Ondine’s Daily Traveler Blog

The 2010 It List

It’s that time of year again, the moment to unveil my annual It List for Concierge.com that features the destinations that I think travelers will (or should be) keeping on their radars in the upcoming year. Some highlights: * A number of the places are spots that I would love to travel to myself, like …

Mozambique: Gorongosa National Park Opens Back Up

One of the most memorable trips I have taken for Condé Nast Traveler was to Mozambique a few years back (read “A Once and Future Eden” from the December 2007 issue). The country was spectacularly beautiful, with barely developed tropical islands in the north and south (and some of the best diving I have ever …

Thanksgiving in London

Thanksgiving in London has become a tradition for me. In fact, this holiday marks my twelfth year of making the pilgrimage and I love it. I celebrate the festivities with my dear friend’s family (whose mother is American so they go all out on the turkey, fixings and pies) and then we have plenty of …

Piedmont: Italy’s Underrated Foodie Destination

Already visited Tuscany and made the pilgrimage to Umbria? As far as I am concerned, Piedmont remains one of Italy’s most underrated destinations, which makes it one of the most pleasant and well-priced regions in the country. November is the perfect time to visit: the wine harvest has recently finished so you can get a …

Palazzina Grassi Opens in Venice

Just back from Venice, where the big news is the opening of the Palazzina Grassi hotel this week. The place wasn’t quite finished yet when I took the grand tour, but it was already clear that the property is going to a stylish and intimate addition to the city’s hotel scene. The project marks designer …

Switzerland’s New Snowy Retreat: Hidden Dragon

Looking for a snowy retreat with plenty of pampering? I just got an email from Ashlee Benis about her new hideaway in Switzerland’s 4-Valley region that seriously piqued my interest. Hidden Dragon, which opened a couple of months ago, is nestled in a forest away from the crowds but close to some of the region’s …

The Zeitz Foundation’s Getaways That Do Good

Jochen Zeitz is one of the most successful CEOs in the world, and he didn’t start running Puma until the ripe old age of 30. So, when he contacted me last year about creating a network of sustainable, socially conscious retreats–including one that he had already started to build in Kenya–I was extremely interested in …

Brooklyn’s Henry Public

As you may have noticed from my Brooklyn’s Own Little Italian Empire post, this former Brooklyn resident hasn’t forgotten about her borough or its foodie scene. The latest must try on my list? Henry Public, the recent opening from friends Matt Dawson and Jen Albano who made Brooklyn Social my go-to stop in Carroll Gardens. …

Sicily Under My Skin

Sicily has gotten under my skin. This marks my third annual trip to the Italian island–I first covered it on a pilgrimage to find an Italian wine baron and then last year I scouted its best beaches. This year I found myself first in Palermo, and then at Rocco Forte’s new resort, Verdura Resort and …

Tokyo Gets an Opening Ceremony

Have a penchant for fashion and want to travel to get your fix? Opening Ceremony, one of retail’s most cutting edge shops and design groups, recently opened a 50,000 square foot flagship in Japan’s capital that’s already a fashion world darling. Helmed by Humberto Leon and Carol Lim–who have built their concept from a fledgling …