, to give them the best knowledge when it comes to dealing with situations during Covid-19.

Guest rooms are disinfected on a daily basis, and staff inspect each room with blacklights after to make sure that no area has been missed. Public spaces are cleaned every hour, and the hotel is also exploring various options for using ozone technology or UV technology to enhance air purification.

Don’t worry if you lose or forget your face mask either – the hotel provides each guest room with a special kit containing masks, sanitization wipes, and hand sanitizer.

Like the idea of being able to check in and out in a completely contactless way?

The Four Seasons allows for this at all of their hotels with the Four Seasons App. It limits face-to-face contact in a variety of different ways. Not only can you completely bypass the front desk on arrival and departure, but you’ll also be able to

  • Manage your reservation
  • Book an airport transfer
  • Order room service (which is delivered in a contactless way with single-use but sustainable packaging)
  • Book a table at a restaurant
  • Book a spa treatment

The app, as well as the live chat feature with hotel staff, can be translated into over 100 different languages, which is crucial for such an international hotel chain. This is also one of the only hotel live chats that are run by actual employees that are based on the property itself, rather than automated chatbots.

Which Four Seasons Hotel is the Best?

Many would agree that the Grand-Hotel Du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel really excels when it comes to luxury.

Located on the French Riviera, in seven hectares of landscaped Mediterranean gardens, this palace hotel first opened its doors in 1908, and has been truly legendary ever since.

The hotel boasts a number of different amenities, but it is famous for its seawater infinity pool, which overlooks the sea. For a jaw-dropping experience, take the hotel’s glass elevator down to the 33-metre pool – the views that greet you from all sides will take your breath away.

While meals can be had at the pool’s gorgeous outdoor location, you could also book yourself in to Le Cap, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. French Mediterranean cuisine rules the roost here, and the restaurant is running at a limited capacity to ensure the safety of guests.

Accor

Although the Accor hotel chain was hit extremely hard by the effect of Covid-19, reporting huge losses and having to let go of 1000 jobs, the hotel has still been extremely committed to adapting to the new normal.

In partnership with Bureau Veritas, Accor have created the ALLSAFE initiative. This sees the hotel taking on the highest standards when it comes to cleanliness and safety. In addition to a reinforced cleaning program and sanitizer stations in all public areas, employees have been extensively trained in safety and hygiene. This training is ongoing, which is important since rules and local requirements are constantly changing.

The check in, check out, and payment processes are all contactless whenever possible, limiting exposure between hotel guests and staff, and rooms are also fully disinfected between guests. Staff have been taught to pay extra attention to high-touch items, such as remote controls and door handles.

Accor have also partnered up with AXA to provide their guests access to medical professionals, not only in person but also virtually. This goes a long way to help guests feel safer should any health issues arise during their stay.

All booking policies are completely flexible, and even guests who previously booked a room at a non-flexible rate will now be able to enjoy the perks that the flexible policies offer.

Which Accor Hotel is the Best?

The jury is still out – each Accor hotel offers something a little different, making it difficult to compare them. However, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba definitely sits near the top of the list.

Located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, this hotel offers up Mexican charm with an Asian twist. The eco-resort has won numerous awards over the years for its five-star services and facilities, all of which take place in a beautiful pocket of untouched nature.

Playa del Carmen itself is an amazing part of the world to visit. While you may not be able to enjoy its iconic nightlife at the moment, this is where you will find some of the best beaches in Mexico. The city itself is also constantly buzzing, with an eclectic mix of both local and international names. While you’re browsing the stores here, make sure that you pop into the OROGOLD Playa del Carmen store to treat your skin to a little luxury too.

InterContinental

While just about every large international hotel chain has partnered with a group of medical experts to help lead their new health and hygiene efforts, the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) has gone all out and is working with three:

  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Ecolab
  • Diversey

Together, they have come up with the IHG Clean Promise program. This was actually launched back in 2015, but has now been enhanced because of Covid-19.

