Alli Talley

February 25, 2019

Flying the Q Suite LAX to Doha :: Believe the Hype

Alli Talley

February 25, 2019

If you’re an aviation junkie like us, chances are you’ve heard about Qatar Airways new QSuite. It’s revolutionized and challenged traditional business class seats, and has been named World’s Best Business Class by Skytrax. Well, folks, Qatar Airlines has just brought the QSuite to LAX - and we had the honor of going on their inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Doha! That’s right - little ol’ US! We’re still not sure how we even qualified for such an incredible and momentous occasion, but that’s besides the point. Our trip was amazing. The QSuite is amazing.

Here’s why:

DINING

It’s rare that we find airplane food worth writing about, but the meals we ate while flying in the QSuite were consistently amazing. (And considering we were inflight for 16 hours each way, we tried almost everything on the menu!) Qatar Airways has an on-demand a la carte menu, where you can order what you want, when you want it. You say the word and they’ll “set the table” with white linens, fancy plates and flatware, and even a sparkling candle! Sure, the table setting is impressive, but the real winner is the cuisine. Some of the highlights were:

Signature Arabic Mezze

It’s hummus, tabbouleh, and moutabel served with freshly toasted Arabic bread - and it’s absolutely heavenly. We were blown away by how fresh it is, and how flavorful each dip was. It was some of the smoothest, creamiest hummus we’ve ever had.

Steel-Cut Oats Served With Berries And Cream

Who knew oatmeal could be this delicious? We like to joke that you can judge a place based on the quality of their oatmeal, and if that’s the case, Qatar Airways gets five stars. It’s hearty and delicious and has the perfect amount of “sweet”.

Seared Halibut

The main courses that we were served in the QSuite would easily rival a popular restaurant in LA, both in presentation and taste! The Seared Halibut was one of our favorites, served with steamed pumpkins, saffron veloute, and roasted kipflers. The fish was cooked perfectly (how do they even DO that on a plane?!), and the flavors all paired wonderfully together.

DRINKS

A quick flip through the extensive wine and beverage menu, and we quickly realized we were in for a treat. From the welcome glass of sparkling “Atair” Brut Rose, to “Spier” an oaky and zesty South African Chardonnay, to Bobby’s favorite, the Old Fashioned (with Woodford Whiskey and Angostura bitters), everything Qatar Airways serves is premium.

SEATS (OR SHOULD WE SAY… DOUBLE BED?)

To most people, a 16 hour flight sounds a lot like hell. And we’ve been there. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a cramped space for a significant amount of time. All you want to do is lay down, stretch out, snuggle up with a comfy pillow, and SLEEP. On the QSuite you can do just that, and it makes all the difference in the world.

Not only do the seats lay completely flat, but if you’re traveling with your significant other, they turn into a double bed. We’re serious. It’s amazing. Not only that, you can close the doors on either sides of your seat for total privacy. Turn on the “DND” (Do Not Disturb) button, grab your eye mask and earplugs, and you’ve got the dream airplane situation - literally!

AMENITIES

Cozy pajamas from The White Company, 21.5-inch entertainment monitors (with almost limitless entertainment options), and BRIC amenity kits stocked with Castello Monte Vibiano skincare products… the amenities in the QSuite are top notch. Even the restrooms are glitzy and clean - and surprisingly spacious!

STAFF

We can’t say enough about the Qatar Airways staff. From the warm greeting when we checked in, to calling us by name in-flight (and even giving us recommendations and advice on our stay in Qatar), they truly went above and beyond in every way. We felt special. We felt valued. We felt like family. It’s not often you can say that about an airline.

There’s a reason why Qatar Airways continues to lead the way as one of the best airlines in the business, and we get it now. They understand their customers, and they aim to please. We saw this firsthand in the QSuite, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to innovate and perfect their in-flight experiences. They’re killing it already!

If you want to fly in the QSuite, but are hesitant due to the price, there are ways to cut the cost.

Alli Talley

February 15, 2019

Asia, Qatar, Airlines

48 Hours in Doha, Qatar

Alli Talley

February 15, 2019

Asia, Qatar, Airlines

Qatar.

It’s not a destination you hear about often, unless you’re a frequent international traveler. The Hamad International Airport (DOH) is one of the best in the world (currently ranked #5), and it handles more than 30 million travelers every year. That’s a lot of people!

Chances are you’ve passed through the airport once or twice during your travels, but have you ever thought about extending your stay? After having spent the past few days exploring Doha, we HIGHLY suggest you do. From five star hotels, opulent shopping malls, man-made islands, and a bustling foodie scene, this country is growing rapidly - and it’s truly a sight to see!

