Apr 08 2017

6 Things to See Inside the Corinthia Hotel London Spa

The Corinthia Hotel London is modern hotel luxury at its finest

The hotel couldn’t be more centrally located on Whitehall Place in Westminster. This modern luxury hotel is just steps from the Hungerford and Jubilee Bridges.

If you’re taking the train to get there, the closest Tube stop to the Corinthia Hotel London is Embankment station.

The main hotel area

Depending on which entrance you use, your introduction to the Corinthia Hotel will either be bright and lively or dark and intimate.

Opt for the main entrance and you’ll stand within the domed Lobby Lounge, designed in a circular motif.

Beneath the impressive glass dome dangles a spectacular array of crystal lights. This is the Full Moon chandelier. It was created by Parisian designer Chafik Gasmi and produced by Baccarat, the prestigious French crystal manufacturer.

Aside from its notable architecture and stunning interior, the Corinthia has a history. I learned that the building has secret tunnels and passageways.

Unfortunately these aren’t open to the public but maybe you’ll stumble on something when you visit.

Entering through Door #2

I entered the Northumberland entrance of the Corinthian hotel. I wanted to stop for refreshments in one of the hotel’s bars before attending a function there.

It was an atypical London evening: cold and damp. But once I walked through it’s doors my weather woes melted.

The furnishings and flowers around the hotel are what first caught my eye.

This side of the hotel was dark, lively, and sophisticated – right where I wanted to be.

Instead of something cold and alcoholic I opted for a fancy pot of rich hot chocolate to warm my bones.

I didn’t eat much at the hotel except for a small appetizer of fish n’ chips at the party I was attending.

It’s the best I’ve had in London so far. Granted, that’s not saying much since I’ve yet to do a fish n’ chips tour as I’ve done with chicken shops.

Impressive as the treats, furnishings, and flowers were, the spa at the Corinthia hotel in London was more up my ally.

A walk into the fabulousness of ESPA at the Corinthia Hotel

Marble floors, textured walls, and strategically placed lights take the experience at ESPA to another level.

Water elements found throughout ESPA create a subliminal feeling of tranquility and fluidity.

Spa Corridor ESPA Life at Corinthia — Hallway leading to Spa reception. Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

The spa reception area is bright and sterile.

Spa Reception ESPA Life at Corinthia — Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

There’s nothing overly impressive about the area that would make me want to stand there longer than I need to.

Ladies Changing room ESPA Life at Corinthia — Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

Here are 6 things to see in the Corinthia Hotel London spa that are impressive

A great spa is as much about its service as it is about its amenities. And there are just a few amenities that a spa snob would like to have in her life while she’s spending her day (and car note) at the spa.

1. A gorgeous swimming pool

Pool ESPA Life at Corinthia — Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

The indoor swimming pool with its blue glass water is surrounded by inviting cream-colored couches, perfect for a quick rest before the next few laps.

2. A spacious sauna

A sauna amphitheatre isn’t necessary but in the case of ESPA’s unique offering, we’ll take it. It’s a sauna design I’ve never seen before but is a perfect feature for a group of friends spa-ing together.

3. A vitality pool

In case you thought one pool was enough, you’re wrong. The spa snob wants options. You get that at ESPA life at the Corinthia hotel.

This is what I loved a lot about my Costa Rica wellness getaway as well: water options.

Note that the pool in Line item 1 was still and calm. This pool is full of movement and action. We need both in our spa lives.

4. The ice fountain

What a wonderful way to cool off after exiting the sauna – a refreshing ladle of ice sitting at your beck and call.

Ice ice baby.

5. Sleeping pods

Once I saw this room it seemed so obvious to me, yet no luxury spa I’ve ever been to had a sleeping pod. All I ever want to do after I’ve had hours of relaxing (and potentially life-altering) spa treatments, is sleep. But there’s nowhere to lay down in many of these spas except a lounge chair in a relaxation room.

Thankfully ESPA Life gets women.

6. A dreamy lounge

This is one of those areas where a photo does it no justice. The gazillion dainty lights that dot the ceiling of this lounge lend an ambiance that deserve a visit instead of a description or explanation.