In addition to staff having to undergo extra training, cleaning measures have been amped up. High-touch items and in-room furnishings have been replaced as much as possible with items that allow for more effective disinfecting.

Just like the other hotels on this list, IHG are also offering contactless check in and check out procedures, along with safety screens at the front desk. All payment transactions are contactless too, and social distancing is being implemented at all properties.

In addition to providing each guest with a special cleaning kit, the hotel is also displaying cleanliness information on signage and screens to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to staying safe.

Of course, all bookings are now completely flexible, and deposits are no longer required when reserving a room. If you happen to be a healthcare professional, a government worker, or anyone else working on the frontline, then you will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s Heroes Rate, meaning fantastic discounts for the rest of 2020.

Already have IHG loyalty points but don’t think you’ll be using them anytime soon?

The group is running a special scheme that allows loyalty members to use their points for financial donations, which are being given to Covid-19 relief efforts.

Which IHG Hotel is the Best?

Again, this is hard to say, but the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is consistently receiving awards for its world-class facilities and services. This resort is located in central Vietnam, surrounded by dense forests and bordered on one side by a tropical, sandy beach.

The resort is sprawled out over 39 hectares of land, making it easy to keep your distance from staff and guests. Golf buggies are used to transport guests around the hotel, and they also have a cable car system to help guests navigate and explore the resort’s hilly terrain.

Danang itself is known for its rich history as a French colonial port and its exquisite beaches. It is a fantastic location for outdoor activities, which is exactly what people are seeking during the Coronavirus pandemic.

In order to keep themselves open for business, just about every hotel out there has had to implement new health and hygiene measures because of Covid-19. However, while some may be doing the bare minimum, these five international chains have really gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of each and every one of their guests.

Travel |

|

The Top 6 Destinations for Bleisure Travel in 2020

Scenic view of Amsterdam canal with parked bicycles

The bleisure travel trend is growing at an astronomical rate, and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with research showing that bleisure travel helps to reduce stress, increase productivity at work, and improve mental health, this is a trend that may end up becoming the new normal.

Not familiar with the term ‘bleisure travel’?

It refers to combining leisure activities with a business trip, meaning really making the most of your business trip destination, rather than visiting it solely for work.

If you know that you need to plan a few business trips in the near future, here are 2020’s top six bleisure travel destinations.

Tokyo, Japan

Busy Tokyo crossing from above

With Tokyo recently being rated as the best bleisure destination in Asia, it seemed only fitting that the Japanese capital made first place on this list.

So, what exactly makes Tokyo so suitable for bleisure?

Well, when the bleisure study mentioned above was carried out, Tokyo came out top in a number of areas, including:

  • Quality of international links
  • Opportunity for cultural experiences
  • Availability of consumer goods and services
  • Culinary reputation

Bleisure travelers appreciate being able to immerse themselves in a new culture, and Tokyo really does provide this. The streets of Tokyo are sprinkled with multiple shrines and temples, and traditional art forms are abundant wherever you go, from origami to flower arranging to tea ceremonies, all of which bleisure travelers can easily take part in.

When it comes to food, Tokyo boasts around 226 restaurants with Michelin stars, which is more than any other city in the world. Whether you’re into fine dining or street food stalls, Tokyo has it all. Yes, you may have tasted everything from sushi to ramen to yakitori in your own country, but nothing quite compares to the authentic flavors you will experience when eating these iconic dishes in their homeland.

With more and more bleisure travelers now choosing to extend their business trips to spend more time in Tokyo, there are now hotels popping up that cater to this. Now, many travelers carry out the business portion of their trip at a more business-oriented hotel, before booking themselves in to somewhere more authentic and traditional for an extra couple of days.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai skyline

Being the main business hub of the Middle East, Dubai receives millions of business travelers each year. Thanks to the city’s incredible selection of hotels, restaurants, attractions and sights, this is a fantastic destination for a bleisure adventure.