Here’s what you should see, do, and eat in Doha, if you have only 48 hours to explore!

SHOP

We could write a blog just about the vast array of shopping in Doha, Qatar. From extravagant and glitzy malls like The Villaggio (think the Forum shops in Las Vegas, times ten), to hip boutiques and local designers, this wealthy capital has it all. Our favorite place to shop (and dine) however, is the iconic Souq Waqif.

The Souq Waqif is an open-air street market, and it’s old world Arabia at its finest. Adventure through the maze of narrow alleys and lively squares, where you’ll find everything from Beduin weavings, to handicrafts, jewelry, bronze figurines, spices, birds, bunnies, and more! Try “Karak” from a local vendor - it’s a spiced chai that’s very popular in Qatar, and we drank it numerous times a day!

STAY

There is no end to luxury hotel accommodations in Qatar - and they’re surprisingly affordable! We stayed at the elegant Shangri-La Doha, located right in the heart of downtown Doha. It averages at a little over $200/night, which is a steal for a five-star property. We loved how they greeted us with coffee and dates upon arrival, and the luxe breakfast buffet was a welcomed treat when we were up early due to jet lag!

Next time we go to Qatar, we want to stay at the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, located on an island just a short boat ride away from Doha. Stunning rooms, private beaches, luxe pools, dining, and more… is it too early to book our next trip back?

Tons of space at the Shangri-La. And insane views!

DINE

Oh, the food in Qatar. It’s safe to say we never went hungry, as every restaurant we went to seemed to be tastier than the last. And portion control is definitely not a thing on this side of the globe! Get ready to eat your weight in hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, chicken, lamb… you name it, we ate it. (Insider tip: don’t fill up on the dips and pita bread that they serve you upon arrival - there’s at least another course or two to come!)

While we’re convinced you can’t go wrong no matter where you eat in Doha, here’s a few spots that we suggest checking out:

Al Mourjan

If the weather is nice, there’s no better spot in the city for waterfront dining than Al Mourjan. Grab a seat at their outdoor patio, order a round of refreshing “Lemon Mint” drinks (a local favorite), and enjoy their fresh and hearty Lebanese food. Take your time and enjoy the views… It’s heavenly!

Spice Market

One of the most well-known and celebrated restaurants in Doha is Spice Market, a South East Asian restaurant located in the W Hotel and Residences. The ambiance alone is reason to come here, with its vibrant lights and cozy booths. However, the real star of the show here is the food - it’s flavorful, creative, and served family style. Don’t leave without trying the Cinnamon Ice Cream for dessert!

Ard Canaan

From the moment you walk into Ard Canaan, it feels as though you’ve stepped into a different world. You get a strong sense of Palestinian culture by the food, spices, and interior design - even the bathrooms here are beautiful! Try the Ard Canaan Kibbeh and the Eggplant Fattah, and their fresh juices are delicious too! This was our first time having Palestinian food - and we absolutely loved it!

Parisa

You’ll feel like royalty dining in this opulent Iranian restaurant in the heart of the Souq Waqif! From the moment you walk through the sparkling entryway, Parisa will dazzle you with its glimmering decor and friendly service. The menu is as delicious as it is extensive, and the portions are extremely hearty. Come hungry - and don’t forget your camera!

Parisa from the second floor looking down on the dining room

DESERT SAFARI

You can’t visit Qatar without seeing the Arabian desert. Book a Half Day Desert Safari that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. You’ll fly through the dunes, see the ‘Inland Sea’ and the Saudi Arabia border, ride camels, and score dozens (if not hundreds) of epic photos. And if you have time during your desert excursion, stop at the Regency Sealine Camp for a dip in the Persian Gulf, and an extravagant Arabian lunch!

Taking a break from flying around the dunes!

The Arabian Sea is really salty and it’s SO easy to float! The best!

KAYAK AROUND THE PEARL

Sure, this may not be the most “conventional” attraction in Doha, but it’s an awesome way to see the city! Blue Pearl Experience offers 90-minute kayak rides around The Pearl, a man-made island off the West Bay Coast. The Pearl is one of the “Most Glamorous Addresses” in the Middle East, and features stylish yacht-lined marinas, luxury shopping, fancy residential towers, and more. You’ll see it all by kayak - and even catch a stunning glimpse of the Doha skyline.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ARTS

Located in the MIA Park (which is worth walking around as well) on it’s own purpose-built island, The Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural masterpiece. The exterior alone is breathtaking, and its structure beautifully mimics the Nicab worn by Muslim women. Inside you’ll find the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, a cafe, gift shop, and one of the best fine dining restaurants in Qatar, IDAM. Give yourself at least a solid hour or two to explore the museum, as there’s a lot to see!