How much do treatments at ESPA Life at Corinthia London cost?

Of course the answer to this question depends wholly on how much pampering you’re looking for during your visit. However, you can get a body treatment for as low as £145.

If you’re only looking for access to ESPA Life, just pay £5 more and you can enjoy the facilities for the day along with a delicious one course lunch complemented by a glass of Champagne or freshly squeezed juice.

Next time you visit London and you’re looking for a different level of pampering, stop by ESPA Life at the Corinthia Hotel London.

Check out other spas that I’m in love with on Flipboard:

View my Flipboard Magazine.

Apr 02 2017

Mom’s Guide To Travel Digital and Travel Products and Services

Travel Products and Services

Travel Planning Services

Costa Rica Getaway Retreat

The Self-care Jumpstart Program

Save Money on Family Travel Book

Family Travel Packing List Cards

Digital Marketing Products and Services

Recognize! Group Consulting Program

Beginner’s Blogging Workshop Course

The Periscope Quickstart Guide

Periscope Marketing Intensive Course

Mar 11 2017

Where did Harriet Tubman Live: A Guide On What To See

“I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” – Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman drawing — Drawing of Harriet Tubman in the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center

Where did Harriet Tubman live?

In her earlier years, Harriet Tubman lived in a small town in Maryland. The farm where she eventually escaped is just over an hour west of Ocean City and 90 minutes southeast of Baltimore, where not much of the landscape has changed. Except for the cars, modern buildings, fast food joints, and gas stations, the waterways and woods look very much the same.

Inner thoughts on the way to the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center

On the drive towards the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center along Route 50, about 20 miles past the Bay Bridge, most of the area is considered rural.

In these parts past every creek, every open field, every dense woodland area, every farm, my mind wanders. I wonder if I’m driving past escape routes, slave owners’ direct descendants, plantations now called farms, or unmarked graves of the enslaved.

Harriet Tubman’s Birthplace

Harriet Tubman Busk at Harriet Tubman Visitor Center — Busk of Harriet Tubman at the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center

This is the second time I visited Harriet Tubman’s birthplace. The first time I came to Dorchester County was 4 years ago as a guest of the Dorchester County tourism board.

After a brief set of introductions and a tour of the County’s Visitor Center, the Director of the tourism board handed me an itinerary and a map. Equipped with my GPS, I was off to explore some 12 stops in the area that had a connection to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman Visitor Center Exhibit — Painting Exhibit at Harriet Tubman Visitor Center before she escapes.

It was a solo trip that I will always remember.

As much as I enjoy the company of tourism reps to show me around their area, I appreciated the opportunity to experience the drive along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway at my own pace.

Reflection and connection was what I was looking for and going at it solo was what I got. Hypnotized and entrenched in my tour, my mind raced through a maze of varying emotions.

Photos from the area near #harriettubman ‘s birthplace in #Maryland. Visited the area 4 years ago, then again yesterday for #harriettubmanday. Forget what you know, what you read, go be a #travelbuff and visit.

A post shared by Tawanna B. (@tawannabsmith) on Mar 11, 2017 at 10:34am PST

I stood on the road outside Brodess Farm, the plantation from which she escaped. Listening to the trees, I was convinced that eyes were watching me. Honestly, I felt like the souls of dead folks were staring from the open fields on either side. No lie, and no dramatics. A bit overwhelmed, I took a deep breath and headed back in my car to explore the rest of Harriet’s hometown.

