hotel Archives - Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

I know a place – Hoshinoya Kyoto, Japan

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:27 +0000

Hoshinoya Kyoto – A Visual Hotel Review I know a place… Where a turquoise river leads to tranquility. Where Japanese maples drape traditional wooden pavilions and the sound of water brings an instant serenity. Here, natural beauty blends with the elegance and enchanting architecture of a 17th century villa. A luxurious retreat nestled on the banks of the Oi River where time passes slowly. Hoshinoya Kyoto exudes every element of relaxation. The surroundings, the interiors, staff, cuisine and activities all meticulously work together to provide an experience of rejuvenation and cultural immersion. It’s a hotel that feels like a lavish home. Somewhere to stay as a destination, one you’ll probably never want to leave. Located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful districts, it’s an area that’s been frequented by noble families since medieval times. Today, Arashiyama is a popular location for visitors with the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park and a number temples ranging from UNESCO World Heritage sites through to tiny corners of moss covered brilliance drawing the crowds daily. Hoshinoya Kyoto however is totally private, accessible only by wooden boat and tucked away within the majestic Rankyo Gorge. Within the grounds of the inn, the gardens welcome...

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Glamping in the Cook Islands: Ikurangi Eco Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 05:23:47 +0000

Let’s begin with the thought of camping…now add in all the little luxuries you could ever want for a night sleeping outdoors. Furthermore add visions of a tropical island lagoon, lush rainforests and twinkling star filled skies. The place you’re imagining exists. It’s called Ikurangi Eco Retreat on the island of Rarotonga. Waking to the sound of roosters, a gentle sea breeze wafting over the sheets and the smell of fresh pastries outside the tent I thought quite possibly I was dreaming. When did camping get so plush? As the first glamping site in the Cook Islands, Ikurangi has set the bar high up in the coconut palms. There’s no roughing it, here you get to experience all the outdoor magic of camping but rest your head on a soft pillow and queen size bed inside a bug-free glamourous safari tent. The best part? A private outdoor bathroom! Thatched walls and a open air decked area mean you can clean your teeth as the palms sway above and use eco-luxe products made from coconut and vanilla while you shower beneath the stars. Unzipping your tent at the front reveals views toward the mountainous core of Rarotonga as chickens roam freely...

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Visual Hotel Review: Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 00:17:39 +0000

great rates hereArriving in darkness I knew we were in for a sunrise like no other on our first day in Queenstown. Like kids on Christmas morning, we ran straight to the window to peel open the curtains and reveal the scene that was waking behind. Rugged mountain peaks with a fresh coating of snowy goodness stood tall above the teal perfection of Lake Wakatipu. Sunshine was slowly crawling into the valleys as the snow began to glisten in it’s morning glow. It immediately confirmed our suspicions…winter in Queenstown is like being in a real world snow globe. Lets rewind though to the previous night when my sister and I checked into the luxe Hotel St Moritz, part of Accor’s MGallery collection. The entrance was reminiscent of a European ski village with stone and wood blending by a log fire where people sat sipping mulled wine. Hello winter perfection! Opening the door to our Alpine Suite we were blown away by the size and grandeur. If you can imagine two squealing adults running from room to room in disbelief, thinking so many thoughts but only managing to say ‘eeee’. This was us. Calming down enough to soak it all in, the...

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A Night At 2132m High In The Swiss Alps

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 04:33:35 +0000

There’s something romantic about being in the mountains. The crisp fresh air, sweeping views and majestic heights of rugged peaks as far as the eye can see. If you’re after a unique hotel experience, I’ve found one that’s pretty special! The beautiful Swiss Alps are home to ski villages and chalets aplenty, but on top of Mount Pilatus which overlooks Lucerne, you’ll find Hotel Pilatus Kulm. Originally opened in 1890, the hotel has been recently been refurbished and offers an experience like no other…sleeping at 2132m above sea level. During the day it’s a popular tourist attraction and you’ll find it can get quite busy. During the evening however if you’re lucky enough to be spending the night, it’s just you, the mountain air, the odd mountain goat and the stars. From 5pm until 8am Mount Pilatus is yours to explore without any selfie sticks or tour groups getting in the way. Sit outside with a giant rug and a hot chocolate while you watch the stars twinkle over the snow covered mountains, or take a hike to watch the lights of Lucerne sparkle below. Staying at Hotel Pilatus Kulm can be as romantic or adventurous as you wish....

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Singapore Stopover: The W Experience

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:48:19 +0000

Whenever I see the letter W my mind is immediately drawn to visions of water. Thoughts of long refreshing swims and warm summer weather follows shortly after and it’s not long before I start looking up destinations to visit that all revolve around the letter W. It just so happens that this letter also represents one of my favourite hotel brands. W Hotels wow you with details regardless of where you choose to stay with them in the world. The W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is no exception and is the ideal stopover destination if you’re keen to float around and soak up the sunshine before your next flight. Located on the lush little island paradise of Sentosa, this hotel is a trendy, relaxing haven of all things tropical and water is a key focus! While you can explore the nearby attractions of Sentosa Island and visit the southern most point of South-East Asia at Palawan Beach or wander through Sentosa ResortWorld and the impressive SEA Aquarium, sometimes a stopover should just be about chill time. W Hotels are the concept kings in my opinion when it comes to transforming public areas of their properties around the world. The custom...

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The Maldives – One&Only Reethi Rah

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:08:18 +0000

The Maldives. These two words conjure up visions of lush palm beaches and coral atolls. A dream destination infamous for honeymooners, luxe bungalows and more importantly crystal clear water perfect for photography! As my flight from Singapore descended my head was stuck to the window in the hope of seeing one of the 1,190 coral atolls that make up the island nation of the Maldives. A communal ‘oooo’ echoed around the plane as we all saw the shining teal seas glistening upon strips of sand and reef visible for miles. Ahoy, paradise! Malé International Airport (Ibrahim Nasir Airport) is located on its very own island making the transfer to anywhere an exciting first adventure. Ferry boats and seaplanes line the terminal building waiting patiently in the surrounding waters to take honeymooners to the hundreds of island resorts or nearby Male City. I was visiting the country for the first time to photograph at three island resorts, each unique in their styling and location within the atolls. First up was One&Only Reethi Rah, this incredible resort in North Male’ Atoll had been on my radar for a few months and I knew it would be the ideal place for underwater photographs....

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NH Porta Rossa, Florence

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:55:18 +0000

Where to Stay in Florence NH Portra Rossa: Website for Bookings Via Porta Rossa, 19, 50123 Firenze, Italy Researching hotels in Florence left me a little spoilt for choice. Based in the historic centre with a room that had some character and a comfy bed was my check list. The only thing that made my choice difficult was that most hotels are in charming buildings, it is Florence after all and almost all have something special about them. Then I came across the NH Porta Rossa. A little gem amongst the endless list of options. I kind of fell in love with an image of this hotel more than anything else and to be honest this happens pretty regularly with me. The photograph showed a narrow alley leading toward the historic façade of the 12th century building, rustic wooden shutters and ornate detailing around the giant red doorway, it just looked so welcoming and I could instantly see myself walking along the street and right into this hotel. NH Porta Rossa boasts more than 70 rooms each restored and decorated with white marble, natural wood and in some, original ceiling frescoes. I stayed in a standard room which despite being...

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