Loved exploring the MIA with our tour guide

A Jeweled Falcon created with Gold, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, and onyx. Insane!

CAMEL RACING

Camel racing has been a part of the Qatari lifestyle and tradition for centuries, and since the early since the early 1970’s it’s become a competitive sport and a multi-million dollar business. Robot jockeys are strapped to the camels backs, and are controlled by their owners (driving in their cars along the track). It’s kind of hard to explain, but it’s CRAZY fun to watch!!

The Al Shahaniya Camel Racing Track is an hour drive from Doha, so we suggest having a local tour guide take you there. The races are free, and run from October-February.

DHOW CRUISE

The sunsets in Doha are beautiful, and there’s no better spot to catch them than on a “dhow”, a traditional Qatari sailing boat. Head to the Corniche, Doha’s waterfront promenade where you’ll find an array of dhows to choose from. Simply approach its captain and barter a fee - if you’re lucky, you just might have the boat all for yourself!

Depending on how much time you have, other places that are worth a visit are Katara Cultural Village, the National Museum of Qatar, and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. And if we’ve missed any must-see spots, feel free to leave a comment and let us know!

We’ll definitely be back to Qatar soon - and you better believe we’ll be flying Qatar Airways when we do! (Qatar Airways offers some really enticing stopover opportunities, where you can go on desert safaris and stay at five-star hotels for a fraction of the cost! See this link for more information.)

Alli Talley

December 13, 2018

Cruising, Royal Caribbean

The Symphony of the Seas - You'll Have to "Sea" it to Believe it

Alli Talley

December 13, 2018

Cruising, Royal Caribbean

The largest cruise ship in the world.

18 decks.

24 guest elevators.

20 restaurants.

6,680 passengers.

2,200 crew.

The Symphony of the seas is a floating mechanical marvel. It’s so beyond any other ship we’ve ever set foot on, and it’s hard to describe how truly amazing it really is. We’re still processing everything about it - from the attention to detail, to the food, to the friendly and fun-loving staff. When it comes to the Symphony of the Seas, nothing is typical or ordinary. Here’s some highlights:

THE FOOD

With 20 restaurants onboard, the dining options are seemingly endless. Craving sushi? They’ve got it. Fresh pasta made from scratch? Done deal! Steak and lobster? Easy! No matter what your tastebuds are telling you, or what kind of food restrictions you have, there’s something for everyone. Some of stand out places to dine are:

150 Central Park

This sleek and modern fine dining restaurant serves everything with class and elegance. From the martinis made table-side to our delicious seafood dishes, it was all high quality and mouthwateringly good.

Jamie’s Italian

We’re big fans of Jamie Oliver, so to be able to dine in one of his restaurants was truly a dream come true. Our pasta dishes and plethora of appetizers were some of the best things we ate on the entire cruise. Make this restaurant a priority. (And make a reservation weeks in advance - it fills up quick!)

Hooked Seafood

We could eat seafood everyday - especially the seafood at Hooked! From their “Messy Fish Sandwich” to their famous Surf and Turf, everything is fresh and delicious. Plus as style and design goes, this was hands-down our favorite restaurant. We like to refer to the style as “Nautical Hip”.

Izumi Hibachi and Sushi

Who doesn’t love a good Hibachi show?! We left this specialty restaurant with full bellies and sore smiles - we laughed the entire night! Everything we had was awesome (make sure you ask for the “Yum Yum Sauce”) and the people we sat with were a blast too. Definitely one of the highlights of our cruise!

THE BARS

You know you’re in vacation mode when the hardest decision you have to make that day is which bar to go to first. This process was overwhelming as there were simply too many cool ones to choose!! We’d usually hit up a couple before (and after) dinner (we were responsible mom, promise!) Our two favorites:

The Bionic Bar

This is where robots make your drinks. For real. It felt like we were living in some futuristic sci-fi movie, in the best kind of way. And heck, if that’s where the future is headed, we’re totally fine with it. These robots know how to make tasty drinks!

The Rising Tide Bar

This bar rises and falls with the tide… Ok, not really - but pretty close! This moving “wet elevator” takes guests from The Royal Promenade up to Central Park. It was our favorite spot to sit and people watch - and they also made some of the best chocolate martini’s we ever had!