Corn Bucket Exhibit at Harriet Tubman Visitor Center

This article I wrote on 10Best USA Today highlights the places where I stopped in Harriet Tubman’s birthplace. It’s a good itinerary to follow (in order) for an immersive experience. I provide historical relevance to each stop. For quick reference, here is the list (and a few extras) complete with addresses: Dorchester County Visitor Center – 2 Rose Hill Place Cambridge, MD 21613 Dorchester County Courthouse – 206 High Street Cambridge, MD 21613 Stanley Institute – MD Route 16 Cambridge, MD 21613 Bucktown Village Store – 4303 Bucktown Road Bucktown, MD 21613 Kay’s Restaurant (For Lunch) Linchester Mill – Route 331 and Linchester Road Preston, MD 21655 Brodess Farm – Greenbriar Road Choptank Landing – Choptank Road at Choptank River Preston, MD 21655 Mt. Pleasant Cemetery – 22446 Marsh Creek Road Preston, MD 21655 Webb Cabin – Grove Road Preston, MD 21655 Caroline Courthouse – Courthouse Square 109 Market Street Denton, MD 21629 Tuckahoe Neck Meeting House – Meeting House Road Denton, MD 21629 Choptank River Heritage Center – River Landing Road, Denton, MD

At the time that I visited, there was no Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center so I almost want to suggest that you visit the other stops first and then come back to the visitor center. It depends on how you want to experience Harriet Tubman’s legacy in the area. Either way you go about it, you won’t be disappointed.

Here are just a few pictures from the new #HarrietTubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Dorchester, MD. Truly an amazing immersive experience. #Maryland #culturaltravel #heritagetravel #historyplace #familytravel #blackgirlstravel #igtravel #blackhistoryeveryday #localtravel #justgo #inspire #lovetravel #igers #ighistory A post shared by Tawanna B. (@tawannabsmith) on Mar 10, 2017 at 1:33pm PST

Honestly, it’s a trip that every American should take to learn about a true American hero. Harriet being a black woman should not relegate her to only being celebrated by African Americans or during Black History Month.

Harriet Tubman Painting Freeing her parents — Painting at Harriet Tubman Visitor Center depicting Harriet freeing her parents from slavery.

Thank goodness there are some who feel the same way. In Maryland March 10th has been designated as Harriet Tubman day.

Should it be limited to Maryland? I don’t think so. One New York Post writer agrees. As a native New Yorker who now resides in Maryland, I appreciate that.

Celebrating Tubman Day at Harriet Tubman Visitor Center Celebration

Harriet Tubman Day is important to all of us.

She helped change the course of history for many Americans and her contribution deserves national recognition. No other American has served a people or a country in such a selfless manner.

To learn more about Harriet Tubman and to keep up with various stories and initiatives related to her legacy, check out my Flipboard magazine dedicated to her:

View my Flipboard Magazine.

Feb 04 2017

A Glimpse at The Lives of Working Women In Nicaragua

The few women we met in Nicaragua were all working women. We didn’t have a chance to interact with them as much as we would have liked but we got a sense that they were hard workers.

I was curious to learn more about Nicaraguan life from their perspective.

Actually, I can count on one hand how many working women we spoke with in Nicaragua: an immigration agent, a woman at the border control information desk, the hotel owner’s wife on San Fernando Island, their cook, and an artisan on Mancarron.

I didn’t even think about machismo and its prominence in these parts. I remember learning about it in my high school Spanish class.

Basically, machismo is male chauvinism masked within an extremely strong sense of masculine pride. It dictates that women are supposed to have babies and take care of the home while men can go do whatever they want. Sometimes work is included in there.

It’s a cultural norm in many Latin American cultures (as well as Asian, African and other countries around the world, let’s be clear) and is often accompanied by spousal abuse.

Today’s working women in Nicaragua redefine norms

The following video explains the traditional expectations of Nicaraguan women. It highlights one company managed by a woman determined to challenge the machismo tradition by empowering Nicaraguan women through land ownership as coffee farmers.

Meet Fatima Ismael, manager of Soppexcca coffee cooperative and farming alliance. She is on a mission to change the environment for women in Nicaragua.

I love that the men who work within her company are starting to view women in a different light and that the conversation about gender norms is starting in primary school.

It shows that there is promise for gender advancement in the country.

To learn more about Nicaragua, check out my Flipboard magazine on the country.

View my Flipboard Magazine.

You Are Also Going To Love

Jan 29 2017

Travel to Nicaragua (part 2): Visiting the Archipelagos

The entry into Nicaragua was a nerve-wracking one, frought with uncertainties. If you haven’t already, check out my part 1 of our travel to Nicaragua to read what we experienced.