Chances are, the business portion of your trip is taking place in the city center, meaning that you can spend your evenings exploring some of Dubai’s most legendary landmarks, including:

  • The Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, with the world’s highest observation deck, giving you an amazing view of your surroundings
  • The Dubai Fountains – the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that sits on a 30-acre man-made lake
  • The Dubai Mall – the second-largest mall in the world, with more than 1200 stores, including several high end boutiques
  • Kite Beach – one of the most popular beaches in the city, with large stretches of white sand and waters that reach 32 degrees Celsius

As you can see, many of Dubai’s attractions are worldwide record breakers, and there really is no denying that the city is full of glitz, glamor and bling.

However, what many business travelers don’t usually experience is the seclusion and isolation of the deserts that surround the city, along with the unique culture and heritage of the Bedouin people. This is something that greatly appeals to bleisure travelers, because it provides such a contrast to city life.

Desert safaris are always popular, especially with adrenaline-seekers who want to try their hand behind the wheel, navigating those precarious sand dunes. You could then spend the night at a Bedouin camp, enjoying a traditional meal.

The dunes are also ideal for quad biking and sand boarding, both being experiences that you will never forget.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Canal with boat and buildings in Amsterdam

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, due to its ultra-elaborate canal system. The waterways definitely play a large role in adding to the city’s unique appeal, although its narrow gabled houses, artistic heritage, and complex history help with this too.

Amsterdam tends to be quite a popular destination for business travelers, and this is a city where you can really embrace the bleisure trend.

The best way to get around in Amsterdam?

Cycling. The city is home to more than 800,000 bicycles, meaning more bicycles than people! Cycling in Amsterdam is a way of life, thanks to the city’s naturally flat landscape and convenient network of cycle routes. Visitors can easily rent a bicycle for the day and then use this to explore every corner of the city. Since Amsterdam is a relatively compact city, you will still be able to see quite a bit, even if you only have a couple of days to spare.

Of course, a visit to Museumplein is a must. This is the cultural heart of the city, filled with impressive 19th century architecture, along with some of the finest museums in the world. A few must-sees include:

  • The Van Gogh Museum
  • Rijksmuseum
  • The Stedelijk Museum

The summer months see Museumplein packed with open-air markets and exhibitions, along with a paddling pool for both children and adults. In the winter, the space turns into a large outdoor ice rink, making Museumplein perfect for a visit no matter the time of year.

If you enjoy shopping, then you will love the vast range of retail therapy that Amsterdam offers. You will find everything from high end luxury designer stores to vintage boutiques here. If you don’t have much time to spare, concentrate your shopping efforts around Hobbemastraat, which is home to some of the finest luxury brands in the city, including an OROGOLD store. Stop by for your skincare fix, whether you have been looking for some new products, need some advice, or want to enjoy a complimentary VIP treatment.

Sydney, Australia

View of Sydney harbor

When it comes to business travel destinations in Australia, Sydney comes out on top, meaning that it only makes sense for some of those travelers to combine their business trips with a few leisure activities.

So, how exactly do you do this in Sydney?

Well, a visit to the beach is a must, since beaches are a firm part of the culture in Sydney. The beach you choose will likely depend on your exact location, with the area of Bondi and Manly being the most popular.

Bondi is home to the famous Bondi Beach – head further north to get away from the tourists. A short walk away is Gordon’s Bay, one of the best diving spots in the area, with its own underwater nature trail. However, Manly has plenty to offer too, with numerous beach and water sports, weekend markets, and beautiful views.

Of course, there is so much more to Sydney than just its beaches…

Everything from Sydney Tower to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens are worthy of your time and attention, but make sure you also save time for a visit to the Blue Mountains. Whether you spend the day hiking, or simply taking in the natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the beauty of the Blue Mountains is something that definitely needs to be experienced.

San Diego, California

Aerial view of San Diego

Home to several major attractions, miles of beautiful beaches and incredible weather, it should come as no surprise that San Diego is one of the most-loved bleisure destinations in the USA.

