Category: Russia

Visit Moscow and St Petersburg in style

Visit Moscow and St Petersburg in style

By on Feb 12, 2015 in Accommodation, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Russia
With a scale of luxury rarely found outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Russia is a country that revels in unabashed indulgence. From sipping champagne on an ultra-modern balcony overlooking the mighty Moscow Kremlin, to nibbling caviar in a palatial St. Petersburg ballroom – Russia has endless opportunities for a quality, luxurious experience. I’ve picked out
The best new luxury hotel openings of 2014

The best new luxury hotel openings of 2014

By on Dec 16, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Austria, China, Eastern Europe, Europe, Florida, Hotels, Japan, New York, North America, Regions, Russia, USA, Western Europe
The best new luxury hotel openings of 2014 include beautiful new properties in Beijing, Kyoto, Moscow, NYC, Orlando and Vienna. Some of these hotels are entering extremely crowded markets, while others are in the enviable position of having only a few luxury competitors, making them the go-to property for most luxury travelers to that destination.
Top 10 highlights in St. Petersburg, the captivating City of the Czars

Top 10 highlights in St. Petersburg, the captivating City of the Czars

By on Nov 09, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Russia, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
St. Petersburg is a beautiful city filled with extravagant historical palaces, cathedrals and royal gardens. Long recognized as the intellectual and cultural center of Russia, this former capital has been spiffing things up with a growing number of luxury hotels and a vibrant restaurant scene truly befitting this City of the Czars. Below are my
5 of the best hotels in Moscow

5 of the best hotels in Moscow

By on Sep 25, 2014 in Accommodation, Eastern Europe, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Russia
Moscow’s rich cultural heritage infuses the city; her historic architecture and monuments, some dating to the 15th century, emanate majestic beauty. Hardly stagnant, this bustling metropolis has welcomed modernity in the form of internationally renowned high-end hotel brands. These five luxury establishments have added five-star polish to the vibrant Russian capital. Lotte Hotel Moscow The
Saturday in St Petersburg: the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

Saturday in St Petersburg: the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

By on Aug 09, 2014 in Accommodation, Eastern Europe, Europe, Hotels, Russia
The cold was abrupt and biting as we disembarked the Moscow train. It was 10.30am in Saturday’s St Petersburg, and loud, nationalistic fanfares blared out through metallic speakers at the station. Wrapped in cashmere sweaters, suede boots and thick, bright scarves, we marched out into the dry, cold weekend. St Petersburg, Peter the Great’s ‘Venice
12 luxury hotel openings to be excited about this year

12 luxury hotel openings to be excited about this year

By on Jul 16, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Colombia, Eastern Europe, Europe, France, Hotels, Illinois, Indonesia, Middle East, New York, North America, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Regions, Resorts, Russia, South America, Tanzania, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide
Every year sees a great many new hotels open and 2014 is no different. The major hotel brands are reacting to the market and diversifying as it is no longer enough to offer one brand and one product. Hilton, Marriott and Starwood amongst many others have different brands to suit different market needs. Whether it
6 of the most extravagant cocktails in the world

6 of the most extravagant cocktails in the world

By on Jul 11, 2014 in Asia, Australia, Bars, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Japan, Maine, Middle East, North America, Oceania, Regions, Russia, Travel Miscellany, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Western Europe
How much would you usually pay for a cocktail? If you thought that £40.00 was a bit steep then you’re about to be amazed. The current world record for most expensive cocktail stands at $50,000. It was created in Moscow to commemorate the opening of the Reka Moscow restaurant and was only served once (so
Top 4 places to view the Northern Lights

Top 4 places to view the Northern Lights

By on Jun 23, 2014 in Canada, Eastern Europe, Europe, Finland, Leisure Travel, North America, Norway, Regions, Russia, Speciality Travel, Sweden, Western Europe
Considered to be one of the world’s most magical natural resources, the Aurora Borealis is a breathtaking wonder that colours the sky in a multitude of ethereal hues. Best seen between November and March, their spectacular appearance is created by solar particles drawn towards the Pole then crashing into the Earth’s atmosphere. Here is my
The world's best rail journeys