THE SHOWS

WOW. To say we were entertained on this cruise doesn’t even begin to cut it. Throughout numerous shows we’d turn to each other and go, “HOW DID THEY DO THAT?!” Their ability to not only deliver such high quality performances while at SEA is unbelievable. Bravo, Royal Caribbean, bravo. When on board, make sure not to miss:

Hiro

This “AquaTheater” show was by far the most jaw-dropping, as it featured acrobats performing stunts in the air and in the water that are both unexpected and mesmerizing.

1977

Performed on ice (yes, ICE!), this mystical and eye-catching show had us in total amazement. Go early and grab a seat closest to the rink, as being so close to the ice skaters was one of our favorite parts.

Hairspray

We’re big musical buffs, so we were real excited when we saw that they were performing Hairspray on board. Little did we know just how epic the show would be - from the sets, to the songs, to the broadway talent - it’s phenomenal. We’re still singing the songs!

Flight

This musical chronicles aviation milestones throughout the years, and they do so in an energetic and inspiring way. The sets and the dance moves will have you in awe.

THE ACTIVITIES

The Slides

Bobby’s a self-proclaimed waterslide aficionado. From the tall ones to the really loopy ones, he tries them all. From the moment we boarded The Symphony of the Seas he had his eyes on the slides. And they did not disappoint!! We went on the waterslides at LEAST a dozen times. But that’s not all…

This ship also had something called “The Ultimate Abyss” - a dry slide that happens to be the tallest (and in our opinion scariest) ride at sea. It plummets riders 10 stories down… and it’s an absolute blast. Ride it at night for the ultimate thrill.

Flowrider

They have a flowrider. Actually 2! So you can surf while you’re out on the open seas. Unless you have done it before, it can be difficult to figure out how to stay balanced. So take it slow. It may be a good idea to start with bodyboarding before attempting to surf. Bobby could’ve spent most of the day pretending he was back at home surfing his local spot!

Escape The Rubicon

We love a good Escape Room, and the one aboard the Symphony of the Seas will definitely have you scratching your head and scrambling to figure out clues. In this adventure game you have 50 minutes to “escape” and solve the problem. We won’t give too much away, but we WILL say teamwork and communication is key.

Silent Disco

Yes. A silent disco. Where you show up and are given a pair of headphones, and walk out on the dance floor and dance your face off. When you need a break (and a laugh), take off your headphones and listen to the awkward world of a silent disco sans-headphones.

Zip Line

No big deal… just the world’s tallest zip line at sea. Nine floors above the Boardwalk, it’s definitely high enough to get the adrenaline pumping. Definitely a must-do!

While this is a small snapshot of the Symphony of the Seas, we hope it gives you a glimpse as to how phenomenal this ship really is. Yes, it’s the largest cruise ship in the world - but it’s so much more than just a big ship. It’s fun, it’s inspiring, it’s a visual masterpiece, the staff feels like family, the food is top-notch, and the experience and memories onboard are priceless.

Book a trip. And pack us in your suitcase.

Alli Talley

June 24, 2018

Chile, Weekenders, South America

Every "Single" Need Covered at the Singular Santiago!

Alli Talley

June 24, 2018

Chile, Weekenders, South America

Since our trip to South America with LATAM airlines, one of the questions we’ve gotten most frequently is about where we stayed in Santiago, Chile. Planning a trip to South America can be overwhelming (there’s just too much to see!), but choosing where to stay in each location can be difficult as well. It’s always hard to tell just what you’re getting by a few photos online, and figuring out what area to stay in can be a gamble! Good news, though... we’re highly convinced we stayed at one of the best hotels in Santiago: The Singular.

Here’s why:

It’s a Leading Hotels Of The World Property:

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you’ve probably seen us stay at other LHW properties (12 Apostles and Cape Grace in South Africa, The Tabacon Resort in Costa Rica, The Serena in Uganda, and the Terme di Saturnia in Italy, to name a few). It’s a brand that we’ve come to love and trust - as every LHW has left us completely in awe. From the award-winning customer service to the luxe rooms and grounds, if it’s a LHW property you know it’s going to be nothing short of incredible. The Singular was of no exception. From the stylish lobby to the spacious rooms and extensive breakfast buffet... it's an absolutely flawless property.

Location, Location, Location:

The morning we arrived at The Singular Santiago, one of the first things we learned from their staff was that the Singular has the best location in the city. It wasn’t until we went exploring that we realized they weren’t exaggerating - it's in the perfect spot. Located in the Lastarria neighborhood (the perfect urban & artsy mix), it’s walking distance to some of the most scenic parks, most highly rated restaurants, and the best shopping in town. Even the street that the Singular is on was one of our favorites - it had the trendiest little popsicle shop across the street - what more could you want?!