When it comes to city-based attractions, you’ve got plenty to choose from, including:

  • The San Diego Harbor – where you will find public art, street performers, the oldest active sailing ship in the world, and Seaport Village
  • La Jolla Cove – perfect for some water sports and bird watching
  • Belmont Park – an amusement park with stunning views of the Pacific
  • Balboa Park – in addition to housing the San Diego Zoo, this sprawling urban park also boasts 15 museums, landscaped gardens and so much more
  • Old Town San Diego – the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is believed to be the “birthplace of California”. With the very first European settlements in the state, this is the place to go to learn more about California’s fascinating history

Were you hoping to get away from the city for a bit?

A couple of hours drive north of San Diego will take you to the small mountain town of Julian. The town itself is an official California Historic Landmark, thanks to its gold-mining history. With guided tours of the old mines, pioneer store fronts and several historic sites, this is such a fascinating destination. Julian is also famous for its apple pies, due to its cold climate that makes it perfect for growing the most delicious varieties of the fruit. If you’re visiting in October, then you’ll be lucky enough to take part in the town’s Apple Festival.

London, UK

Aerial view of London and River Thames

The capital of the UK, as well as one of Europe’s major financial hubs, London has plenty to offer to the bleisure traveler. This is such a multicultural city with so much to see and do.

If your meetings are taking place in the heart of the city, then this means that you will have easy access to the River Thames. If a river cruise feels too touristy for you, simply take a stroll along the banks instead. From Big Ben to the Tower of London to Tower Bridge, some of London’s most iconic landmarks are situated along the river.

For many bleisure travelers, the idea of exploring a little further afield is extremely appealing. After all, if you’ve already spent several days in the city, then it only makes sense to spend those precious extra couple of days seeing what else the country has to offer. Fortunately, there are many destinations just a short distance from London that are perfect for a one or two night getaway:

  • Stonehenge – this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to have once been a place of pagan worship. Stonehenge is located in Salisbury, which is also home to the Magna Carta and a cathedral with the tallest spire in the country
  • Oxford – just about everybody has heard of Oxford, with this city boasting some world-class museums and truly incredible architecture
  • Windsor – for those interested in British royalty, a visit to Windsor is a must. This is where you will find Windsor Castle, the weekend getaway for the Royal Family, complete with a special route through a few rooms that visitors are able to tour 
  • Bath – this Georgian city is famous for its Roman baths, which have been perfectly preserved. You will also find UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient Roman architecture and some of the best ale in the country here
  • The New Forest – if you would prefer to experience some of England’s countryside, the New Forest is the place to go. With ancient woodlands, open moors, cliff top walks and herds of wild horses roaming the streets, this magical area will quickly steal your heart

Just about any business trip can be turned into bleisure experience, so long as you are willing to set aside the extra time needed to pursue a few leisure activities. Whether this means spending the early mornings and evenings exploring your surroundings, or extending your trip by a couple of days so that you can really check out everything on offer, bleisure really is the way forward when it comes to business travel in the future. After all, all work and no play is never fun!

Travel |

|

Restaurants to Try in Amsterdam

Amsterdam restaurant

From Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to trendy yet laid-back cafés, Amsterdam’s food scene is thriving, making it a true haven for any foodies that visit. From the first raw bar in the Netherlands to an eatery that only uses local, farm fresh produce, these are some of Amsterdam’s must-try restaurants.

De Kas
In English, De Kas means greenhouse, and the restaurant’s name is in honor of its location – in a massive greenhouse that used to belong to the Municipal Nursery of Amsterdam. The greenhouse is large enough that it has easily been divided into two parts; the first being a restaurant and the second reserved for growing produce that the kitchen can create exciting menus from. With a focus on contemporary European and rural Mediterranean cuisine, this is the restaurant to visit if you want to taste some of the best of Amsterdam’s local produce.