The world's best rail journeys

By on May 22, 2014 in Africa, Asia, Canada, China, Eastern Europe, Europe, Leisure Travel, Malaysia, Mongolia, North America, Peru, Rail Travel, Regions, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South America, Speciality Travel, Thailand
Train journeys offer a more relaxed pace of travel and often evoke a feeling of a bygone era, with elaborately decorated carriages and the opportunity to mingle with likeminded people. There are countless rail journeys across the world all of which offer something different, but for me there are a few that really stand out.
Top 5 Sochi Summer activities

Top 5 Sochi Summer activities

By on May 22, 2014 in Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Russia
Now that the Winter Olympics are over, you may be wondering what else Sochi has to offer. Funnily enough, Sochi in the past hasn’t been particularly famous for its winter sports scene, but rather as one of the most beautiful summer beach resorts in Russia, with a huge number of people travelling from within Russia and elsewhere
Recipe of the week: Brittany sea bass fillet, shaved Parma ham and lime pesto

Recipe of the week: Brittany sea bass fillet, shaved Parma ham and lime pesto

By on May 09, 2014 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Russia, Travel Miscellany
This dish unveils perfectly the natural taste of the sea bass. The extremely fresh fish is cooked in its own juice, without thick sauces, to keep it pure and delicate. The components like tomatoes and rosemary perfectly refresh the flavour of the dish and ham and potato make the taste a bit more replete. Ingredients
The best luxury river cruises in the world

The best luxury river cruises in the world

By on Jan 29, 2014 in Africa, Asia, Cambodia, China, Cruises & Boat Travel, Eastern Europe, Egypt, Europe, Featured, India, Leisure Travel, Myanmar, Namibia, Regions, Russia, Speciality Travel
If you’re the type of traveller that likes exploring a destination at a relaxed pace, one of the best ways to do this is on a river cruise. Not only does this offer a more peaceful mode of travel, it also allows you to view a country from a completely different perspective, experiencing things not
Visit St. Petersburg's $90,000,000 Fabergé collection

Visit St. Petersburg's $90,000,000 Fabergé collection

By on Jan 09, 2014 in Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Russia
Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, head of aluminum, energy and telecom conglomerate Renova Group is the owner of the world’s largest collection of Fabergé eggs, having purchased a vast collection in 2004 before it was due to go under auction at Sotheby’s in New York, in a bid to keep it within Russia. The exact value
5 of St Petersburg's most beautiful buildings

5 of St Petersburg's most beautiful buildings

By on Dec 05, 2013 in Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Russia
Russia’s northern capital, St Petersburg, is often called the Venice of the north due to its long interweaving canals and beautiful baroque and neoclassical architecture. The city is home to some incredible buildings, read on for a few which you won’t want to miss when you visit this enchanting city. St Isaac’s Cathedral This was,
The top 10 spa hotels in the world

The top 10 spa hotels in the world

By on Nov 27, 2013 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Hotels, India, Jordan, Leisure Travel, Maldives, Middle East, New York, North America, Philippines, Regions, Resorts, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, United Arab Emirates, USA, Vietnam, Worldwide
A stay at a spa hotel can bring a transformation. Everyday stress melts away in the lap of impeccable luxury and service. Add in the excitement of an interesting destination and the combination becomes too hard to resist. Here’s a look at 10 of the world’s top spa hotels that considers exotic location as well.
Sochi warms up for the Winter Olympics

Sochi warms up for the Winter Olympics

By on Nov 06, 2013 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Events, Regions, Russia, Travel Miscellany
With 2014 fast approaching, many keen sports travellers are gearing up to head to Southern Russia for the thrills of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi which will be held between the 7th and 23rd of February 2014. This much-anticipated event will play host to a total of 98 events, across 15 disciplines. 2 weeks