Three checkpoints later (two armed, one unarmed), we were finally on our way to explore life in Nicaragua.

Lingering clouds and persistent overcast, we weren’t sure what the weather would bring us for the day. Our ride through the countryside along a two-lane highway lasted for about 45 minutes.

Vendors were sprinkled on the side of the road in San Carlos, selling all kinds of ware. Life was a lot slower here.

Even through the rain, the locals needed to keep their shops open. People are poor in this part of Nicaragua.

After visiting one of the Archipelagos, we would later learn from our Costa Rican guide (and handler) Gabriel that Nicaraguans were surviving on $2.00 a day!

Weather would not deter these vendors from trying to make a living.

Unfortunately, everyday life in Nicaragua is something we Americans don’t know much about. Through day trips such as the one we went on through EcoTerra Costa Rica, travelers can learn more about the country, its’ culture and the socio-economic challenges of its’ people.

After we dropped off our guest passenger we set out to meet our Nicaraguan tour guide.

Mid-height, brown and friendly, our local guide spoke to us in Spanish. Enrique was of indigenous descent and knew very little English.

Gabriel translated as we walked through San Carlos.

Pops of color, smells of fish and rice, along with the chatter of Spanish voices let us know that we were where most of the action happens in town. We quickly observed local life around us as we made our way to our first stop.

La Fortaleza

La Fortaleza is a 17th-century fort overlooking the San Juan River constructed to protect the country against Spanish, English and American invasion.

If you ever visit this part of the country outside of a tour company, put a stop at La Fortaleza on your list of things to do in Nicaragua. There’s not much else to see in the area.

The fort houses a municipal library and a small collection of Nicaragua’s anthropological history. With less than a dozen things on display, we weren’t there very long.

The best part of the experience was taking photos and having an interesting conversation with Gabriel.

Travel to Nicaragua: Columbus — A partial timeline of Christopher Columbus in Nicaragua and the Americas

After stopping at a display that outlines Christopher Columbus’ activity in and about Nicaragua, Gabriel starts:

“This guy, Columbus. You Americans celebrate the day that he arrived. You know what we celebrate?”

“Well, we don’t necessarily celebrate Columbus Day,” we all interrupted. “But yes, other Americans do.”

“Okay, yes. Well, do you know what we celebrate?”

“No.”

“The day that he left.”

We all laughed.

“He didn’t discover anything. The indigenous people were already here.”

Enrique proudly acknowledged.

As women of color with origins around the diaspora, we identified with what Gabriel was saying. Instantly we had deepened our bond with each other.

Journey to Nicaragua’s Solentiname Archipelago

I have no idea why I assumed we would be traveling to the archipelago on an air-conditioned ferry. Perhaps it was because I knew we’d be traveling over 8600 sq. km of water, the second largest lake in Latin America and home to fresh water sharks.

I assumed we’d be in something a bit bigger. Ya know, something a bit higher off the lake’s surface just in case sharks got feisty.

Taking a cue from our tour guides, I stayed relaxed and had a quick internal conversation with myself. I needed to get with the Central American travel program quick – things were basic in Nicaragua.

This next leg of our adventure consisted of a windy boat ride across Lago Nicaragua, Nicaragua Lake, to explore four of the 36 islands within the Solentiname Archipelago. Although we didn’t have a chance to visit either, Nicaragua boasts its own volcano and rainforest.

The Bird Islands

Two of the archipelagos that we visited, Zapote and Zapotillo were wildlife refuges for birds. Uninhabitable, we drifted off shore to bird watch.

We viewed various bird species from afar through shared binoculars. Enrique spotted and pointed out several different species such as: cormorants, herons, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and ospreys.

As we sped through the waters, it was nice to see our buddy Gabriel smiling and relaxing. It’s funny what a bit of danger and history can do for the bonding of strangers.

The six of us sat in groups of two, enjoying private conversations and the peaceful scenery.

Nicaragua is a tourism bud waiting to blossom. We enquired about the price of one of the islands, contemplating whether we could buy one.

Gabriel quoted the cost of a Nicaraguan archipelagos at $250,000.

We chuckled, noting that many of our homes in the U.S. cost more than that.