Bridges
With an emphasis on Dutch and French culinary traditions, Bridges has only recently opened its doors in Amsterdam, bringing with it the first raw bar that the Netherlands has seen. Alongside the fresh and succulent oysters, and the more-ish lobster sandwiches, Bridges also has a drinks list that boasts an extensive range of vintage wines and champagnes, as well as a quirky cocktail bar and cigar lounge.

Vinkeles
Voted by TripAdvisor as the best restaurant in Amsterdam, Vinkeles earned their first Michelin star in 2009 for their delicate French cuisine that strikes a beautiful balance between classic and contemporary. The restaurant’s sunken dining room is surrounded by 18th century ovens, reminiscent of an old French bakery, while the garden views provide the perfect backdrop to the elegant meals served up. While the a la carte menu at Vinkeles is always tempting, the tasting menu is usually the best option for those who are dining at the restaurant for the first time, as it gives you the opportunity to taste a wider range of their amazing creations.

Yamazato
In addition to having some of the finest European restaurants in the world, Amsterdam is also home to Yamazato, the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Europe. The restaurant is designed to mirror a 19th century Japanese tea house, with the menu focussing on haute cuisine. If you want to taste the best of the restaurant’s dishes, the traditional eight-course tasting menu is what you should order.

Restaurant Johannes
While Restaurant Johannes may not yet have a Michelin star, the food is most definitely worthy of one, as many of their regular patrons would agree. Situated on the ground floor of a canalside house along the Herengracht, considered to be one of the prettiest canals in the city, Restaurant Johannes makes use of classic Dutch ingredients, but in a quirky and innovative way. From the croquettes stuffed with mustard duxelles and ballotine of pheasant to the delicate sweetbreads served with wild spinach, truffles and a red wine sauce, Restaurant Johannes takes Dutch cuisine to a whole new level.

Dining at these Amsterdam restaurants will offer you more than a quick way to fill your stomach. Instead, these establishments all take strong pride in their food, providing guests with an unforgettable gastronomical experience rather than just a simple meal.

Travel |

|

Amsterdam’s Original Beer Bar

Server pouring beer from a tap

Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s biggest names in beer, from Heineken to Grolsch to Amstel, and it often seems as though there are an endless number of bars at which to enjoy an ice cold brew. While there may now be many different beer bars dotted around the city, there is one that has truly won the hearts of the locals. One of four Gollem pubs in Amsterdam, Café Gollem has been around since 1974, and was the very first beer café in Amsterdam to serve up Belgian and international beers.

Café Gollem
Situated in the bustling De Pijp neighborhood in the heart of Amsterdam, Café Gollem enjoys a prime location. Being so well-renowned, the bar can often get quite busy, but this is never too much of an issue as Café Gollem not only has a long bar that can serve many at a time, but also a vertical drinking area outside, as well as a mezzanine level for those who want some privacy.

The Beer
There are not many bars in Amsterdam that can boast a beer list as impressive as the one that you will find at Café Gollum. There are fourteen different taps to choose from, with seven regulars that have earned themselves a permanent place at a tap, to seven guest beers that are rotated on a regular basis. When it comes to their bottled beers, Café Gollum stocks over 150 different varieties, with a strong emphasis on local breweries in and around Amsterdam, craft breweries throughout the Netherlands, and both small and large breweries from neighboring Belgium.

Beers to Try
While official beer tastings are held at a different Gollum bar, guests of Café Gollum are still able to sample a few of the different beers available so that they can make a better-informed decision on which ones to order. Some of the beers worth sampling are Gregorius, which comes from one of the newest Trappist breweries in Austria, and the Chimay Red, which is quite a rare and exclusive beer in Belgium. The beer menu is written on the upper walls of the bar, but if you feel at all intimidated by the vast selection on offer, do not hesitate to speak to the knowledgeable bartenders, who will be able to advise you on the beers that you are likely to enjoy.

