the nomad lab

My parents are in Singapore right now. Color me jealous.

Singapore’s been steadily putting itself on the map as a fantastic tourist destination for those interested in luxury, design, high quality service, and top-notch cuisine (the Mozza that opened this year in Marina Bay Sands is definitely at the top of my list of must-dos). And of course, lots and lots of shopping.

The New Majestic Hotel is a great example of the innovative steps Singapore is taking in the tourism industry.

The 30 individually designed rooms with customized baths in this boutique hotel are a combination of vintage and modern luxury. The design of each room is such an imaginative experience more than anything else, from an aquarium-style bathtub, to a suspended four-poster bed, to giant floor-to-ceiling artwork on the walls. 

More details here:

New Majestic Hotel - Singapore

(Photos from Design Hotels and New Majestic Hotel Singapore)

Sailing the Amazon in luxury.

Aqua Expeditions are the first luxury ships to cruise the Amazon in Peru. The Aria and the Aqua, are narrow frame smaller size ships that are able to navigate the smaller rivers and tributaries, allowing guests to experience the Amazon firsthand in ways that haven’t been possible before.

Such a great combination of adventure and luxury.

The staff is Peruvian, the bed linens are locally made, and the wildlife is plentiful. You’ll definitely be living in luxury, but this is an authentic experience that will let you see some rare sights. Amazon monkeys, exotic birds, butterflies, three-toed sloths, iguanas, alligators, and best of all: a jaguar or the famous pink dolphin of the Amazon!

The ship’s luxuries include an outdoor lounge deck, an outdoor jacuzzi, generous windows across the entire ship, an observation deck, and an exclusive menu of Peruvian cuisine designed by a noted Peruvian chef.

Find out more:

Website: Aqua Expeditions: Luxury Amazon Voyages

Blog: Aqua Expeditions Blog

Facebook: Aqua Expeditions

Twitter: @AquaExpeditions

(Photos from Aqua Expeditions Gallery)

How fun is this? 

Designed and created by architects Heri + Salli, this open-air house in Vienna is set in a public park and acts as a local hangout spot for people to relax. Perfect place to settle up with a good book and a cup of coffee. 

Definitely a must-see in Vienna!

(Photos from Arch Daily)

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Located near the village of Terrasini in Sicily, Italy, Città del Mare is a resort right on the cliffs with a multi-level waterslide that drops you right into the ocean. This looks like SO much fun.

Not quite a secluded or romantic getaway, but I would totally check it out just for those waterslides. Lots of watersports as well: kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving, kitesurfing, and sailing nearby. 

(Photos from Città del Mare)

I went up to Carmel last weekend for a close friend’s wedding, and had a little time to wander around downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea during the day. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming little downtown village of cobblestone streets, galleries and shops filled with eclectic goods, bakeries filled with European pastries, and unique historic architecture. You’ll find that every other visitor has a dog, and many stores and restaurants are dog-friendly. The beautiful Carmel beach is just a few blocks away, there are lots of secret courtyards and studios to discover, and plenty of adorable inns and B&Bs along the way. 

FYI - they don’t really like to use addresses with numbers here. You’ll find directions with intersections, and any shop owner is happy to suggest a nearby shop if you’re looking for something in particular.

This trip was really more about spending time with old friends than traveling, so I did a pretty poor job of taking pictures, but I remembered all my favorite spots to share:

The Cheese Shop

Filled with the typical fragrant smells of cheese, this shop is stuffed to the gills with lots of other goodies as well like wine, cornichons, olives, jam, salami and bread, everything you could need for a quick picnic on the beach. The girls behind the counter are fantastic — they handed me 6 samples of cheese in the first 5 minutes that we were in the shop. Immediately my new favorite cheese place ever. 

Cottage of Sweets

Housed in the cutest little Hansel & Gretel cottage, the Cottage of Sweets prides itself on filling every square inch of its shop with all your favorite candies, with an emphasis on chocolate, including truffles and fudge. Lots of gummi candies and saltwater taffy as well. They joke that the (very) sweet-smelling air in the shop is 5 calories per sniff, according to a sign on the wall. 

The Cypress Inn

Not so much a stop as a suggestion for somewhere to stay, we happened across this place during our walk around town. As Carmel’s landmark boutique hotel, it has the perfect balance of classic charm and modern luxury, and is co-owned by Doris Day. It’s at Lincoln and 7th Street, a quick walk to the beach, with some of the rooms actually facing out onto the street (not great for privacy, though). 