The dream of my own private island might be closer than I think. The next time I travel to Nicaragua I’ll have to think about it.

San Fernando Island

After an informative hour-long ride on the river, we pulled up to a small wooden dock.

It was time for lunch. Although our itinerary noted that we would be stopping at San Fernando Island, my GPS settings marked our destination as Los Gatuzos Wildlife Refuge.

Wherever we were, the place was beautiful.

Our boat driver, Daniel Lanza owned the hotel here. His wife, María Guevara, greeted us with smiles and a refreshing drink.

Welcome to Albergue Celentiname

After introducing us to their toucans, the couple retreated to the dining room to make arrangements for our lunch. We ladies lingered about in rocking chairs, imagining if we could muster more than just a couple of hours in this super remote location.

Christie was down for the retreat. Peaceful as it appeared, I wasn’t sold yet.

Eating in Nicaragua

After about twenty minutes, we finally sat down in the dining room to a simple lunch of salad, plantains, black beans, rice, chicken (or fish if your ordered it), and smashed cassava.

Gabriel explained that this was a typical Nicaraguan meal. The food was flavorful and it hit the spot but it was short of the spicyness thay I had imagined it might have.

My Caribbean tastebuds were itching for some heat. Generally speaking, Nicaraguan dishes aren’t spicey, a culinary commonality that they share with white Costa Ricans.

A woman I met on the plane informed me that dishes in Limón, the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, were very different – spicier, more flavorful.

I wondered if there were regions in Nicaragua that were the same. That would be research for another time.

In the meantime, hot sauce would have to do.

María, speaking in Spanish, made fun of my choice to eat the chicken with my fork.

She said that I needed to go at it with my hands “como ella,” referring to Carmen who had demolished her fish with all ten fingers.

Even her cook, an older woman working in the kitchen, had to laugh.

Although I generally understood what she was saying, Sili translated so that Carmen and I could fully understand why everyone else in the room was giggling. Non-embarrassed, Carmen remarked, “that’s right” and continued with the last of her meal.

After thirty minutes our bellies were full.

Digesting our afternoon grub for a moment, we sat around chatting about the viability of us bypassing Costa Rica and coming straight to this place for a secluded retreat.

As Gabriel settled our bill, I asked the owner to take us on an impromptu tour.

After visiting the restroom and lodgings, though quiet and peaceful, the property was a bit too rustic for my taste.

The plant life is lush, the cabins are quaint, and the food is tasty. However, I know who I am as a traveler. I just couldn’t get past the sanitation and camping-style rooms.

Carmen and Sili shared my sentiments. We thanked our host for the tour, content with visiting just for lunch.

It was time for us to be on our way.

The clouds and sun continued to play a game of cat and mouse as we departed for our boat, making our way to our next stop: the island of Mancarron….

If you ever want to visit Albergue Celentiname, give María and Daniel a call at (506) 7180-7944 or email them at celentiname7@yahoo.es. They have over 23 years of hospitality experience.

Want to travel with us? Get in Contact With Me for more information about our next trip.

You Are Also Going To Love

« Previous Page
1
…
5
6
7
8
9
…
97
Next Page »

The Corinthia Hotel London is modern hotel luxury at its finest

The main hotel area

Entering through Door #2

A walk into the fabulousness of ESPA at the Corinthia Hotel

Here are 6 things to see in the Corinthia Hotel London spa that are impressive

1. A gorgeous swimming pool

2. A spacious sauna

3. A vitality pool

4. The ice fountain

5. Sleeping pods

6. A dreamy lounge

How much do treatments at ESPA Life at Corinthia London cost?

Travel Products and Services

Digital Marketing Products and Services

Where did Harriet Tubman live?

Inner thoughts on the way to the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center

Harriet Tubman’s Birthplace

Today’s working women in Nicaragua redefine norms

You Are Also Going To Love

La Fortaleza

Journey to Nicaragua’s Solentiname Archipelago

The Bird Islands

San Fernando Island

Welcome to Albergue Celentiname

Eating in Nicaragua

You Are Also Going To Love

Connect with Tawanna