The Food
Many beer cafés around Amsterdam take a keen interest in the food that they serve, but Café Gollum has chosen to remain completely dedicated to their beer. While there may not be any freshly cooked hot dishes available, there are plenty of cold snacks that you can order to accompany your drinks. From Dutch cheese platters to traditional smoked sausage, Café Gollum’s beer snacks may not seem too impressive, but they manage to perfectly complement the beer.

For those of you who enjoy trying different beers, and for those of you that want to learn more about European beers, Café Gollum is a great beer bar to visit. While it may have much more competition now than it used to when it first opened its doors, it has managed to stand strong, attracting more loyal regulars year upon year.

Travel |

|

How to Live Luxe in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

It is sometimes all-too-easy to think of Amsterdam in terms of the clichés that surround it, but, when you take the time to look deeper, the city’s vibrant and dynamic heart shines through. From luxurious shops to extravagant restaurants, this is your guide to living luxe in Amsterdam.

P.C. Hooftstraat

lornet / Shutterstock.com

Luxury Shopping
For the most high end and luxurious shops in the city, head to P. C. Hooftstraat, which has frequently been rated in the top three in lists of the nicest places to shop in the world. This has been an exclusive shopping destination since the 1970’s, and boasts a wide range of international brands, from Hugo Boss to Ralph Lauren to Gucci. If you are searching for high-end local designers, then the Van Baerlestraat is the place to go, as it is here that you will find a fantastic selection of boutiques from Dutch designers. Willemsparkweg is also home to an exciting array of boutiques, and it is quite easy to spend the entire afternoon browsing through the accessory, fashion and homeware stores.

World-Class Fine Dining
When it comes to dining out, Amsterdam has some of the finest restaurants in the world, from classic Michelin-starred fine dining to casual but elegant cafés. La Rive is one of these Michelin-starred restaurants, and while it may not be easy to secure a table here, once you do, you will be amongst the company of dignitaries, royalty and rock stars. Ciel Bleu is the only restaurant in Amsterdam with two Michelin stars, guaranteeing you an unforgettable meal. If you decide to pay it a visit, try to request a table by the window on the northern side of the restaurant, because, with the restaurant being situated 23 floors above the city, these are the windows that offer a rare panoramic view down onto the busy streets of Amsterdam.

Bartender making a cocktail

Handcrafted Cocktails
Amsterdam may be packed with bars and clubs, but there are some that pride themselves on being a cut above the competition in terms of the quality of their drinks and the ambiance of their setting. Hiding in Plain Sight is one of these venues, and has been voted as the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam on more than one occasion. As elegant as this bar may be, there are always times when you want something more exclusive, and this is when you should pay a visit to Door 74, which is one of the city’s secret bars. A phone number needs to be called to secure a reservation, which can only be done each day itself, and the mysterious décor, coupled with the creative cocktails and custom concoctions, make it a bar that is a delight to spend time in.

Luxury living is synonymous with the heart and soul of Amsterdam, and, if you know where to go, it is easy to live luxe in the city. From dining at Michelin-starred eateries to sipping on one-of-a-kind cocktails, Amsterdam is a city that welcomes those who appreciate elegance and class.

Travel |

|

Beer Gardens Around the World

Friends having beer in a beer garden.

The concept of beer gardens originated in Germany, when brewers along the Isar River began selling their beer directly out of their cellars, setting up a couple of benches outside to ensure their success. Today, beer gardens can be found in so many different countries, each one putting their own spin on this German tradition.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Amsterdam, Holland
Brouwerij ‘t IJ first opened its doors in 1985, at a time when microbreweries were becoming more popular due to a general dissatisfaction with the bigger brands. Since all of their beers are not only brewed on site, but are also completely organic, Brouwerij ‘t IJ has become one of the top drinking spots in Amsterdam. Both the brewery and beer house have been created from an old bath house, with the brewery being available to tour before you sit down next to the giant windmill for a drink. While the beverage menu may be mind-bogglingly extensive, OROGOLD highly recommends that you give the organic Zatte a try, as this was the first beer that was brewed on site in 1985.