Some rooms have a veranda, private entrance, and/or a fireplace, and all rooms are pet-friendly. If you do have a dog, make sure to check out the Cypress Inn’s online concierge, Sadie, who has tips on pet-friendly locations in Carmel.

Amenities include: complimentary breakfast at Terry’s Lounge, fresh fruit and flowers, pet blanket + bowls, and free wi-fi.

Katy’s Place

This cozy hometown restaurant is a famous stop in Carmel, well-known for its huge variety of eggs benedict on the menu (16! and plenty of other items). Breakfast is served all day, and they have a great outdoor patio. Super cute place with lots of character. (FYI - cash only)

(Photos from Nicola Corboy, LadyHeger, The Cheese Shop, Carmel-by-the-Sea, The Cypress Inn, LA & OC Foodventures)

Jodhpur, located in the state of Rajasthan, India, is internationally known as the “Blue City,” for its indigo-painted homes in the old town surrounding the imposing Mehrangarh Fort.

The common color comes from the caste-led beliefs that the highest castes differentiate themselves from those lower by painting their homes blue, but it’s led to a simply beautiful outcome: a breathtaking panorama of different shades of blue. 

What to do.

Marvel at the imposing and majestic Mehrangarh Fortress that stands 400 feet over the skyline of Jodhpur, constructed with a burnished red sandstone that contrasts beautifully with the blue of the old town.

Explore with the Bishnoi Village Safari, started by a group of locals, to experience the rich cultural community of the Bishnoi people, meet some of the locals, and see where some of Jodhpur’s specialty handicrafts are made.

Wander through the alleyways and tiny shops in the Ghanta Gar Market (Clock Tower Market), where you’ll find all sorts of goods to bring home: food, textiles and handicrafts, and antiques.

Where to stay.

For a luxury boutique hotel, Raas is the place to be. A member of Design Hotels, Raas is located beneath the Mehrangarh Fort, with balconies overlooking the city. The earthy yet elegant hotel is a relaxing escape for its guests, with its simple use of local design, secluded infinity pool and terraced gardens.

If you’re on a bit of a budget, check out the Blue House Guesthouse or Hotel Haveli inn Pal, both charming and colorful guesthouses located near the center of town. 

How to get around.

Take the colorfully decorated rickshaws that weave wildly through the busy streets of Jodhpur, but hold on tight!

What to eat.

Jodhpur is famous for its Makhaniya Lassi (a smoothie of sorts made with yogurt, flavored with cardamom and saffron).

You should also make sure to try the Mawa Kachori, which is cheese, cardamom and dried fruits stuffed into flour balls, fried, then dipped in sugar syrup. Yum. 

Happy travels!

(Photos from Design Hotels: Raas, Blue House, Hotel Haveli, Narpat Singh Kaliya, J03P, zanzibarcordoba, beech_design, Sandro_Lacarbona)

Lazy Beach is exactly what it sounds like, a laid-back, relaxing private beach where you can laze around and do absolutely nothing (unless you want to). There are 10 beach-side bungalows overlooking clear turquoise waters on the island of Koh Rong Saloem, Cambodia.

Koh Rong Saloem is one of the more popular islands off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, but still totally charming and private. 

Staying at Lazy Beach is clearly for those ready to get away from it all and enjoy the simple things. The bungalows are pretty basic but spotless, with two double beds and not much else, but the balconies and the hammocks are where it’s at, especially to enjoy Koh Rong Saloem’s famous sunsets. 

They also have a beautiful Octagon Bar + lounge area that do everything they can to promote this whole “lazing around” concept with a sun deck, hammocks, and tons of comfy papasan chairs. 

The only effort you’ll have to put into your trip is actually getting to the private beach and back. They’ll put your belongings into a big waterproof box and you’ll have to wade (or swim) out to the boat, and the boat trip is two hours and may occasionally require a walk through the jungle, depending on the weather. But really? That sounds more like an adventure. 

If you’re not the type to lie around swinging back and forth in a hammock all day, there is beautiful snorkeling at both ends of the bay right off the beach.

Oh yeah, and did I mention the bungalows are $30 a night? For 2 double beds and however many people you want to squeeze into the room. Amazing. 

Perks: the restaurant at Lazy Beach gets pretty rave reviews and buys freshly caught seafood from the fishermen, great attention to detail (according to reviews), book swap and board games, quality snorkeling equipment.

Find out more here: Lazy Beach Cambodia

(Photos from Lazy Beach Cambodia)