Falling in Luxe with Lisbon

It's only a few months since I made my first venture to Lisbon, and it was instant love. I vowed to go back and I have although, business being business, I have yet to find the long awaited time to hit the winding hills and streets with my camera and go tourist.

Nevertheless, in some half dozen visits, I have crossed most of the city from Bairro Alto to Parque das Nações and, in between, I've managed to uncover a labyrinth of luxury that has taken my first love to a long term affair with Lisbon luxe.

So good are the choice hotels, such incredible value for the very high standards, I thought it timely to share my best in the hope that you, too, visit the city.

My number one slot goes to my most recent rendez vous, so good I returned twice in the same week. Fontecruz hotel has prime position in the heart of designer decadence on Avenida da Liberdade. Gucci, Armani, Prada on your doorstop, it offers five star boutique with lushness. 

Rooms sway from dark blacks and greys to bright whites, the bar and restaurant are quirky and eclectic and,although quiet, the restaurant is good and it houses the city's only exclusive Moet and Chandon champagne bar in reception. This is true boutique, and the service is exceptional.

A close second is a new addition to Lisbon's designer boutique scene, The Beautique Hotel on the Praça da Figuiera. Already nominated for European design awards, the hotel oozes style and chic. 

The cocktail bar is like liquid mercury, the same theme threads through every floor and room and your retreat is equipped with state of the art technology and stunning interiors. I've yet to return, it's high on my list.

More traditionally known, impeded maybe a little by location is the iconic brand the Corinthia. 

My treatment here was second to none, as if I were the only guest in the hotel, the to the exquisite service known to the brand. My suite was upgraded, I was delivered fresh fruit and custard tarts, and poured wine. I enjoyed the spa, I slept like a dream and I indulged in ESPa products next day. Located near Lisbon Zoo, it's a little remote from the hubbub of the city, but a great retreat for quiet and rest if that's what you need on your trip. 

Keeping with designer boutique, the Fontana Park has been adopted by the Hilton group, acquired from Design Hotels. Every sleek line and designer detail of the former owners remains and you can expect exemplary service from a great team. What is more is it offers a reasonable rack rate, so some of the finer details of boutique have become more Hilton than haute. Nevertheless, a beautiful hotel that is a good middle ground.

My time in Lisbon is far from over. Between business I'm uncovering restaurants, bars and just about entering the sunshine of Southern Europe. If you're in town, let me know I might even be there discovering something new!

'Til next time, Pandora

On Top of the World - from Taipei 101 to Burj Khalifa

Aim high. An apt motto for someone who spends as much time in the skies as I do, so it's a good thing I'm not afraid of heights.

Flying high is one thing. That has seat belts. Climbing high to the highest towers of the world is another but, you can't rock up to some of the most exciting cities with the most iconic landmarks and not go right to the top, right?

There are a few special highs in my photo book. New York, Empire State and Rockerfeller Tower, both a tourist must-do and both with memory making views over Manhattan.

I thought I'd reached my peak when I got to Taipei 101, all 508 metres of it. Even through the haze of city smog the views at sunset were to die for and, of course, safe in the knowledge that that will not topple over even if an earthquake rumbles below you. Luckily. I didn't have to test that theory.

But the Burj Khlalifa claimed the highest point in the record books, I had to update my highlife. Next chance I had to revisit Dubai, I was on a mission to climb to the top. Except you don't get to the top. It's 828 metres tall, but don't be expecting your Tom Cruise mission impossible moment. 

The highest public platform is in or around the half way mark, 428 metres. There is an outside walkway to look up, that's when you get the dizzy feeling. Look down that's when you lose your breath. Desert as far as the eye can see, surrounding the marvel that is the creation of Dubai. Skyscrapers, shopping malls, the Palm and the almost-there recreation of the World in sand.

Visibility will govern your wow factor. I hit lucky. But, as you come back down to earth, be sure to indulge in the luxury that lines the rest of the Burj. 

I lunched in Armani. The finest seafood, the whitest china, the crispest linens, the loveliest if meals overlooking the Khalifa fountains.

Aim high. It's worth the view.

'Til next time, Pandora