Luong Son, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This buzzing beer garden in the heart of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is just as popular with tourists as it is with the locals. It is as casual as beer gardens get, with hundreds of plastic chairs and communal wooden benches. Here, classic Vietnamese beers are served up alongside barbecue dishes that are cooked on tabletop grills. The food is exquisite and the choices are great for those that want to try something different, as well as for those that want to stick with something known. Ranging from garlic beef skewers to deep fried scorpion to pig’s stomach, whatever you choose to order, OROGOLD highly recommends a pitcher of Saigon to wash it all down.

Hirschgarten, Munich, Germany
No list of beer gardens would be complete without a mention of one of the many in Germany. Hirschgarten in Munich is the largest in the country, seating over 8000 people. This is one of the country’s most historic beer gardens, with 200-year-old chestnut trees providing a canopy of shade, and the game reserve next to the beer garden, with their freely roaming deer, offering up some beautiful views. There are both self-service and tableside options, with the refreshing Augustiner beer being served straight from the cask. While drinking, OROGOLD recommends ordering some of their freshly made local snacks, such as the baked pretzels, roast pork, or homemade cakes and ice cream. This is also a beer garden that has stuck to one of their oldest traditions – customers are allowed to bring in their own food to eat, with only cold drinks and beer needing to be purchased from the venue itself.

Beer gardens are a great German tradition that have now spread all over the world. Whether you’re after a quick drink after work, or a leisurely lunch with a couple of pitchers on a Sunday afternoon, check out your local beer gardens the next time you are heading out for a brew.

Travel |

|

Safest European Cities

Often, a high crime rate can put many people off visiting a particular destination, especially for females who are travelling on their own. To help you better plan your next vacation, OROGOLD takes a look at some of the safest European cities.

Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Amsterdam
Although it may be best known for its hedonistic nightlife, Amsterdam is also one of the safest cities in the world. Thanks to its cycling culture really taking off in recent years, the amount of cars on the road has been reduced, thereby reducing the number of car-related accidents, as well as pollution. The intelligent design of the majority of the city’s urban centers has also led to a low crime rate, and violent crime is practically non-existent. With its high-quality Dutch healthcare system, Amsterdam is also able to rapidly respond to any emergencies that may occur. However, although the Red Light District may be extremely popular, especially in the evenings, OROGOLD advises you to take extra care when you are in the area, as the hordes of tourists and visitors at night can attract quite a few pickpockets, as well as those peddling illegal drugs.

Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona
This seaside Spanish city is one of the safest in Europe when it comes to personal health, as well as safety. Over the years, the city has developed a sophisticated policing strategy, drastically increasing the police presence both on the streets and in the subways. This has led to a 32% reduction in crime over three years. In addition to this, the increase in police presence all over the city has also made the residents, as well as any visitors, feel much safer, especially at night, as they can be sure that they will never be too far away from a patrolling police officer.

Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich
Being one of the wealthiest cities in the world, Zurich has been able to invest large amounts in urban safety. A well-designed transport service covers the whole city, and all of the streets are well-lit at night. Unlike the majority of other cities, there are no areas that OROGOLD would advise you to avoid, even at night. Zurich also offers excellent universal health coverage, so you can be sure that you will be well taken care of if anything did happen.

Old Town, Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm
Ranked as the safest city in the whole of Europe, Stockholm is not only safe when it comes to personal safety, but also when it comes to digital security. Cyber crime is becoming increasingly common, and cities are having to adapt to keep its residents safe from this – something that Stockholm is doing extremely well. When it comes to urban safety, Stockholm utilizes some of the best technology to tackle crime, as well as to monitor their infrastructure and control the spreading of any diseases.

However safe these European cities would be, OROGOLD still urges you to travel with precaution, as there are no guarantees to your safety anywhere you are in the world. Tourists are especially targeted when it comes to petty crime, so no matter where you go, ensure you always keep your wits about you!