A "Simple Luxury" You Can Appreciate

The Singular is luxurious, but not stuffy. You don't feel like you are in a St. Regis where everyone is dressed to the nines - a place where we often feel out of our element. The staff is warm and personable, greeting you by name and genuinely caring about how your stay is going. At the same time they are refined and professional - it's five star class without the snootiness. Yes please!

The food in itself is a luxury at the Singular (and maybe not so simple). They have Bar Merced, the Restaurant, and their Rooftop Bar (more on that below). Bar Merced has a super cozy lounge feel, and the wall is decorated with a fascinating collection of art. There you can enjoy craft cocktails and small bites, and you'll probably make friends with the bartender. At the Restaurant, chef Hernán Basso uses local products (specifically delicious seafood), and uses French techniques to create INSANE gastronomic dishes. Come hungry, and enjoy feeling pampered.

Rooftop Bar Goals

We LOVE a good rooftop bar. The views, especially at sunset, along with a solid (aka strong) cocktail is a simple way to keep the Traveling Newlyweds happy. The Rooftop Bar at the Singular has sprawling views of the city and great cocktails... we were there every night. Next time we are there we will be sure to make use of the pool as well (it was closed in April) - with a cocktail in hand of course.

From the moment we stepped into the charming lobby of The Singular Santiago, we were absolutely blown away. It felt like our cozy, little haven in the middle of a bustling, lively city. The three nights we stayed there flew by, so on our return we’ll definitely come for longer. (And we’ll definitely take advantage of their dreamy spa!) Whether you’re headed to Santiago on your honeymoon or on business, the Singular is THE place to stay. And be forewarned… you won’t want to leave!

*If you are headed to Patagonia, the Singular’s sister property is there. It looks every bit as exquisite as The Singular Santiago… You better believe we’re already planning our trip!

Alli Talley

October 23, 2017

USA, Weekenders, Illinois

A Luxurious Waldorf Weekend in Chicago

Alli Talley

October 23, 2017

USA, Weekenders, Illinois

A couple weeks ago we went on a weekend adventure in one of our favorite cities, Chicago. We’ll start off by saying that a weekend is simply NOT enough time to explore this beautiful, friendly, and intriguing city. But boy did we make the most of those 48 hours!! (We’re working on a blog post with all that we did and saw… so more on that later.) We’re already dreaming about our next trip to the Windy City. Partially because we weren’t able to see everything we wanted to, and partially because we absolutely ADORED where we stayed! In two short days it truly felt like home to us, which says a lot about this stunning property!

If you’ve ever stayed at a Waldorf Astoria before, you know the high level of luxury, detail, and comfort you can expect at every location. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knows everything about the city. They upgraded us to the most beautiful suite, the "Astoria Suite" that had panoramic views of the downtown, a living room and the coziest little balcony! When we arrived, we found some tasty chocolates and a bottle of red wine waiting for us. It was so picturesque with the fire place in our room that we didn't want to eat the chocolate (hehe that didn't last long). Once we popped the bottle, we spent our time between our cozy fireplace and watching the hustle and bustle of the city below from our balcony.

Speaking of hustle and bustle - the location of the Waldorf Astoria is beyond ideal. Located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, we were surrounded by tons of amazing restaurants, incredible shopping, as well as Lake Michigan. We walked EVERYWHERE and were just a few blocks from the water. For us, location is incredibly important when picking a hotel, and finding a spot that’s just right in a big city can be overwhelming. The Waldorf definitely did not disappoint!

We’re big critics when it comes to hotel beds. Let’s be real - there’s nothing better than a fluffy, comfy, hotel bed. And boy did the Waldorf Astoria deliver!! This bed was GOALS. The perfect amount of fluff and firm - and that balance is hard to find! We could’ve spent all day right there!!

Another bonus - They have 2 delicious restaurants, both curated by one of our favorite chefs, Michael Mina! Petit Margeaux is a french patisserie located in the lobby, great for coffee, cocktails, pastries, and savory baked goods. Margeaux Brasserie, which gives off the vibes of a Parisian cafe and combines it with delicious french cuisine and a fantastic bar. One we gauge the quality of a restaurant/bar is the bartender. You know you're at a good spot if the bartender can whip up a custom concoction based on what you say you like - which is exactly what we experienced here. If you stay at the Waldorf, you must go to Petit Margeaux for your morning coffee and pastry, and start your evening with a whiskey cocktail from Margeaux Brasserie. You're welcome.

We could really go on and on about Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria, but you truly have to experience it to believe it. Next trip to Chi-town give it a try… and take us with you. ;)